Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that is defined as infrequent bowel movements, which cause a backup of stool in the gastrointestinal tract. MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that a common cause of...
Constipation is not a pleasant subject, but it is a common problem. If ignored, constipation can contribute to other health issues, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Treating constipation is usually achievable with medication, but preventing...
Constipation in children is commonly caused by dietary habits. Not getting enough fluids or foods high in fiber can often translate into infrequent bowel movements, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. However, sedentary...
Constipation is a fairly common occurrence among children and is characterized by having less than three bowel movements in a week; hard, dry and large stools; and stools that are difficult for a child to pass. Constipation can have a variety of...
Constipation is classified by the dryness of the stools rather than how long it takes for your baby to have a bowel movement. A baby who is constipated passes hard stools that are very dry. Your infant's diet plays a large role in preventing...
Weight gain and constipation result from several causes; however, eating a poor diet tops the list of reasons. Fortunately, some foods help solve these issues. Fiber adds bulk to the diet and aids in digestion. According to a 2009 "Nutrition...
When you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, you are probably constipated. Your stool may be hard, dry, small and difficult to eliminate, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. One of the easiest ways...
Constipation, or intestinal slowdown, is not a disease in and of itself but rather a symptom of either a temporary gastrointestinal problem or, less commonly, a more serious medical condition. Most often, the cause is simply a lack of fiber in the...
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, frequent constipation affects more than 4 million Americans every year. Constipation can be caused by several factors including lack of fiber in the diet, lack of physical...
Constipation refers to having bowel movements less than three times per week, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. When constipated, stool is typically small, dry and hard, and can be difficult to move...
Calcium is a vital mineral known for its role bone development and support and for the treatment of osteoporosis, or bone loss. However, recent studies show that calcium can reduce the risk for high blood pressure and colorectal cancer and is also...
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for many normal body functions, especially bone formation and maintenance, according to Drugs.com. However, a side effect of taking a calcium supplement is constipation, which can cause significant...
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, more than 4 million Americans suffer from constipation, which results in about 2.5 million physician visits a year. Constipation associated with taking iron might be prevented...
Cyclobenzaprine, the generic name for the drug Flexeril, is a prescription muscle relaxant and pain reliever. According to Drugs.com, it acts by blocking pain sensations that are sent to the brain. It is typically used with rest and physical...
When you eat plant foods, including grains, vegetables and fruits, you consume a variety of nutrients. The sugar, vitamins, water and minerals from these foods are absorbed through the walls of your intestine into your bloodstream, and then...
Chronic constipation affects more than 4 million Americans and accounts for 2.5 million doctor visits per year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The most frequent sufferers of constipation are...
Constipation in infants is common due to their limited diet and immature digestive systems. In most cases, infant constipation is due to a lack of water intake or a change in diet, but frequent or severe constipation requires medical attention to...
Newborns are especially prone to constipation, thanks to immature digestive systems paired with common diet changes. When your infant is constipated, you may notice hard stools, baby struggling to make a bowel movement, a hardened abdomen or days...
The most common cause of constipation in children isn't illness or diet related. It's bad bowel habits. Many children forget to use the toilet when they have to go, especially if they're engaged in an interesting activity when the urge strikes....
When you think of bacteria, you may imagine them as harmful disease-causing substances. However, not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some are helpful. Fermented foods such as yogurt contain microorganisms called probiotics that may help prevent or...
Daily bowel movements are not a necessity for your bowel health. In fact, many people have fewer than seven bowel movements a week, and this is considered normal or regular for them. You should only be concerned when your "normal" changes or if...
Bladder spasms are most commonly associated with an overactive bladder, which causes you to feel as though you need to urinate frequently and very suddenly. There aren't foods you can stock up on to treat this condition, but there are some you can...
Dietary fiber occurs in plants and is divided into two types: soluble and insoluble. All fiber is technically indigestible and does not metabolize. Insoluble fiber does not enter into the bloodstream, but it is nonetheless necessary for proper...
Constipation is relatively common, with at least 4 million people in the United States frequently suffering from this condition, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Eating more fiber can help to reduce...
Fiber is important for overall digestive health and provides some protection against certain cancers, including colon cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Insoluble fiber provides the most digestive benefit by trapping water in the...
Constipation occurs when a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week and stools are difficult to eliminate. Bloating, straining and a feeling of a full bowel are common. Over 4 million Americans suffer from frequent constipation,...
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are painful swollen and inflamed veins in your rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids are mainly caused by increased pressure in the veins of the anus. Factors that cause increased pressure in the anus include straining during...
Consuming adequate amounts of fiber each day can help reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes and obesity. High-fiber foods are also a rich source of B vitamins, folate, iron and magnesium, which are all needed by the body for proper growth...
The food company Kellogg's markets the breakfast cereal Frosted Mini-Wheats. The bite-sized cereal features whole grain shredded wheat coated in a sugary frosting containing high fructose corn syrup and sugar.