A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Hard Stools and Maintaining Soft Stool
U NDERSTANDING H ARD S TOOLS Hard stools occur when your colon absorbs too much water from your stool. This can happen if stool spends too much time in the large intestine, causing dehydration of the waste. Hard stools are often associated with constipation, but it’s possible to have hard stools even with regular bowel movements. They can cause discomfort, pain during bowel movements, and complications like hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding. Common Causes of Hard Stools 1, Dehydration : Not drinking enough fluids causes the colon to absorb more water from the stool, leading to hard stools. 2. Lack of Fiber : A diet low in fiber can cause stools to become dry and difficult to pass. Fiber helps retain water in the stool. 3. Sedentary Lifestyle : Regular exercise helps stimulate digestion and bowel movements. 4. Medications : Certain medications, including antidepressants, opioid pain relievers, and others, can slow digestion, leading to constip...