Why some feces float and others sink

Illustration showing the role of gut microbial influence on fecal floatation in mice. The illustration was created using in BioRender.com. Credit: Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22626-x

A team of researchers at the Mayo Clinic has solved the mystery of why some people find their bowel movements floating while others find theirs sinking to the bottom of the toilet bowl. In their paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, the group describes their accidental discovery of the answer.

Prior to the 1970s, scientists believed that fecal matter either sank or floated depending on the amount of fat it contained. Experiments showed that not to be the case. Instead, trials with healthy human subjects showed that the difference was due to the amount of gas in a given fecal sample. But the question still remained: Why does fecal matter from some people tend to have more gas, and hence, more buoyancy than that of others?

In this new effort, the researchers were studying the microbiome of several lab mice, and sterilized the guts of some of them as a way to isolate differences in digestion and overall health related to different bacteria. As the experiments proceeded, the researchers noticed that none of the fecal samples produced by the sterilized mice floated. In mice, normally half of samples are floaters.

That suggested that floating fecal matter was related to the makeup of the gut microbiome. The researchers then collected stool samples from healthy mice that were not part of the original study, but who produced floaters, and injected the material into the guts of the sterile mice. They found that all of the test mice began producing floaters. This, the researchers contend, suggests that the reason some fecal matter floats is due to the nature of the bacteria in the gut—some produce more gas than others.

The researchers were not able to isolate the bacteria that produced more gas, but did note that Bacteroides ovatus has previously been found to produce more flatulence in human patients. Logic suggests it is likely one of the culprits responsible for the formation of floaters in humans, and perhaps in lab mice. The team suggests more work will need to be done to confirm their suspicions and to find other bacteria involved in producing more gas, and thus floaters.

More information:
Syed Mohammed Musheer Aalam et al, Genesis of fecal floatation is causally linked to gut microbial colonization in mice, Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22626-x

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Bowel cancer symptoms: Should poo sink or float? What a healthy stool looks like

Bowel cancer symptoms: Should poo sink or float? What a healthy stool looks like | Express. co.uk

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BOWEL cancer symptoms include stomach pain, a change in bowel habits, and finding blood in your stool. You could reveal your risk of the cancer by checking your poo after using the toilet. Should a healthy poo sink or float?

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Bowel cancer: Signs and symptoms to look out for

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer to be diagnosed in the UK, according to the NHS.

Most people diagnosed with the cancer are over 60 years old.

Bowel cancer symptoms include a persistent change in bowel habit, or a persistent abdominal pain.

But, the symptoms of bowel cancer can be difficult to spot, and may not necessarily make you feel unwell.

One of the ways to check whether you’re at risk of bowel cancer is to check your poo after using the toilet.

Bowel cancer symptoms: Should poo sink or float? What a healthy stool looks like

Almost half of people in the UK have never checked their poo, according to the Taymount Clinic.

If your poo is dark red or brown, it could be a sign of bowel cancer.

The darker red colour comes from blood high up in the bowel.

If there’s a bright red tinge to your stool, it could be caused by haemorrhoids.

A healthy stool should also sink, the clinic added.

GETTY Images/Ramsay Health Care UK

Bowel cancer symptoms: Should poo sink or float? What a healthy stool looks like

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“Your poo shouldn’t normally float,” the Taymount Clinic told Express.co.uk.

“If your gut is doing its job, you should be digesting oils and fats which will make your stool sink.

“The odd floater is not an issue, but if it is a common occurrence this can be a sign of bad digestive health.”

The ideal poo should look like a smooth, soft sausage, according to Ramsay Health Care UK.

It should be about an inch in diameter, and about 12 inches long.

Ramsay Health Care UK

Bowel cancer symptoms: Dark red or black poo could be a sign of something serious

The exact cause of bowel cancer isn’t known, according to the NHS.

But, you could be at higher risk of the condition if you’re over 60 years old, are overweight, or eat a lot of processed meat.

The NHS offers two types of bowel cancer screening for adults in England.

A faecal occult blood test requires a home-stool testing kit, while a bowel scope screening involves using a thin instrument to look inside the bowel.

Speak to a GP if you’re worried about the symptoms of bowel cancer.

