Bowel movements can range in color from light yellow to almost black, with variations in brown being the most common. Diet, medications, and underlying health conditions can all influence stool color. A healthy bowel movement is typically some shade of brown due to the presence of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.
Observing stool color provides valuable insight into digestive health. Changes in color can sometimes indicate issues ranging from minor dietary influences to more serious medical conditions. Regular monitoring, coupled with attention to other symptoms, can lead to early detection and intervention. Historically, physicians have recognized the diagnostic value of stool characteristics, and modern medicine continues to rely on this information for patient assessment.
