Roughage

'Roughage' in the diet increases the bulk and softness of the motions. To increase or decrease it in your diet, you should eat more or less, fruit, vegetables, cereals that contain wheat fibre or wholemeal brown bread

More roughage for people who are going to the toilet less frequently and strain to pass harder or drier motions

Less roughage for people going to the toilet too often with looser stools

Important: Salads and cereals such as cornflakes and rice crispies, which are without bran or wheat fibre, are less effective