What causes floating poop and what does it say about health

Do you have a habit of seeing your poop in the toilet before flushing? It is a healthy habit and makes you familiar with the usual colour, smell and shape of your poop. Your stools can be a great indicator of your health. Occasionally, you might see your poop floating too! Wonder why? Well, it is usually caused by eating too much fiber. In that case, you don’t have to worry, as the problem will go away easily. But if you experience floating poop all the time, it might be a sign of an underlying health problem. Does that mean sinking poop is better than floating poop?

What is floating poop?

Your poop is mostly made up of water, but it also consists of materials like undigested food, bacteria, and fats. Sometimes, you might see mucus in your poop. And if it is less dense than water, you will notice your poop floating. Basically, floating poop refers to stool that remains buoyant in the toilet bowl rather than sinking. This phenomenon can sometimes be a normal occurrence, but it may also indicate underlying digestive issues or dietary changes, says gastroenterologist Dr Mahesh Gupta. During a 2015 study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 26 percent of people with functional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, were found to have floating poop.

What are the causes of floating stools?

Here are some of the causes:

1. High fiber intake

Adults should consume approximately 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories of food they have, as per the US Department of Agriculture. If you eat more than that, it can result in stool that is less dense, causing it to float. Fiber adds bulk and can introduce air or gas into the stool.

2. Gas in stool

When stool contains excess gas, it can become buoyant. This gas can come from swallowed air, the breakdown of undigested food in the intestines, or certain gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, says the expert.

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3. Malabsorption

Malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, can prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients. This can lead to undigested fats and other nutrients in the stool, causing it to float.

4. Pancreatic insufficiency

Conditions like chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can impair the pancreas’s ability to produce digestive enzymes. This can lead to fat malabsorption and, consequently, floating poop.

5. Infections

Certain infections, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract like Giardia, can disrupt normal digestion and absorption. When this happens, it can lead to floating stool.

6. Artificial sweeteners

Consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols (like sorbitol or mannitol) found in sugar-free products can cause diarrhea and floating stools in some people. This may happen due to their incomplete absorption and fermentation in the gut.

Is sinking poop healthier than floating poop?

Sinking poop is generally considered the norm and indicates that the stool is denser than water. This density typically comes from a healthy mix of water, fiber, and waste products. It can be a sign that your body is digesting food properly and that there is an appropriate balance of nutrients being absorbed.

While sinking stool is often viewed as a sign of good health, floating stool is not necessarily unhealthy. Occasional floating poop can be a normal response to dietary changes, such as increased fiber or gas-producing foods. However, if floating stool is persistent, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, or stomach pain, it could indicate malabsorption or other gastrointestinal issues that need medical attention, says Dr Gupta.

What are the ways to treat floating poop?

Treatment for floating stool depends on the underlying cause. Here are some general approaches:

1. Balance fiber intake

If a high fiber diet is causing the floating stool, try balancing fiber intake with other food groups to achieve a more consistent stool density. Eat a well-rounded diet that includes an appropriate amount of fiber, but balance it with protein and healthy fats. Gradually increase fiber intake if your diet is currently low in fiber. Incorporating probiotics through foods like yogurt can also help maintain a healthy gut flora, which supports digestion and stool consistency.

2. Eat less gas-producing food

Be mindful of how your body reacts to certain foods, suggests the expert. If you notice that specific foods consistently cause floating stool, consider reducing or eliminating them from your diet. For instance, reducing the intake of gas-producing foods like beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages can help.

3. Manage health conditions

Conditions like celiac disease require specific dietary changes, such as adopting a gluten-free diet. In the case of pancreatic insufficiency, enzyme supplements may be prescribed to aid digestion, says the expert. For infections like Giardia, appropriate antibiotics or anti-parasitic medications are necessary to clear the infection and restore normal digestion.

4. Less artificial sweeteners

You might have artificial sweeteners for health goals. But reduce the consumption of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners if they are identified as the cause of the floating stool.

5. Stay hydrated

Ensuring adequate hydration can help maintain stool consistency and support overall digestive health. How much water you need to drink in a day depends on your factors like physical activities and where you live.

Floating poop is a common phenomenon that can be influenced by dietary choices and underlying health conditions. Occasional floating stool is usually not a cause for concern, but persistent changes in bowel habits should be discussed with a doctor.