What causes poop to float. How to identify if floating stools are a sign of a medical condition. When should you be concerned about floating poop. What dietary factors can lead to floating stools. How do gastrointestinal issues affect stool buoyancy. Can floating poop be a symptom of serious diseases. What home remedies can help with floating stools.

The Science Behind Floating Stools: Understanding Stool Buoyancy

Floating stools are a common occurrence that often raises questions about digestive health. While it’s normal for poop to sink, various factors can cause it to float. The primary reasons for floating stools are excess gas and malabsorption of nutrients.

Excess gas in the stool can occur due to the consumption of certain foods high in sugar, lactose, starch, or fiber. These foods include beans, milk, cabbage, apples, soft drinks, and sugar-free candies. When these foods are not fully digested, they can produce gas that gets trapped in the stool, causing it to float.

Malabsorption, on the other hand, happens when the body fails to properly absorb nutrients from food. This can be due to rapid transit through the intestines, as in cases of diarrhea, or because of underlying health conditions that affect nutrient processing.

Common Causes of Floating Poop: From Diet to Disease

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of floating stools:

• Dietary choices: Consuming foods that produce excess gas
• Gastrointestinal infections: Viral or bacterial infections affecting the digestive tract
• Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest lactose in dairy products
• Pancreatic issues: Problems with enzyme production or blockage of the pancreatic duct
• Celiac disease: An autoimmune condition triggered by gluten consumption
• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder affecting mucus production in various organs
• Short bowel syndrome: Impaired nutrient absorption due to intestinal issues

In most cases, floating stools are temporary and resolve on their own without any treatment. However, persistent floating stools accompanied by other symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

The Link Between Floating Stools and Digestive Health

Floating stools can be an indicator of your digestive system’s functionality. While occasional floating poop is usually harmless, persistent occurrences might signal issues with nutrient absorption or digestive processes.

How does malabsorption affect stool buoyancy? When your body doesn’t properly absorb fats and other nutrients, they remain in the stool. This can lead to stools with higher fat content, which are more likely to float. In severe cases of malabsorption, floating stools may also have a strong odor and appear greasy.

Gastrointestinal Infections and Floating Stools

Gastrointestinal tract infections are a common cause of malabsorption and can result in floating stools. These infections can be viral or bacterial in nature. While most GI infections resolve on their own, some more serious infections, such as those caused by E. coli, salmonella, or parasites, require medical intervention.

Pancreatic Health and Its Impact on Stool Buoyancy

The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by producing enzymes that help break down fats in the intestines. When the pancreas isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to floating stools.

Can pancreatic issues cause floating poop? Yes, conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can result in inadequate enzyme production, leading to undigested fats in the stool. Additionally, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, possibly due to a pancreatic head mass, can prevent enzymes from reaching the small intestine, causing similar effects.

It’s worth noting that floating stools can sometimes be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis. In these cases, bile and pancreatic enzymes may be prevented from breaking down fats in the intestines, resulting in greasy, floating stools.

Autoimmune Conditions and Their Effect on Stool Characteristics

Certain autoimmune conditions can significantly impact digestive processes and lead to floating stools. One such condition is celiac disease.

How does celiac disease contribute to floating poop? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. It causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption. This malabsorption can result in floating stools. While there’s no cure for celiac disease, symptoms, including floating stools, typically resolve when gluten is eliminated from the diet.

Cystic Fibrosis and Digestive Implications

Cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition affecting mucus production, can also lead to floating stools. The excess mucus in the pancreas interferes with the production and release of digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption and consequently, floating poop. While there’s no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatments, including medications, can help manage symptoms and potentially reduce the occurrence of floating stools.

Rare Genetic Conditions Associated with Floating Stools

Several rare genetic conditions can cause persistent floating stools. These include:

• Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome: A condition that impairs the intestines’ ability to absorb fat
• Biliary atresia: Underdeveloped bile ducts that hinder fat absorption in the intestines
• Disaccharidase deficiency: A lack of enzymes necessary for breaking down certain sugars and starches

These conditions are extremely rare but can lead to chronic malabsorption issues and persistent floating stools.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Floating Stools

While floating stools are often harmless, there are instances when they warrant medical attention. When should you be concerned about floating poop? If you experience floating stools for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Are there any red flags to watch for with floating stools? Yes, seek immediate medical help if your floating stools are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Blood in the stool
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms, when combined with floating stools, could indicate a more serious underlying condition or severe malabsorption that requires prompt medical evaluation.

Home Remedies and Dietary Adjustments for Floating Stools

If you’re experiencing floating stools without any other concerning symptoms, there are some home remedies and dietary adjustments you can try:

1. Keep a food diary: Record your meals and bowel movements to identify potential dietary triggers.
2. Reduce gas-producing foods: Limit intake of foods known to cause excess gas, such as beans, dairy products, and carbonated beverages.
3. Increase fiber intake gradually: A sudden increase in fiber can lead to gas and floating stools. Gradually increase fiber consumption to allow your digestive system to adjust.
4. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration can help normalize bowel movements.
5. Consider probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

How effective are dietary changes in addressing floating stools? For many people, simple dietary adjustments can significantly reduce the occurrence of floating stools, especially when they’re caused by excess gas or mild food intolerances.

