For me pale stools are bad news and yes it can be liver related. I think its the bile that gives the stool its healthy brown colour. When my stools go pale I have to take things to increase my bile production...like Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root Coffee, Artichoke (I dont know of any more herbs but maybe someone else does). I also have BV but I havent noticed that any increase in the bad bacteria makes any difference to my stools. Before I started my liver supplement I had pale stools - now they are looking a more normal colour. I also have to avoid fat when I have this problem because it seems to make it worse. This is only my experience....and what has worked for me. I guess its different for everyone.