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What Causes Green Stool In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016
Question: Since last saturday, I have had a bright green stool, no other symptoms, no change in diet.....very odd.Only thing i can think of is a mouth coloring( a black icing) that I used friday and saturday night to simulate a zombies mouth and teeth coloring ( I work at a haunt on weekends in the fall). I am 56, male
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Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible color from foods or the mouth coloring you used

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

Color in the stool can vary from many causes, normal or not.
You are right to think about things you have eaten because most of the times green foods can make the stool green - green vegetables, green food coloring, such as in flavored drink mixes or ice pops, iron supplements.

Also the green color it is given from the bile, which is a fluid produced by the liver/gallbladder. In this case you should have symptoms like pain in gallbladder, jaundice, fatigue, ect. If you feel fine then don't worry about it.

I will say drink plenty of fluids so the excess color will go away fast, eat fruits and vegetables so the fibers will help the bowel get cleaned fast too.

If worse or not better in 3 days, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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What Causes Green Stool In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Possible color from foods or the mouth coloring you used Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. Color in the stool can vary from many causes, normal or not. You are right to think about things you have eaten because most of the times green foods can make the stool green - green vegetables, green food coloring, such as in flavored drink mixes or ice pops, iron supplements. Also the green color it is given from the bile, which is a fluid produced by the liver/gallbladder. In this case you should have symptoms like pain in gallbladder, jaundice, fatigue, ect. If you feel fine then don't worry about it. I will say drink plenty of fluids so the excess color will go away fast, eat fruits and vegetables so the fibers will help the bowel get cleaned fast too. If worse or not better in 3 days, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako