Your stool’s behavior in the toilet can give you clues about your health. If your poop floats or sinks, it might mean different things. According to Parade, understanding whether your stool sinks or floats can help you spot potential health issues.
Is Floating or Sinking Poop Better?
Typically, poop should sink because it is denser than water. However, if your stool floats, it might contain extra gas or fiber. Floating poop occasionally isn’t usually a problem, but if it happens often, it could signal issues with your diet or digestive health.
Why Might Your Poop Float?
- Too Much Fiber or Gas-Producing Foods: Eating high-fiber foods like beans or broccoli can make your poop float due to the gas produced during digestion. Reducing these foods might help your stool sink again.
- Nutrient Malabsorption: Conditions that affect nutrient absorption, like lactose intolerance or fatty malabsorption, can cause your stool to float. Malabsorption means your body isn’t getting all the nutrients from your food, leading to floating, greasy stools.
- Infections: Some gastrointestinal infections, like Giardia, can lead to floating, smelly stools. These infections might also cause gas, cramps, and nausea.
- GI Conditions: Floating stools can be a symptom of GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease. These conditions often come with other symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Pancreas Problems: Issues with the pancreas, like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can cause floating stools because of poor digestion and fat malabsorption. Symptoms might include oily stools, weight loss, and yellowing of the skin.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice your stool consistently floating or if you experience other changes like chronic diarrhea, weight loss, or blood in your stool, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor.
Parade highlights that keeping an eye on your stool can help you understand what’s normal for you and spot potential health problems early.
https://parade.com/health/should-poop-float-or-sink?utm_source=pushly