What your poop means

Today is all about the tube from your mouth to your bum! It’s true, as I mention in the water quality email, that your digestive tract is one long tube from mouth to anus. 

Your poop tells me a lot about your digestion and the health of your gut! 

Here are a few examples:

Floating poop: Your not digesting fats! Fat floats on top of water and so will your poop if theres a lot of undigested fat in it.

Sinking poop: if it looks like a tootsie roll, and is nice and smooth- YOUR PERFECT.

Hard pebbles: fiber deficient and dehydrated

Blood in/on the stool: hemmorhoids, maybe polyps, maybe cancer – so consult a doctor if their is blood IN the stool. Bright red blood on the tissue paper is likely just hemorrhoids and your constipated.

Mushy & foul smelling: Food allergies, gut irritation, inflammation in the gut, microbial imbalance.

Food chunks: not digesting properly. Some foods pass through you like corn, but other foods your body should be properly digesting.

Mushy or liquid: infection, allergy, or one of the more concerning conditions such as ulcerative colitis, crohns, SIBO, or celiac.

What is DIGESTION?

Most of the patients I see have some variation of digestive issue: gas, bloating, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, and/or pain after eating. I spend a lot of time walking through the digestive process with each of them, and I wanted to share that process with you, as well. It can help to determine where there may be roadblocks.It’s also important to clean this tube and give it some rest, as we have previously discussed with fasting.

The Creation of Poop:

We’re going to walk through the miraculous process of making POOP, so pull up a chair. Or a stool. 

Here we go…..The digestive process:  

Mouth –> POOP!

Phase 1: Before you even take a bite!

(This is a bacon analogy – Vegetarians can insert *Tofurkey)

First, you see the bacon sitting in the fridge, then you smell the bacon sizzling on the pan, maybe you hear it crackling in the pan, and then you imagine what it will taste like when you finally sit down.

SEE, SMELL, HEAR, IMAGINE, TOUCH and soon…TASTE.

Your stomach starts pumping out stomach acid (HCl)

The mouth releases saliva loaded with digestive enzymes

The small intestine starts moving last night’s food further down the path to MAKE WAY FOR BREAKFAST!

Phase 2: Biting, Chewing, Swallowing

You finally sit down to take a bite of your tasty bacon. Your mouth has released saliva that is packed with digestive enzymes that act like little ants swarming a picnic blanket…

Your teeth break down the food into smaller pieces

Your saliva contains digestive enzymes called amylase that start to break up the bacon.

The chewing process releases enzymes in the food (for example, garlic is actually activated when you chew it). So chew, chew, chew!

After you swallow, the bacon travels down your esophagus into the stomach

Phase 3: The Stomach

As you begin to swallow your tasty bacon, it travels down your esophagus and meets the gate keeper to the stomach — the esophageal sphincter (ES). I mention the sphincter because its a very important determinant of acid reflux disease — the gate keeper before the stomach.

ESOPHAGUS, ES, STOMACH, HCL

The bacon travels down the esophagus to the ES

The ES allows the food into the stomach. ***Sometimes the ES becomes lax and allows acid back up the esophagus causing reflux.

The stomach is loaded with HCL (acid with a pH ranging from 1.5-3.5)

The acid breaks down the food, and Pepsin, an enzyme released by the stomach, starts to break down the bacon more.

Phase 4: Entering the Small Intestine

The bacon approaches the next gate keeper — the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which connects the stomach to the small intestine.

The small intestine is about 20 FEET LONG!! The small intestine’s main goal is to absorb as many nutrients as possible:

Vitamins (A, B’s, C, D)

Minerals (zinc, iron)

Proteins (Glutamine, Taurine)

Fats (Omegas 3s & Omega 6s)

The small intestine has tons of blood directed to it in order to absorb all of the these nutrients. They are called capillaries. The nutrients then will be connected to the main blood flow highway and delivered to cells that are calling out for it. Maybe your thyroid hollers for some zinc, or your immune systems shouts for some more vitamin C, or your muscles are yelling for some glucose energy.

Phase 6: The Pancreas & Gallbladder

The pancreas and gallbladder are the key players in supporting the small intestine’s goal of maximizing nutrient absorption. They release even more enzymes and substances to extract even MORE nutrients.

