Causes, is it normal, and when to see a doctor

Stool is denser than water and usually sinks, but it can float if it contains too much fiber, fat, or gas. This could stem from an infection, irritable bowel syndrome, and other health conditions.

If an individual’s stool floats often, it may be the result of their diet or a medical condition.

This article will provide information about some of the causes of floating stool. It will also discuss when a person’s stool indicates the need to seek guidance from a doctor.

Stool’s ability to float is usually related to air. A high fiber diet and gas can cause stool to float.

However, if a person’s stool never sinks, it may be an indication of an underlying health condition, such as:

• malabsorption
• a gastrointestinal (GI) infection
• pancreatitis

Excess fat in stool can also lead to floating stool. This can happen if a person consumes a large quantity of fat in their diet or if they have a condition that affects fat absorption, such as Crohn’s disease.

A diet high in fiber leads to increased bacterial fermentation during digestion. This produces more air, which can get trapped in stool, causing it to float.

Many high fiber foods, such as beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower, can cause gas. A 2020 study found that switching from a low fiber diet to a diet rich in fiber increased bloating, especially when the new diet was also rich in protein.

Some people also develop gas when they change their diet. If stool floats after an individual has eaten a new food or has switched to a new diet, gas could be the culprit.

Research from 2016 notes that 95% of adults and children in the United States do not consume enough fiber. Recommendations for fiber intake vary by age and sex.

Females aged 19–50 years should consume at least 25 grams (g) of fiber per day, while males in the same age group need at least 38 g of fiber daily.

GI infections can cause floating stool.

Some infections may cause gas, which can become trapped in the stool, lowering its density. In other cases, certain infections impair the body’s ability to absorb food, causing malabsorption. This can lead to fatty stools that float.

One example includes giardiasis. This is a parasitic infection that results in greasy stools that float.

Q:

What other GI infections can cause floating stool?

Anonymous

A:

Any GI infection can cause your stool to float, because the gas that the virus, bacterium, or parasite creates causes the stool to float. Other GI infection examples include those caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-CAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational, and people should not consider it to be medical advice.

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Some GI disorders can cause stool to float.

The authors of a 2015 study found that 26% of people with functional bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, had floating stools.

Additionally, 3% of those with functional GI disorders, which are a group of disorders that affect movement in the digestive tract, had floating stools.

For some individuals, floating stool may be the first warning sign of a GI or bowel problem. When floating stool occurs alongside other symptoms, such as pain, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation, it may signal an underlying GI issue.

According to research from 2021, floating stools are a symptom of a malabsorption syndrome. The stool may also be greasy and large and smell foul.

Examples of malabsorption syndromes that can lead to floating stool are fat malabsorption and carbohydrate malabsorption.

Fat malabsorption is one of the most common syndromes and can lead to steatorrhea. This is an increase of fat in stool, causing it to float. Although floating stool may be a sign of steatorrhea, a 2017 article observes that stool sticking to the toilet bowl is a more specific sign.

Steatorrhea can also occur due to a variety of malabsorption conditions, including small intestine disorders and liver and biliary disease.

Disorders that affect the small intestine can cause steatorrhea. People who have had a portion of their small intestine surgically removed, such as to treat Crohn’s disease, may also experience steatorrhea.

The liver produces bile, which helps the body digest food. When little or no bile reaches the intestines, it may result in a fatty stool. A person may also lose weight or develop diarrhea. Liver disease, blocked bile ducts, and gallstones may cause a fatty stool.

Carbohydrate malabsorption also causes stool to float. It occurs when a person’s body is unable to absorb starch, lactose, and sucrose. Carbohydrates that the body does not absorb ferment in the colon, leading to acidic stool, bloating, and flatulence. This gas can become trapped in the stool, causing it to float.

One important cause of carbohydrate malabsorption is lactose intolerance, which is the inability to metabolize lactose properly. This occurs when an individual’s digestive system produces too little of an enzyme known as lactase. It is also the most common cause of malabsorption.

