Normal stool color can range from light yellow to deep brown to almost black due to the presence of bile. Differently-colored stools, such as maroon, red, clay-colored, pale, yellow, or green, may be an indication of conditions like hemorrhoids, celiac disease, diarrhea, or bleeding in the stomach, intestines, or colon. However, the change in color can be a result of eating deeply colored vegetables or fruits, food dyes, or high-fat foods.

Here’s a chart depicting what each of the following stool colors and consistencies may signify:

1. Green: Green stools may indicate that food is moving through the digestive system too quickly, such as during episodes of diarrhea. Due to its speedy movement, bile does not have time to break down completely. However, green stools may be a result of green leafy vegetables or green food dyes found in certain flavored drink mixes, ice pops, or iron supplements.
2. Light, white, or clay-like color: Light or pale-colored stool may be symbolic of a lack of bile in the stool, likely due to a bile duct obstruction. However, it may be due to the side effects of anti-diarrhea treatment.
3. Yellow, greasy, and foul-smelling stool: Yellow, greasy, and foul-smelling waste could be a result of excess fat in the stool caused due to a malabsorption disorder such as celiac disease. It is generally caused due to the abnormal breakdown of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. One should visit a doctor for an evaluation.
4. Black: Black stools may be brought on by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, iron supplements or black licorice could darken the stool.
5. Bright red: Bright red stools indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, say, the large intestine or rectum, often a result of hemorrhoids. However, red stools can be a result of red food coloring, beets, cranberries, tomato juice or soup, red gelatin, or drink mixes.

Changes in stool color should not be ignored, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting of blood, diarrhea, weakness, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Conditions like tumors, cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and celiac disease may change the color of waste. Such changes, when observed once in a while, are generally not a cause for major concern. However, if they are persistent, it may be time to consult a physician.

Understanding mucus in stool
Healthy adults generally have trace amounts of mucus in their stool, as the gastrointestinal tract through which the food passes is covered with a mucosal layer. Normal or healthy mucus is clear in color and can be difficult to spot with the naked eye with regular bowel movements. However, at times it can appear white or yellow. This change should be monitored, as it can be a symptom of health conditions when accompanied by blood or pus in the stool, abdominal cramping, excessive bloating, and abdominal pain. While the exact color may not be a clear indication of the underlying cause, visible white or yellow mucus is generally associated with one of the following conditions:

Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation along the digestive tract. This inflammation may spread to include the mucosal lining of the organs, leading to yellow mucus in the stool. Symptoms of Crohn’s also include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, malnutrition, and mouth sores.

Ulcerative colitis (UC): UC is another type of inflammatory bowel disease that begins by producing sores in the rectum. This may spread to other organs along the digestive tract. Over time, these sores can turn into ulcers, causing bleeding and discharge of pus or white or yellow mucus in the stool. Those with UC may also experience rectal pain, fever, joint pain, nausea, blood in the stool, decreased appetite, and skin problems.

Irritable bowel syndrome: When dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), one may experience mucus discharge in their stool. IBS is a chronic condition that primarily affects the large intestine. Other symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramping, bloating, changes in the frequency of bowel movements, flatulence, and changes in the appearance of stool.

Anal fistula: Anal fistula is the formation of an abnormal tunnel-like connection connecting the anus to parts around it. This generally develops as a result of an infection in the glands and can increase the production of yellow mucus in the body. As a result, one may notice more yellow mucus in their stool. Other symptoms of an anal fistula are pain around the anus, redness, swelling, bleeding, fever, and painful bowel movements.

Bowel cancer: Bowel cancer is another common reason for excessive mucus in the stool. In the early stages of cancer, tumors can penetrate the mucosal lining of the colon, leading to the release of excessive amounts of white or yellow mucus. Other symptoms associated with bowel cancer include excessive fatigue and weakness, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes and skin, chronic headaches, and breathing difficulties.

If one notices changes in the appearance of their stool, they must consult a doctor immediately.