What causes some poop to sink while other poop floats. How does gut bacteria influence stool buoyancy. What can the flotation of feces tell us about digestive health. Is it better for poop to sink or float.

The Science Behind Sinking and Floating Stool

For years, the question of why some poop sinks while other poop floats has puzzled both scientists and the general public. Recent research has shed new light on this intriguing aspect of human biology, revealing that the buoyancy of our feces is closely tied to the microbial composition of our gut.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic has confirmed that the gas content produced by intestinal bacteria is the primary factor determining whether stool sinks or floats. This finding builds upon earlier work from the 1970s that first suggested a connection between fecal gas and buoyancy.

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Stool Buoyancy

The Mayo Clinic study utilized germ-free mice, which lack gut bacteria, to demonstrate that without these microorganisms, all stool consistently sinks. When gut bacteria from standard mice and healthy human donors were introduced to the germ-free mice, many of their stools began to float. This experiment provided conclusive evidence that gas-producing gut bacteria are responsible for the flotation of feces.

• Germ-free mice always produce sinking stool
• Introduction of gut bacteria leads to floating stool in many cases
• Gas produced by bacteria, not fat content, causes flotation

Floaters vs. Sinkers: What’s Normal?

Is it normal for poop to float or sink? The research indicates that both floating and sinking stools can be considered normal. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of people consistently produce floaters, while the majority typically have sinkers. The key takeaway is that consistency in your personal pattern is more important than whether your stool floats or sinks.

Factors Influencing Stool Buoyancy

Several factors can influence whether an individual tends to produce floating or sinking stool:

1. Diet
2. Genetics
3. Birth method (vaginal vs. cesarean)
4. Environmental factors

These elements all play a role in shaping the composition of an individual’s gut microbiome, which in turn affects the gas content and buoyancy of their stool.

The Microbes Behind Floating Stool

Which specific bacteria are responsible for producing gas that causes stool to float? The Mayo Clinic study identified several gas-producing bacterial species associated with floating stools, including:

• Bacteroides ovatus
• Bacteroides uniformis

These bacteria are known to increase methane production and the frequency of flatulence in humans. Further research is needed to pinpoint exactly which species and strains produce sufficient gas to make feces float.

Health Implications of Floating vs. Sinking Stool

Does the buoyancy of your stool indicate better or worse health? Currently, there is no definitive answer to this question. The researchers emphasize that the health implications of floating versus sinking stool likely depend on the specific bacteria producing the gas.

While floating stool is often associated with high-fat content or malabsorption issues, the recent findings suggest that in many cases, it may simply indicate a different composition of gut bacteria rather than a health problem.

When to Be Concerned About Floating Stool

While occasional floating stools are generally not a cause for concern, persistent changes in stool buoyancy, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may warrant medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Sudden and persistent changes in stool buoyancy
• Greasy or oily-appearing stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort

The Gut Microbiome and Overall Health

The findings on stool buoyancy underscore the importance of the gut microbiome in human health. Our intestinal bacteria play crucial roles in various aspects of our well-being, including:

• Digestion and nutrient absorption
• Immune system function
• Mental health
• Metabolism

Understanding the relationship between gut bacteria and stool characteristics may provide new insights into digestive health and potentially lead to novel diagnostic tools or treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.

Maintaining a Healthy Gut Microbiome

While we can’t directly control whether our stool floats or sinks, we can take steps to promote a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. Consider incorporating the following strategies into your lifestyle:

1. Eat a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Consume fermented foods rich in probiotics
3. Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners
4. Stay hydrated
5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
6. Get adequate sleep

Future Directions in Stool Buoyancy Research

The recent findings on the relationship between gut bacteria and stool buoyancy open up new avenues for research in gastroenterology and microbiology. Future studies may focus on:

• Identifying specific bacterial strains responsible for gas production and stool flotation
• Investigating potential links between stool buoyancy and various health conditions
• Developing new diagnostic tools based on stool characteristics and microbial composition
• Exploring targeted probiotic interventions to modulate gut bacteria and stool properties

The Bottom Line on Floating vs. Sinking Stool

The buoyancy of your stool is primarily determined by the gas-producing bacteria in your gut, not by fat content as previously believed. Both floating and sinking stools can be normal, depending on your individual gut microbiome composition. While persistent changes in stool buoyancy may sometimes indicate underlying health issues, in many cases, it simply reflects the unique bacterial ecosystem living in your intestines.

As research in this area continues to evolve, it’s important to remember that overall stool consistency, frequency, and other characteristics are often more indicative of digestive health than whether it floats or sinks. If you have concerns about your bowel movements or digestive health, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Key Takeaways on Stool Buoyancy

• Gas produced by gut bacteria is the primary cause of floating stool
• Both floating and sinking stools can be normal
• Stool buoyancy is influenced by diet, genetics, and environmental factors
• Sudden changes in stool buoyancy may warrant medical attention
• Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the human gut microbiome, our understanding of stool characteristics and their implications for health will undoubtedly deepen. The next time you notice whether your stool sinks or floats, remember that it’s offering a glimpse into the complex and fascinating world of your intestinal bacteria.