People with lactose intolerance may experience bloating and diarrhea when they consume milk, cheese, or other dairy products.

As a 2017 article explains, some conditions affecting the pancreas can lead to a fatty stool due to fat malabsorption. Malabsorption can occur when the pancreatic enzymes or bile does not travel in sufficient quantities to the small intestine.

The result is a fatty stool that may float or be difficult to flush. The stool may also be white or very pale. Additionally, a person may notice that they have very dark urine.

Floating stool can also occur as a result of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.

Pancreatic cancer causes stool that is greasy and light in color. A person may also experience itchy skin, poor appetite, and weight loss, among other symptoms.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can lead to pain in the upper abdomen that may also spread to the back. Additionally, a person may experience:

• fever
• a fast heartbeat
• nausea
• vomiting
• a swollen abdomen

It is not possible to diagnose conditions affecting the pancreas based on a person’s symptoms alone. Pancreatic disorders are serious, so it is essential to get help and treatment as soon as possible.

Floating stools are not usually a cause for concern, as they can result from gas being trapped in the stool and from a high fiber diet. However, if the symptom persists, a person may wish to contact a doctor.

It is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if:

• a floating stool also looks very fatty or greasy, and the symptom persists
• a person experiences chronic constipation or diarrhea
• the stool is very light or pale
• a person begins losing weight unintentionally
• a person with an underlying medical condition develops changes in their bowel habits
• a person has very dark urine

If an individual suspects that they have pancreatitis, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the following symptoms occur:

• pain that begins in the upper abdomen that:
  • begins slowly or suddenly
  • spreads to the back
  • is mild or severe
  • lasts for several days
• fever
• vomiting
• nausea
• a swollen abdomen
• a fast heartbeat

Stool is the body’s way of eliminating waste, and it typically reflects a person’s diet. Floating stool, changes in stool color, and other temporary changes in bowel habits are usually not a sign of a serious medical condition.

However, a person should contact a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse. A doctor can do a variety of tests to reach a diagnosis.

Read this article in Spanish.

Why Do Stools Float Sometimes?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are Floating Stools?
• Why Would Stools Float?
• When To See a Doctor
• Treatment
• Prevention

Stools, or poop, usually sink to the bottom of the toilet, but sometimes, they can float. If your poop never sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl, you may have too much gas in your intestines.‌

Normally, floating stools aren’t a cause for concern. Read on to learn more about why stools float, what floating stools say about your health, and more.

When stools float, it means the poop stays on the surface of the toilet water instead of sinking. Normally, poop sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl.‌

Floating poop doesn’t mean you’re sick, but it can be a symptom of various conditions.

There are several reasons why poop floats and never seems to sink.

Too much gas. You may have too much gas in you due to your diet, which can make your stools float. 

Some people think that floating poop is caused by fat, but it’s usually caused by gas. Research has indicated that once floating stools were degassed, they weighed the same as sinking poop. This indicates that gas was responsible for making floating stools float, rather than fat inside the poop.

Gas in your digestive system is usually caused when you swallow air or eat certain types of foods that break down into gas. 

If you eat a high-fiber diet with a lot of vegetables and fruits, you may get floating stools because digesting high-fiber foods releases more air during digestion. This leads to air or gas being trapped in the stool, making it float in the toilet bowl.

Medical conditions. If your poop floats, there’s a slight chance you have steatorrhea, which means you have too much fat in your poop. Steatorrhea indicates you can’t absorb fat properly, and it can be a symptom of the following conditions:

• Celiac disease
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis
• Diseases affecting small intestines such as tropical sprue, Whipple disease, and lymphoma
• Bile acid deficiency

You may also have the following conditions if you have floating poop:

• Gastrointestinal infection
• Malabsorption, which means you’re not absorbing nutrients as well as you should

Floating stools don’t necessarily mean you have an underlying health condition. To determine if a health condition is causing this, you should be on the lookout for other indicators. 

