What causes dry bowel movements?

Dry bowel movements, also known as constipation, can be caused by the colon absorbing too much water or by the inadequacy of dietary fiber, according to Prevention Magazine. It is a condition in which a person experiences the passage of dry stool, resulting in infrequent and uncomfortable bowel movements.

Slow stool movement is due to sluggish colon muscle contractions causing absorption of too much water, notes Prevention. Other causes of dry bowel movement include lack of exercise, use of laxatives, a side effect of medications, inadequate fluid intake and changes due to a travel schedule. For normal bowel movement, the body requires a daily intake of one ounce of dietary fiber.