Table of contents:
- What causes sticky stool?
- How to deal with sticky stools?
- Eat the right foods
- Then, when should I see a doctor immediately?
Reported on the Medical News Today page, Dr. Octavio A. Vega at Rush University Medical Center Chicago, revealed that the ideal texture and shape of the stool is like a banana. However, in some conditions, the feces have a very sticky texture. Sticky stools usually appear oily, with a pale or dark color. So, what causes sticky stool?
What causes sticky stool?
The shape and texture of stool is actually the result of digestion and processing of food in the body. So, sticky feces could be a sign of certain digestive disorders, usually the result of eating too much fatty food.
Fatty stools may also occur due to conditions such as Crohn's disease, which makes it harder for the body to absorb dietary fat.
Stool may also be stickier when a person has irritation of the intestines and esophagus (esophagus). The reason is, this irritation allows you to experience internal bleeding, thus making the blood mix with digestive juices and eventually the stool gets stickier.
Some digestive disorders such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance can also cause sticky stools when eating foods that are enemies of the disease.
For example, if you have celiac disease, where your body can't digest gluten (the protein in wheat) properly. So when you eat foods containing gluten, it can make the stool very sticky than usual.
How to deal with sticky stools?
Very sticky stools can be treated in various ways, starting from the simplest way at home or using certain drugs depending on the disease that is causing it.
The easiest way is to drink lots of water. A healthy digestive system requires adequate fluids to facilitate the digestive process.
Therefore, drinking at least eight glasses per day is highly recommended. Unless you have kidney problems or other conditions that require limiting fluids, you cannot increase the amount of fluids you drink right away. Talk to medical personnel first.
Daily physical activity can also help build a healthy digestive system, even if it's just a routine of walking every day for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, you can also rely on probiotics commonly found in yogurt and kefir. In yogurt, and kefir contain good bacteria (probiotics) that can maintain a healthy digestive system.
There is also the use of digestive enzyme supplements. In this supplement designed enzymes that can help the body to break down starches, fats and proteins. With this enzyme, it is hoped that the digestive system will become smoother so that the resulting form of feces is better.
For those of you who experience digestive disorders, you should consult your doctor before trying to use probiotics or enzyme supplements
If you experience sticky stools accompanied by diarrhea, you can take anti-diarrheal drugs to prevent diarrhea from continuing. But keep in mind that if the sticky stool is accompanied by blood and mucus, don't take anti-diarrheal drugs without consulting a doctor.
Eat the right foods
Another way to deal with very sticky stools is to make eating choices that are right for the digestive system. Some of the best foods to help maintain stool condition are:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Baked potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Green beans
- Apricot
- Banana
- Orange
- Oats
- Nuts
Then, when should I see a doctor immediately?
If you have made food modifications by reducing fatty foods, but there is no change for the next 2 days, you should consult a doctor. Especially if the condition is accompanied by other symptoms, such as mucous stools, bleeding, stomach cramps, and other symptoms, ask your doctor immediately.
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