Cause 2: A Low-Fiber Diet
Diet plays a pivotal role in our overall health, and when it comes to digestion, fiber takes center stage. Consuming meals devoid of sufficient fiber essentially means that our digestive tracts miss out on the necessary roughage to facilitate smooth bowel movements.
Fiber, especially soluble fiber, acts like a sponge, absorbing water and forming a gel-like substance that softens stools. This softening effect makes the stools bulkier, ensuring they move smoothly through the digestive tract. Now, when the diet is low in fiber, there’s nothing to soak up the water, leading to harder stools.
Contrastingly, a high-fiber diet might seem like a quick fix, but balance is crucial. Suddenly loading up on fiber without adequate hydration can lead to its own set of problems, including bloating and gas. It’s a dance between fiber and water, both essential in harmonious quantities. (2)