Why Is IBS Poop Yellow?

Medically Reviewed by: Nicole Anne Vergara, RD

Numerous digestive problems might result from being diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Changes in bowel symptoms are possible despite the fact that IBS symptoms have a wide range of causes and contributing variables.

IBS symptoms can change over time. Gastrointestinal problems such bloating, abnormal bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), and the color of the feces can be noticed by IBS patients.

Changes in the color of the stool can frequently be the most concerning, and imposes a lot of possible questions for people with IBS. While a change in the color of the feces can be alarming, there are several things that can cause this change.

In this article, we will help you find out the possible reasons why your poop may be colored yellow if you have IBS.

What is the Normal Stool Color for IBS?

The two elements that give excrement its typical brown hue are bile and bilirubin. A substance called bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells are broken down.

Bilirubin is delivered to the gallbladder, where it combines with bile as these cells are broken down in the liver.

The majority of the bilirubin that comes from the gallbladder enters the intestines.Inside the intestines, microorganisms break bilirubin down and destroy it before it is expelled in the feces.

A typical stool's color might change depending on things like:

• Existence of stomach symptoms
• Diet
• Medication

How to Treat Yellow Stool From Anxiety

The truth is that yellow stools that happen only occasionally or not frequently might not need to be treated, assuming you've seen the doctor and ruled out any medical conditions. Drinking more water and thinking about eating healthier meals or supplements to make sure you're getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals may be a smart option if you frequently experience yellow stools.

Try eating more whole grains and fiber with less fat in your diet if you notice that the color of your stool bothers you too much. Fat is one of the possible causes of yellowing of the stool. Additionally, it appears that abstaining from alcohol and obtaining a good night's sleep have an impact on stool color.

Once you begin to manage anxiety, you should be able to start seeing a difference with your yellow stool. To help you manage your anxiety, try these mental health treatments:

• Therapy and Counseling
• Medications
• Meditation
• Lifestyle Changes and Exercise

What Color Is Poop With IBS?

The consistency of the feces is one of the most frequent changes in IBS. Constipation or loose stool in the form of diarrhea might cause the stool to be more difficult to pass.

Constipation causes more water to be reabsorbed because the stool stays in the colon for a longer amount of time. This could make the feces darker.

The stool's color can also alter as a result of these adjustments.

Green Color Probable Cause:

• Green food coloring
• Green vegetables
• Antibiotics
• Bacterial infection
• Bile acid malabsorption

Yellow Color Probable Cause:

• Excess fat
• Small intestine infection
• Yellow pigment on foods

Bright Red Probable Cause:

• Red foods, drinks or food colorings
• Haemorrhoids
• Bleeding in the lower digestive tract

White or Gray Color Probable Cause:

• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Lack of bile

Black or Dark Brown Color Probable Cause:

• Taking Iron supplement
• Bleeding in the upper digestive tract

What are the Causes of Yellow Stool if I have IBS?

Stress and Anxiety

It is commonly recognized that stress can aggravate IBS symptoms.Stress can shorten transit times, which causes bowel movements to occur more quickly. Our capacity to break down and digest food will decrease due to the longer transit time.

Fatty Foods

Consumption of food items that are high in fat content can significantly change the color of the stool if you have IBS.

Eating A Lot of Yellow Colored Food

Eating a lot of yellow foods like carrots, turmeric, sweet potatoes, and other foods that have yellow pigments can cause your stool to turn yellow.

IBS-D Flare-Up

If you have diarrhea as your predominant symptom of IBS, it is highly possible to have a yellow stool. Diarrhea can speed up your passing of stool and it may cause yellow stools with some mucus.

Monitor The Changes In Stool Color

You should examine your stools once a week if you have IBS, according to your doctor. You can feel assured that you are keeping an eye on your health while preventing unneeded stress and anxiety in this way. If you examine your stools too frequently, you could notice variations in color, shape, or consistency that aren't always indicative of how you're actually feeling.

Drinking too much or too little fluid that day may cause minor alterations. Your nutrition, physical activity, temperature, and other variables can all affect how your stools behave.

Checking too frequently can make you too sensitive to things that may or may not matter, which can sometimes leave you feeling anxious all the time. Additionally, stress can impair gut health and perhaps increase IBS symptoms.

Should You Be Concerned About Yellow Stool?

Yellow stool in IBS should not be too much of a concern. However, you may have to check other warning signs like the signs and symptoms listed below. If you notice any of these signs, see your doctor right away.

• Fainting
• Difficulty in urinating
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Fever
• Pain on the upper right side of the abdomen
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Get Professional Help In Managing IBS Symptoms

Treating IBS requires a lot of research and lifestyle changes. Sometimes, it may be difficult to take this journey alone, and we are here to help! Casa De Sante offers a wide range of IBS care plans to help you manage and treat your IBS symptoms the right way.