The term “ghost poop” may sound spooky, but there’s nothing eerie about it. In fact, it’s an indicator that your digestive system might be working efficiently. Ghost poop, also known as phantom poop, refers to the sensation of having a bowel movement without leaving any visible trace in the toilet or residue on the toilet paper.
“Ghost poop can occur when the stool is soft, dense, and breaks apart in water,” explains Dr. Narendra Singhla, lead consultant of internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. “It often signals well-formed bowel movements with balanced water content and fiber, making it easy to pass and leaving little or no need for clean-up.”
Unlike floating stools, which may indicate excess gas or poor fat digestion, ghost poop is usually dense and sinks, suggesting good gut health. Kate Scarlata, a Boston-based gut health expert, explains that fiber plays a major role in these well-formed stools.
Ghost poops are common, harmless, and often a sign of efficient digestion. However, if accompanied by bloating, discomfort, or changes in bowel habits, experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional. “Persistent feelings of incomplete bowel movements could indicate underlying digestive issues,” notes Dr. Rabia De Latour, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health.
For smoother bowel movements, Dr. Mark Iwanicki, a naturopath, suggests adding psyllium husk supplements to your diet—always with plenty of water to avoid constipation.
There’s no need to worry if ghost poop doesn’t happen, but it’s certainly worth celebrating when it does—a clean and easy bathroom experience never goes out of style!
