Is it normal for poop to float or sink. What causes stool to float in the toilet. When should you be concerned about floating stools. How can you prevent floating poop. What does the consistency of your stool indicate about your health.

The Science Behind Floating and Sinking Stools

Understanding whether your stool should float or sink can provide valuable insights into your digestive health. Typically, stools sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl due to their density. However, floating stools are not uncommon and can occur for various reasons.

The primary factor determining whether stool floats or sinks is its composition. Stools that contain more gas or fat tend to float, while those with higher density and less gas content sink. This phenomenon is largely influenced by diet, digestive processes, and overall gut health.

What causes stool to float?

• Excess intestinal gas
• High-fiber diet
• Malabsorption of nutrients
• Certain medical conditions

Contrary to popular belief, floating stools are not always indicative of high fat content. Research has shown that when floating stools are degassed, they often weigh the same as sinking stools, suggesting that trapped gas is the primary cause of buoyancy.

The Role of Diet in Stool Buoyancy

Your diet plays a crucial role in determining whether your stool floats or sinks. Consuming foods that produce more gas during digestion can lead to floating stools. This is particularly common in individuals following a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

During the breakdown of high-fiber foods, more air is released, which can become trapped in the stool, causing it to float. While this is generally not a cause for concern, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet for optimal digestive health.

Foods that may contribute to floating stools:

1. Beans and legumes
2. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)
3. Whole grains
4. Carbonated beverages
5. Dairy products (for lactose-intolerant individuals)

Medical Conditions Associated with Floating Stools

While floating stools are often benign, they can sometimes be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. One such condition is steatorrhea, characterized by excess fat in the stool due to malabsorption issues.

Steatorrhea can be associated with various digestive disorders, including:

• Celiac disease
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Small intestine diseases (e.g., tropical sprue, Whipple disease)
• Bile acid deficiency

Other conditions that may cause floating stools include gastrointestinal infections and general malabsorption syndromes. It’s important to note that floating stools alone are not diagnostic of any specific condition and should be evaluated in context with other symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Floating Stools

While occasional floating stools are typically not a cause for concern, certain accompanying symptoms may warrant medical attention. It’s crucial to be aware of these red flags and consult a healthcare professional when necessary.

Warning signs to watch for:

• Persistent floating stools
• Foul-smelling, sticky stools
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits

If you experience any of these symptoms alongside floating stools, it’s advisable to consult your doctor for a proper evaluation. They can perform necessary tests and examinations to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

Diagnosing the Cause of Floating Stools

When you visit your doctor with concerns about floating stools, they will likely conduct a thorough assessment to determine the underlying cause. This process typically involves several steps:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your dietary habits, recent lifestyle changes, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
2. Physical examination: A general physical exam may be performed to check for any visible signs of illness or digestive issues.
3. Stool analysis: Your doctor may request a stool sample to test for the presence of excess fat, blood, or other abnormalities.
4. Blood tests: These can help identify nutritional deficiencies or markers of certain digestive disorders.
5. Imaging tests: In some cases, your doctor may recommend imaging studies such as CT scans or endoscopies to examine your digestive tract more closely.

Based on the results of these assessments, your healthcare provider can determine whether your floating stools are due to dietary factors, a medical condition, or other causes.

Treatment and Prevention of Floating Stools

The approach to treating or preventing floating stools depends on their underlying cause. In many cases, simple dietary modifications can be effective in reducing the occurrence of floating stools.

Dietary adjustments to consider:

• Reducing intake of gas-producing foods
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Chewing food thoroughly to minimize air swallowing
• Staying hydrated
• Gradually increasing fiber intake to allow your digestive system to adjust

If floating stools are related to a medical condition, your doctor will provide specific treatment recommendations. This may include medications, dietary changes, or other interventions tailored to your individual needs.

The Importance of Monitoring Bowel Habits

Maintaining awareness of your bowel habits is an essential aspect of overall health. Regular monitoring can help you identify changes that may warrant medical attention and provide valuable information to your healthcare provider if concerns arise.

Tips for effective bowel habit monitoring:

1. Pay attention to stool consistency and appearance
2. Note any changes in frequency or urgency of bowel movements
3. Be aware of any persistent changes in stool color or odor
4. Keep track of dietary changes and their effects on your bowel habits
5. Document any associated symptoms, such as abdominal pain or bloating

By maintaining a record of your bowel habits, you can more easily identify patterns or changes that may be significant. This information can be invaluable when discussing concerns with your healthcare provider.

Understanding the Bristol Stool Chart

The Bristol Stool Chart is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. This tool can be helpful in assessing digestive health and identifying potential issues based on stool consistency.

