Hard, dry stools are the result of the colon absorbing too much water. Normally, as food moves through the colon (also known as the large intestine) the colon absorbs water while forming stool (waste products).
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.
Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency.
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.
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.
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.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Water, clear soups, fruit juice without added sugar, herbal teas, and other drinks can help relieve constipation. Hydration is essential for keeping the stool soft. Juices can also contain dietary fiber, sorbitol, or other nutrients that support digestive health.
The following drinks can help relieve constipation: prune juice, lemon juice, apple juice, kefir, coffee, green tea, water or aloe vera juice.
Your stools get hard and dry when your colon absorbs too much water. Constipation symptoms can include stomach cramps and feeling tired. Constipation can cause other health problems, such as hemorrhoids (red, swollen veins in the rectum). Making diet and lifestyle changes can reduce constipation symptoms.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
osmotic laxatives – such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol, which soften your stools and make them easier to pass by increasing the amount of water in your bowels.
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.
Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that's readily available OTC. It's mainly used to help relieve constipation. Metamucil side effects, such as gas and bloating, are typically mild for most people. It's very important to follow the directions on the packaging to help prevent serious side effects.
Along with fiber, water helps your body pass stool. Drink an extra 2 to 4 glasses of water a day if you're constipated.
"We all believe that caffeine can stimulate the muscles in our digestive system and cause easy bowel movement. But caffeine (especially excessive caffeine) also causes dehydration, which can give the opposite effect and lead to constipation. So, if you're constipated, avoid it or choose decaf," says Dr Dixa Bhavsar.
Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results. They stimulate the muscles lining your gut, helping to move things along.
If you're straining excessively when you're trying to poo, it could be due to dehydration or your diet. Sometimes, it might have to do with your pooing posture. While these issues can be fixed relatively easily, excessive straining can cause problems when left untreated.
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. Whole grains.
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.