“Why do I pass hard, stone-like stools with gas, and why does meat improve my bowel movement compared to vegetables?” - #11379
I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements that seem to depend mainly on my diet. I usually pass stool after eating rice. However, the stool often comes out in the form of small, hard lumps that resemble tiny stones or pebbles. When washing after bowel movement, I can physically feel these stone-like pieces. Passing stool is sometimes difficult and uncomfortable, and I also feel a buildup of gas that leads to bloating. Diet has a strong effect on my symptoms. When I consume meat, my bowel movements feel more complete, smooth, and satisfying. In contrast, when I eat more vegetables, I feel that the stool does not pass as comfortably or completely. The sensation of incomplete evacuation is more noticeable with vegetable-heavy meals. Currently, I do not experience diarrhea, bleeding, or severe abdominal pain. My main problems are: 1. Reliance on rice for easier stool passage. 2. Hard, stone-like stool pieces. 3. Frequent feeling of trapped gas and bloating. 4. More complete clearance after eating meat compared to vegetables. Also sometimes i need to smoke to pass stool
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Doctors’ responses
Hello dear See first of all stop smoking as it is not a good stimulator for bowel movements Instead take laxatives lihe yoghurt or porridge for better results I think you are probably having ibs or ulcerative colitis Iam suggesting some tests to be done for confirmation. Please share the results with gastroenterologist for better clarification Stomach ultrasound Rft Lft Sigmoidoscopy Lithotripsy PCR Cbc Esr Urine analysis Stool culture In addition Take following precautions Take laxatives Avoid refined food and junk food Exercises regularly Do meditation Eat nuts and grams Please donot take any medications without consulting the concerned doctor Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Diet imbalance very little soluble fiber + too much refined rice/processed food = worsens constipation.
Vegetables causing incomplete evacuation likely because they have insoluble fiber (bulky but not softening), while what you need is soluble fiber (soft, gel-like, smooth).
Gas & bloating from undigested carbs/fiber fermenting in intestine.
Nicotine (smoking) stimulates bowel movement
What to Add:
Soluble fiber foods (smooth stool):
Oats, barley, psyllium husk (Isabgol)
Bananas (ripe), papaya, apple (peeled), soaked chia/flax seeds
Lentils, moong dal (easier to digest than raw vegetables)
Water: 2.5–3 L/day (very important; fiber without water = more constipation).
Probiotics: Curd, buttermilk, kefir, or probiotic capsule if needed.
Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, ghee/olive oil (lubricates stool).
What to Limit:
Excess white rice, maida, bread, fried food, cheese → makes stool harder.
Raw/cruciferous veggies in excess (cabbage, broccoli) → gas. Cook vegetables lightly instead of raw.
Cola, excess caffeine, smoking (temporary relief but worsens gut health long-term).
Hard, stone-like stools with bloating and incomplete evacuation usually suggest constipation or slow bowel motility, not actual stones in the stool. This is often worsened by low fiber, dehydration, and irregular habits—smoking is not a safe solution and only gives temporary relief. Please consult a Gastroenterologist for evaluation; meanwhile, increase water intake, fiber (psyllium husk), probiotics, and regular exercise to improve bowel movements naturally.
Your symptoms suggest functional constipation with hard, pellet-like stools due to poor stool hydration and imbalance of soluble vs insoluble fiber. Rice and meat are helping because they give bulk and better motility, while excess raw vegetables increase gas. Focus on hydration, soluble fiber, probiotics, and physical activity. Use mild stool softeners only if lifestyle changes are insufficient. Smoking is not a solution — better to replace it with natural bowel-regulating habits
Greetings Sanswrang! The hard, pebble-like stools you are experiencing along with bloating and gas are most consistent with functional constipation, sometimes overlapping with irritable bowel symptoms. This is often influenced by diet, hydration, and stress. The reason stools feel easier after meat and rice but harder after vegetable-rich meals is likely due to differences in the type of fiber — insoluble fiber from some vegetables can worsen bloating and give a sense of incomplete evacuation, whereas soluble fiber and easily digestible foods help soften stools.
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Prescription: • Sat Isabgol (Psyllium husk) – 2 teaspoons in warm water at bedtime daily. • Syp Duphalac (Lactulose solution) – 15 mL orally at bedtime if no satisfactory stool passage with isabgol alone. • Tablet Digene Gas Relief (Simethicone + Dimethicone) – 1 tablet after meals if excessive bloating/flatulence.
(Take medicines for 2–3 weeks and review if symptoms persist. Avoid self-medicating with smoking for bowel relief.)
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Dietary Advice & Investigations: • Drink 2.5–3 liters of water per day. • Regular physical activity, good sleep, and stress management. • Prefer soluble fiber foods (oats, bananas, papaya, cooked vegetables, psyllium husk) instead of excess raw salads, cabbage, cauliflower which may worsen gas. • Limit carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods. • Investigations if symptoms persist: Thyroid function test, Complete Blood Count, and stool routine. • Seek in-person evaluation if you develop blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Your symptoms suggest constipation, characterized by hard and irregular stools and bloating. Diet plays a critical role in bowel movements. The fact that rice helps your symptoms could be due to its fiber content or your body’s specific reaction to starchy foods. However, the formation of hard, pebble-like stools, known as scybala, often points to insufficient fiber and hydration, both needed for softer stools. This might be why you’re experiencing more comfortable bowel movements with meat; perhaps the overall meal composition – possibly including fat or other factors – aids in bowel regulation. Meat isn’t typically high in fiber, so it’s somewhat unusual. It’s crucial to ensure you;re getting adequate dietary fiber daily, which adults generally need about 25 to 30 grams of. Consider gradually incorporating more soluble fiber sources like oats, flaxseeds, and psyllium into your diet, as they can soften stools and reduce gas. Vegetables can cause more bloating if your body metabolizes them in a way that leads to gas, or if they’re high in insoluble fiber without enough soluble fiber or water intake. Keep hydrated, aiming for at least 8 cups of water a day, as this will help the fiber do its job. Your reliance on smoking for bowel movements suggests the use of nicotine as a laxative, not ideal for long-term health. Work towards reducing or quitting smoking with professional help if needed. If constipation persists, try over-the-counter laxatives like osmotic agents not stimulants, which can worsen symptoms long-term without professional guidance. Persistent symptoms warrant a doctor’s visit to rule out underlying conditions like IBS, colon issues, or less likely yet possible, electrolyte imbalances. Always err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider for advice tailored precisely to your needs, especially if any new or intensifying symptoms occur.
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