DEAR DR. GOTT: My 45-year-old daughter told me that when she moves her bowels, the feces are a greenish color. What causes this?
DEAR READER: Variations in diet can lead to green stool. Green, leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll. Foods with purple coloring such as ice pops or gelatin desserts can turn stool rainbow colors. Foods rich in iron or iron supplements can also modify the color.
Bile is secreted in the small intestine and is green in color. Normally, the stool turns brown as it passes through the large intestine. However, if it passes faster than normal, it may be expelled while still green.
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