Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content

Socializing is good for your health. You can earn AARP Rewards points while you learn how to get connected. Find out more.

Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Popular Searches

Games

Car rental

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

Travel

Suggested Links
Help Show me my account info Change my Address How do I contact AARP? Where is my membership card? How do I get a digital card?
Red Membership Card

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

120x30-AARP-logo-red
Join
Renew
Enroll
Rejoin

AARP en Español

Join
Renew
Enroll
Rejoin
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Continue Cancel

Quiz: Do You Know the Scoop on Your Poop?

What comes out of your body can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside of it

By

Rachel Nania,

 
AARP
Published April 19, 2024
toilet paper on a holder and pink background
Getty Images

Question 1 of 8

Bright-red blood in the stool could signal:

Bright-red blood often indicates that the bleeding is coming from the lower end of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract — “and it’s almost always from hemorrhoids,” says William Chey, M.D., professor of gastroenterology and nutrition sciences at Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan. It could also be from a small tear in the tush.

Question 2 of 8

Poop that appears pale could indicate a problem with which body organ:

If your poop appears pale and even seems to float in the toilet, it may be an indication that your pancreas, an organ that aids in digestion, isn’t functioning properly.

Question 3 of 8

True or false: Constipation is more common among older adults.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 16 percent of adults have symptoms of constipation. Among adults ages 60 and older, that share about doubles.

Question 4 of 8

The following can help relieve constipation:

“I tell many of my patients who have issues with constipation: The more you move, the more your gut moves,” says Reezwana Chowdhury, M.D., a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “A sedentary lifestyle does slow your gut down.” 
Image Alt Attribute

Save 25% when you join AARP and enroll in Automatic Renewal for the first year

Get instant access to discounts, programs, services and information you need to benefit every area of your life. 

Join Now

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

Question 5 of 8

You should call your doctor if you're routinely having diarrhea at night.

Everyone experiences diarrhea from time to time. But if you find yourself getting it frequently and getting up with it at night, it could indicate an underlying disease, like inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis or celiac disease.

Question 6 of 8

True or false: Iron supplements can cause your poop to turn black.

Taking iron supplements or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can turn your stool black. Black stool can also indicate bleeding somewhere in the upper GI tract, so it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

Question 7 of 8

Stool that appears pencil-thin could indicate which of the following:

If you are someone who is pretty regular and find you’re suddenly not able to go — or can only produce pencil-thin stools — it could point to an obstruction in your GI tract.

Question 8 of 8

True or false: Eating beets can cause your poop to turn red.

Food can have an effect on the hue of your poo. For example, beets can cause your stool to turn red — so can tomato soup and cranberries. Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach can make it green.

You have unanswered questions. Please go back and complete those questions to finish the quiz.

0 Correct
0 Incorrect

AARP Value & Member Benefits

  • AARP Rewards
    Magazines & Resources

    AARP Rewards

    Learn, earn and redeem points for rewards with our free loyalty program

    Learn More
    See more Magazines & Resources offers >
  • two women hugging and smiling happy to see each other
    MEMBERS ONLY
    Health & Wellness

    AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

    Dental insurance plans for members and their families

    Learn More
    See more Health & Wellness offers >
  • smiling lady phone laptop
    Health & Wellness

    The National Hearing Test

    Members can take a free hearing test by phone

    Learn More
    See more Health & Wellness offers >
  • couple on couch looking at tablet
    Health & Wellness

    AARP® Staying Sharp®

    Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

    Learn More
    See more Health & Wellness offers >