The seven types of stool according to the Bristol Stool Chart:

1. Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
2. Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
3. Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
4. Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
5. Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (passed easily)
6. Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
7. Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid

Types 3 and 4 are considered ideal, indicating a healthy digestive system. Types 1 and 2 suggest constipation, while types 6 and 7 indicate diarrhea. Understanding where your stools typically fall on this chart can help you gauge your digestive health and identify potential issues.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Overall Wellness

The state of your digestive system, often reflected in your stool characteristics, can have far-reaching effects on your overall health. The gut microbiome, comprised of trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions.

Ways gut health impacts overall wellness:

• Immune system function
• Nutrient absorption
• Mental health and mood regulation
• Inflammation levels in the body
• Weight management
• Skin health

Maintaining a healthy gut through proper diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep can contribute to improved overall health and well-being. Paying attention to your stool characteristics, including whether they float or sink, can provide valuable insights into your gut health and help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and diet.

The Role of Hydration in Digestive Health

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel function and can influence stool consistency and buoyancy. Adequate fluid intake helps soften stools, making them easier to pass and potentially affecting whether they float or sink.

How hydration affects digestive health:

1. Facilitates the movement of food through the digestive tract
2. Helps prevent constipation
3. Supports the absorption of nutrients
4. Aids in the elimination of waste products
5. Maintains the balance of gut bacteria

Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and include hydrating foods in your diet, such as fruits and vegetables with high water content. This can help promote regular bowel movements and contribute to overall digestive health.

The Impact of Stress on Digestive Function

Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health, potentially affecting stool consistency and buoyancy. The gut-brain connection means that emotional and psychological stress can manifest as physical symptoms in the digestive system.

Ways stress can affect digestion:

• Altering gut motility
• Increasing inflammation in the digestive tract
• Affecting the balance of gut bacteria
• Changing appetite and eating habits
• Exacerbating existing digestive conditions

Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help maintain healthy digestive function. If you notice changes in your bowel habits during periods of high stress, consider implementing stress-reduction strategies and consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

The Relationship Between Exercise and Digestive Health

Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestion and can influence stool characteristics. Exercise promotes the movement of food through the digestive system, helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, and can reduce the risk of constipation.

Benefits of exercise for digestive health:

1. Stimulates intestinal contractions
2. Reduces transit time of food through the digestive tract
3. Helps maintain a healthy body weight
4. Reduces inflammation in the body
5. Promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria

Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can contribute to improved digestive function and overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by health authorities.

The Influence of Medications on Stool Characteristics

Various medications can affect digestive function and alter stool characteristics, including whether they float or sink. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Medications that may affect stool characteristics:

• Antibiotics
• Iron supplements
• Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide
• Certain pain medications
• Some blood pressure medications
• Antidiarrheal drugs

If you notice changes in your stool characteristics after starting a new medication, consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether the changes are related to the medication and recommend appropriate adjustments or alternatives if necessary.

The Role of Probiotics in Digestive Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria can support digestive health and potentially influence stool characteristics.

Potential benefits of probiotics for digestive health:

1. Improving nutrient absorption
2. Enhancing immune function
3. Reducing inflammation in the gut
4. Alleviating symptoms of certain digestive disorders
5. Promoting regular bowel movements

Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or taken as dietary supplements. While research on the specific effects of probiotics on stool buoyancy is limited, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through probiotic consumption may contribute to overall digestive health.

The Importance of Fiber in Digestive Health

Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and can influence stool characteristics. Adequate fiber intake promotes regular bowel movements, supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and can affect stool consistency and buoyancy.

Types of dietary fiber and their benefits:

• Soluble fiber: Helps soften stools and can lower cholesterol levels
• Insoluble fiber: Adds bulk to stools and promotes regular bowel movements
• Resistant starch: Acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria

While a high-fiber diet can sometimes contribute to floating stools due to increased gas production, it is generally beneficial for overall digestive health. Aim to gradually increase your fiber intake to the recommended 25-30 grams per day for adults, sourcing it from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

The Impact of Food Intolerances on Stool Characteristics

Food intolerances or sensitivities can significantly affect digestive function and stool characteristics. Common intolerances such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity may lead to changes in stool consistency, frequency, and buoyancy.

Signs of food intolerance affecting digestion:

1. Bloating and gas
2. Diarrhea or constipation
3. Abdominal pain or discomfort
4. Changes in stool consistency or color
5. Nausea or vomiting

If you suspect a food intolerance may be affecting your digestive health, consider keeping a food diary to track symptoms and potential triggers. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for guidance on identifying and managing food intolerances to improve digestive function and overall well-being.

Understanding the various factors that influence stool characteristics, including whether they float or sink, can provide valuable insights into your digestive health. By maintaining awareness of your bowel habits, making informed dietary choices, and addressing any concerns with a healthcare provider, you can promote optimal digestive function and overall wellness. Remember that occasional variations in stool characteristics are normal, but persistent changes or accompanying symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

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.

