Dark Brown Toilet Water: Is It Normal After Bowel Movements?

The color of water after a bowel movement?

1.
I noticed that the water in the toilet was dark brown after having a bowel movement today.
Is this situation normal? I did not see any blood on the toilet paper, there is no diarrhea, and the shape of the stool is normal!
2.
I often feel a dull pain in my abdomen about three fingers' width to the left of my belly button.
What area is this? The pain usually occurs after eating, but it goes away if I rest for a while! P.S.
I urinated and flushed before the bowel movement!

Yap, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/07

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

1.
The color of the stool is often related to the color of the food consumed.
2.
The location of the pain is in the intestines, and the nature of the pain is more likely to be cramp-like.
If the symptoms persist, a visit to a gastroenterologist is recommended.

Reply Date: 2017/06/07

More Info

When you notice dark brown water in the toilet after a bowel movement, it can be concerning, but it is often not a cause for alarm. The color of the water can be influenced by several factors, including the color of your stool, the foods you consume, and even the medications you may be taking. In your case, since you mentioned that your stool is normal in shape and you have not observed any blood or diarrhea, it is likely that the dark brown color is simply a result of the stool breaking down in the water and releasing pigments that can alter the color of the toilet water.

Stool color can vary widely based on diet. Foods rich in iron, such as red meat, or foods with dark pigments, like beets, can lead to darker stool and subsequently darker water. Additionally, certain medications and supplements, particularly those containing iron, can also affect stool color. If your stool is consistently dark brown but otherwise normal, it is usually not a sign of a serious issue.

Regarding the discomfort you feel on the left side of your abdomen, this area corresponds to the location of the descending colon. It is common to experience sensations of discomfort or cramping in this region, especially after eating. This could be due to a variety of benign reasons, such as gas buildup, digestive processes, or even mild constipation. If the pain subsides after resting, it may indicate that it is related to digestion rather than a serious condition. However, if the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as significant changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or persistent discomfort, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In summary, dark brown toilet water after a bowel movement is often normal, especially if your stool appears healthy and you are not experiencing any alarming symptoms. The left-sided abdominal discomfort you are experiencing could be related to normal digestive processes, but if it continues or worsens, seeking medical advice would be prudent. Regular monitoring of your bowel habits and any accompanying symptoms is essential for maintaining digestive health. If you have any concerns about your bowel movements or abdominal pain, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice and assessment.

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