The gall bladder secretes bile to break down the fats in the bacon.

The pancreas releases enzymes (amylase & lipase) to break down any sugars or carbohydrates it might find.

Phase 7: Home Stretch – Entering the COLON

The colon is also known as the large intestine. Once the nutrients have been absorbed, the “food” or “mulch” moves along to the colon. The colon’s main job is to extract the remaining water and salt from what’s left of the food.

Finally the remaining lump is propelled along the last stretch of the digestive tract becoming a stool, and out the rectum goes the poop!

Why do we care?

The reason I laid out the entire digestive process is because I wanted to emphasize the fact that it takes A LOT OF WORK to digest food – there are a lot of moving parts. We barely glassed over them and a few were left out – the liver being one. Imagine if you’re eating HUGE meals all the time; your body is spending A LOT of resources digesting.

You may feel tired after eating. This is because the majority of the blood flow has been re-directed to your small intestine to focus on absorbing nutrients, rather than to your brain. One suggestion I offer patients is intermittent fasting throughout the week, to give your gut a break. (Refer to the fasting email).

Common Digestive Issues:

Acid reflux:

Acid reflux can be caused by excess stomach acid or even LOW stomach acid. Acid reflux occurs at the site of the the esophageal sphincter, where the stomach meet the esophagus. The leaky valve can allow acid to bubble up causing a lot of discomfort. Greasy, fatty, acidic foods aggravate this condition along with stress.

Easy relief: 1/2 tsp of baking soda in warm water to relieve symptoms. This does not solve the actual root cause of the reflux, I often run a few tests and assess a patients diet and stress levels before identifying the cause.

Gas and Bloating after meals:

This can be due to and abundance of things; low stomach acid or low digestive enzymes, allergies to the foods your eating, anxiety or stress while eating, or eating too fast. The more complex answer usually involves the overgrowth of bacteria or candida in your gut that may also be contributing to bloating. 

Some gentle solutions: Ingesting a digestive aides before meals to help break the food down- lemon water, digestive enzymes, or apple cider vinegar. Eat slower, chew carefully and thoughtfully, Take breaths between bites. 

Diarrhea or constipation:

Some major digestive conditions include diarrhea and constipation including ulcerative colitis, crohns, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and celiac. Other causes include food allergies, magnesium or calcium deficiency, low fiber intake, high simple carbohydrate intake.

Constipation: CALM magnesium, 

Diarrhea: take charcoal or clay or follow the BRAT diet (Bananas, rice, apple, toast). The charcoal and clay help bulk up the stool and absorb toxins. 

In summary,

Your digestive tract has ALOT of moving parts.

Fasting is helpful for those with digestive issues, as it allows some time to repair.

Eat clean foods — organic, extra greens, lots of healthy fruits and veggies, moderate protein and fat.

Drink digestive aides — ginger tea, peppermint tea, lemon water, apple cider vinegar

Magnesium helps move the bowels, while Rice and toast tend to slow them down

Small amount of baking soda are helpful for treating acid reflux.

The digestive tips and tricks provided above do not address the actual cause of the digestive issue, but they sure do help give my patients some quick relief while we are trying to get to the root of it! Cheers!

If you want to learn more follow us on Instagram or Facebook!

To your health,

Dr. Erin Thorne, ND

http://www.thrivenwmed.com

(206)-686-8080 

Why Does My Poop Float? Discover the Possible Medical Reasons and Lifestyle Factors behind It

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023

Have you ever noticed that your poop sometimes floats instead of sinking to the bottom of the toilet bowl? While it can be a bit of a strange and even embarrassing occurrence, it’s actually quite common and can happen to anyone. But why does it happen? And should you be worried?

In this article, we’ll explore the possible medical reasons and lifestyle factors behind floating poop. We’ll also discuss what your poop can tell you about your overall health and when you should see a doctor if you have concerns.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why your poop floats, keep reading to discover the possible answers.

Disclaimer: While we aim to provide informative and accurate health information, this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a doctor if you have concerns about your health.

Understanding the Possible Causes

Poop that floats can be a sign of several underlying medical conditions. It could be an indication of malabsorption, which is caused by problems with the digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Malabsorption can be linked to various conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatic disorders.