The Role of Lactose Intolerance in Floating Stools

Lactose intolerance is a common cause of floating stools. When lactose-intolerant individuals consume dairy products, it can lead to gas production and diarrhea, both of which can result in floating poop.

Can eliminating dairy products help with floating stools? For those with lactose intolerance, removing dairy from the diet or using lactase enzymes when consuming dairy can often resolve the issue of floating stools.

Understanding the Connection Between Stool Characteristics and Overall Health

Stool characteristics, including buoyancy, can provide valuable insights into your digestive health and overall well-being. While floating stools are often benign, they can sometimes be an early indicator of underlying health issues.

How can monitoring your stool help in early detection of health problems? Regular observation of your stool’s appearance, consistency, and buoyancy can help you notice changes that might warrant medical attention. For instance, persistent changes in stool characteristics, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, could signal digestive disorders, nutrient malabsorption, or more serious conditions like pancreatic cancer.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Digestive Health

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for optimal digestive health and normal stool characteristics. A diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with adequate hydration, can promote regular bowel movements and reduce the likelihood of floating stools caused by dietary factors.

What dietary practices can promote healthy digestion and normal stool buoyancy? Consider the following tips:

• Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for adequate fiber intake
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Limit intake of processed foods and excessive fats
• Be mindful of potential food intolerances or allergies
• Incorporate fermented foods or probiotic supplements to support gut health

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Persistent Floating Stools

When floating stools persist despite dietary changes and home remedies, healthcare providers may recommend various diagnostic tests to identify underlying causes. These may include:

1. Stool analysis: To check for infections, parasites, or signs of malabsorption
2. Blood tests: To assess nutrient levels and screen for conditions like celiac disease
3. Breath tests: To diagnose lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
4. Imaging studies: Such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate pancreatic health
5. Endoscopy or colonoscopy: To examine the digestive tract for abnormalities

How do these tests help in diagnosing the cause of floating stools? These diagnostic techniques allow healthcare providers to identify specific underlying conditions that may be causing persistent floating stools, enabling targeted treatment approaches.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Stool Characteristics

Recent research has highlighted the significant impact of gut microbiome on various aspects of health, including digestive processes and stool characteristics. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to issues like floating stools.

Can probiotics help normalize stool buoyancy? While more research is needed, some studies suggest that probiotic supplementation can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, potentially improving nutrient absorption and normalizing stool characteristics.

Psychological Factors and Their Impact on Digestive Health

The connection between mental health and digestive function is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors can significantly affect digestive processes, potentially leading to changes in stool characteristics, including buoyancy.

How can stress management techniques improve digestive health? Incorporating stress-reduction practices such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help regulate digestive function and may contribute to more consistent stool characteristics.

The Gut-Brain Axis and Its Influence on Stool Formation

The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in digestive health. Disruptions in this axis can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including changes in stool consistency and buoyancy.

Can addressing mental health issues help resolve persistent floating stools? In some cases, managing underlying psychological conditions through therapy or medication can lead to improvements in digestive function and stool characteristics.

Emerging Research on Floating Stools and Gut Health

As our understanding of digestive health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new connections between floating stools and various health conditions. Recent studies have investigated potential links between stool buoyancy and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and even certain metabolic disorders.

What new insights are emerging from research on floating stools? Some studies suggest that stool buoyancy could be an indicator of gut microbiome composition or intestinal permeability. Others are exploring the potential use of stool characteristics, including buoyancy, as non-invasive markers for various gastrointestinal and systemic conditions.

The Future of Personalized Digestive Health Management

Advancements in technology and our understanding of the human microbiome are paving the way for more personalized approaches to digestive health management. This could include tailored dietary recommendations, targeted probiotic therapies, and even fecal microbiota transplantation in certain cases.

How might future developments impact the management of floating stools? As we gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing stool characteristics, we may see the development of more precise diagnostic tools and targeted treatments for persistent floating stools and related digestive issues.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Stool Buoyancy

Beyond diet and medical conditions, various lifestyle factors can influence stool characteristics, including buoyancy. These factors include:

• Physical activity levels
• Sleep patterns
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking habits
• Medication use

How do lifestyle choices affect stool buoyancy? Regular exercise, for instance, can promote healthy digestion and bowel movements. Conversely, excessive alcohol consumption or certain medications can disrupt digestive processes and lead to changes in stool characteristics.

The Impact of Travel and Environmental Changes on Digestive Health

Changes in environment, such as those experienced during travel, can significantly impact digestive function and stool characteristics. Factors like jet lag, changes in diet, and exposure to new bacteria can all contribute to temporary changes in stool buoyancy.

How can travelers maintain digestive health and normal stool characteristics? Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and gradually adjusting to new time zones can help minimize digestive disruptions during travel.

