Sinkers vs. Floaters

DEAR DR. GOTT: Sometimes when I have a bowel movement, my feces goes to the bottom of the toilet. At other times, it floats. Why the difference?

DEAR READER: “Floaters” have an increased level of air and gas, making them less dense. There’s also a connection with gastrointestinal infections causing buoyant feces. Diet enters the picture here and makes a difference that can vary the results from day to day. Overall, more people have “sinkers” than “floaters,” but don’t ask me who performed that survey!