Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Seeing green poop in the toilet can be surprising, especially if it's not something you're used to. Normally, stool is brown due to bile—a yellow-green digestive fluid that changes color as it breaks down. When digestion happens too quickly or certain foods are involved, bile may not break down completely, giving stool a greenish hue. But don’t panic—green poop is often harmless and has several possible explanations.
What Does Green Poop Mean, and Is It a Problem?
Green poop is generally not something to worry about. It often occurs when food moves too quickly through your intestines, preventing bile from breaking down fully. This rapid transit can sometimes be linked to lifestyle factors like diet or exercise.
Can Diet Cause Green Poop?
Yes—your diet is one of the most common reasons for green stool. Vegetables rich in chlorophyll, like spinach, kale, and broccoli, can give your stool a green tint. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
Artificial food dyes found in candies, ice creams, or flavored beverages can also color your stool. Additionally, high-fat diets, such as keto, can increase bile production and speed up digestion, which may result in green poop.
Can Green Poop Indicate a Health Condition?
In some cases, green poop may signal an underlying issue. Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or bile acid malabsorption can accelerate digestion and affect stool color. Viral or bacterial infections that cause diarrhea may also result in green stool. If you’re experiencing other symptoms like abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or weight loss, contact your healthcare provider.
Could My Medications Be Causing This?
If your diet hasn’t changed and you’re not experiencing other symptoms, consider whether medications could be playing a role. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut flora, sometimes leading to green stool. Antidiarrheals like Pepto-Bismol and laxatives containing senna may also alter stool color. Iron supplements can turn your stool green or black.
If you've recently started a new medication, this might be the cause—and it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider. You can also check if your prescription is more affordable with the RxLess™ Assurance Plan, which helps you save on medications whether you’re insured or not.
Could Poisoning Be the Cause?
While rare, certain poisons can cause green stool. For example, toxic chemicals like paraquat (found in some weed killers) may cause green or bloody diarrhea. If you suspect poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Fortunately, this is not a common cause of green stool.
Is It Normal for Babies to Have Green Poop?
Green poop is common in babies, particularly those on formula. As long as your baby is eating well, gaining weight, and not showing signs of discomfort, there’s usually no reason to worry. However, if green stool is accompanied by symptoms like fussiness, fever, or poor weight gain, consult your pediatrician.
How Can I Treat Green Poop?
Treatment depends on the cause. In most cases, no treatment is necessary—green stool often resolves on its own once your diet or medications are adjusted. If an underlying condition is the cause, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Green stool is typically harmless, especially when it goes away quickly. However, if it persists or comes with other symptoms, such as pain, diarrhea, or weight loss, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any serious issues.
