The most common cause of food going through your large intestine too fast is a chronic condition called irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBS is a common digestive condition that primarily affects your large intestine, also called the colon. IBS...
Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that is harvested from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. This plant produces thousands of small seeds covered in psyllium husk, which is then used to make fiber supplements. Consuming psyllium fiber can...
Several conditions and factors can weaken the bladder and uterus, including pregnancy, being overweight, giving birth and aging. Because weakness can trigger embarrassing accidents such as urine leakage, it is important to understand how to...
A brand of probiotic dairy products, Activa manufactures items such as plain yogurt, semi-solid yogurt, fiber enhanced yogurt, granola toppers and yogurt drinks. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that probiotics...
Gas and the subsequent bloating that occur can cause discomfort as well as embarrassment, particularly if the gas is excessive. Foods that contain sugars and high amounts of fiber are the most common causes of gas. Common problem foods include...
Taurine is often considered an amino acid, but technically it is just a natural acid found within your body. Taurine is utilized in functions such as neuron signal transmission, calcium and electrolyte balance, and blood cholesterol and...
The colon is an organ in your digestive system that holds waste product until you have a bowel movement. While a healthy colon causes few, if any, notable symptoms during digestion, an inflamed, diseased or damaged colon can stimulate pain....
Glucose, or blood sugar, is the main fuel for the body. For the body to utilize this fuel, insulin is required. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach. Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells so that...
Intestinal problems can be the result of a wide range of medical complications, such as eating too much fiber, dairy, or gluten, and other medical conditions. Healthy adults should not experience intestinal problems from foods, unless a medical...
A colonoscopy is a common screening and diagnostic test that can find colon cancer and other problems in the large intestine, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. It is an outpatient procedure that often requires a...
High fiber foods stimulate the bowel, which can cause diarrhea. According to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, a low fiber diet is better tolerated with diarrhea because it will not stimulate the bowel as much and it...
Irritable bowel syndrome is a fairly common affliction accompanied by stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. The large intestine is where most of the symptoms originate. Though it is not a life-threatening condition, the painful symptoms...
The body's ability to maintain a healthy digestive tract is imperative for the proper absorption of micro and macronutrients, to remove waste effectively and to provide the body with sufficient amounts of energy to fuel everyday activities....
Digestive enzymes help break down food particles to aid with food absorption. You may find people with pancreatic disorders or cystitic fibrosis use enzymes to break down carbs. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can improve digestive...
In his book, "Acupressure's Potent Points," Michael Reed Gach states, "Meridians are pathways that connect the acupressure points to each other as well as to internal organs." These meridians carry electrical energy to areas of the body similar...
Menopause is a part of life that all women eventually experience. Although many are happy to be free of menstrual periods, menopause brings other symptoms that are difficult to manage. Women might see an increase in bowel changes, causing...
Colon cleansing products often promise to remove toxins from the large intestine or bowel that proponents claim can prevent health problems, ranging from allergies to arthritis. So-called colonic irrigation methods are touted to promote a healthy...
Children are vulnerable to a number of problems affecting the colon or large intestine. Some of them are relatively minor and can be easily cured, some require surgery and some have no cure and require dietary management and medication.
The large intestine is the portion of your gastrointestinal tract that includes your appendix, cecum, colon, rectum and anus. The large intestine is approximately 5 feet long, and it primarily functions to reabsorb water and maintain fluid balance...
The colon, or large intestine, absorbs water and salts while moving fecal material toward the rectum. Disruption of normal colon structure and function can occur with a variety of medical conditions. Congenital defects, interruption of colonic...
Kegel exercises are designed to develop strength in the muscles located at the floor of your pelvis, under your bladder and large intestine. Both men and women who are having urinary or bowel problems can complete Kegel exercises to help improve...
Your body may lose potassium if you have frequent diarrhea due to irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. As an electrolyte, this essential mineral plays crucial roles in fluid balance, nerve conduction, heart function and muscle contraction. The...
Derived from the leaves and fruit of the Senna alexandrina plant, senna tea has been used for centuries as a natural stimulant laxative. Senna is also an FDA-approved nonprescription over-the counter laxative. A stimulant laxative can relieve...
Your digestive system should be a one-way street when it is operating correctly. Food enters through your mouth, passes into your stomach through the esophagus, goes through your small and large intestines and eventually passes out as feces...
People with Hirschsprung's disease have a lack of nerve cells in a part of the large intestine. These nerve cells are responsible for relaying a message from the brain to the muscles in the large intestine, signaling the colon to move food through...
When you have diabetes, treats like chocolate can be hard to work into your meal plan. Many candy manufacturers make sugar-free and low-sugar alternatives that contain maltitol, a sugar alcohol. Maltitol provides sweetness without the blood...
Many of the symptoms for diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are similar. They may include cramping, abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea. Treatments are also similar and often include a change...
The liver and colon both play important roles in the digestive process. Many different diseases can befall these organs, including cancer. While healthy eating cannot offer complete protection against conditions affecting these organs, it can make...
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects the large intestine and is a common problem, according to MayoClinic.com. IBS causes bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea and constipation. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and...