Holistic Approaches to Managing Floating Stools

Addressing persistent floating stools often requires a holistic approach that considers various aspects of health and lifestyle. This may include:

1. Dietary modifications
2. Stress management techniques
3. Regular exercise
4. Adequate sleep
5. Mindful eating practices

How effective are holistic approaches in managing floating stools? Many individuals find that adopting a comprehensive approach to digestive health can lead to improvements in stool characteristics and overall well-being.

The Role of Alternative Therapies in Digestive Health

Some people explore alternative therapies to complement conventional treatments for digestive issues. These may include:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies
• Aromatherapy
• Massage therapy

While scientific evidence for the efficacy of these approaches in managing floating stools is limited, some individuals report subjective improvements in digestive health when incorporating these therapies into their wellness routines.

Floating Poop: What Does It Mean?

Poop that floats can occur if you have excess gas or if your body isn’t properly absorbing nutrients. This can happen with some medical conditions, including illnesses and food intolerances.

Stools commonly sink in the toilet, but your diet and other factors can cause your stools to change in structure. This may result in floating stools.

Floating stools are usually nothing to be concerned about. They’re not always a symptom of an illness or disease. Your stools will most likely return to their typical structure without any treatment.

The two most common causes of floating stools are excess gas and malabsorption, or improper absorption, of nutrients.

Excess gas

Certain foods can cause gas in your stools. Foods that commonly cause gas contain large amounts of sugar, lactose, starch, or fiber, such as:

• beans
• milk
• cabbage
• apples
• soft drinks
• sugar-free candies

Malabsorption

Malabsorption can occur when your stools pass through your intestines too quickly, such as when you have diarrhea. It can also occur when your body doesn’t process and absorb nutrients correctly.

If you have severe malabsorption, your floating stools may also have a strong odor and appear greasy.

Stomach infection

A common cause of malabsorption is gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections. GI tract infections can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. These infections usually go away without any treatment. More serious infections include those from E. coli, salmonella, or parasites. These will require treatment from a medical professional.

Lactose intolerance

Floating stools commonly occur in people who have lactose intolerance when they drink or eat dairy products. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, which is a sugar found in dairy products.

Ingesting dairy products when you’re lactose intolerant can cause gas in your stools and diarrhea. This can lead to malabsorption.

Pancreas problems

Your pancreas makes enzymes that help emulsify and digest fat in your intestine for absorption. If your pancreas isn’t making enough enzymes, for example, like in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), fat will remain in your intestines and stool will have higher fat content.

Another mechanism is a blockage of your pancreatic duct that empties the enzymes into your small intestine. This could be due to a pancreatic head mass that blocks your pancreatic duct and bile from your liver and gallbladder.

The American Cancer Society says that floating stools may be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer may stop bile and pancreatic enzymes from getting through your intestines to break down fats, which can make stools greasy and make them float. Floating stools can also be a symptom of pancreatitis.

Some medical conditions that can cause floating stools include:

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the lining of your small intestine when you eat gluten.

Gluten is a protein found mainly in wheat products. Currently, there’s no cure for celiac disease. The symptoms go away when you avoid gluten.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic condition that causes an excess production of thick and sticky mucus in your lungs and digestive tract. The excess mucus in your pancreas prevents the proper absorption of nutrients because your pancreas makes enzymes that can help with fat digestion in your small intestine to facilitate absorption, which can cause floating stools.

There’s no cure for cystic fibrosis. Treatments, including medications, may reduce floating stools, as well as other symptoms of the disease.

Short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome occurs when your intestines don’t absorb nutrients properly. This syndrome can be caused by an intestinal disease. It can also be caused when part of your small intestine is missing from either a genetic defect or surgical removal.

Rare genetic conditions

Extremely rare genetic conditions that can cause floating stools include:

• Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, a condition that prevents your intestines from absorbing fat
• biliary atresia, when you have underdeveloped bile ducts which make your intestines less able to absorb fats
• disaccharidase deficiency, a deficiency or absence of certain enzymes, which are needed to break down some sugars and starches

Call your doctor if you have floating stools for more than 2 weeks.

Get immediate medical help if your floating stools are accompanied by:

• blood in your stools
• dizziness
• fever
• weight loss

These may be symptoms of severe illness or malabsorption.

If you have floating stools but no other symptoms, you may want to try a home treatment. There’s a good chance that your floating stools are caused by your diet.

Try keeping a record of the foods you eat and your bowel movements. Take note of when you have floating stools.

When you notice them, check what foods you ate recently. This can help you identify which foods are causing your floating stools. Once you identify the foods, you can avoid them in the future.

There are many reasons for stools that float. This can happen due to diet or lifestyle changes. Floating stools can also occur when there are issues with malabsorption or the pancreas. A person may notice floating stools if they have a stomach infection, certain conditions like celiac disease or cystic fibrosis, or rare genetic conditions.

If you have blood in your stool, feel dizzy, or have a fever, you may want to contact your doctor if possible. Treatment depends on the cause but will typically include diet changes or medication.

Why Does My Poop Float

‌Azer, S.; Sankararaman, S. Steatorrhea. StatPearls Publishing, 2021.

