Sticky Poop

Poop can be in a number of shape, size and appearance, and these characteristics speak a lot about what’s going on inside your body. Sticky poop usually comes in two ways namely black tarry and greasy stool. Tarry stools can be an indication of stomach ulcers as the poop is accompanied with blood and greasy stool is the one that floats and indicates malabsorption.

Tarry stool

Tarry stool, also known as bloody stool, indicates that there is some problem in digestive tract. Bloody stools are mostly a result of bleeding in small intestine, esophagus or stomach. It may also be caused due to bleeding in upper GI tract which may in turn be caused because of abnormal blood vessels, bleeding ulcer, gastritis, trauma, presence of varices in esophagus or stomach or some kind of tear in esophagus.

Another condition, called hematochezia, is characterized by bright or dark red blood stool which is caused due to bleeding in small or large bowel, anus or rectum. Tarry stool in this case is caused because of anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal infection, abnormal blood vessels, bowel ischemia and trauma.

Greasy stool

Steatorrhea is a term used when there’s excess fat in stool which causes sticky poop and stool that floats with greasy appearance. This foul smelling stool contains the fat that was left unabsorbed in the digestive tract. In most cases infection in intestine and changes in diet is the cause of greasy stool. It might be because of diseases related to intestines, pancreas and biliary tract.

Steatorrhea is a temporary problem and goes away on its own as you get accustomed to dietary changes. However if it lasts for over a week or grows severe or u experience other symptoms as well, then it is a serious condition and you should see your doctor immediately.

Foods to avoid if it’s sticky poop

Fatty foods: Excessive consumption of dietary fat is removed from body as stool which can either be greasy or sticky. Depending upon the health and usually diet of a personal, the average intake of dietary fat should range from 20 to 35 percent of the total calorie intake. Foods such as butter, dairy products, oils, eggs, nuts, French fries, potato chips are high in fats and should be avoided. Generally digestive tract diseases result in poor metabolism even after improving the diet, so if you have cut short dietary fat and still getting sticky poop, see your doctor immediately.

Protein foods: Protein in the body is digested when hydrochloric acid is broken down into amino acids. However excess of acid in the stomach can cause damage to the inner lining of the stomach which results in ulcer formation and bleeding. It is possible that you are taking a diet which is high on protein products such as eggs, meat and dairy. You should talk to your doctor what the type of diet you should have.

Intolerance to certain foods: Generally people develop intolerance to certain food items and cannot digest nutrients which results in sticky stools. Foods containing gluten or lactose cause problem in the digestive system of many people. The most common source of gluten is rye, barley, wheat and many packaged foods. People have lactose mostly through milk, yogurt and cheese.