Undigested food in stool: Should you be worried?

The body excretes part of the waste through feces, mainly materials after food has been digested. However, sometimes you may notice that certain foods are not fully digested, appear whole and unchanged in the stool. While this is not usually a cause for concern, it is possible in some cases when a person has undigested food in their stools that need to be seen by a doctor.

Undigested food and leftovers in the stool are most commonly fibrous foods. Although the body can break down most foods, most fiber is still considered difficult to digest. However, eating fiber can have many benefits, as it increases stool bulk and makes it easier to pass.
Bulky stools stimulate bowel movements and make them easier to move. High-fiber foods that are largely indigestible include:
Beans Whole grains, such as quinoa Peas, nuts, such as sunflower seeds, flaxseeds or sesame seeds Shells of various types Vegetables, such as bell peppers or tomatoes. Corn is a particularly common culprit for undigested food left over in the stool. This is because corn has an outer coat of a compound called cellulose. The body does not contain special enzymes that break down cellulose. However, your body can break down the food ingredients present in the corn kernels. If you see what appears to be an entire grain of corn in the stool, chances are you're only seeing the outer skin of it.

Seeing undigested food in the stool is not usually a cause for concern. Some people may worry that they are not getting enough nutrients from their diet. However, the body is not required to digest all forms of fiber.
Eating slower and chewing food more thoroughly can reduce the appearance of food particles in your stool. Food that is chewed more thoroughly and into smaller pieces makes it easier for the body's digestive enzymes to break down.
Another option is to steam foods, especially vegetables. By making food softer, it is easier for the body to break down and absorb nutrients.
Normally, it takes about one to three days for food to pass through the digestive tract and out in the stool. If you notice food particles in your stool at a much earlier time, this may indicate that the stool is moving faster than usual.
Feces should be passed easily. Stools in healthy people should not feel hard or dry. Although the appearance of stool can vary from person to person, the general appearance of stool should be soft and yellow-brown in color.

Although the majority of undigested food in the stool is not a sign of danger, there are some exceptions. The presence of undigested food may indicate that food is moving too quickly through the digestive tract and not being digested properly. See your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Change in bowel habits Persistent diarrhea Unexplained weight loss Blood in stools These symptoms could be signs of certain medical conditions or disorder, including:
Celiac disease: The body cannot properly break down gluten, a protein found in many foods, especially products like bread. Crohn's disease: This is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, when a person has severe inflammation of the digestive tract. Pancreatic failure: The pancreas may not be able to make enough enzymes to break down food particles properly. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This condition can be caused by an oversensitive colon. Lactose intolerance: In this condition, your body does not have enough lactase enzyme to digest lactose, a type of carbohydrate sugar lactose. These are just a few examples of conditions associated with the presence of undigested food in the stool.
If the doctor is concerned about the presence of undigested food in the stool as well as other symptoms, he or she may order a stool test. This test involves collecting a stool sample and sending it to a lab for evaluation. The purpose of the test may include looking for the presence of blood, fat, or undigested food materials. Sometimes your doctor may order blood tests to check for a low red blood cell count caused by gastrointestinal bleeding or nutritional deficiencies. If a person is particularly undernourished, this may indicate the presence of a food allergy or intolerance.
In summary, in the absence of other digestive-related symptoms, indigestible food particles found in the stool are usually not a cause for concern. Talk to your doctor if you develop symptoms that worry you.

Reference source: healthline.com