Got Floating Poop? Here Are 5 Reasons Why It Happens

The shape, size, and color of your poop says a lot about your health. But what about it’s buoyancy?

You’re probably used to your poo sinking to the bottom of your toilet bowl. But now it’s floating like a foul-smelling log. What gives?

An occasional floating stool usually isn’t a serious problem. But if all of your bowel movements are floaters, it could be a symptom of a digestive health issue.

5 Reasons Why Poop Floats

Let’s examine the common causes of floating poop and whether they warrant concern.

1. A High-Fiber Diet

Eating enough dietary fiber is essential for your health and wellness. But one weird side effect of a high-fiber diet is floating poop. That’s because your body doesn’t fully digest fiber, therefore making your poop lighter and less dense.

Types of foods rich in fiber include:

• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Green leafy vegetables
• Beans
• Legumes

Takeaway: You’re in the clear—stick to your fiber-rich diet.

2. Excessive Gas

The gas in your gut makes poop less dense, which allows it to float. It’s kind of like inflating a balloon, except replace helium with flatulence and swap the balloon for feces.

Farting up a storm can happen when you eat high-fiber foods, overeat, make sudden changes to your diet, or swallow air while you eat. There are also certain foods that are notorious for producing excess gas, such as:

• Fizzy or carbonated drinks
• Gum
• Hard candy
• Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol

Takeaway: No need to worry, but keeping an eye on your diet might make your poop more dense.

3. Malabsorption

This is the medical term for when your gut doesn’t absorb enough nutrients from food. Some common causes of malabsorption include:

• Lactose intolerance: This means your body has trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products. If you experience diarrhea, gas, or bloating when you eat dairy, it may be a sign of lactose intolerance.
• Steatorrhea: This means your poop has a high fat content. Steatorrhea may be a symptom of celiac disease or a bile acid deficiency
• Liver diseases and biliary problems: Your liver makes bile, which is essential for digesting food. But if your liver doesn’t send enough of this fluid through your bile ducts into the small intestine, it can cause fatty stool that floats. Gallstones can also block bile ducts, leading to fatty stools.

Takeaway: If your poop floats frequently, malabsorption might be the culprit. Talking to a health care professional can help you confirm and treat the underlying issue.

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders

More than one out of every four people with functional bowel disorders experience floating stools, according to a 2015 study. That includes medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia (indigestion).

Moreover, another 3% of people in that study with gastrointestinal disorders had floating stools. These include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, gallstones, and other disorders that affect the digestive system.

Takeaway: If your floating poop coincides with other tummy troubles, one of the above conditions may be at play. But it will take a gastroenterologist to confirm.

5. Pancreas Problems

Quick anatomy lesson: your pancreas is a long, flat gland behind your stomach that regulates your blood sugar levels. Health problems that involve the pancreas are linked to malabsorption, which can cause poop to float.

One condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) (due to cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis) has been linked to fatty, floating poop.

A more serious issue is pancreatic cancer. If a tumor blocks the pancreatic duct, a shortage of digestive enzymes can lead to undigested food passing through the gastrointestinal tract. “If this happens, stool may float due to the higher fat content, appear bulky, greasy, and unusually pale,” explains the Columbia University Department of Surgery.

Takeaway: Consistent floating poop may indicate pancreas problems, but you can’t diagnose them based solely on what your poop looks like.

When to See a Doctor About Floating Poop

Floating poop is usually the result of something you ate; it’ll sink again once you recalibrate your diet. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor:

• Your stool floats more than a few days in a row: this might signal an underlying health condition.
• Blood in your poop: some causes of bloody poop include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer.
• Unintentional weight loss: chronic malabsorption prevents your body from getting the nutrients it needs to sustain a healthy weight.

Whether your poop floats, smells worse than usual, explodes out of your butt like lava, it can tell you a lot about the inner workings of your body. Pay attention, dude—your poop is smarter than you think.

What to Know About Floating Stools

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.

What Are Floating Stools?

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.

Why Would Stools Float?

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

When To See a Doctor

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.

Treatment

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.

Prevention

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:

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.

Show Sources

‌Azer, S.; Sankararaman, S. Steatorrhea. StatPearls Publishing, 2021.

‌Cleveland Clinic: “Rectal Bleeding.”

‌Columbia University in the City of New York: Go Ask Alice: “Floating stools — What do they say about my health?”

‌National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Gas in the Digestive Tract. ”

‌‌Penn Medicine: “The Scoop on Poop: What Does Your Poop Say About Your Health?”

‌MITMedical: “It Happens.”

‌‌The New England Journal of Medicine: “Floating Stools — Flatus versus Fat.”‌

What It Means When Your Poop Floats

Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman’s World, and Natural Health.

Updated on November 08, 2021

Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Seeing your poop float might surprise you. But it’s usually nothing to worry about. More often than not, it’s related to something you had to eat.

Other times, floating poop can be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you’re experiencing other symptoms as well, consider talking to your healthcare provider.

