Most of the simple malabsorption… If repeated, the possibility of Crohn’s disease
One day, you will suddenly see feces floating in the water in the toilet. When such a strange phenomenon occurs, one becomes anxious and curious as to why. Why is the stool that usually sinks into the water all of a sudden?
Angela Pham, assistant professor of gastroenterology at the University of Florida School of Medicine in the US, said, “Floating stools are a clear sign of malabsorption (dyspepsia) and indicate that the small intestine is not properly absorbing nutrients and fats from the ingested food.” said. When the body cannot qualitatively process and absorb fat, the feces floats.
When malabsorption occurs, the exact cause must be determined. In general, when malabsorption occurs, the stool becomes oily and floats in water and becomes pale and bright yellow in color. In severe cases, oil droplets can be seen in the stool of the toilet and there is a foul odor.
Possible causes of malabsorption include lactose intolerance, heredity, and use of certain medications. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot properly break down the lactose in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. “Not only lactose intolerance, but also celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis can lead to severe malabsorption,” said Pham. In an interview with the health site ‘thehealthy’ of the American magazine ‘Reader’s Digest’.
Celiac disease is a hereditary allergic disease that occurs in the small intestine because the body does not have an enzyme that can process gluten (insoluble protein in grains such as wheat and barley). Symptoms such as loose stools, indigestion, and abdominal pain appear as the small intestine cannot absorb flour and food.
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that inflames the entire digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic defect that causes inflammation in the lungs and digestive tract and causes malabsorption. Malabsorption can cause diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and can exacerbate existing IBS. Floating stools are a common feature of irritable bowel syndrome. The disease affects 25 to 45 million Americans.
“If the stool is floating, the first thing you need to do is change your diet,” said Pam. Eating a high-fat diet creates gas in the intestines and is absorbed into the stool, which can cause the stool to float. The same can happen if you eat foods high in sugar, fiber, starch, and lactose. In case of general malabsorption, avoid foods such as wheat flour and treat symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. It is good to eat foods rich in prebiotics to promote the growth of healthy microbes (bacteria) in the gut. Recommended foods include leafy vegetables, bananas, onions, and garlic.
“If the stool floats in water too often, it is advisable to see a specialist as soon as possible,” he said. Chronic malabsorption can lead to severe malnutrition and complications (such as intestinal obstruction and perforation). In particular, lifelong treatment may be required, and home remedies may not be able to resolve symptoms. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, so be careful.