Digestive Issues: Color Changes and Abdominal Pain Explained

Bowel issues?

Recently, my diet has been irregular because I want to lose weight; I sometimes skip meals and don't eat much.
In early July, I ate dragon fruit for three consecutive days, and since then, my stools have been a deep purple color.
However, for a few days, I experienced left lower abdominal pain before having a bowel movement, but the pain goes away afterward.
Today, my stool was normal at the beginning, but there was a bit of red substance, and I'm not sure if it's undigested dragon fruit or something else.
The latter part of the stool was crumbly, yellowish-green, and it produced bubbles in the water.
I didn't eat breakfast or lunch yesterday, only dinner, which consisted of white rice, water spinach, and bamboo shoots.
I'm very worried about whether there is a problem.
Could you please evaluate my situation?

Hsu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/10

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

First, stop consuming dragon fruit (which contains pigments that may interfere), and then observe.
It is also recommended to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive dieting.

Reply Date: 2024/07/10

More Info

Understanding digestive issues, particularly concerning changes in stool color and abdominal pain, can be quite complex. The symptoms you've described, including the deep purple stool after consuming dragon fruit, abdominal pain, and the presence of red specks in your stool, warrant a closer examination.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that dietary choices significantly influence stool color and consistency. Dragon fruit, known for its vibrant color, can indeed lead to temporary changes in stool color, often resulting in shades of purple or red due to its natural pigments. This is generally harmless and should resolve once the fruit is no longer consumed. The presence of red specks could be remnants of undigested food, particularly if you consumed a significant amount of dragon fruit. However, if the red color persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may warrant further investigation.

Regarding the abdominal pain you experienced, it's common for individuals to experience discomfort or cramping in the lower abdomen, especially after eating or when experiencing changes in bowel habits. The fact that your pain subsides after a bowel movement suggests that it may be related to gastrointestinal motility or the presence of gas. This is often seen in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where stress, dietary changes, and irregular eating patterns can exacerbate symptoms.

The appearance of your stool, described as "tofu-like" and yellowish-green with bubbles, could indicate a few things. A change in stool consistency to a more liquid form, especially with a yellow-green color, can sometimes suggest malabsorption or rapid transit through the intestines. This can occur when the body is not adequately digesting food, possibly due to dietary changes or stress. The bubbles you mentioned could be a sign of gas, which is often produced during digestion, particularly if there is an imbalance in gut bacteria or if certain foods are not being digested properly.

It's also essential to consider the impact of irregular eating patterns on your digestive health. Skipping meals or drastically reducing food intake can lead to gastrointestinal distress, as the digestive system thrives on regularity. When the body is deprived of food, it can react by producing excess stomach acid, leading to discomfort and changes in bowel habits.

While your symptoms may not immediately suggest a severe underlying condition, it is crucial to monitor them closely. If you notice persistent changes in stool color, consistency, or accompanying symptoms such as significant abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or weight loss, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis, imaging studies, or endoscopy to rule out any potential gastrointestinal disorders.

In summary, while the changes in your stool and abdominal discomfort may be linked to your recent dietary habits and stress, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet and regular eating schedule to support digestive health. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.

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