Very Soft Stools

@jackiem95 I went through the exact thing, not often constipation, just the soft, messy stools. After trying basically everything with no success I suddenly noticed that the problem was worse on days when I ate much dairy — non-aged cheese, yogurt, etc. I cut back on those foods and the problem is as close to being solved as it will ever be I think. My stools are still soft but manageable now most of the time. I do occasionally have a problem when I have not eaten anything with lactose, bit it’s not a daily thing.
So, I guess I am now lactose intolerant. I hate that. I have other dietary restrictions but this is by far the worst. I now use provolone as a substitute for mozzarella in pasta dishes and pizza and have discovered that it really elevates the taste of those things. I don’t think it would work well in a caprese salad though.
I have found real dairy lactose free yogurt, cream cheese, and half and half in Whole Foods.
Try cutting out foods with lactose, you may be surprised. Good luck with it. If you discover anything else please let me know, I am still struggling too.
JK

Thanks, JK. Actually on my Low FODMAP Diet for IBS I have already eliminated lactose—along with gluten, fructose, etc. etc.

@jackiem95 I have never familiarized myself with the low FODMAP diet, but giving up gluten and fructose along with lactose must leave very little that you can eat. I hope that will not happen to me. I can’t imagine giving so much up and still having problems. Are there any theories at all about what could be causing your problem?
JK

Other than the IBS, not really. As I mentioned, the doctor recommended taking Metamucil but I have enough trouble with gas already.

Regarding fiber and Metamucil- I had started with that, had gas issues and GI told me to try Citrucel- different fiber- that doesn’t cause gas like Metamucil does. It has been fine.
Regarding lactose intolerance- I would use Lactaid milk, cottage cheese and ice cream but ignore the fact that I reacted to pizza and other foods and cakes with dairy. Recently I started carrying the lactose enzyme tablets - could eat dairy products without the gas bloat.

@astaingegerdm I am getting 2% lactose free yogurt at Whole Foods along with lactose free cream cheese and half and half. All are really dairy products.

A couple of people told me that they had better success with Digestive Advantage, Dairy defense formula. I am finding it to be more effective than lactaid, which gave no help. I had a little goat cheese on my salad at lunch and have only had a slight problem so far. Some people can apparently eat goat cheese without a problem but I had not been able to.
JK

Hi everybody,

I thought you might like to view this video about FODMAPs, celiac disease, IBS:
– A Map for the FODMAP Diet https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/a-map-for-the-fodmap-diet/

Follow the "Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page" on Connect, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/ where you can browse through newsfeed posts from Mayo Clinic experts, learn about clinical trials and up-to-date research, and find resources for all your gastroenterology needs.

I have similar uncontrollable soft stool & hemroids..what a worrisome embarrassing mess..afraid to eat fruit & veggies. Thinking of taking imodium with each meal. Help

@sljm2012
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
Have you discussed this with a gastroenterologist?
Are you able to pin down foods that could cause soft stools?
Lactose intolerance can cause it as well as gluten sensitivity and others.
Do you have a problem with stool leaking?

I had all the symptoms of the original poster @jackiem95 and doctor said Benefiber is the fiber for all those symptoms. Absolutely cures the problems you discuss. It comes in powder but gummies as well. Also, get a bidet!!! It’s a must as you get older but good for any age. There are many on Amazon that can be added to the toilet. You have to have some flexibility to install it yourself, but shouldn’t cost much as it’s easy for a handyman to do.