Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs It Normal?CausesMedical ConditionsRisksTreatmentWhen to See a Provider?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is It Normal?
Causes
Medical Conditions
Risks
Treatment
When to See a Provider?
Seeing undigested food in your stool can be troubling. While it is often harmless, it can sometimes signal a more severe problem. Learning the difference can help you know when to seek treatment.
Undigested food in your stool can occur after havinghigh-fiber foodsor eating too fast. However, it can also signify agastrointestinal (GI) diseasethat hinders normal digestion.
While most undigested food is easily passed, treating a GI problem may require lifestyle changes, drugs, and/orstress relief.
This article explains how undigested food in your stool occurs and its causes. It also describes treatments and when to seek medical treatment for this problem.
Rattankun Thongbun / Getty Images
Is It Normal to Have Undigested Food in Your Stool?
Healthy stool can vary based on your diet and other individual factors. Generally, a healthy stool is medium to dark brown. Seeing undigested food fragments in stool is not uncommon.
Undigested food in your stool is typically harmless unless it occurs with other symptoms such asunintentional weight loss,persistent diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits.
What Is Chronic Diarrhea?
What Causes Undigested Food in Your Stool?
Undigested food in your stool occurs when your digestive system does not fully break down the food you consume. While most undigested food is easily passed, some foods remain intact as they travel through your digestive tract.
Other potential causes include:
High Fiber Foods
Fiber is an undigestible type of carbohydrate. While other types of carbohydrates like sugars and starches are easily digested,fiberpasses relatively intact through your digestive tract into yourcolon (large intestine).
Certain types of fiber, calledinsoluble fiber, do not dissolve in water and can show up as undigested food in stool. Foods with insoluble fibers include:
Eating Too Quickly
Eating too quickly has several consequences, including undigested food in the stool. It also prevents you from chewing your food properly. Swallowing large particles of food can interfere with the natural digestive process and prevent your body from extracting the nutrients it needs from the food you consume.
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Medical Conditions That Could Cause Food in Your Stool
Medical conditions that could cause food in your stool typically accompany gastrointestinal symptoms that could indicate a problem. Undigested food in your stool may be a sign of one of the following medical conditions:
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s diseaseis a chronic type ofinflammatory bowel disease (IBD)that can affect any portion of your intestine, from your mouth to your anus. The disease usually affects the small intestine and the top of the large intestine.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include:
Celiac Disease
Celiac diseaseis a severeautoimmune diseasein which consuminggluten(a protein found in rye, wheat, and barley) triggers an immune response that attacksvilli(small fingerlike projections in yoursmall intestine). Damaged villi can’t properly absorb nutrients into your body.
Symptoms of celiac disease can range from mild to severe. They can include:
Pancreatic Insufficiency
Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when your pancreas cannot produce adequate levels of the enzyme needed to digest food in your small intestine. The condition occurs due to damage to the pancreas frominflammation, surgery, or cancer. Symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency include:
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intoleranceis a GI condition that interferes with the normal digestion oflactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. If you have lactose intolerance and consume lactose-rich dairy products, you may have the following symptoms within 30 minutes to two hours:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBSis a group of symptoms that affect your large intestine but do not cause permanent damage. While there is no known cause for the condition, it triggers the following symptoms:
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Bug)
Symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitisis a chronic IBD in which your immune system causes inflammation and ulcers on your colon’s lining. Symptoms include:
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome, also called rapid gastric emptying, causes food to move from your stomach directly into your small intestine before the food is digested. It typically occurs as a complication ofbariatric (weight loss) surgeryor esophageal surgery.
Dumping syndrome is characterized as early or late, depending on how soon after eating you experience symptoms.
The following symptoms of early dumping syndrome typically start within 10 to 30 minutes following a meal:
The following symptoms of late dumping syndrome typically start within one to three hours after eating a meal:
Small Intestine Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestine overgrowth (SIBO)is the presence of excessive bacteria in your small intestine. Having extra bacteria in this region can use up necessary nutrients before your body can process them. Symptoms of SIBO include:
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Risks of Malabsorption
The risks ofmalabsorptioninvolve consequences related to inefficient absorption of the nutrients your body needs for normal function. These risks can vary depending on the condition causing the malabsorption and its severity.
When your body is unable to properly absorb and metabolize food, it can lead tomalnutritioneven if you consume a balanced diet with adequate amounts of food. The risks of malnutrition can affect every body system, leading to a wide range of conditions:
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How Undigested Food in Stool Is Treated
Undigested food in stool is treated based on the cause of the problem. If undigested food in stool occurs as a result of consuming a high-fiber diet, there may be no reason for treatment.
If undigested food in stool is related to your eating habits, your healthcare provider may advise the following strategies to assist with proper digestion:
When undigested food in your stool occurs as a symptom of a medical condition, your healthcare provider designs a treatment plan based on the type, cause, and severity of your condition.
When changes in diet and lifestyle are inadequate, common treatments for gastrointestinal diseases include:
Medications:
Psychological treatments to counter stress often linked with the onset of certain GI diseases:
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When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
In most cases, undigested food in your stool is related to diet or eating habits. However, it can be a sign of a more serious condition if it accompanies other issues. Contact a healthcare provider if you have undigested food in your stool and any of the following symptoms:
A Word From VerywellSeeing undigested food in your stool is generally not a cause for concern. However, if it occurs in association with other issues, such as unintentional weight loss, severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or a change in bowel habits. In that case, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to see if additional evaluation and testing are needed.—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MS, VERYWELL HEALTH MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Seeing undigested food in your stool is generally not a cause for concern. However, if it occurs in association with other issues, such as unintentional weight loss, severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or a change in bowel habits. In that case, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to see if additional evaluation and testing are needed.—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MS, VERYWELL HEALTH MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Seeing undigested food in your stool is generally not a cause for concern. However, if it occurs in association with other issues, such as unintentional weight loss, severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or a change in bowel habits. In that case, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to see if additional evaluation and testing are needed.
