Increasing your fiber intake from foods will help soften your stools. The two types of fiber are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol, slow digestion and prevent heart disease. Insoluble fiber bulks food and allows it to pass through the stomach and intestines more quickly. Insoluble fiber may also decrease cardiovascular disease risk. The American Heart Association recommends a total of 25 g of fiber daily. Choose foods high in insoluble fiber to soften stools.
Wheat Bran
Insoluble fiber is found in high amounts in wheat bran. Choose breads, pastas and cereals that are high in whole grains. White, refined breads, pastas and cereals should be replaced since they do not contain the bran part of the grain.
Vegetables
All vegetables contain fiber, but some contain higher amounts of insoluble fiber. These vegetables include cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips and cauliflower. Eat one or more servings of one vegetable from this group daily.
Whole Grains
Not only wheat, but other whole grains have high amounts of insoluble fiber. Choose whole-grain brown rice, rye or barley daily.
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