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The Curious Bag
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The color of stools is often influenced by the body's production of bile, the substance that helps rid the body of waste through digestion. Bile is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine. White or abnormally pale stools are typically due to an underproduction or under-secretion of bile, which could be caused by a variety of factors.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis, a condition in which the liver is inflamed, can affect processes of the liver, including bile production.
Biliary Cirrhosis
With biliary cirrhosis, the bile ducts of the liver deteriorate, causing less bile to be produced.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened chemical deposits that collect in the gallbladder. These stones can prevent bile secretion into the small intestine.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, can cause a buildup of bile.
Medications
Some antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs and antacids can cause pale stools temporarily.
Other Causes
Pale-colored stool may also be caused by conditions such as celiac disease, an impaired pancreas or cysts or tumors in the bile ducts.
Source:
MayoClinic.com: White Stool--Should I be Concerned?
WrongDiagnosis.com: White Stool
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