Blood in the stool is a common cause of dark stools, and can get into stools through internal bleeding in one of the organs of the digestive system. Blood then enters the alimentary canal, the space in which food is processed, and mixes with...
Because of the short time food spends in the digestive tract of a baby, your child's stools can come out in all sorts of colors, depending on what she has eaten, according to the Children's Hospital. However, some colors can be particularly...
Kelp is a type of algae or sea vegetable that is commonly found in shallow bodies of saltwater. Kelp pills contain a variety of nutrients and are generally considered healthy dietary supplements. Kelp is particularly rich in chlorophyll and is a...
Although stool is normally brown, changes in color are not usually indicative of a medical emergency; they're more usually brought about by eating foods that contain coloring. Medication side effects can also change the feces to different colors....
Iron, a nutrient found in most animal products and some plant-based foods, makes up an important part of hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Insufficient iron intake or absorption can cause iron deficiency anemia, leading to...
Pregnancy introduces many changes to nearly every system in the female body, including the digestive system. Dark stools can occur during pregnancy and may be accompanied by constipation depending on the cause of the dark stools. Discuss symptoms...
Although the subject of bathroom behaviors is generally avoided, a quick peek in the toilet can clue you into the health of your body. Although it may seem odd, studying the shape, color and smell of stool can help you monitor your digestive...
Iron deficiency is one of the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the world. Severe iron deficiency can lead to anemia, and can make you tired and more susceptible to infections. Taking iron supplements is the treatment for iron...
Infant stool can present in a variety of colors. Most changes in stool color are normal and nothing to be concerned about. Stool colors vary depending on your infant's age and what they are eating. A dark green or black stool is normal in newborn...
Most obstetricians suggest prenatal vitamins for their pregnant patients to ensure that they get the optimal amounts of vitamins and minerals necessary for fetal growth. Available over the counter or in higher prescription doses for women with...
Everyone's bowel habits, including the frequency, shape and color of movements, are different. When your bowel movements suddenly change to a very dark color, you might become alarmed. Color changes can indicate health problems, but think first...
The liver is a large organ that is essential for the normal functioning of the body. This organ produces the substances that digest fats and carbohydrates, and helps to clear the body from toxins. When a man has severe problems with the liver,...
When experiencing gastritis, many people do not consider the possibility of an allergy, intolerance or other medical condition causing a reaction. Often, certain conditions will present themselves as gastritis and can be alleviated with a few...
Coumadin, generic name is warfarin, is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions such as heart valve disease, prosthetic heart valves, previous heart attacks and stroke, atrial...
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the vitamin B complex. Iron is an essential mineral that makes part of many proteins in the body. Vitamin B-6 and iron are important for preventing iron deficiency...
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the stomach. Symptoms of the disease include dark stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Eating a healthy and well-rounded diet can...
Pernicious anemia a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot absorb enough vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is a B-complex vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells and DNA synthesis. B-12 is absorbed in the stomach and...
Iron is an essential component of red blood cells, which are involved in the transport of oxygen to the body. Almost 2/3 of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying...
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. Red blood cells contain an oxygen-carrying protein known as hemoglobin. When the body does not get enough iron, it cannot produce healthy red blood cells, and iron deficiency anemia...
The normal pancreas aids in digestion by secreting enzymes. It also secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar metabolism. Tumors, benign and malignant, can grow in the pancreas leading to cancer, or possibly cancer can spread to the pancreas...
Iron is a mineral primarily found in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also in your bone marrow, muscles, spleen and liver. It is also involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate, which is the body's main...
Gastritis is an acute or chronic condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed causing stomach upset and pain. Acute conditions happen suddenly and worsen quickly while chronic conditions develop slowly or get worse over time. Acute...
Many people take prescribed or over-the-counter medications they must stop using before a colonoscopy. It proves important to comply with these drug restrictions, and if not, it proves crucial for people to tell their doctor they took a drug on...
Foods containing soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, are important in your diet to help maintain the health of your digestive tract. This is especially the case if you experience acute or chronic gastritis, a condition characterized by the irritation...
The extent to which walking is helpful if you suffer from gallbladder pain depends on what's going on with your gallbladder. If you've just had surgery, walking diminishes the gas that's introduced to your abdomen during the process of removing...
The American Cancer Society explains that colon rectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the last part of the digestive system. The colon's function is to absorb fluid from digested food and form solid waste. The fecal matter leaves the...
The World Health Organization reports iron deficiency anemia as the most common nutritional disorder in the world, affecting over 30 percent of the world's population. Iron deficiency anemia causes fatigue and weakness that can interrupt your...
Beets have been grown for food since ancient times. Both the leaves and the root are edible. Beets' most distinguishing characteristic is their bright red pigment, sometimes used as a dye. They are a good source of folate and a moderate source of...
Diarrhea is an acute condition that can affect children of all ages. It is characterized by the passing of more or less loose stools and usually resolves by itself with no further complications. Symptoms may also include cramping, abdominal pain,...
Ulcers are caused most frequently by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Symptoms included burning in the abdomen, pain and blood in the stool. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of ulcers in this health video.
Gastritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the lining of your stomach. in some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't...
Stomach cancer is a decreasing cancer in the USA, but is also a leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Stomach cancer is when cells in the stomach become cancerous. In this video learn more about this cancer and how to prevent and treat it.
