Your stool gets hard and dry when your colon (large intestine) absorbs (soaks up) too much water. In most cases, as food moves through your colon, the colon absorbs water while it makes stool. Muscle movements (contractions) push the stool toward your rectum.
Treatment may include: Diet modifications. A diet with 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily helps in the formation of soft, bulky stool. While adding foods such as beans, whole grains, bran cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables is helpful in adding fiber to the diet.
Hard stools occur because your colon absorbs too much water from your stool. This can happen if it takes too long for liquids and fiber to move through your colon. It can also occur if you put off having a bowel movement. To prevent hard stools, listen to your body and poop when you need to go.
Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen. The most common treatment for a fecal impaction is an enema, which is a special fluid that your doctor inserts into your rectum to soften your stool.
Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency.
Hard, dry stools might be a sign of constipation. You should notify your healthcare provider if constipation lasts longer than two weeks. Also, if you have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and have not been able to pass gas or stools, this could mean that there is an obstruction (blockage).
A warm mineral oil enema is often used to soften and lubricate the stool. However, enemas alone are not enough to remove a large, hardened impaction in most cases. The mass may have to be broken up by hand.
Dulcolax® Stool Softener is a stimulant-free laxative made to relieve occasional constipation. Each tablet contains 100 mg of the #1 doctor-recommended stool softener ingredient — docusate sodium.
Not drinking enough water
As stool moves through the large intestine, the large intestine absorbs water naturally. If you do not have enough fluids in your body, your intestine will remove extra water from the stool so it doesn't go to waste. This leaves you with hard and dry stools that are difficult to pass.
Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.
Foods that help ease constipation
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat.
Movement and exercise can help you empty your bowels. Increasing activity will help you to improve your bowel function. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day, for example, swimming, walking or gardening.
Once Metamucil enters the body, it forms a gel-like substance in the stomach. It then travels to your intestines and acts as a source of soluble fiber. This helps your stool to absorb and retain more water. This makes your stool larger and softer, making it easier to go.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.