What if i have black stool?

Simple to serious: Quality of the your stool and your diet is important. If your stool is firm and formed it is possible that this may be related to iron which could be in spinach or supplements. Also pepto-bismol or beets may do this. If your stool is soft and "tarry" this more likely would be blood. Also blood makes stools more frequent. Stools need to be checked for blood by your doctor asap.

That depends: If it is black, sticky/ tarry and malodorous - then please get medical assessment promptly - because it could be due to GI bleeding. O/W it may be due to diet or medications you are taking.

Could be serious!: Black stools can be from several things. The most worrisome would be from blood in the stool, which can be from stomach irritation (gastritis/ulcer) or more serious problems like colon infections or even cancer. Especially if you are older or have a family history of colon problems, see someone as evaluation may be needed. Other causes can be iron taken as a supplement, or pepto-bismol.

Blood?: Dark stool can be caused by bleeding, certain medications (pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) for example) or certain foods. If it is dark brown but not black, this is less concerning.

Black stool: Take no blood thinner, plavix, (clopidogrel) Aspirin and see your docotr asap to rule out bleeding. Did you eat beets?