The rate at which your body process the food you eat depends on a variety of factors. Your bowel transit time is a measurement of how long it takes food to travel through your digestive tract, and food can take anywhere from 36 to 72 hours to pass...
Regular, daily bowel movements are a sign that your digestive system is in good working order. According to Elizabeth Lipski, Ph.D., CCN and author of "Digestive Wellness," 12 to 24 hours is the optimum bowel transit time, which describes the time...
Every morsel of food you eat contains chemical compounds that are absorbed by the body to be used as sources of energy. This process is called digestion, and it begins as soon as you swallow a bite of food. When food enters your stomach, powerful...
Transit time is the rate at which food passes all the way through your digestive tract -- from ingestion at the mouth to defecation at the anus. Transit times vary by individual based on diet, activity levels and general health. On average, it...
According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Picco, the benefit of colon cleansing is to remove toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. By flushing the...
Although the sight of green stools may be alarming, they do not usually indicate a serious intestinal problem, explains Dr. Michael Picco of the Mayo Clinic. Most cases of green stools in kids are temporary. Long-lasting changes that are not...
Your doctor may diagnose you with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, if you commonly experience digestive problems such as cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although IBS isn't thought to permanently...
Aloe vera juice has been used medicinally for thousands of years for its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, hypoglycemic effects. These benefits stem from the 75 active nutrients---including vitamins, minerals, sugars,...
Your baby may be constipated if his stools are hard and pebble-like and if he strains and turns red-faced during bowel movements, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. He may also draw his legs to his abdomen and pass some stools that...
Acidophilus Pearls are a brand of probiotic supplement manufactured by Enzymatic Therapy and sold in a number of health food stores. Some proponents make exaggerated claims about Acidophilus Pearls and other brands of probiotics. Among the claims...
According to Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist and author of the textbook "Medical Nutrition From Marz," acne--a disease of western civilization--is the most common skin problem, is more common in males and,...
The colon, or large intestine, is one of the body's primary ways of removing waste, along with the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver. When your colon is healthy, food material passes through in a timely manner. When your colon is unhealthy, transit...
Fiber comes from the indigestible part of plant foods such as cereals, grains, seeds, nuts, beans, vegetables and fruit. Also referred to "roughage" or "bulk," fiber may be classified as either soluble and insoluble. By passing through the...
Digesting food involves an intricate set of processes organized with the help of a series of organs, nerves, muscles and digestive juices. The foods you eat contain a variety of important, life-sustaining nutrients that cannot be absorbed properly...
Enzymes, probiotics and fiber will become your best friends on the road to a flatter stomach. Foods high in at least one of these categories will help contribute to your goal of sleek, toned abs. Making apples, yogurt, broccoli, and high-fiber...
Over-the-counter herbal colon cleansing supplements typically have strong laxatives or fiber ingredients. Depending on the formula, one or more laxatives may be included. These herbal remedies are used in a high concentrations for total bowel...
Irritable bowel is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation or alternating bouts of each. Those who have these symptoms at least three times a month for three months may have irritable bowel...
Summer squash is refreshing and has a delicate flavor, soft shell and creamy white flesh that make it a delightful accompaniment to any summer meal. These tasty veggies are in season between May and July but are available year-round. Summer squash...
Several factors can cause fecal matter to turn green. Green bowel movements can be attributed to the foods we eat, the medications we take, or a serious digestive disorder. It should be noted that any change in stool color should be reported to...
Probiotics are microorganisms that beneficially affect the intestinal tract. Their beneficial properties include helping with digestion and offering protection against harmful bacteria. According to a June 2000 article in the "American Journal of...
Bacteria are mainly known for causing disease in the body, so you may be surprised to find out that certain types of bacteria may help ward off disease. Although more research is necessary, some promising scientific evidence suggests that eating...
Certain herbs have gained a reputation as being capable of promoting weight loss. However, little scientific evidence exists showing that any herbal medicine for weight loss is effective. In addition, some herbs touted for weight loss can produce...
Yoga asanas, or postures, can help prevent and relieve a number of ailments, and stomach problems are no exception. You can use yoga to help irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, menstrual cramps and digestive disorders. You should consult your...
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that swells when it's put in water. The gelatin-like mass it creates helps transport waste through your digestive tract. It is a good aid for both constipation and diarrhea. While most commonly found in over-the-counter...
The pharmacological effects of aloe can be attributed to the presence of more than 200 active ingredients, namely amino acids, minerals, vitamins, glyco-proteins and polysaccharides, or complex sugars. The topical use of aloe is generally...
Abdominal adhesions are fibrous bands of tissue which form between tissues of your abdomen and your internal organs, causing them to adhere to each other. Some adhesions may cause no problems, and you may not even be aware that you have them;...
Herbal teas are often marketed for their healthful benefits including regular bowel movements. However,the dehydrating effects of caffeinated tea may encourage constipation. Medical research is unclear as to the benefits of tea for the relief of...
Rather than being a specific disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a term used for a collection of symptoms, including pain, bloating and altered bowel habits (chronic constipation, diarrhea or alternating between constipation and diarrhea)....
An apple a day, which contains vitamins and minerals essential for good health, can help keep the doctor away, especially if you substitute apples for less healthy snacks such as processed candy or chips. But too much of even a good thing can...
