Pale poop could also be a side effect of certain medications like antidiarrhea medicine. Either way, if it continues, consult with a healthcare professional. Red Melena is a symptom of internal bleeding in typically the upper GI tract — the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel. Passed once or twice daily: Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times per week. Young children tend to prefer orange and yellow vegetables — such as carrots — over others, so their poop might be these colors for that reason, Corkins said. “It’s not dangerous,” he added. “Keratin is the yellow-orange pigment in there. Beta carotene is a nutrient, but it just freaks everybody out when the stools come out yellow or orange.”

Foods with orange coloring, such as sodas, candy, or gelatin dessert, can also give your poop an orange color. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of GI bleeding.

Your poop can sometimes have a slightly greenish hue, or even be a more vivid green. Most of the time, green or greenish poop is normal. Indicates: Here we have another sign of constipation that, again, shouldn’t happen frequently. Type 3: Hot dog It may seem like red would be a more likely color for this sort of concern, but since it’s taken a while to travel down, it’s older and therefore darker. Green Yellow: If stool appears yellow or greasy-looking, the poop contains too much fat. This may result from absorption issues or difficulty producing enzymes or bile.

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to move more easily through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Stool quiz

Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person. However, people should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate an issue.