Hard stools: causes and treatment

Hard stools and constipation can be painful and severely affect quality of life. Here’s what causes hard stools and what you can do about them.

Millions of people in Germany suffer from digestive problems, which include hard bowel movements and constipation. A temporary, short-term constipation is no cause for concern, as this can be normal in certain cases, such as on vacation as a result of a change in diet. However, if the hard bowel movement lasts longer, the cause should be investigated.

Hard stools and constipation

Our stools are usually soft to medium-hard in consistency. Solid stool that is significantly drier is referred to as hard stool. In terms of stool frequency, anything between 3 times a day and 3 times a week is normal. If you have bowel movements fewer than three times a week, you are constipated. Constipation is hard stool, which is often associated with pain and can only be passed with strong straining . Side effects can include abdominal pain, general malaise, and a feeling of pressure and fullness. Squeezing can also cause tears in the intestines– and anal mucosa, which make going to the toilet even more painful.

The causes of hard stools

There are a few causes that can lead to hard stools. In rare cases, the reason for hard bowel movements and constipation can be an irritable bowel syndrome , an underactive thyroid or an illness such as diabetes . In most cases, however, the cause lies in the living conditions . Common reasons for hard stools include:

  • Wrong diet
  • dehydration
  • Stress
  • Certain medications
  • lack of exercise

Hard stools due to poor diet

In many cases, hard stools are due to a low-fiber diet . Fiber swells in the intestines and stimulates digestion, which means that digested food is eliminated more quickly. The German Society for Nutrition recommends consuming 30 grams of fiber per day . Vegetables, fruit and oatmeal, for example, contain a lot of fiber. Reduce consumption of foods that, in large quantities, can cause constipation. These include chocolate, white rice, carrots, red meat, eggs, white flour products, cornflakes and ready meals.

How does the stool become softer?

Apart from a high-fiber diet , you should drink enough water . In order for the dietary fibers to be able to develop their full effect, the body needs sufficient liquid. Make sure they drink at least a liter and a half of water every day. Sitting for long periods of time in the office and lack of exercise during leisure time can contribute to slow bowel movements. Exercising or going for walks improves blood circulation in the intestines and the digested food is transported through the intestines more quickly.
Also eat foods that stimulate digestion. These include, for example, dried fruit, sauerkraut, coffee or tea and flaxseed. Flaxseed in particular is a popular home remedy for hard stool and constipation, as it increases the volume of the intestinal contents and thus facilitates and accelerates the emptying of the intestines. Take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed with water two to three times a day between meals. The effect occurs after 12 – 24 hours.

Other tips for hard bowel movements:

  • Chew thoroughly
  • Eat in peace
  • avoid stress
  • Don’t hold back a bowel movement
  • Fixed toilet times
  • Drink a glass of water on an empty stomach in the morning
  • abdominal massages
  • Probiotics

When should I see a doctor about hard stools?

If hard bowel movements or constipation occur regularly and none of the above measures help, then you should have the cause clarified by a doctor. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if there is blood in your stool and/or weight loss , or if you have acute constipation, which can also indicate a life-threatening intestinal obstruction .

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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