Practical Tips for Monitoring Stool Health

While it’s not necessary to obsessively check your stool, being aware of your typical patterns can help you identify potential health issues early. Consider these practical tips for monitoring your stool health:

1. Pay attention to consistency and form using the Bristol Stool Chart as a reference
2. Note any persistent changes in color, odor, or buoyancy
3. Be aware of frequency changes in bowel movements
4. Watch for signs of undigested food or mucus in the stool
5. Keep track of any associated symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating

Remember, occasional variations in stool characteristics are normal and often reflect changes in diet, hydration, or activity levels. It’s the persistent or significant changes that may require further investigation.

The Future of Personalized Gut Health

As our understanding of the relationship between gut bacteria, stool characteristics, and overall health continues to grow, we may see a rise in personalized approaches to gut health management. Future developments could include:

• Customized probiotic formulations based on individual microbiome profiles
• Advanced at-home stool analysis kits for monitoring gut health
• Tailored dietary recommendations to optimize gut bacteria composition
• Integration of gut health data with other health metrics for comprehensive wellness tracking

These advancements could revolutionize how we approach digestive health and potentially lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for a wide range of health conditions.

Conclusion

The question of why some poop sinks while other poop floats has led to fascinating discoveries about the intricate relationship between our gut bacteria and digestive processes. As research in this field progresses, we’re gaining valuable insights into the complex world of the human microbiome and its far-reaching effects on our health.

Whether your stool consistently floats or sinks, the key is to maintain a healthy, diverse gut microbiome through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle choices. By nurturing the beneficial bacteria in our guts, we can support not only our digestive health but also our overall well-being.

As we move forward, the study of stool characteristics, including buoyancy, may open new doors in personalized medicine and preventive healthcare. Until then, remember that a little curiosity about your bathroom habits can go a long way in understanding and maintaining your health.

We now know why some poos float and others sink

What is it that makes some logs float?

Shutterstock/Gabdulin Denis

Whether your poo floats or sinks depends on the types of bacteria in your gut and how much gas they produce, a new study suggests.

About 10 to 15 per cent of people consistently do poos that float in toilet water – so-called “floaters”, while the rest typically produce poos that sink to the bottom, or “sinkers”.

In 1972, Michael Levitt, a gastroenterologist at University of Minnesota Hospitals, and his student William Duane showed this was largely to do with the gas content of faeces, not fat content, as was previously assumed. They collected floaters from 13 people and found they all sank when the gas inside was removed by increased pressurisation, even if they had high fat content.

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Their research was prompted by Duane revealing to Levitt that his poos always floated. “About 2 hours after our discussion, he passed a stool, we put it in a flask, pressurised the flask and watched the stool sink, demonstrating the stool floated because of its gas content,” says Levitt.

Levitt and Duane believed this gas must have come from gut bacteria that became incorporated in the faeces, because two floaters they tested contained high levels of methane gas, which is made by bacteria that ferment carbohydrates as they pass through the large intestine. However, they couldn’t tell for sure.

Now, Nagarajan Kannan at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and his colleagues have confirmed this hunch after noticing that mice bred so they don’t have any gut bacteria – known as germ-free mice – always produce sinkers, whereas nearly half of standard mice produce floaters.

Read more:

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To explore further, the researchers injected gut bacteria collected from the faeces of standard mice and from two seemingly healthy young women into the stomachs of the germ-free mice, and found that it caused many of their poos to start floating.

“Now, there’s no confusion as to what makes stool float, it is gas from gut microbes, not from swallowed air or other sources,” says Kannan. Closer analysis of the mouse floaters revealed they contained multiple gas-producing bacteria, including Bacteroides ovatus and Bacteroides uniformis, which are known to increase methane production and the frequency of flatulence in people.

To work out which of these species produce enough gas to make faeces float, the next step will be to individually introduce each of them into the guts of germ-free mice, says Kannan. Microbial analysis of human faeces could also reveal which gas-producing bacteria are more common in floaters, he says.

Read more:

Faecal transplants ease irritable bowel syndrome for three years

Whether people produce floaters or sinkers may depend on their diet, genetics, how they were delivered at birth and their environment, since all of these factors are known to influence the mix of bacteria found in the gut, says Kannan.

At this stage, we can’t say whether it is healthier to do floaters or sinkers, he says. “It probably depends on exactly which gut bacteria are producing the gas.”

Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22626-x

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Topics:

• microbiology/
• bacteria/
• gut health

What It Can Tell You About Your Health

Healthy poop typically sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl. You may have floating poop temporarily if you have an illness. But regular floaters can indicate a health condition.

When was the last time you took a look at what you left behind in the toilet bowl?

While there are certainly more appealing (and better-smelling) things to look at, checking out what’s coming out the other end can actually tell you a lot about your diet, activity level, and health in general.

It can be especially important to know whether your poop sinks or floats. But since you’re probably (hopefully?) not looking at anyone else’s poop on the regular, it can be hard to know whether yours is “normal.”

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

Poop typically consists of:

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

Hearing a hearty “plop!” when you’re sitting on the toilet is actually a sign that your poop is dense and, therefore, healthy.

