Why does the ingestion of vegetable fibers improve the bowel habit in people that suffer from hard stools?
Some types of plant fibers are not absorbed by the intestine but play a significant role in the functioning of the organ. They retain water inside the bowels and thus contribute to the softening of the fecal bolus. A softer fecal bolus is simpler to be eliminated during defecation. People that eat less dietary fiber may suffer from hard stools and constipation.