Here are the main reasons behind this type of stool (poop), ways to prevent it, and when you should see a healthcare provider.

Excessive Gas in the Stool

Your intestines, or bowels, are part of your digestive system. They help your body break down and digest food.

Most of the time, floating stool is the result of something you ate. If you eat a large meal or something that produces gas, the gas mixes with stool in the intestines.

The extra air from the gas makes poop less dense, or packed. This leads it to float when it hits the toilet bowl.

Foods That Produce Gas

Have you noticed you feel gassy after you eat specific foods? That’s because certain types of foods can produce gas. Here are some examples:

• Apples, pears, peaches, and prunes
• Artificial sweeteners
• Asparagus, artichokes, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and onions
• Beans
• Fruit juices
• Apples, pears, peaches, and prunes
• Honey
• Sodas and soft drinks
• Sugar-free candies and gum

Many of these foods contain sugars that can make excess gas, like sorbitol or fructose. For instance, prunes, apples, peaches, and sugar-free foods contain sorbitol. Sodas, honey, and fruit juices are high in fructose.

If your floating stool is a result of gas-producing food, there’s some good news. Your poop should return to normal after you eat less of the foods that bother you.

Lactose Intolerance

People with lactose intolerance may have floating poop when they eat dairy products. That’s because they have low levels of the enzyme lactase that the body needs to digest lactose (a sugar in milk).

Lactose isn’t only in milk—it’s also in many other dairy products, like yogurt, ice cream, and some cheeses.

That’s why someone with lactose intolerance might become bloated or gassy after eating dairy, which can lead to floating stool.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Along with gas, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have floating stools.

A 2015 study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology examined people with IBS. The researchers concluded that floating stools were a characteristic feature of IBS. In fact, 26% of the adults in the study reported having floating stools.

Recap

Excess gas in your stool can make it to float. Eating foods that contain sugars like sorbitol or fructose can produce excess gas. People with lactose intolerance and IBS might have a similar experience.

Other Causes

Here’s a look at several conditions that can lead to floating stools.

Conditions that Cause Malabsorption

Some medical conditions can cause malabsorption, or the inability to absorb nutrients from the food you eat. Unsurprisingly, malabsorption can lead to floating poop.

Conditions that disturb the lining of your digestive tract can have this effect, such as:

• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Bacterial overgrowth
• Cystic fibrosis
• Graves’ disease
• Short bowel syndrome

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is when there’s inflammation in your pancreas. The condition is usually a result of gallstones or long-term alcohol abuse. It often occurs after acute, or sudden, pancreatitis. It’s also linked to diabetes.

While floating stool is common in pancreatitis, you may experience other symptoms as well. Stomach pain, back pain, bloating, and weight loss are all common.

Sclerosing Cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis affects the bile ducts in and around your liver. It’s closely linked with ulcerative colitis. The condition is marked by inflammation, scarring, and destruction of these bile ducts.

Along with floating stools, symptoms include:

Choledocholithiasis

Choledocholithiasis is when you have one or more gallstones in the common bile duct.

The condition doesn’t provoke any symptoms unless the stone blocks the bile duct. As well as floating stools, you might feel pain in the right upper or middle upper stomach. The pain usually lasts for at least 30 minutes.

Fever, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting can also occur. You may lose your appetite.

Pancreatic Cancer

Although pancreatic cancer isn’t common, it’s another potential cause for floating stool.

One of the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer is jaundice, or yellowing eyes and skin. But that’s not all. Jaundice can also be characterized by certain stool changes. It can cause pale or gray stools, as well as greasy, floating stools.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Stools that sometimes float shouldn’t alarm you. That said, some types of stool changes may be symptoms of a condition that requires treatment. Steatorrhea , or fatty stool, is often caused by an underlying condition.

Consult your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your bowel habits that last more than two weeks. Tell your healthcare provider if you’re having additional symptoms, like:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Stomach pain
• Fever

Recap

Talk to your healthcare provider if the changes in your bowel habits last longer than two weeks and if you’re having other symptoms, like stomach pain, weight loss, or a fever.

Treatment

Lifestyle Treatment Options

Floating stool due to excess gas is often harmless and goes away without treatment. By now, you know that diet can play a role in the development of floating stools. So, it’s possible that adjusting your diet may help with this issue.

For example, some dietitians and healthcare providers recommend that you take out one or two foods from your diet at a time. That way, you can test if those foods contribute to floating stools.

Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you keep a record of the foods you eat and your bowel movements. A record can help your healthcare provider see if there’s a pattern or connection between the food you eat and your stools.

Treating the Underlying Condition

If you’re not able to absorb fat properly, you may have a condition called steatorrhea that can cause your stool to float. The treatment for steatorrhea depends on the primary condition behind it.

For instance, steatorrhea can be caused by a condition called cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis treatment often involves digestive enzyme supplements similar to those your pancreas normally releases.

Prevention

If a certain food makes gas worse, you might not have to avoid it. You can find enzyme supplements over the counter. These supplements can help you digest certain foods, such as beans and milk. Eating smaller portions can also help.

