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Have you ever noticed a change in your stool colour and wondered what it means? If you’ve recently experienced orange stools, you might be feeling concerned or puzzled. Changes in stool colour can be a sign of various digestive issues, including those related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

Understanding what causes these changes will help you understand how to better maintain your digestive health and overall well-being. We can assist you with gaining better understanding of the causes behind your gut health symptoms with our gut microbiome testing in the UK. 

We’re going to look at common dietary and medical reasons for orange stools, their potential connection to IBS, discuss related symptoms, and provide guidance on when to seek medical advice. If you suspect you have IBS, our article on IBS Test explains the different tests needed to get an IBS diagnosis. 

What Causes Orange Poop?

Understanding Normal Stool Colour

Just like a painter has a palette of colours, your stool can come in various shades, reflecting your digestive health. Typically, stool is brown due to the bile produced by your liver. Bile helps digest fats and gives stool its characteristic colour as it travels through the digestive tract. When your stool changes colour, it can be a signal that something in this digestive process has shifted.

What Does a Normal or Healthy Shade of Stool Look Like?

A healthy stool colour is typically medium to dark brown, similar to the colour of milk chocolate or the bark of an oak tree. This hue is primarily due to the presence of bile, a yellow-green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. As bile travels through the digestive tract, it breaks down and changes colour, mixing with food residue to turn stools brown. Here are some key characteristics of a normal stool:

1. Medium to Dark Brown: This is the most common and healthy stool colour. It indicates that bile has been properly processed and that digestion is functioning normally.
2. Consistency: A healthy stool should be well-formed, not too hard or too soft, resembling the shape of a sausage or snake.
3. Frequency: Normal bowel movements can vary, but typically, having a bowel movement anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal.
4. Odour: While stool naturally has an odour, an extremely foul smell can sometimes indicate dietary issues or digestive problems.

Common Dietary Causes of Orange Poop

Imagine your digestive system as a food mixer where different ingredients combine to create the final dish. Sometimes, certain foods can add an unexpected hue to your stool, much like how adding a particular spice can change the colour of a sauce. Foods high in beta-carotene, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, can lend an orange tint to your stool. Similarly, artificial food colouring found in some snacks and drinks can have a similar effect.

Does IBS Cause Orange Stools?

IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be like having a temperamental engine that sometimes revs up too fast or slows down too much. This erratic digestive “engine” can affect stool colour, including turning it orange.

While IBS itself doesn’t directly cause orange stools, the associated digestive disturbances can. For instance, rapid transit time, where food moves too quickly through the intestines, might not allow bile to fully process, leading to lighter or orange-coloured stools [1]. 

How and Why This Happens

One key factor is the rapid transit time, where food moves too quickly through the intestines. Normally, as food travels through your digestive tract, it mixes with bile—a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats. Bile initially has a yellow-green colour, but as it travels through the intestines, it breaks down and changes to brown, giving stool its characteristic colour.

In cases of rapid transit time, which can be common with IBS, food doesn’t stay in the intestines long enough for the bile to break down completely. If you think about trying to cook a meal and rushing through each step; the final dish won’t turn out as expected. Similarly, when the digestive process is rushed, bile may not have the time to fully break down and change colour, resulting in lighter or orange-coloured stools [1].

Additionally, IBS can cause dietary changes or trigger food sensitivities, which can also impact stool colour [2]. For example, certain foods that are poorly digested or absorbed can speed up transit time or interact differently with bile, contributing to the orange hue.

Always keep in mind that your body’s signals are unique to you, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to get personalised advice and care.

Digestive Health and Stool Colour

Why Stool Colour Matters

Changes in stool colour can be a signal that something in your digestive process has shifted. Here’s a quick overview of what different colours might indicate:

• Green: This can occur if food is moving through your intestines too quickly (diarrhoea), or if you have consumed a large amount of green leafy vegetables or foods with green colouring.
• Yellow: Greasy, foul-smelling yellow stool may indicate excess fat, which could be a sign of malabsorption, such as in coeliac disease.
• Black: This could indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Red: Bright red blood in stool could indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum, also necessitating medical evaluation.

Understanding what a normal stool looks like can help you identify when something is off, allowing you to seek medical advice promptly. Regular monitoring of your stool colour and consistency can be a useful gauge of your digestive health.

Medical Conditions Associated with Orange Poop

Orange Poop and Stomach Pain

When you notice your stool is orange and you’re also experiencing stomach pain, it can be alarming. This combination of symptoms may be due to a variety of factors, ranging from dietary choices to digestive disorders. The key is to understand the underlying cause and address it appropriately.

If your stool is orange and you are experiencing stomach pain, it’s important to consider both your recent diet and any underlying health conditions. If the reason for orange stool is rapid transit time in the intestines, resulting in orange-coloured stools [1], stomach pain might also occur due to the increased sensitivity of the intestines or spasms, common in IBS sufferers.

