What foods or drink cause black stool?

Foods and drinks that can cause black stool include:

- Iron-rich foods: Foods high in iron, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and spinach, can cause black stool. Iron is an essential mineral for the body, but too much iron can cause the stool to turn black.

- Black licorice: Black licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause the stool to turn black. Glycyrrhizin can also cause other side effects, such as high blood pressure, water retention, and muscle weakness.

- Pepto-Bismol: Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication used to treat diarrhea and stomach upset. It contains bismuth, which can cause the stool to turn black.

- Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a natural substance used to treat certain types of poisoning. It can also cause the stool to turn black.

- Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds can cause the stool to turn black. This is because coffee grounds contain a compound called chlorogenic acid, which can bind to iron in the stool and cause it to turn black.

If you are concerned about the color of your stool, it is important to talk to your doctor. Black stool can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as bleeding in the digestive tract.