Q: Because of my living situation (no stove or microwave), I eat broccoli most days of the week, if not every day. I mainly eat it raw-- broccoli tacos, broccoli florets. I also put it just about everything I eat. TMI Alert : Since I have GI issues, including ulcerative colitis, I usually try to notice what's going on with my stools, the color especially. I ate broccoli daily for months this year without any green color. However, about a week ago it just started to change color.

I started eating broccoli about 10 years ago. High blood pressure and heart disease made me decide to try it. Am I overdoing it? I actually really like it now, and don't want to give it up. Any suggestions?

A: Hello! You raise a VERY important question.....that stool color is one marker of good health. Since you have a variety of digestive issues, it's most important to follow up with your doctor regularly to make sure your nutrient needs are met, regardless of stool color. I would suggest taking a daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement (100% of the recommended daily intake, RDI) as good "insurance".
 

A "green" stool often is a sign of faster transit time through the digestive tract, but can be caused by a variety of factors. If this is occurring frequently, you should telephone your doctor.

While it's great that you like broccoli - it's nutrient dense, fiber rich, and has anti-cancer properties - and you can't over do it, you might want a little more variety, and get a greater variety of nutrients. Any colorful vegetable is a good option - and try some fresh fruit, if it agrees with your digestive tract. The other vegetables in the broccoli "family", called cruciferous vegetables, are cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.

So, enjoy your broccoli, and try to be a more adventurous vegetable and fruit eater. You can also rotate raw and cooked varieties of any fruits and veggies....

Good luck, and let me know how you are doing!

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Madelyn H. Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, is the iVillage Health Editor-at-Large, Diet & Nutrition Editor for the Today Show and the Founder and Director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Management Center.