Causes of Orange Poop
There are several common and benign reasons for passing orange poop that are not a cause for worry. Orange poop can be caused by foods that are orange in color, either natural or artificial, which tends to last much longer and have deeper color. Orange poop can also happen after taking certain medications.
Food
Eating certain foods can cause your poop to turn orange. Foods that can cause orange poop include:
- Any food with an artificial yellow or orange coloring
- Apricots
- Carrots
- Cilantro
- Collard greens
- Fresh thyme
- Sweet potatoes
- Turnip greens
- Winter squash
Medication
Certain medications can also cause your poop to appear orange. Examples include:
- Certain antibiotics such as Rifadin (rifampin) and Omnicef (cefdinir)
- Amphojel (aluminum hydroxide), an antacid
- Phenothiazines (antipsychotic/antiemetic medications)
Supplements
Supplements containing beta-carotene (which is sometimes found in vitamin A) can also cause your poop to turn orange.
Digestive Problems
In most healthy people, orange poop is most often the result of eating one or more of the foods or supplements listed above. Still, if you have orange poop it’s important to note what’s going on with the rest of your body. Some medical conditions cause stool to turn the color orange.
Why Poop Changes Color
Stool can come in a variety of colors. What is considered a "normal" stool color is unique to each person and is often a spectrum rather than one color all the time. Stool color is affected by the digestive process. As it moves through the digestive tract, the digesting food changes from green to yellow-orange to brown. The final brown color is due to the bile and bacteria in the stool. Healthy stool can also change color due to something you’ve ingested.
When to Worry
If any other symptoms occur along with the orange color, or if it lasts more than a day or two, it’s time to look into possible medical causes. Call a healthcare professional if you have any pain, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms such as dizziness or weakness.
Summary
Orange poop caused by diet or a supplement probably isn’t something to be worried about. If it is stressful, consider making changes that reduce your intake of the foods or supplements causing the orange color. If any other symptoms occur along with the orange color, or if it lasts more than a day or two, it’s time to look into possible medical causes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, orange poop is a common phenomenon that can be caused by a variety of factors, including food, medication, and supplements. While it may be alarming to see orange poop, it is usually not a cause for concern and can be managed by making dietary changes or adjusting your medication. If you have any concerns about your poop color or other symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes orange poop?
A: Orange poop can be caused by foods that are orange in color, either natural or artificial, which tends to last much longer and have deeper color. Orange poop can also happen after taking certain medications.
Q: Is orange poop a cause for concern?
A: No, orange poop is usually not a cause for concern and can be managed by making dietary changes or adjusting your medication.
Q: What are some common foods that can cause orange poop?
A: Some common foods that can cause orange poop include apricots, carrots, cilantro, collard greens, fresh thyme, sweet potatoes, turnip greens, and winter squash.
Q: Can supplements cause orange poop?
A: Yes, supplements containing beta-carotene (which is sometimes found in vitamin A) can also cause your poop to turn orange.
Q: What should I do if I have orange poop?
A: If you have orange poop, it’s important to note what’s going on with the rest of your body. If any other symptoms occur along with the orange color, or if it lasts more than a day or two, it’s time to look into possible medical causes.
