Floating poop can result from excess gas or a high-fiber diet
. However, it can also indicate malabsorption or an underlying medical condition
. Reasons for why poop floats:
- Excess gas A high-fiber diet can increase gas production in the colon, causing stools to float
. Foods like beans, broccoli, and cauliflower can cause gas
- Malabsorption This is the body's inability to absorb nutrients, especially fats, which can increase the fat content of the stool and cause it to float
. Conditions that cause malabsorption include celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and gallbladder disorders
- Infections Gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can disrupt normal function and increase gas production, which can cause stools to float
- Medical conditions Floating stools can be a sign of steatorrhea, which means there is too much fat in the stool
. This can be due to conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid deficiency, and small intestine diseases
. Pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis may also cause floating stools
- Nutrient intolerance Intolerances such as lactose intolerance can cause floating stools as well
If floating stools persist or are accompanied by other symptoms like changes in stool color, abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, or very dark urine, consult a doctor
