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.
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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
How does the stool become softer?
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