Constipation is hard stool with decreased frequency. A soft stool once a week may be normal for some individuals. When dehydrated, the body holds onto water, absorbing it from the stool causing hardening. Simple increase of fluid intake is often adequate. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking prune juice or bran with each meal may be necessary. Seldom are laxatives necessary. A change in bowel habits is a symptom of cancer of the colon. Any blood with stool should be seen by me.