Stool normally sinks because it is denser than water. Floating stool often indicates a high fat content and can result from a high-fat diet or fat malabsorption. Occasional floating after rich meals is usually harmless, but persistent floating warrants evaluation for digestive issues. Ideal stool is solid, passes in one piece, and reflects adequate fiber, hydration, and healthy gut microbiota. Visible blood, frequent diarrhea, or consistent changes in stool behavior are red flags requiring attention. Regular observation of bowel movements can offer early clues about digestive health and nutritional absorption.
The next time you go number two, you should take a peek in the toilet. (You should actually be doing this after every bowel movement, doctors say.) While certain things such as blood in your poop and frequent diarrhea are known red flags, it turns out that whether your poop floats or sinks in the toilet bowl matters for your health.
Simply put, stool is denser than water, so it should sink, said Dr. Supriya Rao, a gastroenterologist at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants in Massachusetts. Dr. Sophie M. Balzora, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health and president of the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists, agreed - "generally, stools tend to sink like a brick in the toilet bowl." While stool should fall to the bottom of the toilet, it should also come out of your bottom in one piece and have a good, solid consistency,
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