How to Avoid Narrow Stools

Narrow stools can be symptomatic of serious health problems like colorectal cancer. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and don't have a history of cancer in your family, though, then the narrow stools are probably related to your diet. [1] There are some small changes that you can make in your diet that will help reduce the amount of narrow stools. If the probably continues, though, it is important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible since it can be an early sign of dangerous health problems that need to be addresses immediately.

If you're experiencing narrow stools, then you'll want to add some fiber to your diet. Getting additional fiber isn't difficult and it will help improve all of your gastrointestinal functions, not just the width of stools. If you need to add more fiber to your diet then you will want to start with the first meal of the day. Eating a breakfast that's high in fiber will help you have energy throughout the day. Meals that are heavy in sugars might give you a quick burst of energy, but you'll probably find that you get tired easily within a couple of hours of eating. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat, and instead concentrate on foods that have plenty of fiber in them. If you're in a rush, making some instant oatmeal or eating a bowl of cereal with a high fiber content won't take you any more time than you'll spend at a fast food drive thru.

You can also fit a lot of fiber into your diet by making smart choices about the things you eat as snacks. Keep some raw vegetables in your refrigerator so that they will be there when you want a quick bite to eat. Avoid high-processed, sugary foods like cookies and candy bars. There's a lot of fiber in vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. [2] If you find that these snacks aren't satisfying, then you can eat them with a piece of whole grain bread. This bread will be filling and will provide you with additional fiber. If you frequently eat snacks at work, then you should keep a jar of nuts at your desk. These are an excellent source of fiber that will help your narrow stools be regular.