If you’re eating a fiber-full diet and your digestive system is firing on all cylinders, your poop should be heavy enough to land at the bottom of the toilet bowl.

What to do if your poop floats

Even though healthy poop sinks, occasionally your poop will float like a life preserver.

If you’re leaving the occasional floater behind, it’s probably not a cause for concern. Eating a new food or food that gives you a lot of gas can make your poop less dense, resulting in floating stools. After a day or so, this typically goes away on its own.

Floating poop can sometimes be a symptom of a gastrointestinal infection or a stomach bug. These, too, tend to be temporary and will go away on their own.

But if your poop frequently floats and feels greasy, it could mean that you’re experiencing malabsorption.

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

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

• cramping
• bloating after meals
• constipation
• frequent diarrhea

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

Healthy stool is brown. This is because bile from your digestive organs tints the color of your poop.

Your poop can vary in color according to what you’ve eaten recently. If your poop looks super dark or even black, it’s probably because you’ve been eating a lot of blueberries or a food that uses dark food dyes, like black licorice.

Unhealthy shades

If your poop isn’t on the range of colors between yellow and dark brown, it can indicate an underlying health concern.

Light color

Poop that’s a lighter shade of brown or gray, or clay-colored, can indicate that your bile ducts aren’t functioning at their full capacity. This can be a sign of:

• hepatitis
• bile duct blockage
• gallstones
• swelling in the liver or pancreas

If your poop becomes lighter in color than usual and doesn’t return to its dark brown color, pay attention to other symptoms you be having. Contact your doctor if you aren’t feeling well.

Red

Poop that’s red, or stools that come out bloody, can be a sign that you have a blockage at your rectum. It can also indicate hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.

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

If you’re seeing blood in your stool or frequently have red poop, contact your doctor and let them know, regardless of other symptoms. They’ll be able to tell if you need to have your stool tested to determine what’s causing your red poop.

Poop can take many shapes and still be healthy.

Your feces will typically appear in formed logs with a clay-like consistency. Narrow, snake-shaped poop is also considered normal. Your poop can be large, small, short, or long: All these shapes fall on the spectrum of normal.

Unhealthy shapes

There are some things about your poop’s consistency and shape that can point to an underlying health condition. Most things about your poop’s shape and size are related to your diet.

Poop that looks lumpy or comes out in small softball- or caterpillar-like shapes can mean that you’re constipated. Increase your water intake if you notice your poop coming out pebbly or dry, even if you’re not straining when you go.

Poop that looks jagged or fuzzy might mean it’s time to load up your plate with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

A low amount of fiber in your diet can result in poop that’s extremely soft. If your poop lacks (for lack of a better word) definition, change up the amount of fiber you’re getting at each meal.

Even healthy poop doesn’t smell the best. There’s a reason, after all, why the word “excrement” is synonymous with “gross.”

Unpleasant-smelling poop is the result of bacteria and food decay. Poop has a very distinct smell that you’re probably familiar with, and everyone’s poop smells unique to them. Poop that smells earthy or musty is typical and normal.

Unhealthy smells

Poop that smells greasy, foul, or especially putrid can be a sign from your body that there’s something else going on.

Taking antibiotics changes the microbiota in your gut. This can result in foul-smelling stool. It’s often temporary and will resolve on its own, but a course of probiotic supplements can’t hurt to help things along.

If you menstruate, your poop may have a distinct and powerful odor during your period (which is totally normal).

You may also experience foul-smelling stool in addition to diarrhea if you take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin or supplement. This, too, will resolve on its own in a day or two.

Seeing a doctor

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

Bacterial infections like E. coli, food and dairy allergies, and gastrointestinal parasites can cause your stool to smell abnormally offensive. Malabsorption can also cause a strong stench.

If your poop smells worse than usual, pay attention to other symptoms that you may be having. See your doctor if you have especially smelly stools and:

• frequent cramping
• constipation
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• bloody stool

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

You may poop more often or less frequently depending on how much fiber is in your diet, how much meat you eat, how much physical activity you tend to get, and other factors.

Fixing constipation

If you feel constipated, first try to increase your water intake. Being dehydrated means that you might not have enough water traveling through your intestine to form solid, healthy poop.

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

Constipation home remedies are another option if you’re not pooping regularly. Consider taking a magnesium supplement or a natural laxative to get things moving. Getting some exercise, like going for a run or practicing yoga, can also help.

If you experience constipation on a regular basis, or if your stools are hard and dry, let your doctor know.

Healthy poop will typically sink to the bottom of the toilet, look dark brown, and smell a bit musty but not especially foul.

Poop gives you important clues into what’s going on inside your body. Any stool that’s not within the realm of what’s normal for you is a reason to pay close attention.

Stool that floats, is a different color than usual, and smells especially foul could indicate that you need to have a conversation with your doctor.

What to do if I ate poop

Articles › School

What is inside the poop? 2/3 of the composition of feces is water. It is needed to dissolve toxins and facilitate the passage of feces through the intestines. Up to 1/3 of the dry mass of feces are cultures of bacteria representing the normal intestinal microflora.

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