Bowel movements are not common coffee talk subjects. It is hard to know what is normal and what needs the attention of a physician. Bowel movements can change in consistency, color and odor based on the foods eaten. Certain diseases and supplements can also cause a change in the appearance and texture of a bowel movement. Any changes lasting more than a few days require contacting a health professional.
Cancer
The biggest concern with a loose, sticky stool, especially if it is dark and tarry, is cancer of the colon or stomach. Colon cancer there can cause bleeding into the bowels. Once blood is exposed to the digestive juices of the body, it will become darker and black in appearance. This blood will also cause the stool to be tarry or sticky in consistency. The National Institutes of Health state that a change in the stool to this color requires immediate medical attention. If there is only a change in consistency but not a change in color, then the Cancer Society of the UK advises seeking medical attention if the change in bowel consistency lasts longer than six weeks.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD is a group of bowel disorders that cause inflammation and bleeding into the bowels. This inflammation can lead to changes in bowel movements like constipation, diarrhea or even dark tarry stools due to the bleeding. Individuals should talk to a doctor to distinguish between this condition and cancer.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
The body needs oxygen as its main fuel source. Blood contains hemoglobin molecules that the oxygen attaches to, to be carried around the body. These hemoglobin molecules need iron to function. If the body does not absorb enough iron through the gut or not enough iron-rich foods are eaten, the body will become deficient in iron. Without enough iron, the body will not have enough healthy blood cells, leading to fatigue and other problems. Anemia itself may not cause changes in the bowel, but treatment for anemia can cause the stools to become darker, looser or firmer and more or less frequent. It is important to talk to the prescribing doctor about how the body is handling treatment.
Supplements and Food
The National Institutes of Health suggests that certain foods and supplements can cause a change in color and consistency of stools. Iron supplementation, black licorice, blueberries and bismuth medications like Pepto-Bismol can all cause darker stools. Consuming large amounts of beets, red food colors or tomatoes can cause the stool to be redder in color. Occasionally these foods and supplements can cause a change in consistency of the stools, making them looser or firmer as well. It is important to track foods eaten if a change in bowel movements occurs.
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