Not having a bowel movement regularly every day can seriously affect the health of the intestines. The main reasons for stool to stick in the intestines are:
1. Lack of fibrous food
If our diet does not contain enough fiber, the stool will become hard and the movement through the intestines will slow down. Flour dishes, fast food, and excessive meat consumption cause constipation.
2. Dehydration
When the body is dehydrated, the large intestine absorbs water from the stool. This makes the stool harder and more difficult to expel.
3. Lack of physical activity
Less exercise can reduce the motility of the intestines (metabolism). Walking for a short time every day can help stimulate the muscles in the intestines and facilitate digestion.
4. Delaying bowel movements
If you make a habit of ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, whether due to urges or otherwise, the stool stays in the intestines for a longer time and becomes hard due to dehydration. This then becomes ‘stale stool’.
5. Use of certain medications
Constipation can be caused by regular use of antacids, painkillers, and iron tablets.
6. Bowel obstructions
Any kind of obstruction in the intestines, tumors, or lack of muscle function in the intestines (conditions like hypothyroidism) can cause stool to become stuck.
Some home remedies to expel stale stool:
Fruits: Eating ripe bananas and papaya daily will help soften the stool.
Plenty of water: Make sure you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Fenugreek water: Drinking water soaked in fenugreek overnight in the morning is good for cleansing the intestines.
Warm water: Drinking a glass of warm water as soon as you wake up in the morning will facilitate bowel movements.