Many foods that can cause gas also have positive traits. Beans, for instance, have about 10 grams of fiber per cup and are rich in antioxidants.

Rather than avoiding these foods, try:

• Eating smaller servings
• Spacing out your intake over the day
• Taking over-the-counter enzyme supplements (that help your body digest foods like beans)
• Avoiding large meals (which put extra pressure on the digestive system)

Summary

Most of the time, excessive gas is the reason why your stool is floating. Certain foods you eat can give you gas. The main culprits are lactose in milk products, soluble fiber, or sugars in food. That could be raffinose in beans, fructose in fruit, or sorbitol in prunes.

But certain conditions can also cause excessive gas or malabsorption, which results in your poop floating. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing other symptoms or if your problem doesn’t go away.

A Word From Verywell

Having floating poop from time to time is quite common and often food-related. Many times, excessive gas is the issue.

If the problem appears to be regular (or you notice other symptoms), talk to your healthcare provider. You may think it’s embarrassing, but your healthcare provider hears about issues like this all the time. They can help identify any underlying conditions that might be causing stool changes.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Bouchoucha M, Devroede G, Benamouzig R. Are floating stools associated with specific functional bowel disorders?Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;27(8):968-973. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000000380
2. Pham A, Forsmark C. Chronic pancreatitis: review and update of etiology, risk factors, and management. F1000Res. 2018;7:F1000 Faculty Rev-607. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12852.1
3. Sirpal S, Chandok N. Primary sclerosing cholangitis: diagnostic and management challenges. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2017;10:265-273. doi:10.2147/CEG.S105872
4. Almadi MA, Barkun JS, Barkun AN. Management of suspected stones in the common bile duct. CMAJ. 2012;184(8):884-892. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110896
5. American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
6. Gan C, Chen YH, Liu L, et al. Efficacy and safety of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy on exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: a meta-analysis.Oncotarget. 2017;8(55):94920-94931. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.21659
7. Dhingra D, Michael M, Rajput H, Patil RT. Dietary fibre in foods: a review.J Food Sci Technol. 2012;49(3):255-66. doi:10.1007/s13197-011-0365-5

Additional Reading

• Bailey J, Carter NJ, Neher JO. FPIN’s Clinical Inquiries: Effective management of flatulence. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(12):1098-1100.
• Ohge H, Levitt MD. Intestinal gas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 16.

By Cathy Wong
Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman’s World, and Natural Health.

Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?
Other Helpful Report an Error
Related Articles

The 6 Best Digestive Enzymes of 2023

Why Do I Have Foamy Poop?

Causes of Loose Stool and How to Fix It

How You Can Relieve Gas Fast and Have Less Gas and Bloating In the Future

Stomach Gas Symptoms and Treatment

Excessive Gas: Causes and Symptoms

Causes of Stomach Pain and Treatment Options

An Overview of the Bristol Stool Chart

What to Do About Loose Stools From IBS

The Meaning of Poop Colors, Shapes, Sizes, and Consistency

Chronic Diarrhea Causes and Consequences

5 Foods That Can Cause Diarrhea

Diarrhea After Eating: Causes and What to Do

How to Prevent Gas and Bloating

What Causes Green Diarrhea and What to Do About It

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

• Meet Our Medical Expert Board
• About Us
• Editorial Process
• Diversity Pledge
• Privacy Policy
• In the News
• Advertise
• Terms of Use
• Careers
• Contact
• EU Privacy

Verywell Fit
Verywell Mind
Verywell Family

Verywell Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site.

What does it mean when your baby’s stool floats?

Motherhood or fatherhood involves many issues, one of which is usually the appearance and consistency of baby stool. Feces can give us a lot of information about children’s health, so is useful to know what it means when your child’s feces float.

Baby poop can vary in shape, color and texture and can sometimes be seen floating in toilet water. This can be confusing for many parents as they don’t know what it means. Next you will know all the necessary information about it.

No wish list yet?: Create your free birth list

Index

• 1 Why do poop float?
  • 1.1 Gas in the stool
  • 1.2 Fat in the stool
  • 1.3 Excessive fiber intake
  • 1.4 Infection or digestive problems
• worry
• 3 Tips for good digestion
• 4 Myths and facts about floating feces
  • 4.1 Floating feces is always a sign of poor health.
  • 4.2 All products that cause faeces to float are harmful to health.
  • 4.3 Floating stool is contagious
  • 4.4 Importance of observation
• 5 Importance of medical advice
  • 5. 1 Poop changes
  • 5.2 Presence of other symptoms

  90 018 5.3 Problems of growth and development

  • 5.4 Family history of diseases of the digestive system

Why do poop float?

In the following lines you will be able to find out some of the most common reasons why your child’s feces float. That way, whenever you see it floating, you’ll know why it’s happening.

The presence of gas in the stool

Sometimes, when a child poops, it pops up, but why does this happen? One of the main reasons is the presence of gas in the stool. Gases can make the stern lighter and therefore float on the water.