Foods rich in beta-carotene (such as carrots and sweet potatoes) or those with artificial colouring can turn your stool orange. Some foods rich in beta-carotene are considered high FODMAP and can trigger symptoms in people with IBS or other digestive sensitivities. 

FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols) are types of carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.

Here are a few examples of beta-carotene-rich foods that are high FODMAP:

1. Carrots: Generally, carrots are low FODMAP in moderate amounts, but consuming them in large quantities can make them high FODMAP for some individuals.
2. Sweet Potatoes: These are high in beta-carotene but are considered high FODMAP, especially in larger servings due to their content of mannitol, a type of polyol.
3. Pumpkin: Certain types of pumpkin, such as butternut squash, are high FODMAP due to their content of fructans.

It’s important for individuals with IBS to manage their intake of these foods and follow a low FODMAP diet if recommended by their healthcare provider. This involves monitoring portion sizes and possibly consulting with a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner to tailor dietary choices to their specific needs.

For more detailed guidance on FODMAPs and their impact on IBS, you can refer to resources like Monash University’s FODMAP diet app or website, which provides comprehensive information and serving size recommendations [6].

However, if dietary changes do not explain the symptoms, it might be related to digestive disorders and inflammation (more on this below). When the intestines are irritated or inflamed, they might not process bile efficiently, leading to orange stools. Additionally, the inflammation can cause cramping or discomfort in the stomach area [2]. 

Digestive Disorders and Orange Poop

When you notice your stool turning orange, it can be a sign of various digestive disorders. Understanding the potential causes and their implications is essential for addressing your symptoms and maintaining your digestive health. 

We will explore how different digestive disorders, such as liver issues, gallbladder problems, and conditions like IBS and IBD, can lead to orange stools. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about changes in your stool colour or digestive health.

Bright Orange Liquid Poop

Bright orange liquid stools can be particularly concerning and may indicate a more severe issue. This symptom can result from infections, digestive disorders, or significant dietary changes. When stools are not only orange but also liquid, it suggests that the digestive system is not absorbing water properly, leading to diarrhoea.

Infections caused by bacteria or viruses can lead to gastroenteritis, where the inflammation of the stomach and intestines speeds up transit time, causing bright orange diarrhoea. This can also happen with food intolerances or allergies, where the body reacts adversely to certain foods, leading to rapid digestion and diarrhoea [4].

Orange Diarrhoea: NHS Guidelines

According to the NHS, persistent diarrhoea, regardless of colour, should not be ignored. If you experience orange diarrhoea for more than a few days, it is important to seek medical advice. The NHS recommends staying hydrated, as diarrhoea can lead to significant fluid loss, and suggests using oral rehydration solutions if necessary.

Additionally, you’ll need to monitor other symptoms such as fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool, as these can indicate more serious conditions. The NHS advises that if you have these symptoms, especially in combination with diarrhoea, you should see a healthcare professional promptly [5].

Orange Stool and Liver Health

Your liver plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and stool colour. The liver produces bile, the digestive fluid that breaks down fats and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed. When liver function is compromised, it can affect bile production and secretion.

Liver issues, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, can disrupt the production or flow of bile. Imagine a factory where a slowdown or stoppage in production leads to fewer products on the shelves. Similarly, if your liver isn’t producing enough bile or if there’s a blockage preventing bile from reaching the intestines, stool colour can change. This can result in lighter or orange stools because bile, which normally turns stool brown, isn’t sufficiently present to complete the colour transformation.

Gallbladder and Orange Poop

The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ that stores bile produced by the liver. When you eat, your gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion, particularly in breaking down fats. However, when there are issues with the gallbladder, such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), the flow of bile can be obstructed.

Think of the gallbladder as a reservoir that supplies water to a crop field. If the reservoir has a blockage or is unable to release water properly, the crops (in this case, your digestive process) suffer. When bile flow is obstructed or reduced, it can lead to orange stools because the bile isn’t adequately mixing with the food passing through the intestines. This incomplete digestion and mixing process can result in the stool retaining an orange hue.

Can IBD Cause Orange Poop?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is another factor that can influence stool colour. IBD involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can interfere with the normal digestive processes and bile interaction [3].

In individuals with IBD, inflammation can cause rapid transit time through the intestines, similar to IBS. This means food moves too quickly for bile to fully break down and colour the stool brown. Additionally, inflammation can impact how bile is reabsorbed and recycled in the intestines, further contributing to colour changes. Therefore, it’s possible for those with IBD to experience orange stools, especially during flare-ups when inflammation is at its peak.

If you notice persistent changes in stool colour, you must consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate action to take.

What to Do If You Notice Orange Poop

Noticing a change in your stool colour can be concerning, especially if it turns orange. While occasional changes can be due to dietary factors, persistent orange stools might indicate an underlying digestive issue. 

