Foods To Avoid If Your Stool Is Sticky

Fecal matter comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and consistencies, and certain characteristics are evidence of specific conditions. Sticky stool comes in mainly two types: black tarry stool and greasy stool that floats. Tarry stools may be evidence of internal bleeding, as occurs with stomach ulcers, while greasy stools can indicate a malabsorptive state, such as pancreatitis or food intolerance. In either case, avoiding certain foods may offer relief. Before starting a new diet, talk to your healthcare professional.

Fatty Foods

Excessive dietary fats not stored as fat are eliminated as stool, which can often be sticky, or greasy. The recommended dietary intake for fat is roughly 30 percent of total calories. High-fat foods such as oils, butter and shortenings derive 100 percent of their calories from fat, while meat, eggs, dairy and nuts contain percentages of fat in excess of what is recommended. Fried foods are also high in fat and include stir-fries, french fries and potato chips. In diseases of the digestive tract, the body is unable to metabolize even a normal amount of fat, so if cutting fat fails to improve symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Protein Foods

Protein is digested in the stomach, where in the presence of hydrochloric acid it is broken down into amino acids. The elevated levels of stomach acid necessary to digest protein can damage the lining of the stomach, causing an ulcer to form and possibly bleed. The digested blood results in black, tarry stool. The RDA for protein is 10 to 30 percent of total calories. A diet emphasizing meat, eggs and dairy products can exceed the recommended intake and damage the stomach, resulting in sticky stool.

Food Intolerances

Foods that contain either gluten or lactose can contribute to sticky stools in susceptible persons, such as those with food intolerances, which occurs in celiac disease and in people with lactose intolerance. Gluten is a grain protein present in wheat, barley and rye. Many packaged foods contain gluten, so read labels. Lactose is the milk sugar present in milk and to a lesser degree in yogurt and cheese. If you suspect that you are intolerant to either milk or wheat, consider eliminating these foods from your diet, and talk to your doctor.