Another possible cause of floating poop is high fat content in the stool. This can happen when the digestive system is unable to break down fats properly due to conditions such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or intestinal infections.

Dehydration can also lead to floating poop. When there is insufficient water in the body, stools can become dry and float. This is because the body tries to conserve water, and the colon absorbs most of the fluid from the stool. As a result, the stool becomes less dense and can float.

In some cases, the cause of floating poop could be related to dietary habits. Eating a diet high in fiber or taking fiber supplements can cause poop to float. This is because fiber adds bulk to the stool and makes it less dense, leading to buoyancy. Consuming a lot of gas-producing foods, such as beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages, can also cause poop to float due to the trapped air in the stool.

If you are experiencing floating poop frequently, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Your doctor may recommend taking a stool sample or conducting other diagnostic tests to evaluate your condition.

In some cases, dietary changes or medication may be recommended to alleviate the symptoms. However, for some conditions, such as malabsorption, a more comprehensive treatment plan may be required to manage the underlying condition.

Assessing Your Lifestyle Habits

Floating poop can indicate poor lifestyle habits. Here are some factors to consider:

• Diet: Eating a high-fat or low-fiber diet can cause your poop to float. Be sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can affect your digestive system and cause your poop to float. Limit your alcohol intake to a moderate amount.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause stools to become dry and hard, leading to floating poop. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Medication: Some medications can affect your digestive system and cause floating poop. Check with your doctor if you notice a change in your stool after starting a new medication.
• Stress: High levels of stress can cause digestive issues that lead to floating poop. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or exercise.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If your poop floats occasionally and you don’t have any noticeable symptoms, you may not need to worry too much. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s wise to seek medical advice:

• Changes in bowel habits or consistency of poop
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating or excessive gas
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in your poop or rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition that needs attention, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer. Seeking medical advice promptly can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

It’s also worth noting that if you notice poop consistently floating for a period of time, it may be a sign of malabsorption or lipid digestion disorders, which can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated.

In conclusion, it’s important to pay attention to changes in your poop and any accompanying symptoms. Don’t be afraid to seek medical advice if anything seems concerning or out of the ordinary.

Treatment Options for Floating Stools

If your stools frequently float, it is important to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. Floating stools may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, and treatment depends on the cause of the problem.

1. Dietary Changes

The first step in treating floating stools is to make changes to your diet. This may involve eliminating certain foods to see if they are causing the problem. Common culprits include oily and fatty foods, dairy products, and high fiber foods. Increasing your fluid intake may also help.

2. Medications

If dietary changes do not help, your doctor may prescribe medications to help improve the function of your digestive system. This may include over-the-counter medications like anti-diarrheal drugs, or prescription medications like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.

3. Surgery

If there is an underlying medical condition causing your floating stools, surgery may be necessary. This is usually reserved for more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or a blockage in your digestive system.

Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation. Do not be embarrassed to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, as they are there to help you find a solution to the problem.

Preventing Floating Stools

Floating stools are usually caused by high fiber or fat intake, which leads to increased gas production in the intestines. Here are some tips to help prevent floating stools:

• Reduce your intake of high-fat foods such as fried foods and fatty meats
• Drink plenty of water to help optimize digestion
• Increase your intake of soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration and irritate the intestines
• Engage in regular physical activity to help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion

If you have persistent floating stools or other digestive symptoms, be sure to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Questions & Answers:

Why does my poop float?

There could be several reasons why your poop floats. One of the most common reasons is a high intake of gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions. The other reason could be the presence of malabsorbed fat in your stool, which makes it less dense and more likely to float. Finally, certain medical conditions such as pancreatic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause your poop to float.

Is it normal for poop to float?

Yes, it is normal for poop to float from time to time, especially after eating certain types of foods. However, if your poop consistently floats and is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss, it is important to see a doctor as it could indicate an underlying health condition.

What can I do to make my poop sink?

If your poop is consistently floating and you want to make it sink, you can try increasing your intake of soluble fiber-rich foods such as oats, berries, and nuts. Soluble fiber can help regulate your bowel movements and make your stool denser. Also, try reducing your intake of gas-producing foods and fatty foods. If your poop continues to float despite dietary changes, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Reviews:

Nathan

Thanks for the informative article. I have noticed my poop floating on occasion and never knew what it meant. Your explanation about the presence of gas or fat in the stool makes sense. I appreciate the tips on how to improve my digestion as well.