This is especially common if your child has eaten foods that can cause gas. It can also happen if your baby is digesting faster than usual. which can lead to food not being completely broken down in the digestive system.

fat in the stool

Another common cause of feces is the presence of fat in the stool. Stool usually contains a small amount of fat, but if excess fat is present, this can cause the stool to float.

The presence of fat in the stool may indicate digestive problems such as fat malabsorption, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you notice an oily consistency in your child’s stool along with floating, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to make a correct diagnosis.

too much fiber

Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, but if your child gets too much fiber, it can also cause poop to float. Fiber is not completely broken down in the digestive tract, and their ability to retain water can make the chair lighter and more buoyant. Make sure your child’s fiber intake is balanced and appropriate for their age and needs.

Infection or digestive problems

In some cases, floating poop may be a sign of an underlying infection or digestive problem. Parasitic infections such as giardiasis can cause floating stools along with other symptoms such as diarrhea and indigestion. There are also digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or fatty liver disease that can affect the floating of the stool.

If you notice that your child’s stool is floating and has other accompanying symptoms, and you don’t know what, talk to your pediatrician so that you can assess your child’s health and find the right treatment.

When is it normal and when to worry

It is important to note that in many cases floating stools in children is not a cause for concern and may simply be the result of dietary factors that are not permanent .

If your child is healthy, has no other warning signs, and his feces sometimes, but not always, float up, there is probably nothing to worry about. However, if the floating stool does not go away, is accompanied by other symptoms, or if you have any additional concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional .

Tips for Good Digestion

Whether your baby’s stool floats or not, it’s important to maintain good digestion in general. To do this, do not miss the following tips to achieve it:

• Healthy Eating: You need to make sure your child gets a balanced and varied diet that includes high fiber foods, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Avoid excessive consumption of processed and sugary foods.
• Adequate Hydration: Assess if your child is drinking enough water, and if not, make sure he drinks enough water throughout the day to stay well hydrated. Water helps soften the stool and makes it easier to pass through the digestive system.
• Physical activity: encourage your child to be active. Regular exercise helps keep the digestive system working and improves overall health.
• Avoid overexposure to antibiotics: Antibiotics can upset the balance of good bacteria in your child’s gut, which can affect digestion. Use antibiotics only when needed and under medical supervision.
• Watch for symptoms: Look out for changes in your child’s stool and other symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, or abdominal pain. If something is bothering you, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Myths and facts about floating feces

Floating feces in children is often a concern and can lead to myths and misconceptions. It is important to dispel some of these myths and provide accurate and reliable information. Next, we will explain are some of the common myths to stop believing in today.

Floating stool is always a sign of poor health.

Although in some cases this may indicate an underlying digestive problem, occasional floating poop and no other symptoms are usually not a cause for concern. It is important to evaluate the situation in conjunction with other factors such as additional symptoms, stool consistency, and your child’s general well-being.

All foods that make feces float are harmful to health.

Certain foods can cause gas and cause faeces to float due to the release of carbon dioxide. However, these foods are nutritious and beneficial for overall health. It is important to eat a balanced and varied diet, and do not refuse food just because it can sometimes cause floating poop.

Floating stool is contagious

Floating stool is not associated with disease or infection transmission. In most cases, floating poop is the result of dietary factors. or the gastrointestinal tract and does not pose a risk to the health of others.

The Importance of Observation

When it comes to the health of our children, it is very important to have open communication with the pediatrician about this topic. Looking at your child’s feces may seem uncomfortable, but it’s an effective way to check on the health of their digestive system. Watching for changes in stool consistency, color, and buoyancy can help you identify potential problems. and act quickly.

Also, if you notice anything unusual in your child’s stool, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions or express your concerns. Health workers are available to help and give you the advice you need.

Remember that every child is unique and may have normal variations in the appearance of the stool. However, if something is bothering you, or if changes in your child’s stool persist, it is better to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying problems.

Importance of medical advice

If you notice that your child’s stools are constantly floating or accompanied by other warning signs, it is important to see a doctor. Appropriate medical advice can provide a full assessment of the situation and help determine if there are any underlying conditions requiring treatment.

For this reason, we want to stress the importance of consulting a pediatrician whenever necessary, but especially if you realize that any of the following is happening, you should talk to your doctor.

poop changes

If you notice that your baby’s stool continues to float for a long period of time without improvement, or if you notice other significant changes in its consistency, color or frequency, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Persistent changes may indicate underlying digestive problems. that require attention.

Presence of other symptoms

If floating stool is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms such as chronic diarrhoea, severe constipation, unexplained weight loss , persistent pain in the abdomen or blood in the stool, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate more serious conditions that require proper evaluation and treatment.

Growth and developmental problems

If your child has growth and developmental difficulties and floating stools, you need to see a doctor. This may help rule out any nutritional or absorption problems. may affect overall health.

Family history of digestive diseases

If your family has a history of digestive diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or liver disease, it is important to tell your pediatrician. This will help to better assess the situation and determine if further testing is needed.