If your floating stools are smelly, sticky, or bloody, for example, you should see a doctor. Your doctor will give you a proper diagnosis and walk you through the process of understanding your condition if you have one. Here’s a closer look at what might cause these symptoms.‌

Smelly and sticky stools. Smelly and sticky stools are typically a symptom of nutrient malabsorption. This means your body isn’t able to completely absorb and digest nutrients from your gastrointestinal tract due to damage to the small intestine, not having enough pancreatic enzymes, liver disease, HIV/AIDs, or other conditions.

If your floating stools are smelly and appear sticky, you should contact your doctor.

Blood in your stool. If your floating poop is accompanied by blood, it could be caused by:

• Bleeding in your anus or rectum
• Cancer of your digestive system
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
• Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine
• Polyps
• Diverticulitis ‌

If you find blood in your stools, you should see a doctor. If you’re experiencing weight loss, dizziness, or fever in addition to finding blood in your stools, you should talk to your doctor immediately. You should also get emergency medical help if there is a lot of blood in your poop, or if it is maroon or black and tarry.‌

Your doctor will be able to determine what is the exact cause of bloody poop through imaging tests and physical exams.

When you visit your doctor, they will likely ask you several questions about your medical history and your current health to determine why you have floating stools. They will also ask you about your diet and how long you’ve been having this issue so they can make any needed diet and medication recommendations.

Unless there is a medical condition causing you to have floating poops, there is no need to do anything to treat or prevent them.

Monitor your pooping habits. Always be aware of any changes to your stool and bowel movements. If you’re suddenly pooping more or less, or your poop looks very different, you should report these changes to your doctor. Your doctor will find it easier to diagnose any health conditions you may have if you keep an organized record about your pooping habits.

Changing your diet. Sometimes, preventing floating poop can be as easy as changing your diet, since floating poop can be caused by eating foods that cause you to have more gas.

You should avoid the following foods if you have a problem with too much gas:

• Hard candy
• Fizzy or carbonated drinks
• Gum‌

Keep a food diary so you can keep track of what you eat and narrow down what foods are giving you gas. You should bring this diary to your doctor so you can talk to them about how you can change your diet.

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How can our faeces help in early diagnosis?

We all poop, and even princesses don’t do it with violets. We’ll tell you what to pay attention to!

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Health

Health problems

What do these symptoms mean?

For some, the process of defecation is uncomfortable and unpleasant, associated with pain or shame. For others, it’s just part of the “cycle of life.” Babies inevitably go through the exciting process of getting to know the contents of their diapers.

In our culture, going to the bathroom “big” is almost never discussed publicly. But there is no need to be ashamed of this process – we all sit on a faience throne from time to time. Shameful inattention can even be harmful – our feces can “tell” about what is happening in the body and how it can be helped.

What is feces made of?

Mainly from undigested food, proteins, bacteria, minerals and other substances passing through the intestines. Every person is unique when it comes to feces, but there are a few common signs in shape, size, and odor that may indicate an unhealthy or unhealthy gastrointestinal tract.

What should be a normal stool?

Healthy feces can be as varied and unique as the people who produced them. But there are several general criteria by which you can evaluate the results of your digestive creativity:

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Color

The natural color for faeces is brown. Bilirubin is responsible for it – a pigment compound formed during the breakdown of red blood cells in the body.

Shape

We’re not cube-pooping wombats, so our bowels assume the more traditional, familiar shapes of feces—a log or a sausage. However, as we will learn later, various other options are possible that indicate problems.

Size

Feces should not come out in small “goat” balls (we will also talk about this later). The “standard” length is 5-6 centimeters, which is due to the ease of passage of feces through the intestines.

Consistency

Here the normal range is quite wide – normal feces can be both harder and softer. Deviations in one direction or another may indicate problems with digestion or an imbalance of fiber in the diet.