Olivia

This article was really informative and answered a question I never even knew I had. Thanks for sharing!

Emma

I found this article to be really interesting. I’ve always wondered why my poop sometimes floats and now I finally have an answer! I appreciate how the article explained the science behind it in a way that was easy to understand. It was also helpful to learn about the different health factors that can contribute to floating poop. Overall, a great read!

William

This article was eye-opening for me. I have always been curious about why poop floats and now I have a better understanding. Learning about the various causes such as excess gas or malabsorption of fat was enlightening. It’s good to know that if it’s a one-time occurrence, it’s probably nothing to worry about. I appreciate the tips on how to improve digestion, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated. Overall, a well-written and educational piece.

John

Interesting article, I never knew that floating poop meant something. Good to know!

Samantha

This article was incredibly informative and I learned a lot from it. As someone who has experienced floating poop before, it was really helpful to finally understand why that happens. The article did a great job of explaining the science behind it without being too technical or confusing. I also appreciated the information on how various health factors can contribute to floating poop, as it made me more aware of my own digestive health. The only critique I have is that the article could have gone a bit more in-depth on the topic, as there were a few points that felt like they were only briefly touched upon. Overall though, a great resource for anyone curious about the mysteries of their poop!

Experts on the OPEC decision – the cartel tried to throw a garden chair from the sinking Titanic

A miracle did not happen in Algeria – something that the countries that are members of OPEC agreed on will not help stabilize the world hydrocarbon market in the long term.

A miracle did not happen in Algeria – something that the OPEC countries have agreed on will not help stabilize the world hydrocarbon market in the long term.

On September 28, 2016, some analytical agencies and banks made such conclusions.

The conclusions are pretty obvious.

polled readers of Neftegaz.RU are confident that the Saudis should definitely reduce production by 1. 5 million barrels per day. But no one tells them.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that the cartel’s decision to freeze oil production could provide support to prices in the short term.

If the proposed reduction is consistently implemented and supports prices, it is likely to be doomed to failure in the medium term due to massive retaliatory drilling around the world.

If the agreement reached is fulfilled, it can ensure an increase in oil prices by 7–10 USD/bbl as early as the 1st half of 2017.

However, they have not yet learned how to clearly fulfill OPEC’s obligations.

According to Goldman Sachs, quota enforcement has historically been poor — especially when demand for oil is not low.

But the popularity of the consulting Huron Transaction Advisory rose sharply after comparing its director S. Cockerham to the cartel’s decision to cut production by 2% with throwing a garden chair off the sinking Titanic.

Not too long ago, Huron helped sell a pâté company to another equally interesting company.

Nevertheless, the presentation of the current opinion is curious.

The situation in the market will not change if OPEC does not provide specific information on the methodology for cutting production and does not demonstrate its intention to implement such a program that will really affect global supply.

The last decision to freeze production was made in 2008, during the well-known crisis.

Many experts are right that OPEC has never been particularly careful to work within the limits set by the cartel itself.

OPEC has been exceeding its own quota for many years now.

For example, in August 2016, OPEC reduced oil production to 33.24 million barrels per day.

Moreover, in December 2015, when the world market was already in a fever, the cartel decided to increase the quota by 1.5 million barrels per day – up to 31.5 million barrels per day.

According to OPEC, the cartel will increase production to 40.7 million barrels per day by 2040,

OPEC today includes: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Niger, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Venezuela.

Indonesia and maybe Sudan will join soon.

Recall that on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, OPEC, after grueling conversations, reached an agreement to reduce oil production from 33.24 million barrels per day to 32.5 – 33 million barrels per day.

Thus, the reduction in production can be 2%.

However, a more precise mechanism will be developed by November 2016.

#goldman sachs
#huron transaction advisory
#mining
#freeze
#quota
#oil
#opek
#excess
#Titanic
#hydrocarbons
#experts
#export

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Victor Matizen

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Tags: Boris Khlebnikov , Snegir , Alexander Robak , Makar Khlebnikov , Boomers vs Zoomers , Victor Matizen

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Rating: 8.43 – Votes: 7

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