Tips for firmer poop?

[3141592]

Hi. I used to struggle with constipation, and I never thought I'd say this, but my problem is now on the opposite end of the scale and I would like my poop to be a bit firmer because for some reason, I just don't like soft poop in my pants... Any tips?

[spandexman]

Cut down on liquids

But be careful what ever you do.

[Vesta]

I have the same dilemma. Mushy sometimes runny poop from IBS. Spoils the fun sometimes.

[Adrian6970]

Think around what you eat and see if any dietary changes need to be made. I love cheese but I've also found it's pretty good at bunging me up.

[kochel428]

The advice given so far will probably result in smaller, harder poop that is also harder to pass. May I suggest you consider a different path?

Look into soluble fiber. As compared to insoluble fiber, which loosens your stool and stimulates your insides, helping things move quickly through your intestines, insoluble fiber forms a gel that will give you larger, firmer poop that nonetheless moves easily through your bowels. Eat lots of soluble fiber, a moderate amount of insoluble fiber (to help keep up the urgency!) and continue to drink plenty of water, and I think you'll find things coming out in the consistency you want.

Foods with a lot of soluble fiber:
- Oatmeal
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Rice (brown rice has both soluble and insoluble! It's my super food)
- Vegetables like asparagus
- Some fruits like bananas
- Beans (obviously don't overdo the beans...)

Do some searching and you'll find others, but I try to have at least some of these every day to keep my insides happy. I must emphasize again, if you increase your soluble fiber intake you must continue to drink plenty of water or even increase the amount of water you drink. Have fun!

[Nite]

Don't drink any water, I get solid poops all the time from just this alone.

its water is what makes your loads more messy