Diarrhea is a very common disease that every person experiences at some point in their life. There is no strict definition, but diarrhoea is assumed to occur when more than three watery stools are defecated per day. There are many causes of diarrhea, so often the texture, color and smell are important for diagnosis. Elderly people and children are at greater risk of diarrhoea because they can suffer more quickly from dehydration (exsiccosis).
Causes of green diarrhea
Bile acid loss syndrome Consumption of green foods Caused by medication Infectious diarrhoea
- Bile acid loss syndrome
- Consumption of green food
- Caused by medication
- Infectious diarrhoea
Bile or bile acid is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestines when food is consumed. The bile serves to digest and absorb fat. Part of the bile is then absorbed in the small intestine (ileum) and recycled.
The other part is excreted with the bowel movement. If this part of the small intestine becomes diseased or after surgical removal of it, bile acid loss syndrome can occur. When the bile acid enters the large intestine, watery greenish diarrhea (chologic diarrhea) develops.
In extreme cases, fatty stools (steatorrhea) may occur. If such a disease is suspected, a medical presentation is necessary. The diet naturally influences the color of the stool.
Especially green raw food can color the bowel movement green. This is due to the chlorophyll contained in vegetables. Foods such as peas, spinach, broccoli or salad are examples of foods that can cause such a coloration of the stool.
This should not be a cause for concern, it is not dangerous. If you eat other foods or cook the vegetables for a few days, the coloration should disappear again. However, these foods should not cause diarrhea.
In case of iron deficiency anemia, iron tablets are often prescribed to counteract the deficiency. These tablets are often not well tolerated and can lead to diarrhoea. The tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, but if this is not possible, you can try to take them with meals.
This way they are often better tolerated, but less iron is absorbed. Another side effect is the discoloration of the stool. It can turn greenish to black.
This is a normal side effect and is not dangerous. Sometimes antibiotics not only attack the right bacteria, but can also throw the intestinal flora out of balance. This can lead to diarrhoea and discoloration of the stool.
The stool can be yellowish to greenish in color. In most cases, these symptoms disappear after stopping the antibiotic therapy. Probiotics can help to normalize the balance of the intestinal flora.
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