While stool (both solid and not-so-solid) can come in a range of colors, green stool can take you by surprise, especially when paired with diarrhea. In this article, we’ll learn what green diarrhea means for both kids and adults and what to do about it.
Why is Your Diarrhea Green?
Our poop is not only affected by what we eat, but also by bile, which is a greenish fluid that plays a role in digestion. Your liver and gallbladder work together to secrete and store this fluid.
When things are in normal working order, your green bile turns brown in your GI tract. In the case of diarrhea, stool passes through the intestines too quickly, and bile doesn’t break down, which causes a green color.
Now, let’s consider what green diarrhea means for both kids and adults.
Green Diarrhea in Toddlers and Kids
Green diarrhea by itself is probably due to something your kids ate and isn’t cause for concern. Naturally and artificially green-colored foods can cause green diarrhea, as well as iron supplementation or other medications (check with your doctor if you’re wondering about this one).
However, if your child has green diarrhea accompanied by fever, vomiting, or other abrupt changes, something could be wrong, so seek diarrhea relief and consider calling your doctor.
According to the Mayo Clinic, any green diarrhea that lasts for more than three days should be addressed with your doctor, as it may signify an illness.
Green Diarrhea in Adults
The most common (and benign) causes of green diarrhea in adults are foods, supplements, and medications.
Long-term green diarrhea is more worrisome as it could be a sign that something isn’t working right, and food is moving too quickly through the digestive system, which could signify IBS or IBD, and should be checked out by a healthcare professional.
What to do About Green Diarrhea
If your case of green diarrhea can’t be linked to diet, supplements or medications, it’s a good idea to call your doctor if it continues beyond three days and/or comes with other symptoms like vomiting and fever.
In all cases of diarrhea, it’s important to stay well hydrated and keep DiaResQ on hand to quickly restore normal intestinal function.
DiaResQ is a food for special dietary use that contains colostrum and beneficial nutrients for people with diarrhea. It is safe for adults and children one year and older.
Find DiaResQ in a store near you and relieve your green diarrhea quickly.