Do foods such as tomatoes or red apples cause stools to have red spots/ streaks on them??

Question

The reason why i ask this is that I have had at least two stools that I have noticed that part of them had red streaks on them ( not too many, just sporadically on a normally colored stool) , which caused me to get alarmed since it kind of made me think it was blood and they say that blood in stool can be a sign of colon cancer. Of course i did eat tomatoes when the two cases of the red in the stools occured as well as a red apple with the skin, but I am still worried, even though when I wipe there is no blood on the toilet paper, nor is the water all bloodied, but I am still unsure, and I am thinking of seeing a doctor soon.....Also the stools appear in many peices not just one whole one..My diet is also pretty healthy as I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and low in red meat, and I am excercising and in pretty good shape....I am 18 by the way and no history of medical problems to date

Answer 1

Do not go to the doctor -- if it was red blood in your stool anyway, that would mean that the blood was in the lowest part of the intestinal track, likely at the anus, such as a small tear. You only go to the doctor when the blood continues, not when it occurs once or twice.

That said, you have just evidenced the effects of insoluble fiber. You see, humans can't digest all parts of our fruits and veggies, like corn "shells" (the outer seed coat), grape skins, celery threads, tomato and apples skins, etc. If you watch your stool (not an activity for those with full, interesting lives), you will see all sorts of indigestible plant parts there within the brown mass. Not to worry, this is all normal.

Have a great day!

Answer 2

If you see the Dr. tell him what is going on and he will do what he needs to. My feeling is if it isn't undigested food, which it shouldn't be then it may be hemorrhoids. that is typical of them and that is nothing to be too worried, though you are young. He will do a test on the stool if he feels he needs to. but, do get it checked and put your mind at ease. you will feel better. Good luck and prayers your way.

Answer 3

if you have blood in your stool, you should notice a swril of red in the water.
if it appears to be chucnks of red, it is most likely undigested material of whatever color you ate.

Answer 4

I'd see a Doctor to be on the safe side, also I've heard blood turns your crap black.

Answer 5

Its normal!