The stool should be soft so that it is easy to pass. However, they can be tough from time to time for a variety of reasons, from lack of hydration to a diet that doesn’t contain enough fruits and vegetables.

Nails hard stools are more difficult to pass and can cause discomfort and even pain when going to the bathroom. Faced with this problem, many people wonder how to soften stool in minutes and the truth is that various natural remedies can help soften them in a short time.

In this video you will discover the best foods against constipation:

Why may you have hard stools?

The hard, lumpy stools They are a common symptom of toileting problems, which occur when the movement of stool through the intestinal tract is slower than normal and it accumulates in the colon for longer than normal.

While the stool is in the colon, it it absorbs its waterwhich makes them harder and drier. This makes them more difficult to expel and can cause pain or discomfort during evacuation.

One of the main causes of this problem is following a low fiber diet. Fiber (mainly present in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains) increases the volume of stool and softens it, making it easier to pass through the intestine.

Other causes of constipation and hard stools include lack of physical exercise (which decreases intestinal activity and can lead to the accumulation of feces in the colon), lack of hydrationthe use of some medications, hormonal changes (in pregnancy or menopause) and some diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom It can also cause stool to harden and be more difficult to expel, as the colon will absorb more water and make it harder and drier.

How to soften stool in minutes with natural solutions

Drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day) and follow a diet rich in fiber They are two key factors to soften stool and facilitate its passage through the intestine. Furthermore, there are several natural remedies to soften stoolsas:

• He olive oil It has laxative properties and can act as a natural lubricant for stool and soften them. Its monounsaturated fatty acids can stimulate bowel movement and promote intestinal regularity. Try take a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach or before going to sleep, but remember that it is a specific remedy and you should not abuse it since, although it is very healthy, it provides many calories.
• He castor oil It is also a natural laxative that helps soften stools and stimulate bowel movement. You should not exceed the recommended dose because it can cause diarrhea and cramps.
• The plums They are rich in fiber and contain sorbitol, a substance that acts as a natural laxative when draw water into the intestines. Take a glass of plum juice or eating some plums (fresh or dried) will help soften the stool and make it easier to pass through the colon, but you should keep in mind that too much sorbitol can cause diarrhea.
• The flax seeds contain mucilage, a type of soluble fiber that forms a gel in the intestine that helps soften stools and to promote intestinal regularity. Leave the soaked seeds during the night to take the mucilage gel along with water the next morning.
• He pure aloe vera gel or juice fights constipation can help retain water and soften stools.

If you often have hard stools or constipation or if you notice pain, bleeding or any other unusual symptoms, you should consult a health professional.