Green poop can occur for several reasons, most commonly due to dietary factors. Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli, which are high in chlorophyll, can turn stool green. Artificial food colorings in items such as cake frosting, candy, or drinks can also cause green-colored stool. Another reason is the rapid transit of food through the intestines, such as during diarrhea, where bile (which is naturally greenish) doesn't have enough time to fully break down and change color to brown as usual. Other causes include:
- Use of certain medications or supplements like antibiotics, iron, or antacids, which affect gut bacteria or stool color.
- Bacterial, viral, or parasite infections like Salmonella, E. coli, or Giardia that speed up digestion.
- Certain digestive disorders or conditions that alter bile processing or intestinal transit time.
Generally, green poop is not serious if it happens occasionally and is related to diet or mild digestive upset. However, if it persists, is accompanied by symptoms like pain, diarrhea, or fever, it may warrant a medical checkup to rule out infections or other conditions.
