Are you suddenly finding strange yellow balls in your stool? Can’t find a logical explanation? Don’t worry; if you’ve searched for it online, you’ve probably seen loads of posts from people having the same problem, aka, yellow corn-like objects in the stool.
Little yellow balls in the stool might appear for many different reasons. So finding the exact cause is the priority. But a few explanations are more likely to be the cause.
In this article, you’ll find the most likely causes of finding yellow balls in your stool and what to do if they appear.
So let’s get into it.
Table of Content
What Are Yellow Balls in Stool?
Yellow balls in stool are undigested protein casein mostly found in dairy products. When the protein is exposed to acidic conditions in the digestive system, it coagulates and forms sweet corn like balls. These balls are connected with IBS and lactose intolerance up to some extent.
The pea-sized balls you see in your stool start forming inside the stomach after consuming any dairy product or fatty foods. The protein coagulation starts when it is exposed to below 4.6 pH inside your stomach.
The process enhances in the small intestine with hydrolysis. It’s where the casein breaks down and releases numero s peptides. Some of these peptides convert into antimicrobial peptides, opioids, and angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE).
In the large intestine, the casein curd is mixed with fecal matter and the shape of small lumps and balls.
What Are The Causes of Yellow Balls In Stool
As mentioned before, the exact cause of yellow balls appearing in stool can vary. But a few common causes warrant attention.
The most common of these causes is IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IBS is known to cause alterations in the stool. Along with IBS, other potential causes might be leftover undigested food particles, remnants of undissolved medications, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at these probable causes:
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Protein requires more time to digest than any other nutrient. In the case of IBS, protein digestion is hampered, and undigested proteins pass through your stool as balls.
IBS is a common gastrointestinal problem faced by almost 20% of adults. It is a group of symptoms usually triggered by specific foods or drinks.
The symptoms of IBS include
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Constipation, or
- Diarrhea.
These symptoms typically go away after a bowel movement.
IBS can cause changes in the size and consistency of stool. It also may cause mucus to mix with undigested food particles and pass t the stool. This can often be seen as lumps or yellow mucus balls in stool.
Undigested Food
Many people describe the round yellow balls in stool as yellowish chickpeas or corn-size particles. That’s because most of the time, they are.
Foods containing high fiber may pass through the digestive system completely intact. This is because they are made o cellulose. It is a biological component of plant fiber that our digestive system can’t break down.
Chickpeas with their husks intact or unchewed corn are covered with a fibrous cellulose layer. So they pass through the digestive tract and appear in the stool.
As the enzymes might slightly alter them during digestion, they might have a soft, semi-solid appearance. So people may become confused by them.
Undissolved Meds
Medications like capsules are designed to dissolve in the gut. The outer shell is disintegrated, and the drug inside is released for absorption by the body.
But sometimes, this process is hampered. Drugs may not be adequately dissolved if the stomach acidity is reduced. Problems like IBS may also prevent pills from be ng dissolved. These pills may then pass relatively intact into the stool.
You might find the shell of these pills in the stool as yellow balls.
Intestinal Parasites
Another common problem that might lead to finding tiny yellow balls in stool is intestinal parasites. One of the common parasites is Ascaris lumbricoides or roundworms. The disease caused by the infection of Ascaris lumbricoides is called Ascariasis.
If left unchecked, these parasites may multiply in large numbers inside t e intestines. The ova of these worms may then pass through the gut into the stool.
In this case, you can see tiny eggs in the stool. In severe cases, get ready to see adult roundworms.
So, these are some common reasons why people see yellow balls in stool. If you are looking to find an answer, these are good places to start.
Always inform your doctor about any gastrointestinal issues. If you have continuous constipation or diarrhea, seek emergency medical attention. Never try to self-medicate or look for treatments on your own.
Your doctor knows what is best for you. So follow their advice.
What to do if you have yellow balls in stool
- Cut the dairy products from your diet
- Try leafy greens and veggies
- Drink a lot of water
- Relax and stop worrying about it
- See your doctor
- Get a colonoscopy done (after consulting with your doctor)
Yellow balls in stool and lactose intolerance
Casin cursing, aka yellow balls and lactose intolerance, has a dire t connection. A derivative of casein (A1 beta-casein) generates the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
So, it’s not always true that only the lack of lactase enzyme will create lactose intolerance in your body.
You will find numerous discussions in forums that, despite being vegan, those yellow balls in stool are coming back. The reasons are very clear. They may have stopped taking lactose but haven’t stopped taking foods containing casein.
A1 beta-casein is mostly found in cow milk of European origin and not in the milk of Asian or African cows. This is why some people only face lactose intolerance and yellow balls in stool issues while drinking cow milk, not any other milk.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, yellow balls in stool are a common occurrence. It is not considered to be a health concern. However, it is also important to know which conditions are serious and when to seek help.
If you observe the following, visit a doctor as soon as possible:
Black Stool
If your stool is black, there has been bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract like the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, etc.
Blood Red stool
If your stool is bright red, it indicates bleeding in the lower GI tract. And if you see it, immediately call the doctor. Blood in the stool can be something serious inside your GI tract.
Frothy Float ng Stools
If your stools are pale, oily, frothy, and floating, that means there is excess fat present in the stool. This is called steatorrhea. This indicated reduced absorption of fats in the GI tract. It may be caused by malabsorption syndromes and pancreatic or liver diseases.
Loose Watery Frequent Stool
Watery stool with frequent bowel movements is indicative of diarrhea. It is a very common gastrointestinal problem. It might be caused by food poisoning, infection by bacteria, indigestion, lactose intolerance, or IBS.
FAQs
What causes yellow balls in stool?
The exact cause behind it is difficult to pinpoint. It might be caused by IBS, undigested food, medication, etc. Sometimes, your food habit and medications can also generate small yellow and black floating balls in stool.
Why is my poop yellow and foul-smelling?
If your stool is yellow, frothy, and foul-smelling, then you have steatorrhea. It is caused by fat not being absorbed properly by the gut. And those fat balls in stool are causing all the issues like foul odor and yellow lumps.
What should I do if I have yellow balls in the stool?
Normally, a yellow ball in the stool is no cause for concern. But consult your doctor if you face other symptoms like cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
To Sum Up
Yellow balls in stool are nothing to worry about. Chances are they will pass on their own. B t if you face any other GI-related complications or symptoms, notify your doctor.
To prevent GI problems, learn to take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet with lots of fiber, avoid smoking or drinking, sleep early, and get enough rest. Keep your body fit and active, and it goes a long way to ensure the health and longevity of your gut.
