Why Are Feces Red?

Bright red: Bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the rectum, or hemorrhoids, which are also called fissures, may cause bright red stool. Alternatively, red stool may be due to consumption of red food coloring, cranberries, beets, tomato-based products, or red gelatin.

What does it mean when it poop is red?

Bright red blood usually means bleeding that's low in your colon or rectum. Dark red or maroon blood can mean that you have bleeding higher in the colon or in the small bowel. Melena (dark and tar-like stool) often points to bleeding in the stomach, such as bleeding from ulcers.

What foods can make poop red?

Foods That Can Cause Red Stools:
  • Red Jell-O, red or grape Kool-Aid.
  • Red candy, red licorice.
  • Red cereals.
  • Red frosting.
  • Red food coloring.
  • Beets.
  • Cranberries.
  • Fire Cheetos.
James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.