You should always see a doctor if you have black poop, especially if it's also sticky or tarry. Mild dehydration can lead to constipation and stool that's darker brown and harder than normal.

If someone has recently consumed any of these and their stool is black, there is likely no cause for concern. However, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can also cause black, tarry stools.

“Bleeding from your GI tract, when it comes in contact with digestive enzymes, turns from red to black resulting in those black/tarry stools,” he says. Dr. Akinyeye also says that black poop f ...

Contact the NHS urgently if it is black, tarry and smells bad, especially if you have tummy pain." Several grave factors could lead to the appearance of black stool: Liver disease Stomach cancer ...

It can also look quite different—some people may notice bright red blood, while others may have melena, or black, tarry stool ...

You should urgently contact the NHS if your stool is black, tarry, smells foul, and is accompanied by stomach pain. Red stools can result from eating beetroot or consuming red food dye in food and ...

Blood in your stool can range from bright red to black and tarry. The color provides important clues about where the bleeding is coming from. Bright red usually indicates bleeding in the lower ...