How Worried Should You Be if You See Blood in Your Stool?

Update: 2025-05-02

Description

Seeing blood in your stool can be stressful. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial. Gastroenterologist Dr. Lucy Joo joins the podcast to explain the possible causes of bloody stool, from hemorrhoids and anal fissures to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

Dr. Joo breaks down how lifestyle habits, such as prolonged phone use in the bathroom, can impact gut health and contribute to issues like hemorrhoids. Dr. Joo also shares her expert tips for improving gut health, including the importance of fiber, hydration and stress management.

Resources:

Bloody Stool: Is It Colon Cancer or Is It Something Else?

Trust Your Gut: How Gut Health May Be Affecting Your Cancer Risk

Prebiotics versus Probiotics for Gut Health: What’s the Difference?

How Stress Is Affecting Your Gut Health—and What You Can Do to Manage It

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