Duration of the process

If a person sits in the toilet for a long time, we believe that he is most likely pooping (or perhaps trying to hide from mumbling children for at least ten minutes). But for a healthy body, the process of defecation takes no longer than a couple of minutes. Therefore, if you spend more time in the toilet, this is an occasion to think about it.

What is the shape of feces and what does it indicate?

1. Goat balls

Hard small lumps that come out with difficulty usually indicate constipation. The frequent appearance of such a consistency is a reason to reconsider your diet.

2. Fat Caterpillar

Feces may be sausage-shaped but hard and lumpy in texture. This is also a sign of constipation.

3. “Sausage”

Faeces not too hard, not too soft, with small cracks on the surface. Gold standard, well done! Continue in the same spirit.

4. “Snake”

Feces are soft, smooth and long, shaped like a snake. In general, this is a variant of the norm.

5. Jellyfish

Feces are small in size, like goat balls, but have a soft texture and a fairly distinct shape. Usually such feces indicate a lack of fiber in the diet, so it is worth sticking to vegetables and cereals.

6. “Vegetable puree”

Feces are “airy” and soft, with jagged edges. This type of stool is closer to diarrhea, so drink plenty of fluids.

7. “Blotography”

Feces are completely liquid, there are few or no solid particles at all. This is diarrhea, or, as the people say, diarrhea. Feces passed through the intestines too quickly and did not have time to form.

What can stool color indicate?

How important is color when it comes to poop? It turns out yes. It helps to understand what is happening inside the body.

The normal color of feces, as we have already said, are shades of brown. A small greenery is also not terrible and may not be a sign of a problem. The following colors of feces should attract your attention:

Black

Who among us has not observed black feces with mild horror after taking a blister of activated charcoal? Surely there are such people, but there are hardly too many of them in the Russian expanses. Other “safe” causes of black feces can be iron supplements, bismuth preparations, hematogen, and even licorice.

But if you haven’t used anything like this, immediately go to the doctor – the black color of the feces can be caused by digested blood, which means that somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract there is bleeding.

Green

Small greens, as we have already mentioned, are not terrible.

But if the stool is more green than brown, then you may have one of two reasons: either you eat too many greens, or the stool passes through the intestines too quickly. In the latter case, bilirubin simply does not have time to color the stool in the usual brown color.

Pale, whitish or clay-colored

A color that is too light may indicate a lack of bile. We need it for healthy digestion and is normally produced by the liver and gallbladder. If the stool is too light, you may have a clogged bile duct, so don’t put off going to the doctor.

Pale stools can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Red

Yes, it’s blood. Perhaps problems with hemorrhoids, possibly bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract (as we already know, the higher the source of bleeding, the more time the blood has to digest).

Well, or you ate beets. Or cranberries. Or tomatoes.

Yellow

Greasy, foul-smelling yellow feces may indicate too much fat that has not been digested. It may also be associated with malabsorption of nutrients (for example, celiac disease).

Is it true that feces do not sink, as in the well-known proverb?

Normally, feces should just sink. They begin to swim when the density decreases, which happens due to an increase in the amount of water or gases in the composition.

Another cause may be malabsorption, the malabsorption of nutrients in the small intestine. In this case, the “big swim” may be accompanied by mild constipation.

When can we talk about constipation?

It turns out that constipation is not only a situation of long “sessions in parliament”. From a medical point of view, you can talk about constipation if you have a bowel movement less than three times a week!

There can be many reasons: from a nervous breakdown to problems with the nerves in the pelvic area, from diabetes to pregnancy. We humans are gentle creatures, and a huge number of factors affect our digestion. Many animals “from nerves” also stop pooping first. Take the same cats – after moving or strong excitement, the poor animal may not go to the pot for 3-4 days.

But back to homo sapiens. If you suffer from constipation, try drinking more water and eating vegetables, fruits, and legumes. And don’t forget to move – at least walk. There is a good chance that the problem will be solved.

