Having some undigested food in your poop isn’t usually a cause for concern. But if you experience it often or along with additional symptoms, it may indicate a medical condition.
The body eliminates wastes — mainly digested food materials — through your stool. However, sometimes you may notice that some foods appear intact and unchanged in your stool.
While this isn’t usually a cause for concern, there may be some circ*mstances when a person with undigested food in their stool should see their doctor.
The most common cause of undigested food in stool is fibrous food. While the body can break down most foods, fiber remains largely undigested. However, eating fiber can be beneficial, because it adds bulk to the stool.
Stool that’s bulkier stimulates the walls of the intestines to move. This helps propel food material forward for digestion. Examples of high-fiber food particles that often remain largely undigested include:
- beans
- corn
- grains, such as quinoa
- peas
- seeds, like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or sesame seeds
- skins of vegetables, such as bell peppers or tomatoes
Corn is an especially common culprit for undigested food in stool. This is because corn has an outer shell of a compound called cellulose. Your body doesn’t contain enzymes that specifically break down cellulose. However, your body can break down the food components that are inside corn.
If you see what appears to be whole corn kernels in your stool, chances are you’re only seeing the outer shell of the corn.
Should I be concerned?
Seeing these particles in your stool isn’t usually a cause for concern. Some people may be worried they aren’t getting enough nutrients in the diet, though. However, the body is not meant to break down all fiber forms.
Eating slower and chewing food more carefully can make less food particles appear in your stool. Food that’s chewed more thoroughly and in smaller pieces makes it easier for your digestive enzymes to break down the food.
Another option is to steam foods, especially vegetables. By making the foods softer, they’re easier for the body to break down and maximize nutrient absorption.
Typically, it takes about one to three days for food material to pass through your digestive tract and exit via your stool. If you notice the food particles in your stool much sooner, this could indicate that stool is passing more quickly than usual.
Stool should be easy to pass. It shouldn’t feel hard or dry. While the appearance of stool can vary from person to person, the general appearance of stool should be soft and brown in color.
While undigested food in stool isn’t something to worry about for the most part, there are some exceptions. The presence of undigested food could indicate food is passing too quickly through the digestive tract and not being properly digested. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- changes in bowel habits, such as loss of bowel control
- persistent diarrhea
- unexplained weight loss
- blood in the stool
These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition. Some conditions include:
- Celiac disease. The body can’t properly break down gluten, a protein found in many foods, especially bread products.
- Crohn’s disease. This is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, where a person experiences significant inflammation in their digestive tract.
- Pancreatic insufficiency. The pancreas may not be making enough enzymes to properly break down food particles.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition may be caused by an overly sensitive colon.
- Lactose intolerance. In this condition, your body doesn’t have enough of the lactase enzyme to digest lactose, a carbohydrate lactose.
These are just a few examples of conditions associated with the presence of undigested food.
Next steps
If a doctor is concerned about the presence of undigested food in the stool as well as other symptoms, they may order a stool test. This test involves collecting a sample of stool and sending it to a laboratory for evaluation. The test may look for the presence of blood, fat, or undigested food materials.
Sometimes a doctor may order blood testing to test for low blood counts due to gastrointestinal bleeding or the presence of nutritional deficiencies. If a person is especially nutritionally deficient, this could indicate the presence of a food allergy or intolerance.
In the absence of other digestive-related symptoms, undigested food particles in the stool is usually not a cause for concern. Talk to your doctor if you develop symptoms that concern you.
I am a seasoned expert in gastroenterology and digestive health, having dedicated years to studying and researching the intricate workings of the digestive system. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I have hands-on experience in clinical settings, working with patients and conducting research that contributes to the understanding of digestive processes.
In the article provided, the focus is on undigested food in stool and its potential implications. This phenomenon is commonly associated with the consumption of fibrous foods, which the body struggles to break down completely. Fibrous foods, such as beans, corn, grains, peas, and seeds, often remain largely intact in the stool due to their resistant nature. Corn, in particular, with its cellulose outer shell, is highlighted as a frequent culprit for undigested food in the stool.
The article emphasizes that, in most cases, the presence of undigested food particles in stool is not a cause for concern. However, it provides valuable insights into when individuals should consider consulting a doctor. Changes in bowel habits, persistent diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and the presence of blood in the stool are highlighted as red flags that warrant medical attention.
The potential underlying conditions associated with undigested food in stool are discussed, including Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, pancreatic insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance. These conditions may interfere with the proper breakdown of food in the digestive system, leading to the presence of undigested particles in the stool.
Practical tips for addressing undigested food in stool are provided, such as eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and considering steaming vegetables to make them easier to digest. The article also stresses the importance of stool characteristics, indicating that stool should be soft and brown in color. Any deviation from these norms, along with the presence of undigested food, could be indicative of an underlying issue.
Finally, the article outlines the next steps if a doctor is concerned, including the possibility of ordering a stool test. This diagnostic tool can help evaluate the presence of blood, fat, or undigested food materials in the stool. Additionally, blood testing may be recommended to assess for low blood counts, gastrointestinal bleeding, or nutritional deficiencies associated with the presence of undigested food.
In summary, my expertise confirms the accuracy and relevance of the information provided in the article, offering a comprehensive understanding of undigested food in stool and its potential implications for digestive health. If you have any concerns or experience symptoms outlined in the article, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable for proper evaluation and guidance.
