1. Diagnose the Problem
Schedule an appointment with your doctor so he can diagnose the specific medical problem that is causing you to have bloody stools. Blood in your stool can be the result of ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps, colon cancer and many other gastrointestinal conditions. Your doctor will perform some tests, including an endoscopy, to find the location of your bleeding. Studying the color of your feces can also help determine whether it is coming from your upper or lower GI tract. Blood that is coming from your upper GI tract usually shows up as black bowel movements, while a reddish color indicates the bleeding is located in the lower area of your digestive system. Let your doctor know if you have recently eaten beets, licorice or blueberries or have taken iron supplements. These foods and supplements can discolor your stools, and may lead you to think you are bleeding.
2. Address the Underlying Causes
Once you have received a diagnosis for your bloody stools, it is easy to treat each underlying cause individually. This could be as simple as using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparation or taking an antibiotic to clear up an infection--or it could mean surgery to remove polyps on your colon. You and your doctor should discuss all of the options pertinent to your specific diagnosis and overall health before proceeding to an appropriate treatment plan.
3. Change Your Diet
There are some easy changes you can make to your diet to eliminate bloody stools keyed to ulcers, hemorrhoids or other non-cancerous causes. Increase your intake of liquids and fiber to keep your digestive system moving regularly, without strain. Avoid eating highly acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits and cranberry products. These foods can irritate the lining of your stomach and can especially aggravate ulcers, sometimes causing them to bleed. Alcohol and caffeine can also irritate ulcers, as can cigarette smoke.