—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MS, VERYWELL HEALTH MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Undigested food in stool is usually not a cause for concern and may even be normal for you if you eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods. It can also occur if you eat too fast and swallow large pieces of food.
In some cases, undigested food in your stool may be a sign of a more severe medical problem. These issues often involve GI symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps along with undigested food in your stool.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have undigested food in your stool that is not linked to a high-fiber diet or eating too fast. Changes in your stool may be a sign of GI conditions that need treatment. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment of GI problems can lead to better outcomes.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beacon Health System.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?Tuscon Medical Center.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.The nutrition source: fiber.Northwestern Medicine.Quick dose: is eating too fast unhealthy?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for Crohn’s disease.MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.Celiac Disease Foundation.What is celiac disease?Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Celiac disease.Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).Pancreatic insufficiency.MedlinePlus.Lactose intolerance.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome.MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.MedlinePlus.Ulcerative colitis.GI Society: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying).NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of dumping syndrome.Penn Medicine.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition.Severe malnutrition: presentation, symptoms, and complications.NIH News in Health.Keeping your gut in check.Veterans Affairs.Tips for chewing and swallowing problems.UNC Center for functional GI and motility disorders.Ask the expert. Question: what is a functional GI disorder?Sgambato D, Miranda A, Ranaldo R, Federico A, Romano M.The role of stress in inflammatory bowel diseases.Curr Pharm Des.2017;23(27):3997-4002. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170228123357Ballou S, Keefer L.Psychological interventions for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2017 Jan 19;8(1):e214. doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.69Houston Methodist.7 signs it’s time to see a gastroenterologist.Penn Medicine.The scoop on poop: what does your poop say about your health?
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beacon Health System.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?Tuscon Medical Center.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.The nutrition source: fiber.Northwestern Medicine.Quick dose: is eating too fast unhealthy?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for Crohn’s disease.MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.Celiac Disease Foundation.What is celiac disease?Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Celiac disease.Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).Pancreatic insufficiency.MedlinePlus.Lactose intolerance.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome.MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.MedlinePlus.Ulcerative colitis.GI Society: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying).NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of dumping syndrome.Penn Medicine.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition.Severe malnutrition: presentation, symptoms, and complications.NIH News in Health.Keeping your gut in check.Veterans Affairs.Tips for chewing and swallowing problems.UNC Center for functional GI and motility disorders.Ask the expert. Question: what is a functional GI disorder?Sgambato D, Miranda A, Ranaldo R, Federico A, Romano M.The role of stress in inflammatory bowel diseases.Curr Pharm Des.2017;23(27):3997-4002. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170228123357Ballou S, Keefer L.Psychological interventions for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2017 Jan 19;8(1):e214. doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.69Houston Methodist.7 signs it’s time to see a gastroenterologist.Penn Medicine.The scoop on poop: what does your poop say about your health?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Beacon Health System.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?Tuscon Medical Center.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.The nutrition source: fiber.Northwestern Medicine.Quick dose: is eating too fast unhealthy?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for Crohn’s disease.MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.Celiac Disease Foundation.What is celiac disease?Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Celiac disease.Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).Pancreatic insufficiency.MedlinePlus.Lactose intolerance.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome.MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.MedlinePlus.Ulcerative colitis.GI Society: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying).NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of dumping syndrome.Penn Medicine.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition.Severe malnutrition: presentation, symptoms, and complications.NIH News in Health.Keeping your gut in check.Veterans Affairs.Tips for chewing and swallowing problems.UNC Center for functional GI and motility disorders.Ask the expert. Question: what is a functional GI disorder?Sgambato D, Miranda A, Ranaldo R, Federico A, Romano M.The role of stress in inflammatory bowel diseases.Curr Pharm Des.2017;23(27):3997-4002. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170228123357Ballou S, Keefer L.Psychological interventions for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2017 Jan 19;8(1):e214. doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.69Houston Methodist.7 signs it’s time to see a gastroenterologist.Penn Medicine.The scoop on poop: what does your poop say about your health?
Beacon Health System.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?
Tuscon Medical Center.Undigested food in stool: what does it mean?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.The nutrition source: fiber.
Northwestern Medicine.Quick dose: is eating too fast unhealthy?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for Crohn’s disease.
MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.
Celiac Disease Foundation.What is celiac disease?
Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Celiac disease.
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).Pancreatic insufficiency.
MedlinePlus.Lactose intolerance.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome.
MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.
MedlinePlus.Ulcerative colitis.
GI Society: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying).
NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of dumping syndrome.
Penn Medicine.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition.Severe malnutrition: presentation, symptoms, and complications.
NIH News in Health.Keeping your gut in check.
Veterans Affairs.Tips for chewing and swallowing problems.
UNC Center for functional GI and motility disorders.Ask the expert. Question: what is a functional GI disorder?
Sgambato D, Miranda A, Ranaldo R, Federico A, Romano M.The role of stress in inflammatory bowel diseases.Curr Pharm Des.2017;23(27):3997-4002. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170228123357
Ballou S, Keefer L.Psychological interventions for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2017 Jan 19;8(1):e214. doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.69
Houston Methodist.7 signs it’s time to see a gastroenterologist.
Penn Medicine.The scoop on poop: what does your poop say about your health?
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