A not very physiological posture can make defecation difficult. Why this happens can be clearly seen in the extremely ironic commercial with the prince and the unicorn.

When should I see a doctor?

If stool problems persist for more than a couple of days, you should consult a doctor. Green stool or a strange shape happens to everyone from time to time, but recurrence is a sign of a problem.

Chronic constipation can cause bowel obstruction, and chronic diarrhea can make it difficult to absorb essential nutrients and lead to severe dehydration. These conditions can also be signs of more serious illnesses.

Signs of bleeding are a reason to see a doctor without delay.

Do you pay attention to the results of your labors in the toilet?

It may not be very pleasant to look at your feces, except for a glimpse, or think about such an indelicate toilet topic. But this, nevertheless, the quality of bowel movements and the color of urine is a quick, simple and completely free way to understand if everything is in order with our body.

Source

Why poop sinks (and why they float) – Drink-Drink

07/07/2022 07/10/2023

• Floating and sinking poop
  • What to do if your poop floats to the surface. poop color
    • Unhealthy shapes
  • Healthy poop smell
    • Unhealthy smells
  • Doctor visit
  • Healthy poop frequency
    • Relieve Constipation
  • Conclusion

  When was the last time you looked at what you left in the toilet?

  While there are certainly more attractive (and better smelling) things, checking out what comes out on the other end can actually tell you a lot about your diet, activity level and overall health.

  It is especially important to know if your stool is sinking or floating. But since you probably (hopefully?) don’t look at other people’s poop regularly, it can be difficult to know if yours is “normal”.

  Let’s go over the basics of what normal, healthy poop looks like, what to do if it doesn’t look normal, and when to see a doctor.

  Floating and sinking poop

  Feed typically consists of:

  • indigestible fat
  • food leftovers
  • bacteria
  • a large percentage of water

  Hearing a loud “pop!” when you sit on the toilet, it is actually a sign that your poop is dense and therefore healthy.

  If you’re on a high-fiber diet and your digestive system is working at full capacity, your stool should be heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the toilet.

  What to do if your poop floats to the surface.

  Although healthy stools sink, sometimes your stools float up like a lifeline.

  One of the causes of floating stools is the formation of gas in the intestines, which is mainly due to the action of bacteria in the large intestine. These bacteria produce gas as a result of their activity in the processing of food in the intestines. Usually the population of these gut bacteria is under control. However, under certain conditions, their number may increase. In addition, some conditions can cause incomplete digestion and absorption of food in the intestines. Both can lead to excess gas production.

  Gas can also enter the intestines from the air that is swallowed during breathing, eating and drinking. Carbonated drinks are a source of gas in the intestines. In addition, gas is able to penetrate the walls of the intestine and be formed as a result of the chemical breakdown of food.

  If you leave random floats behind, this is probably nothing to worry about. Eating new foods or foods that cause more gas can make your stool less dense, resulting in floating stools. It usually goes away on its own after about a day.

  Floating stools can sometimes be a symptom of a gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal infection. They also tend to be temporary and will disappear on their own.

  But if your stool floats a lot and seems greasy, it could mean you have malabsorption.

  Another symptom of malabsorption is weight loss. See your doctor if this is a regular symptom for you, especially if it is accompanied by floating poop.

  Floating stools can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS has other symptoms as well, such as:

  • cramps
  • bloating after eating
  • constipation
  • frequent diarrhea

  If, in addition to these other symptoms, you often have floating poop, talk to your doctor.

  Healthy poop color

  Healthy brown stool. This is because bile from your digestive organs colors your stool.

  Your poop may vary in color depending on what you have eaten recently. If your stool looks very dark or even black, it’s probably because you’ve been eating a lot of blueberries or foods that use dark food colorings like black licorice.

  Unhealthy shades

  If the color of your stool is not between yellow and dark brown, this may indicate a serious health problem.

