Is straining on the toilet dangerous? i feel like light straining before going to the bathroom really helps with my bm.

YES: Straining can cause anal or rectal tears or rupture, bleeding, intestinal perforation and bleeding hemorrhoids- just for starters. I suggest 8-10 glasses of electrolyte rich fluids ( Powerade, G, Gatorade, Vitamin water or sports drinks., cereals, bran, lentils and if straining persists, use OTC Miralax, an osmotic laxative which will add water to your lower intestine.