Top Picks

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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Should your feces float? What does it say if he doesn’t sink? · Medicine in Moscow · Catalog of Russian organizations

Intestinal health is reflected in the characteristics of the stool. Stool can also reflect the health of other body organs such as the stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Stool characteristics that are used to determine the health of the intestines and other organs include stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, and stool color and odor. In addition to these characteristics, feces can also be examined in a clinical laboratory to reveal more detailed information about the body’s health.

A feature of stool that can help distinguish health from illness is whether the stool floats or sinks. Under healthy conditions, stool sinks. Floating stools may indicate an underlying medical condition. However, this is not always the case. Not all cases of floating stool indicate an underlying medical condition. Other associated signs and symptoms must be taken into account before suggesting that disease may be present. If floating stools are not accompanied by any other symptoms, then there is usually no cause for immediate concern.

Why does the stool float?

Floating or sinking stool is determined by the density of the substance relative to the density of water. Stool floats when it is less dense than water. This is mainly due to the presence of gas or fat in the stool.

Feces are made up of various components. About 60-75% of stool composition is in the form of water. The remaining components of feces include undigested fiber (about 7.5%), intestinal bacteria (about 7.5%), inorganic components (up to 5%), fat (up to 5%), and a tiny fraction of protein (<1%). As can be seen from the composition, gases do not form any significant proportion of feces. Therefore, even a small increase in the proportion of gas in the stool is enough to reduce the density of the stool and cause it to float.

Floating stools may be caused by an underlying disorder when accompanied by other signs and symptoms. These associated signs and symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, changes in appetite, changes in stool texture, color, and odor.

Causes of floating stools

Gas in the intestines mainly comes from the action of bacteria in the colon. These colon bacteria produce gas as a by-product of their action on the food present in the intestine. Usually the population of these intestinal bacteria is controlled. However, under certain conditions, an increase in their number may occur. Alternatively, some conditions can cause incomplete digestion and absorption of food in the intestines. Both lead to excessive gas production.

Gas in the stool also comes from the air that is swallowed while breathing, eating and drinking. Carbonated drinks are a source of gas in the intestines. The gas is also able to diffuse through the intestinal walls. It is released during the chemical breakdown process.

Diseases that cause floating feces are most often associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the common conditions that can lead to floating stools are:

Bowel infections

Intestinal infections, whether caused by external pathogenic bacteria or internal indigenous bacteria in the intestine, are the main source of gas in the intestine. As a rule, the growth of the local bacterial flora of the intestine is controlled. This is mainly achieved through the action of the intestinal immune system and competition with other microbial flora. Under abnormal conditions, an overgrowth of bacteria occurs. This results in increased gas production and floating stools.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance is caused by a lack of appropriate enzymes that metabolize certain food components. A common example is lactose intolerance, which is the result of a lack of the lactase enzyme. When a lactose intolerant person consumes milk and other dairy products, the lactose sugar in these products is not digested. Bacteria in the gut feed on undigested lactose sugar. This causes excessive gas production and floating stools.

Malabsorption syndromes

Malabsorption refers to conditions in which nutrients from digested food are not absorbed in the intestines. Intestinal gas production increases as colon bacteria attack food components remaining in the colon. Malabsorption can be caused by a variety of conditions such as intestinal inflammation, intestinal infections, sensitivities to certain foods, and alcoholism.

Diseases of the pancreas

The pancreas is an important player in the digestive process. Pancreatic enzymes enter the small intestine (duodenum) where they help in the digestion of various food components. Diseases that affect the pancreas can disrupt the synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Without pancreatic enzymes, food in the intestines is not digested properly. Colon bacteria feed on undigested food and cause increased gas production. This excessive gas production contributes to the formation of floating stools.

Diseases of the gallbladder

The gallbladder secretes a fluid called bile into the intestines. Bile contains fatty emulsifiers that allow digestive enzymes to break down the fats present in food. When bile production or secretion is impaired (due to diseases such as gallbladder disease or surgical removal), fat is not digested properly. Colon bacteria feed on fat and increase in number. As a result, excessive gas production causes floating stools.

Short intestine

The entire length of the human intestine is involved in the digestion and absorption of various food components. When the length of the intestine shortens, it negatively affects digestion and absorption of food. As a result, more food is available for intestinal bacteria. Increased bacterial action leads to excessive gas production and floating stools. A short bowel may result from surgical removal of a portion of the bowel or from a congenital disease.

Other causes

In addition to the above causes, excessive gas production and floating stools can also be caused by diseases such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. Normal conditions, such as pregnancy and dietary changes (such as fasting and eating new foods), also often trigger floating stools.

For those who are interested: medical bed with pneumatic drive

Source: https://www. me-d.ru

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.