  Light color

  Light brown, gray, or clay-colored feces may indicate that your bile ducts are not working at full capacity. This may be a sign of:

  • hepatitis
  • blockage of the bile ducts
  • gallstones
  • tumor in the liver or pancreas

  If your stool becomes lighter than usual and does not return to its dark brown color, look for other symptoms you may have. Contact your doctor if you are not feeling well.

  Red

  Red stools or bloody stools may be a sign that you have a rectal blockage. It can also indicate hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.

  In some cases, red stools can be a warning sign of colorectal polyps or bowel cancer.

  If you see blood in your stools or frequently have red stools, call your doctor and let him know, regardless of other symptoms. They will be able to tell you if you need to have your stool checked to determine what is causing your red stools.

  Healthy poop shape and texture

  Poop can take on many shapes and stay healthy.

  Your faeces usually come out in shaped logs of clay consistency. Narrow, snake-shaped stool is also considered normal. Your poop can be big, small, short, or long: all of these shapes are on the spectrum of normal values.

  Unhealthy shapes

  There are some features in the consistency and shape of your stool that may indicate an underlying medical condition. Most things about the shape and size of your stool have to do with your diet.

  Stool that looks lumpy or is shaped like a small softball or caterpillar may mean that you are constipated. Increase your water intake if you notice that your stools are pebbly or dry, even if you don’t strain to walk.

  A stool that looks bumpy or fuzzy may mean it’s time to fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  Low fiber in your diet can cause poop to become very soft. If your feces lack (for lack of a better word) definition, increase the amount of fiber you get at every meal.

  Healthy smell of poop

  Even healthy poop doesn’t smell the best. After all, there is a reason why the word “excrement” is synonymous with the word “rude.”

  Bad-smelling poop is the result of the decomposition of bacteria and food. Poop has a very distinct smell that you are probably familiar with, and each feces smells differently. Feces with an earthy or musty odor are typical and normal.

  Unhealthy smells

  Stool that smells like fat, unpleasant or especially putrid may be a sign in your body that something else is going on.

  Taking antibiotics alters the microbiota in the gut. This can lead to foul-smelling stools. Often this is temporary and goes away on its own, but a course of probiotic supplements can’t hurt to help.

  If you are menstruating, your stool may have a distinct and strong odor during your period (which is completely normal).

  You may also develop bad-smelling stools in addition to diarrhea if you take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin or supplement. This too will go away on its own in a day or two.

  Seeing a doctor

  If your poop is especially smelly and accompanied by other symptoms, you may need to see a doctor.

  Bacterial infections, such as food and dairy allergies, and gastrointestinal parasites, can cause abnormally foul-smelling stools. Malabsorption can also cause a strong odor.

  If your poop smells worse than usual, look for other symptoms you may have. Call your doctor if you have particularly smelly stools and:

  • frequent cramps
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • weight loss
  • bloody stools

  Healthy poop frequency

  Someone poops a couple of times a day. Others only poop every other day. Regularity is important, but there is a wide range of what is “normal” when it comes to poop frequency.

  You may poop more or less depending on how much fiber you have in your diet, how much meat you eat, what kind of physical activity you tend to do, and other factors.

  Relief of constipation

  If you feel constipated, first try increasing your water intake. Dehydration means you may not have enough water passing through your intestines to form hard, healthy stools.

  If that doesn’t work, increase your fiber intake. Keep in mind that eating a lot of fiber can actually slow down digestion, at least initially.

  Home remedies for constipation are another option if you don’t poop regularly. Consider taking a magnesium supplement or a natural laxative to get things moving. Certain exercises, such as jogging or yoga, can also help.

  Tell your doctor if you regularly get constipated or if your stools are hard and dry.

  Conclusion

  Healthy poop tends to settle to the bottom of the toilet bowl, look dark brown and smell a little musty, but not particularly unpleasant.