Your poop can tell you a lot about your health, and give you insight as to how your digestive system is functioning.
While it's normal for poop to sink , floating stools are not uncommon and can occur for various reasons. Floating stools alone are not a cause for worry or a reason to see a doctor !
In this article, we'll explore the causes of floating stools, when they might indicate a health concern, and when it's time to seek medical advice.
Your diet can cause your poop to float You poop might float because you’re a little gassy Certain foods and beverages, such as chewing gum and fizzy sodas or carbonated drinks , can lead to increased gas in the digestive system.
You can think of chewing gum or drinking soda almost like you’re “eating air”. This gas can make its way into your stool, resulting in a floating poop.
Your poop might float because you’re eating lots of fiber Consuming a diet rich in fiber , particularly from fruits and vegetables, can increase gas production during digestion.
This excess gas can become trapped in the stool, causing it to float.
Malabsorption can cause your poop to float Sometimes, floating stools can be a sign of a more serious condition called malabsorption.This occurs when your body isn’t doing a good job absorbing nutrients from food. Poop that floats due to malabsorption looks greasy and smells worse than usual. Several health conditions can lead to malabsorption, including celiac disease and chronic pancreatitis.
Malabsorption of fat — when your body has trouble breaking down and absorbing fats from the food you eat — can result in too much fat in your poop. These fatty poops float, and is a condition known as steatorrhea . It’s important to note, however — most floating poops are not caused by an increase in the fat content of the stool .
When should I go to the doctor? While occasional floating poops are usually not a cause for concern, there are situations where you should reach out to a doctor , like:
Your floating stools are consistently greasy, foul-smelling, or accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea. You notice significant changes in your bowel habits, including an increase in frequency or changes in the consistency or color of your stools. These symptoms could indicate an underlying health condition that you can’t solve on your own, and needs medical attention.
Tracking your poop helps you keep an eye on your digestive health While poop typically sinks, floating stools can be a normal occurrence. However, if you notice that floating stools are becoming frequent and are associated with other concerning symptoms, it's important to go to the doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
Your digestive health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. By paying attention to changes in your bowel habits and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can take proactive steps to maintain good digestive health.