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A question for those who have only one style of swimming – with an ax. I can’t swim .. I console myself with words – only a poop doesn’t drown .. how do you calm yourself))? – Discuss

A question for those who have only one style of swimming – with an ax. — Discuss

An

Angela

A question for those who have only one style of swimming – with an ax. I can’t swim .. I console myself with words – only a poop doesn’t drown .. how do you calm yourself))?
question
word
axe
style
swimming

5 years

486

59

2

Answers

Elchin Tehmezov

I constantly have cramps in my legs, when in the water, if the water rises to the throat, I suffocate. But I still learned how to swim and swim without using my legs. And then I learned not to drown with convulsions, with water entering the nose. In a nutshell – I learned to be shit))) Excuses are not in my nature.

5 years

0

An

Angela

You are great)

5 years

1

Va

Vasilisa

I didn’t calm down in any way, I just accepted that I couldn’t swim. And then I learned. It was just a matter of getting over the fear. Not the brain, but the body. Holding on to a foam board in a pool. The body agreed that it could swim, and we swam))))

5 years

0

An

Angela

And I swallowed salt water, eating a jellyfish … and wild fear

5 years

1

Va

Vasilisa

Go to the pool and learn how to swim in a week. And you won’t have to calm yourself down with anything)

5 years

1

An

Angela

))

5 years

1

Andrew

The thought that if I drown, my relatives will sell my favorite car, the girl will go to another and throw away my turtle pillow. But I won’t give up the panzer!)))

5 years

0

MA

Mikhail Arutyunov

since you were born with shit!)), then you will be a poop – a thousand years until you die! (((–swim!

5 years

0

Larisa

You can’t swim much here. Any poisonous circle swims. Not a swimmer.

5 years

0

Sergei Anahin

Don’t worry. My wife and I have traveled the seas and oceans, but she cannot swim.

5 years

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Sergey Ponafidin

Pf… I would teach you to swim… Afterwards, you wouldn’t have to calm yourself down like that

5 years

0

An

Angela

Come visit us in the summer)

5 years

1

Sergey Ponafidin

Prepare swimsuit

5 years

1

MB

Maxim Belov

but I can’t walk, but I can swim, but there are no words for consolation…

5 years

0

PS

Petr Sokolov

Only fear cannot swim, you lose control from fear.

5 years

0

An

Angela

Wild fear. I would say

5 years

1

PS

Petr Sokolov

That’s it Mikhalych. Water itself holds a person.

5 years

1

Me

Mechan.

It’s better to swim poop, if you come up bloated in three days.

5 years

0

Alexander

I love to fly. born to crawl get off the runway.

5 years

0

LK

Ludmila Kuzmina

No consolation. I just don’t get upset about it.

5 years

0

Di

Diana

But I have learned and I can’t calm myself down. .. and I advise you!!

5 years

0

Artemy Matsnev Z

To learn how to swim, you need to make friends with water.

5 years

0

An

Angela

I have a difficult relationship with her)

5 years

1

Artemy Matsnev Z

Find yourself a swimming coach, sign up for the pool.

5 years

1

Vi

Vitaly

When he couldn’t swim, he didn’t go into the water above his chest))))

5 years old

0

KK

Kolya Kolvach

everyone can swim, but just a lot of people are afraid of water

5 years

0

Ta

Tatiana

I’m afraid of water. Depth. But if suddenly … then I will sail away

5 years

0

Brown Sparrow

well, shit doesn’t sink, not in the physical sense))))

5 years

0

ஐஐ Vladimir ஐஐ

I don’t know how to swim either, but there’s no one to teach me.

5 years

0

Alex Dark

I can swim, I don’t think about poop)))

5 years old

0

An

Angela

Pfff)))

5 years

1

Next page

How do I know if my dog ​​can swim?

Contents

If your dog can swim, after some practice he will be able to row without splashing, he will enjoy being in the water, he will be alert and will not try to run out of the pool as fast as possible. can.

Is swimming difficult for dogs?

Water resistance makes your dog swim harder than he has to work on dry land to walk or run. It will show improved muscle strength and tone while working on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, without the impact of ground shaking and the associated damage they can cause.

Can all dogs swim naturally?

While you may have assumed that all dogs can swim, this is not always the case. Yes, some dog breeds do well in the water, but other dog breeds may be more likely to have difficulty in the water, no matter how much they row.

Can dogs be taught to swim?

Dogs have so many instincts that you might wonder, “Do all dogs know how to swim?” But while some dogs gravitate towards water or will swim if coaxed into a pool or lake, others can drown. However, just like you can teach a dog to sit or stand, you can usually teach a dog to swim.

What dog can’t swim?

Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, Pekingese, Basset Hound and Boxer are some of the most popular dog breeds that are usually unable to swim due to their anatomy and facial structure. In addition, dogs with perfect anatomy may struggle to stay afloat if they have a heavy, thick coat.

