There’s a lot of information in your poop. From how much you poop and how often, to its consistency, your stools can tell you what’s going on inside your body. If your poop sticks to the side of the toilet bowl, it’s a sign that something is irritating your digestive tract. You may just need more water throughout the day, or there may be something more serious going on. Read on for more causes of — and how you can avoid — sticky poop.
Sticky poop by itself
If your only symptom is sticky stools, consider what you ate on the previous day. If it was loaded up with fat, whether it’s healthy, plant-based fat or you indulged in a grass-fed burger with cheese, that could be the culprit. Often, when you eat too much fat, your stool is stickier. If it happens only occasionally — and after a day of indulgence — it is probably nothing to be worried about. People who follow a ketogenic diet may have sticky poop more often for this very reason. If you eat keto, make sure to drink ample water and balance your heavy protein and fat intake with healthy fibrous vegetables.
Crohn’s disease can cause sticky poop
Certain conditions, including Crohn’s disease, make it hard for the body to absorb dietary fat. Crohn’s is one of several conditions that are included under the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis also fall under this category and could be the cause of sticky poop. If you experience abdominal cramping and sticky poop on a regular basis, it’s time to see your healthcare provider.
Celiac disease can cause sticky poop
Gluten proteins in wheat can cause people with celiac disease to poop sticky stool. Like Crohn’s disease, which makes it difficult for the body to process fats, celiac disease makes it difficult for the body to digest gluten. Keep track of when you have sticky poops. If you rule out too much fat, but find that a low-fat, multi-grain sandwich results in sticky poop, you should talk to your provider. You might have celiac disease or, at very least, a sensitivity to gluten.
Lactose intolerance can cause sticky poop
People who consume dairy, but lack the enzyme lactase, experience lactose intolerance. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to irregularities in the bathroom, including sticky poop. Cut dairy out of your diet for a few days and see if the situation improves. If so, you might be intolerant to lactose.
Other possible causes of sticky poop
Sticky poop can also be caused by gallstones and liver damage, as well as bleeding in the digestive tract from an injury or a parasite. If you notice that your stools are black and sticky, seek medical attention right away. You may also have “dampness” in the colon, or a buildup of waste in the digestive system caused by gluten, sugar, dairy or alcohol. That dampness can be balanced out by an elimination diet that removes these triggering foods for a week or so.
Home remedies for sticky poop
The quickest and easiest way to remedy sticky poop is to drink more water. The second easiest remedy is to get moving. Water will keep things moving properly, and daily exercise is correlated to a healthier digestive system.
Make sure you’re consuming probiotics every day. These are best in food form and include:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Kombucha (homemade is best)
- Kimchi
- Pickles
Simply add a couple of these ingredients to your diet each day for better gut health.
Foods to eat if you have sticky poop
Shift your diet to concentrate on the following foods for a few days to remedy your sticky poop situation:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Probiotic foods
- Prebiotic foods (onions, asparagus, leek, apples, legumes)
- Small amounts of poultry or seafood if you eat meat
Foods to avoid if you have sticky poop
Limit these foods for a few days if you notice your poop is sticky:
- Fried foods
- Oils
- Butter
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Nuts
- Red meat
- Foods containing gluten
- Foods containing lactose
Most of the time, sticky poop isn’t anything to worry about. That said, if you routinely experience it, it’s time to shift something in your lifestyle.
Do you have a remedy for sticky poop I haven’t mentioned? Tell us in the comments!