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What Causes Red And Loose Stool?

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Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Question: For the past 3 days my stools have been red and much looser. Also, I have noticed that when I cleaned myself there was red blood on the toilet tissue. For years I have battled with constipation. I have been taking turmeric capsules for osteo arthritis and also have experienced heartburn. I'm wondering if they are caused by the same thing.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
tumeric can cause diarrhea and bleeding in some persons

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The fact that your bowel movements are loose and you are noticing blood, may indicate either that you are experiencing effects of the tumeric (it can cause diarrhea and bleeding in some persons) or you have an infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

These are the more likely causes for you though there are others.

It would be best to consider discontinuing the tumeric in case this is the cause. If you are feeling weak or dizzy or the bleeding is excessive or there is abdominal pain, then you may need to see a doctor for assessment.

Other aspect of treatment would include: (1) holding off solid food for at least a few hours to allow the colon to heal
Normally it is suggested, to hold off till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms

(2)consider the use of probiotics- probiotics help restore normal bacteria to the colon and can speed up healing. Eg align or culturelle

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Red And Loose Stool?

Brief Answer: tumeric can cause diarrhea and bleeding in some persons Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The fact that your bowel movements are loose and you are noticing blood, may indicate either that you are experiencing effects of the tumeric (it can cause diarrhea and bleeding in some persons) or you have an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. These are the more likely causes for you though there are others. It would be best to consider discontinuing the tumeric in case this is the cause. If you are feeling weak or dizzy or the bleeding is excessive or there is abdominal pain, then you may need to see a doctor for assessment. Other aspect of treatment would include: (1) holding off solid food for at least a few hours to allow the colon to heal Normally it is suggested, to hold off till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms (2)consider the use of probiotics- probiotics help restore normal bacteria to the colon and can speed up healing. Eg align or culturelle I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions