Regular bowel movements keep the body healthy through elimination of waste products. Stool can become hard, dry and unable to pass through the colon. When this occurs, a stool softener can alleviate the pain, cramping and straining associated with...
Constipation is characterized by hard stools that are difficult to pass and by infrequent bowel movements. Some people prefer to treat their occasional constipation with laxatives, but others prefer to try more-natural cures to soften their...
Psyllium is an annual plant native to India, although it is now also widely cultivated in France. This weed-like herb is primarily known as a source of dietary fiber, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." The seeds of this...
Eat fiber during pregnancy to help you avoid constipation. It is important that you try to focus on eating fruits and vegetables that have fiber such as prunes and raisins. Whole grain cereal, whole grain bread, beans and peas are also good...
Diverticulitis is a condition of the lower intestine. It is characterized by inflammation of portions of the intestine in combination with the formation of small pouches within the intestinal wall. These pouches are what are of concern for those...
The causes of infant constipation are abundant, the most common being the introduction of solid foods. According to wholesomebabyfood.com, even breastfed babies who rarely experience constipation can experience digestive problems once solids have...
Constipation is defined as an abnormal bowel movement pattern where stools are passed less frequently than usual and are harder than usual. Constipation in children is usually the result of a poor diet or poor bowel habits. According to Lucile...
Psyllium, scientific name Plantago ovata, is an annual plant native to western Asia and the Mediterranean region. The Greeks derived its name from their word for "flea" because of the plant's tiny seeds that resemble little fleas. A common...
Coconut water, also referred to as coconut juice, is the thin liquid in the center of young green coconuts. It shouldn't be confused with coconut milk. Coconut milk is made by heating the white flesh of the coconut, shredding the pulp and blending...
Insoluble fiber provides a number of health benefits. Because it absorbs water instead of being dissolved by water, insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and keeps it soft. Increase your daily intake by consuming beans, nuts, vegetables, wheat...
Epsom salt, technically known as magnesium sulfate, has several uses for health benefits. People take Epsom salt orally for certain conditions, but it is best known for using as a bath or soak. Epsom salt also is good for most plants as a natural...
Hemorrhoids are caused most often by excessive straining during a bowel movement or other activities that weaken or cause inflammation of anal tissue. No matter how the hemorrhoids started, it is usually a short-term problem and can be remedied at...
Hemorrhoids, or piles, occur commonly during pregnancy. A hemorrhoid develops in the anus or lower rectum when the veins of the tissues become swollen or inflamed. Pregnancy is a time when hemorrhoids develop easily due to the slowing of the...
Constipation is classified as irregular or difficult bowel movements and can lead to a blocked colon due to impacted feces. Symptoms of constipation include discomfort in the lower abdomen, fatigue and inability to pass gas or stool. Causes of...
Piles, more commonly called hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids crop up from straining during a bowel movement, frequent diarrhea or constipation, and even pregnancy. Common symptoms of piles include itching in...
Constipation affects nearly half of all pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Iron supplements, anxiety about childbirth and a decrease in physical activity can all contribute to constipation during pregnancy. Your...
Prunes are dried plums. They are rich in fiber and phytochemicals and cholesterol-free. Prunes also give important nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, including retinol, iron and potassium. When you eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and...
Bleeding hemorrhoids is a common digestive issue, especially during pregnancy. You can get bleeding hemorrhoids from straining during bowel movements. Constipation increases your risk for this reason. Vitamin K is a common remedy for bleeding...
One of the easier ways to avoid developing bleeding hemorrhoids is to avoid constipation as much as you can. When you're constipated and strain to produce stool, the veins in your anus and rectum become enlarged, often resulting in hemorrhoids....
Diverticulosis is a condition in which there are areas of outpouchings of the large intestine. While most individuals are not symptomatic, some can experience constipation and abdominal pain. More serious cases can lead to bleeding or...
A fiber dietary supplement is typically recommended by a physician to help a person relieve constipation naturally. Fiber supplements can soften the stool and should be taken with plenty of water to help pass through the digestive tract. According...
Eating a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains provides the soluble and insoluble fibers your body needs to stay healthy. Although the amount of soluble and insoluble fiber varies depending on...
According to the Whole Grains Council, a whole grain contains the bran, germ and endosperm of a cereal grain in the same proportions as the kernel did before processing. Cereal grains include amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, millet,...
Dietary fiber is an essential part of a balanced and healthy diet. The most nutritious fiber comes from food, but you can also find additional fiber in a vegetable supplement. Fiber adds roughage to the digestive tract and works as a broom to...
Although herbs and natural fiber supplements are often the first choice to relieve constipation and maintain bowel regularity, some products may actually over-stimulate the colon and should be avoided. Certain herbs can cause cramping and...
Your baby is likely constipated if she has had less than three bowel movements in one week, if she strains to pass a bowel movement or if her stool is hard and dry, KidsHealth reports. Constipation is a common problem among babies and can be...
Hernia surgery can sometimes leave you feeling nauseated or sick to your stomach. Depending on the type of hernia that has been treated, you may be required to stick to clear liquids and broths for the first few days following your procedure. For...
Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol that is approved for use as a sweetener and food additive in the United States and European Union. Erythritol occurs naturally in fermented foods and some fruits from glucose, and is almost as sweet as sugar....
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus. According to MotherNature.com, they can be hereditary or a product of diet and toilet habits. Some hemorrhoids require medical treatment for removal when they become extremely painful. With a few diet...
