Sticky poop can be a symptom of a temporary or chronic digestive disorder, or the result of a diet that contains too much fat. Here are some possible causes of sticky poop:
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Diet: Eating a diet high in fat and low in fiber can cause sticky poop. Fat slows down digestion and can cause poop to stick together, making them difficult to pass.
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Dehydration: Dehydration can cause the body to pull water from the stool, making it more dense and sticky.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD, such as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to sticky poop.
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Stomach ulcer or irritation of the esophagus: With these conditions, you may experience internal bleeding. Blood can mix with digestive juices and make your stools black and sticky.
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Certain medications: Certain medications, such as opioids and iron supplements, can cause constipation and make your poop more dense and sticky.
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Celiac disease: People with celiac disease cant properly digest gluten, a protein found in wheat and some other grains. Therefore, eating gluten can lead to sticky poop and other symptoms.
If sticky poop lasts longer than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition, and it is important to discuss any changes in the color, frequency, shape, and texture of bowel movements with a healthcare professional.