No one really talks about it, but a lot of people peek at their poop.

But what happens if, one day, you peek and you see black poop?

Your mind will probably go in a hundred different directions.

Ajay Goel, Ph.D.

While there may be cause for concern, it’s also possible that there are less scary explanations.

Why is my poop black?

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Think black licorice, blueberries, beets, prunes, cranberries, or even dark chocolate cookies.

Dark blue, black, or green foods can all cause black stools.

This is nothing to worry about.

When is it time to consult with a doctor?

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your stool.

It’s not something to second-guess or ignore.

You also don’t want to jump to a conclusion of a severe diagnosis.

See your doctor and get answers.

Here’s the cause of another common digestion issue:thin poop.