HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Red Cabbage And Red Tea Turn Stool Red?

I'm a physician myself, a psychiatrist. I just had what looked at first blush like blood in stool, not voluminous quantities, bits...Last night I ate red cabbage, and I also had some herbal tea called dragonfly devotion, which is red. I'm due for a colonoscopy (is it every five years now?) so I'll schedule it for the next few weeks. I also have both internal and external hemorrhoids. Question is, can red cabbage, red tea turn your stool red? It's not the reddest red. Thanks.
Fri, 19 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
Dietitian & Nutritionist,  's  Response
Hello Doctor, Please let me ease your mind a bit. Yes, your stools can become stained by the same chemical that makes the cabbage red and the tea red. I would advise you not to consume anythingof that nature at least one week prior to a colonoscopy just like red popsicles are emininated and red jello is eliminated on most pre-colonoscopy test diets. I would relax with this information and await your colonoscopy. Make certain you avoid any red or blue or purple dyed foods, if they order Magnesium Citrate, get the clear. As you know the color blood you describe generally does not come from external hemorrhoids, so even more reason to think it might be your diet. Cheer up! Kathy Shattler, MS,RDN
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Red Cabbage And Red Tea Turn Stool Red?

Hello Doctor, Please let me ease your mind a bit. Yes, your stools can become stained by the same chemical that makes the cabbage red and the tea red. I would advise you not to consume anythingof that nature at least one week prior to a colonoscopy just like red popsicles are emininated and red jello is eliminated on most pre-colonoscopy test diets. I would relax with this information and await your colonoscopy. Make certain you avoid any red or blue or purple dyed foods, if they order Magnesium Citrate, get the clear. As you know the color blood you describe generally does not come from external hemorrhoids, so even more reason to think it might be your diet. Cheer up! Kathy Shattler, MS,RDN