The next time you go number two, take a peek in the toilet. While it may not be the most pleasant task, it is actually recommended by doctors to check your bowel movements after every trip to the bathroom. 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.
Generally, stools that sink mean one thing while stools that float can mean a whole host of other things, and most of these things aren’t good. In this article, we will explore the importance of healthy bowel movements and why they should sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that your poop should sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. Simply put, stool is denser than water, so it should sink, according to 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, agrees, stating that “generally, stools tend to sink like a brick in the toilet bowl.”
But it’s not just about sinking to the bottom of the toilet bowl. Your stool should also come out of your bottom in one piece and have a good, solid consistency. This indicates that you have adequate fiber, water, and a healthy gut flora that is digesting what you’re feeding it, according to Dr. Rucha Mehta Shah, a gastroenterologist in Arizona.
If your poop floats, there could be a few things to blame. While sinking is ideal, an occasional floating poop isn’t cause for concern, experts say. “There are so many factors that go into whether your stool is a sinker or a floater, so to speak,” says Dr. Balzora. “Floating often means that the stool’s high in fat,” explains Dr. Rao. This can be attributed to your diet, as a high-fat diet or a few high-fat meals before using the bathroom can cause your stool to float.
If you notice a floating stool every so often after a high-fat meal, it likely isn’t a big deal, says Dr. Rao. However, if it happens consistently, it is important to let your doctor know. “With floating stool that is very foul-smelling and has a sheen to it that resembles oil, this may signal something called steatorrhea, or fat in the stool that shouldn’t be there,” says Dr. Balzora. This could indicate fat malabsorption, which can be caused by several different digestive disorders that should all be evaluated by your doctor, according to Dr. Balzora.
Some of these disorders include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, adds Dr. Shah. Another cause of floating stool could be excess gases in the stool produced by bacteria. In certain cases, high amounts of bacteria can cause flatulence, bloating, and also floating stools, says Dr. Balzora.
To have more healthy stools, there are a few rules to follow. While malabsorption issues and other gastrointestinal problems require medical attention and cannot be solely fixed with lifestyle changes, there are certain behaviors that can help create healthy stools for those without underlying health issues.
First and foremost, it is important to understand what a healthy poop is. Experts recommend referencing the Bristol stool scale, which is a visual scale of the six different types of stool, according to Dr. Rao. A one on the scale indicates severe constipation, while a six indicates severe diarrhea. A three or four on the chart is considered normal. “It can really help us understand what’s really going on,” adds Dr. Shah. By looking at the chart, you can tell your doctor, “My stool looks like number four, is that OK?” instead of vaguely describing your stool consistency.
To get your stools to a healthy place, all three experts recommend increasing fiber intake. This includes both supplemental fiber, such as Metamucil and Benefiber, and dietary fiber, like beans, legumes, and fruit, says Dr. Balzora. “Fiber can help bulk up the stools and keep you regular,” she notes.
It is also important to stay hydrated and active. “Activity helps promote the movement of the muscles in our
