You may be concerned if your stool is suddenly flat or ribbon-like.
Bowel movements (poop) come in a spectrum of normal.
For most people, the goal is a soft, easily passed stool shaped like a sausage or snake.
Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
Is Flat Poop a Problem?
Stool changes depend on several factors, including diet.
Flat or ribbon-like stools are not always a cause for concern.
However, there are conditions that may cause flat poop.
What Causes Flat Poop?
Several types of conditions could cause stool to be flat.
It can cause digestive symptoms ranging from diarrhea to constipation.
Due to IBS, stool can change in size and shape.
Constipation
Constipation(infrequent and/or hard stools) can have several causes.
Constipation could lead to narrowed or pencil-thin stools.
Diarrhea
Diarrheais passing three or more loose or watery stools in a day.
The loose stools could be narrow, thin, or flat.
The prostate goes around the urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body through the penis.
It is not a cancerous condition.
Narrowed stools are one of the signs ofcolorectal cancer, however.
An abdominalherniamay compress the bowel or other organs and cause the stool to become narrow.
Certain intestinal infections might also lead to skinny or flat stools.
However, people can try various things at home to prevent some of the causes of flat bowel movements.
Fiber
Addingfiberto the diet can help with constipation and diarrhea.
It may also help some people with IBS that tends toward constipation.
The goal may be to have stools that pass easily and are shaped like sausages.
Water
Stayinghydratedis important for having stools that pass easily.
It can also help avoid straining to pass hard stools.
Not getting enough fluids could lead to constipation, which can be prevented by drinking more water.
Exercise
Not getting enough exercise could lead to constipation or other issues affecting the stool.
Walking or other exercise can help prevent or treat constipation.
For those who aren’t able to get exercise regularly, working with a physical therapist may be needed.
Stress
Stress can contributeto trouble with bowel movements.
Some research indicates that eating fewer foods with FODMAPs may help with some digestive symptoms, especially in IBS.
Some symptoms should prompt you to seek medical care.
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