Going to the bathroom is a normal part of life, but most of us don’t think twice about what we actually see in the toilet bowl. However, experts are now urging people to take a closer look, as changes in stool appearance can sometimes be an important warning sign of underlying health issues.

Health specialists say that noticing unusual changes when going to the loo shouldn’t be ignored—especially as cases of bowel-related illnesses are rising, even among younger people.

While poo can naturally vary in color depending on your diet, medications, or general health, there’s one specific color that doctors say should raise immediate concern.

Because of this, health professionals say you should seek medical advice urgently if you notice a specific change without a clear explanation—especially if it comes with symptoms such as stomach pain or a particularly strong smell. It’s about black stool.

It might feel awkward, but keeping an eye on your toilet habits can provide important clues about your health. Normal, healthy poo is typically brown. However, seeing the poo have a different color, which many have experienced, can have different explanations. Some of them, experts say, should never be ignored.

According to Guts UK, the color of your poo can be a useful indicator of your overall health. Some variations are more concerning than others, and it’s important to pay attention to them.

What the color of your stool says about your health – expert shares warning

As mentioned, brown is the healthy, typical color. It’s caused by bile and means your digestive system is working properly.

However, if it’s black, you should take notice. While it might be harmless (taking iron tablets or eating licorice can affect the color), it may also signal internal bleeding higher up in the gut, especially if it’s tar-like and smelly. At worst, it may in some cases be a symptom of bowel cancer.

Red poo is often linked to food like beetroot, but it can also mean bleeding in the bowel, which should always be checked.

Green digestion is usually caused by diet (greens or food coloring). However, it could be linked to an infection or digestive issues if accompanied by symptoms.

Yellow-colored poo may indicate that fat isn’t being properly absorbed, often described as greasy or foul-smelling.

Orange is usually diet-related (such as foods high in beta-carotene), but can sometimes be linked to bile issues.

When should you contact a doctor?

If you see pale or gray stools after finishing, it could suggest a problem with the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts and should be checked by a doctor.

Silver-colored stools are very unusual. But if you notice it, that may indicate a serious underlying condition that needs urgent medical attention.

Lastly, you should always contact your doctor if you experience blood in your poo lasting several weeks, ongoing changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or pain around your stomach or back passage.

It’s important to notice signs in your stool, which may indicate underlying health issues. Please share this article on Facebook with friends and family to raise awareness.