How to teach a dog to water?

Use the small paddling pool to introduce your dog to the water. On a leash, throw a special toy into the water. If she still resists, you can take a valuable treat and lure her in by placing the treat near her nose and praise and reward any attempt to enter the water.

Can a dog drown after bathing?

Most dogs love to swim, and if left on their own, they would probably never get out of the water. But when they get tired or can’t get out of the pool, dry drowning can be a real life hazard. What makes “dry drowning” so unusual is that it can happen hours – or even days – after swimming!

Which dog is the best swimmer?

Top 10 Swimming Dog Breeds

1. Standard Poodle. In fact, this dog got its name from the German word pudeln, which means “to splash.” Hopefully your standard poodle won’t splash in your eyes.
2. Newfoundland.
3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
4. English Setter.
5. Irish Water Spaniel.
6. Irish Setter.
7. Portuguese Water Dog.
8. Labrador Retriever.

Should dogs be taught to swim?

If you live near a dog-friendly lake or beach, or have a pool in your backyard, you should definitely encourage your dog to join you for a swim. But before you let your puppy jump into the deep, you need to first give him some basic dog swimming lessons, especially if he has never swum before.

How fast can a dog drown?

These symptoms, called near drowning or submersion syndrome, may appear up to 24 hours after the initial incident. 1-3 ml of water per kilogram of your dog’s weight will result in almost drowning, and 4 ml of water per kilogram or more will result in immediate drowning death.

At what age can you teach a dog to swim?

Start with very shallow, warm water.

When your dog is two to five months old, you can start teaching him to swim. At this age, he will have the strength and stamina needed for his first swimming lessons.

Are dogs bad for swimming pools?

The short answer is yes, it is generally safe to swim in a well-balanced pool of chlorinated or sea water with a dog’s supervision. Of course, don’t let your dog drink from the pool, but otherwise yes, it’s generally safe.

Can I throw my dog ​​into the pool?

Never force a dog or throw it into a pool. It’s always better when a dog thinks it’s his idea to get into the pool. Another thing to consider: if you allow your dog to use the pool, be sure to keep it clean. Monitor chlorine and pH levels regularly, and check filters and drains for dog hair.

Can dogs drown?

Although we think of them as natural swimmers, dogs can still drown. They may panic in strong currents or become exhausted if trapped in water, especially dogs in pools, ice holes, or rough seas.

Can dogs swim in cold water?

DogTrekker vets note that if the water feels too cold for you to stand and walk in, it’s not good for your dog. Temperatures below 50 degrees can be problematic, especially for some dogs (see breed section below). However, sailing time is also an important factor.

How to teach a dog to swim on the beach?

Treat and praise him as you head towards the ocean and start playing in the shallows. Make it fun, keep him full, and he’ll be eager to keep playing. Go to the ocean every day if you can, and gradually get deeper and deeper into the game.

Can dogs hold their breath underwater?

As with other non-aquatic mammals, dogs can hold their breath underwater. Most often this happens when they dive for toys or game. Your dog’s ability to hold his breath underwater, called the mammalian diving response, is a survival instinct built into every mammal.

How long do dogs have to swim?

Active dogs need about 20-30 minutes of pure swimming for a good workout, while others may only need 10-15 minutes. A dog’s swimming training can vary depending on its personality, age, and overall health. What is this? Some dogs enjoy it more than others, so anything from 5 to 60 minutes is possible.

How do you know if a dog is drowning dry?

How to detect dry drowning in dogs

1. Cough or tearing.
2. Signs of chest pain.
3. Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
4. Severe lethargy (due to lack of oxygen in the brain)

Can dogs choke on water?

If your young dog chokes after drinking water, he may have tracheal hypoplasia. This is a genetic disorder that dogs are born with. Signs of the problem usually begin to appear around five months of age. Basically, this condition means that your dog has an underdeveloped trachea.

Do dogs use their hind legs to swim?

Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are natural swimmers – your Labrador has webbed feet, but that doesn’t mean he knows how to use his hind legs effectively. “Dog paddle” should be taught to stubborn fidos before venturing into deep water.

How to train a dog for water rescue?

Play games with him, swim with him and walk along the shore. Play a simple game of finding objects in the water with your dog using a floating toy or a rope. This may help him get used to having to “bring” a person or rope used to pull the boat later.

How do you know if a dog has webbed feet?

To determine if your dog has webbed feet, hold your dog’s paw and spread your toes. if it has excess skin between its toes that looks like a duck’s foot, then it has a webbed foot. But, unlike duck feet, a dog’s foot will only have a partial webbing with extra skin connecting the toes together.