Remember that each child is unique and may have normal variations in the appearance of your chair. However, proper medical advice provides peace of mind and helps exclude any underlying problems or conditions that require attention. Trust your parenting instincts and don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a pediatrician when needed.

Chair Shapes: Chair Types and Bristol Scale

We know this is not our favorite hobby, but we recommend pooping and taking a second to look at it to analyze it. The shape of your stool can say a lot about your gastrointestinal health and the diet you eat.

Bowel specialists can give you hints about what to watch out for in your faeces, but the clearer and more general picture is to compare it with the Bristol scale. If you’re older, you may have experienced all kinds of diarrhea, from hard stools that you strain too much to the latest diarrhea. It is unpleasant to talk about this topic, but it is very necessary to know what is normal and what is not.

Index

• 1 Bristol scale
• 2 What is the “normal” shape of poop?
  • 2.1 lumpy poop
  • 2.2 liquid stool (diarrhea)
• 3 What is normal poop?
• 4 What does it mean when poop floats?

Bristol Scale

The Bristol Stool Chart is a general indication of how and why different types of stool look or feel a certain way. Divided into seven categories based on research published in 1992, he makes poop knowledge basic and easy to understand.

• Type 1 : Marble. Small hard individual lumps, similar to nuts and difficult to separate. These small granules usually mean that you are constipated. This shouldn’t happen often.
• Type 2 : Caterpillar. Stem-shaped, but tuberous. Here we have another sign of constipation, which, again, should not happen often.
• Type 3 : Hot dog. Stem-shaped with some cracks on the surface. This is the gold standard for poop, especially if it’s a little soft and easy to get rid of.
• Type 4: Snake. Soft and snake-shaped. Doctors also consider this to be a normal stool that should occur every 1-3 days.
• Type 5 : amoeba. Small like the first, but soft and easy to swallow; spots also have clear boundaries. This type of food means it lacks fiber and we need to find ways to add something to the diet through cereals or vegetables.
• Type 6 : Smooth. Spongy and soft with jagged edges. Such a too soft consistency can be a sign of mild diarrhea. We will try to drink more water and electrolyte drinks to improve the situation.
• Type 7 : liquid. Completely watery, no solid particles. In other words, diarrhea. This means that the fecal masses moved through the intestines very quickly and did not turn into healthy poop.

What is the “normal” shape of poop?

The healthiest way would be type 3 and 4 off the table. This means that your chair should look like a cracked sausage or a perfect snake. Both should pass without effort or pain. If you are in this group, congratulations! This is a sign that you are transiting regularly, eating enough fiber and drinking water throughout the day.

If we go to the shape, then some people think that the perfect poop has “S” shape . But if you don’t, don’t worry, because it’s not important. There are times when stools have this curvature, and this is determined by how they settle in the rectum.

There is no ideal form to strive for, it is enough to remain in this type. On the other hand, if you are in one of the two extremes, you should analyze some aspects.

lumpy poop

El type 1 or 2 This is a type of feces. It will be like throwing small stones into the toilet and you may find it difficult to push them. It may also happen that you see a lot of balls stuck together in your toilet bowl. This is just a symptom constipation .

If you are constipated, the first thing you should do is eat high fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains) or fiber supplements. Also, you must remember to drink enough water to help move fiber through your digestive system.

In case you can’t do anything, there are stool softeners such as Micralax that extract water from the stool to facilitate evacuation. Logically, this is not something we can maintain as a long-term habit, but it can be helped in a timely manner.

liquid feces (diarrhea)

At the other extreme we find types 5, 6 and 7 . They depend on loose stools and complete diarrhea in which everything is completely liquid. Normally, types 6 and 7 do not occur constantly, and if so, you should consult a doctor.

We can say we have diarrhea when we pass 3 or more loose stools a day. It is usually caused by food poisoning or a virus and usually goes away on its own.

In contrast, chronic diarrhea lasts at least a month and can be caused by food intolerances or allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease.

What is a normal poop?

That’s why we said that you should stop for a few seconds to analyze your poop. This is the only way to know what is normal for you.

Some will say that they have been in type 2 or type 5 all their lives and nothing bad is happening. You don’t have to go to the doctor to make sure everything is ok. On the other hand, if you notice any changes in your stool or other symptoms such as weight loss or abdominal pain, we recommend that you make an appointment with a digestive doctor to see if anything else is going on.

Healthy poop can be as varied and unique as the people who produce it. But there are a few rules of thumb to follow if you want to test your poop art for optimal health:

• Colour. Color must be brown. The combination of gastric bile and bilirubin, which is a pigment compound produced by the breakdown of red blood cells in the body, is responsible for this very beautiful shade of brown.
• Shape. The slightly log shape is the way most of the stool is passed out due to its formation in the intestines. However, there are many forms that poop can take. When they differ from the shape of the torso, then this is when the poop is trying to say that something is wrong.
• Size. The stool should not come out in small lumps, but should be a couple of inches long, comfortable and easy to pass.
• Sequence. Something between a hard and smooth consistency is quite normal. If it sways too much from side to side, it could indicate fiber or digestive problems.