Black poop can mean several things. It may be caused by harmless factors such as eating dark-colored foods (like black licorice or blueberries), taking iron supplements, activated charcoal, or certain medications like Pepto-Bismol. However, black poop can also be a sign of serious health issues, especially if it looks tarry or sticky and has a foul smell. This condition, known as melena, usually indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as from the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine. Causes of such bleeding include peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, varices, Mallory-Weiss tears, cancer, or other internal injuries. If black stool occurs along with symptoms like stomach pain or vomiting blood, or if it is persistent, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.
