This is a bit disgusting, but I have to ask... : Newbies' Questions : Active Low-Carber Forums

View Full Version : This is a bit disgusting, but I have to ask...

Welcome to the Active Low-Carber Forums

Support for Atkins diet, Protein Power, Neanderthin (Paleo Diet), CAD/CALP, Dr. Bernstein Diabetes Solution and any other healthy low-carb diet or plan, all are welcome in our lowcarb community. Forget starvation and fad diets -- join the healthy eating crowd! You may register by clicking here, it's free!

PammyH

Fri, Oct-03-08, 15:07

Sorry to post this, but I need to know. My bowel motions for the last couple of weeks (since I REALLY started loosing weight) have turned black. I won't go into details (to early in the morning), but would appreciate an answer. I'm now on about Week 8 of diet.
Many thanks
Pam

JLx

Fri, Oct-03-08, 15:13

Are you eating something dark like blueberries?

PammyH

Fri, Oct-03-08, 15:16

No, no fruit as yet. Basically still in the Induction phase
Pam

jesslive

Fri, Oct-03-08, 15:29

A lot of iron can cause dark stools. I know it used to happen to me when I took prenatals with extra iron. Maybe you are getting a lot more iron in your diet?

I would check with your doctor though, just to be sure. Dark stools can be indicitive of blood in the stool.

ThereseR

Fri, Oct-03-08, 16:45

Dark stools can be indicitive of blood in the stool.

That was my first thought too. Black stool = blood in the stool.

LMMS

Fri, Oct-03-08, 17:09

Don't get too worried about blood in the stool but I would get it checked out to rule it out. I am sure you are eating more iron because you are probably eating more meat. Also, are you taking a multi vitamin with iron. If you are, you could be getting too much. I take a mega multi vitamin capsule with no iron. Also, remember your body doesn't have to get rid of as much junk because you are not eating junk. Are they "regular"? I know, gross questions to ask but oh well, we LCers have to stick together. My bowel movements changed immensely. I take psyllium husk capsules that keep me so regular it is amazing. I would make an appt with your physician to rule out any blood. They might want a stool sample but don't get completely freaked out about it just get in to see someone.

Lisa

mike_d

Fri, Oct-03-08, 22:29

Probably bile-- it can be dark greenish black :p
I would worry about bright red though.

Didy

Sat, Oct-04-08, 10:22

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stool-color/AN00772

perfectfit

Sun, Oct-05-08, 11:30

Eating a lot of spinach can turn your bowel movements black.

chele59

Tue, Oct-14-08, 20:04

I concur with Perfectfit - spinach and most greens will cause discoloration of stools. You may think it's black - but it's really dark, dark green (I know cause I eat lots of broccoli-rabe) - gross I know - sorry to be so candid. Although check with MD anyway.

pennink

Tue, Oct-14-08, 20:30

have you been using pepto bismal or kaopectate?

ILoveMyKit

Tue, Oct-14-08, 22:36

i was just thinking that too... pepto does it to me every time... when i was in jr high i took it and it turned my tounge black too.. lol i FREAKED.. i thought i was dying

PilotGal

Thu, Oct-16-08, 07:13

whatever you do, don't freak out when you eat beets!!! :lol:

themainjan

Sat, Oct-18-08, 17:17

Definitely want to check it out with a doctor. Just to be sure. http://z08g1017ajhm120.dynamicnavigator.com/img/367/d08a1017lnco/23.gif

xena1515

Mon, Oct-20-08, 19:20

I to am having the same thing going on. Been on low carb going on 6 weeks now. I just went to doctor for tests before starting the diet. No blood in stool and have low iron (a level 4 when it should be 75) from heavy periods. Am taking iron supplements to bring it back and on several pharmaceutical supplements to help also.