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s important to know when a change in stool colour warrants a visit to the doctor. Here are clear guidelines on when to seek medical advice:

• Persistent Colour Change: If your stool remains orange for more than a couple of days despite dietary adjustments, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
• Accompanied Symptoms: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience additional symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or weight loss.
• Presence of Blood: If you notice blood in your stool or if it turns black, these can be signs of more serious conditions requiring prompt evaluation.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Discuss any changes in stool colour with your doctor if you have known digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, or liver disease.

As always, even if your symptoms are outside the circumstances listed above, if you have any concerns about your digestive health or stool colour, please seek help from your medical practitioner for advice.

Self-care

While waiting for a medical appointment or if your symptoms are mild, here are some self-care tips and dietary adjustments that might help:

Monitor Your Diet

One of the first steps in managing orange stools is to monitor your diet. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your stool colour. This practice can help you identify specific foods that may be contributing to the colour change. Foods high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and processed snacks with artificial colouring, are common culprits. By reducing your intake of these foods, you might notice an improvement in stool colour.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial for maintaining normal stool consistency and colour. Dehydration can impact your digestive system, leading to changes in stool appearance. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your body process food more efficiently and supports overall digestive health; aim for at least 8 glasses (about 2 litres) of water per day.

Low FODMAP Diet

If you have IBS, consider following a low FODMAP diet. This diet can help reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and changes in stool colour by limiting certain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the intestines [6]. Consulting with a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner can help you tailor this diet to your specific needs, ensuring you get the necessary nutrients while managing your symptoms.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential for digestive health. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements and can prevent changes in stool colour. Aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. 

• Fruits: Apples, berries, oranges, and bananas.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers.
• Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread.
• Lean Proteins: Chicken breast, fish, tofu, and legumes.

Avoid excessive consumption of high-fat foods and artificial additives, as these can disrupt your digestive system and affect stool colour.

These foods include:

• High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy products.
• Artificial Additives: Processed snacks with artificial colours and flavours, sugary soft drinks, and fast food items.

Eat Regular Meals

Eating regular meals and avoiding skipping them can help maintain a consistent digestive rhythm. Erratic eating patterns can disrupt your digestive system, leading to changes in stool consistency and colour. Try to eat at regular intervals, aiming for meals every 4-5 hours and snacks every 2-3 hours in between. Include balanced meals to support healthy digestion.

Incorporate Probiotics

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which supports digestion and can help normalise stool colour. You can incorporate probiotics into your diet through foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented products. Alternatively, probiotic supplements are available, but it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Implementing these self-care tips and dietary adjustments can often help manage minor digestive issues at home. However, always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or persistent symptoms. Your health and well-being are paramount, and professional guidance is vital in ensuring you address any underlying issues effectively.

Conclusion

In summary, noticing orange stools can be a sign of various factors, including dietary choices, IBS, liver and gallbladder issues, or other digestive disorders. Understanding the potential causes and monitoring your symptoms is crucial for maintaining your digestive health.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and eating at regular intervals can often help manage minor digestive issues at home. However, persistent changes in stool colour or severe symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.

At IBS Clinics, we understand the challenges that come with digestive health issues and are here to help. Our team of experienced nutritionists and functional medicine practitioners offer personalised guidance tailored to your unique needs. We provide comprehensive support, from dietary adjustments to advanced diagnostic testing, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Our approach is holistic, focusing not just on symptom management but on identifying and addressing the root causes of your digestive issues. We work closely with you to develop a customised plan that promotes long-term health and well-being.

Remember, your health and well-being are important. If you’re concerned about changes in your digestive health, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Consulting with IBS Clinics can provide you with the support and expertise needed to navigate your health journey effectively and confidently. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal digestive health.

By taking proactive steps and seeking the right support, you can manage your digestive health effectively and confidently.

References

[1] Mayo Clinic. “Stool Color: When to Worry.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/stool-color/expert-answers/faq-20058080

[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “Symptoms & Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes

[3] Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. “Understanding IBD.” https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ibd 

[4] Healthline. “Orange Stool: Causes and Treatments.” https://www.healthline.com/health/orange-stool 

[5] NHS. “Diarrhoea.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea/

[6] Monash University FODMAP Diet. “The Monash University FODMAP Diet App.” https://www.monashfodmap.com/ibs-central/i-have-ibs/get-the-app/ 

Author – Tracey Randell

At IBS Clinics, Tracey Randell, a renowned Nutritional Therapist and one of the few IFM Certified Practitioners in the UK, extends her specialised knowledge and unique approach to managing and treating IBS and other gut-related conditions effectively.

Tracey’s profound understanding of Functional Medicine allows her to connect the dots for complex health conditions, identifying and addressing the root causes to curate personalised and comprehensive health plans for her patients. Her holistic approach focuses on resolving underlying imbalances and optimising gut health, enabling the body to correct other issues and attain overall well-being.

At IBS Clinics, we are dedicated to being your partner in navigating your gut-related health concerns, offering expert care and individualised treatment plans to alleviate your IBS symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

You can read more about Tracey on our About page here.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.