Can dogs drown in toilet bowls?

Prevention. Diving accidents can be reduced by increasing owners’ awareness of the risks of drowning. Dogs can drown in swimming pools, oceans, lakes, ponds, toilets, bathtubs, and water bowls.

How to prevent a dog from drowning in a pool?

5 easiest ways to keep your dog out of the pool:

1. Put up a fence. One of the most common ways to add a layer of protection around your pool is to literally enclose it.
2. Teach them pool commands.
3. Cover the pool.
4. Install an alarm on the pool gate.
5. Control their time outside.

Can my puppy swim?

A puppy can usually swim in a pool or small body of water between two and five months of age. The puppy should not be thrown into the pool, it should be introduced slowly and under good supervision. Show them how to enter and exit the pool.

Can my 8 week old puppy swim?

“Long-nosed puppies can be introduced to the water as early as 8 weeks old and can swim in a small, shallow pool,” says the doctor.

Is it bad for a dog to swim every day?

In short, if your dog swims frequently, he is likely to have dry, flaky skin if you are not vigilant. Chlorine and other chemicals can even strip it of its skin and make it look dull.

Why do dogs bite the water when they swim?

As long as it is wet, your dog is happy. Some dogs may be a little more excitable in the water than others. Not content with just splashing in or swimming in it, they can bite, dive, and snatch any water that moves.

Do dogs swim better than people?

Watching your beloved dog drift into the sea is heartbreaking. Doing nothing seems unthinkable. But experts say that’s exactly what a dog owner should be doing—nothing, because dogs are better swimmers than humans.

Is it bad for dogs to swim too much?

Water intoxication can lead to brain damage, heart failure and even death. Fortunately, water poisoning is not common, but it is important to be aware of the risk. The most common cases involve swimming dogs that drink too much water and dogs that drink too much fluid after playing or exercising.

Should I let my dog ​​swim in the lake?

Avoid small bodies of water that do not move. Beware of blue-green algae. Hot weather also means blue-green algae blooms on many lakes and ponds. These algae are toxic to dogs and can be fatal.

What is silent drowning?

In so-called dry drowning, the water never reaches the lungs. Instead, inhaling water causes your child’s vocal cords to spasm and close. This closes off their airways, making it difficult to breathe. You will start noticing these signs right away – it won’t happen all of a sudden in a few days.

What should I do if my dog ​​starts to drown?

Gently close the pet’s mouth and stretch the pet’s neck to open the airway. Close your pet’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see your pet’s chest rise. Repeat until the pet starts breathing on its own, and then take it to the vet. If the pet has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be performed.

Do dogs need wetsuits?

Yes, dogs sometimes need a wetsuit… they spend a lot of time in the water, swimming, kayaking or surfing.

Can dogs hold a grudge?

Research clearly shows that dogs have the cognitive and emotional capacity to hold a grudge. They remember events from the past, and these memories can last for a long time.

How long can dogs hold urine?

Adult dogs can hold urine up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesn’t mean they should. The average adult dog should be given relief at least 3-5 times a day. This is at least once every 8 hours.

How long can dogs hold poop?

Most healthy adult dogs are willing to go to the toilet about an hour after eating. However, if necessary, they can hold the stool much longer. In fact, a mostly healthy adult dog can hold a stool for 12 hours or more. If you’re stuck in traffic or at the office, your dog might be fine.

How often do dogs drown in swimming pools?

While some puppies dive more easily than others, even experienced swimmers can run into problems – in fact, an estimated 4,000 dogs drown in pools each year.

Why is my dog ​​looking at me?

Just as people look into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will look at their owners to show affection. In fact, eye contact between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and enhances feelings of love and trust.

Why does my dog ​​cough up white foam?

White cough foam may be a sign of kennel cough, bloating, or gastrointestinal upset. The last two conditions are classified as emergencies, so if your dog is coughing up white foam, contact your veterinarian or emergency doctor immediately.

Do dogs hiccup?

As in humans, spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle under the lungs, causes hiccups in dogs. The spasm causes a sudden closure of the glottis, the opening between the vocal cords. This results in an “whom” sound.

How can I make my dog ​​more comfortable in the water?

How can I help my shy dog?

1. Slow down. See where your dog feels comfortable and start from there.
2. Use valuable treats. Make your beach day truly positive by bringing treats that your dog loves.
3. Choose slow flowing water.
4. Relax.
5. Good luck.
6. Bring a friend.
7. Life jackets can help build self-confidence.