Your body gives you a lot of signs when something might be wrong, and one of the easiest signs to miss is what happens when you go to the bathroom. It might feel awkward to think about, but your poop can tell you a lot about what’s happening inside your body. If you notice any changes in how your poop looks, it might be time to talk to a doctor.

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Black or Tarry Poop Could Be a Sign of Bleeding

Black or tarry poop can be a bit scary, and that’s because it can mean there’s bleeding somewhere in the upper part of your digestive system. When blood travels through your stomach and intestines, it can turn dark.
According to Dr. Iroko Anita, a certified medical doctor, black stool that looks tarry or sticky might mean you have bleeding ulcers or other issues that need a doctor’s attention.

If you see black poop, it’s important to get it checked out. Sometimes, it can happen if you are taking iron supplements or certain medications, but it’s always a good notion to make sure it’s nothing serious.

Bright Red Poop Could Mean Bleeding in the Lower Digestive System

If you see bright red poop, it can be worrying. A bright red color usually means there is bleeding in the lower part of your digestive system, like your colon or rectum. It could be from hemorrhoids, which are not usually serious, but it could also be a sign of something more severe, like diverticulitis or even colon cancer.

If you keep seeing red in your poop or have other symptoms like pain or losing weight, you should see your doctor as soon as you can. The American Cancer Society says that bleeding in the rectum can be an early sign of colon cancer.

Pale or Clay-Colored Poop Could Mean a Problem With Your Liver or Gallbladder

If your poop is very light or looks like clay, it might mean something is wrong with your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Bile, made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, usually makes poop brown. If your poop is pale, it might mean bile isn’t getting where it needs to go because of a blockage or liver problem.

Liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause pale poop, Dr. Anita says. If you see this kind of poop often, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to figure out what’s going on.

Watery Diarrhea That Happens Often Could Be a Sign of an Infection or Condition

Everyone gets diarrhea from time to time, but if your diarrhea is watery and keeps happening, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause diarrhea that keeps coming back. Infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites can also cause this kind of diarrhea.

Dr. Anita says frequent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous. She adds that If your diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days or if you also have a fever or a lot of pain, you should see a doctor.

Thin, Pencil-Like Poop Could Mean a Blockage

If your poop is very thin, like a pencil, it might mean there is something blocking part of your intestines. This could happen if there is a growth or mass in the colon, making it hard for poop to pass through normally. This could be a sign of colon cancer.

If your poop is consistently thin, you should get it checked by a doctor, Dr. Anita said. While it could be something like constipation, it’s better to make sure it’s not something more serious.

Greasy, Smelly Poop Could Mean You Aren’t Absorbing Nutrients Well

If your poop is greasy, floats, or smells really bad, it might mean that your body isn’t absorbing fat the way it should. This can happen with conditions like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, or problems in the small intestine.

When your body can’t absorb nutrients, especially fats, your poop can become bulky and oily. If you notice greasy poop along with losing weight or other symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor.

Green Poop Could Be From What You Ate or How Fast Food Moves Through Your Body

Green poop might look strange, but it usually isn’t something to worry about. Sometimes it just means you ate a lot of green vegetables or foods with green food coloring. Green poop can also happen if food moves too quickly through your digestive system, meaning bile doesn’t have time to fully break down.

Most of the time, green poop is harmless. But if it keeps happening and you feel sick or have diarrhea, talk to your doctor, Dr. Anita’s advice.

When to Call Your Doctor

It might feel awkward to talk about poop, but it can give you important clues about your health. While some changes in color or consistency are harmless and might be related to what you ate, other changes can point to something more serious.

See your doctor if you notice:

Black, tarry, or bright red poop
Pale or clay-colored poop
Diarrhea that lasts a long time
Thin, pencil-like poop
Greasy, foul-smelling poop

It’s always better to be safe when it comes to your health. Seeing a doctor can help you get the right treatment if something is wrong or give you peace of mind if everything is okay.

Your poop might not be something you talk about a lot, but it can give you important clues about your health. Changes in the color, shape, or frequency of your poop can show that something might be wrong. Don’t ignore these signs—if something seems off, talk to your doctor.