Loose stools indicate diarrhea, which includes watery bowel movements at least three time a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Many factors can cause loose stools, including the foods you eat. If you have chronic problems...
Although the subject of bathroom behaviors is generally avoided, a quick peek in the toilet can clue you into the health of your body. Although it may seem odd, studying the shape, color and smell of stool can help you monitor your digestive...
Blood in your child's stool can be a shocking discovery. Although this is a common experience in children, you should investigate the cause of the bleeding and alert a physician if blood, or the appearance of blood, is found. Your child's...
A high-protein diet can be a good way to cut back on calories and maintain lean muscle mass. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, high-protein diets help you lose weight because they often mean eating fewer carbohydrates. Any...
Yellow stool, also known as pale stool, may be an indicator of a serious medical illness. There are several medical conditions that may cause yellow bowel movements. If bowel movements that are yellowish in color are seen, an examination by a...
Blood in the stool is never normal. The symptom is known as hematochezia, which means the stools are red or maroon colored. Hematochezia should always be reported to a doctor, as it can indicate a serious health condition or injury. Blood can come...
Hard stools are frequently a symptom of constipation caused by a low-fiber diet. Passing hard stools is not only difficult, it can be painful. Eating a diet rich in fiber and drinking plenty of water helps to soften stools. The correct dietary...
Blood in the stool can originate from anywhere in the digestive tract, which runs the entire length from the mouth to the anus. The color of bloody stools is often indicative of what condition is causing the blood, and can range from bright red to...
Consuming refined foods, a number of dairy products, alcohol, even stress can cause constipation or hardening of the stool. It can last anywhere from a day to a number of weeks if not treated properly. Laxatives are somewhat of an immediate...
Blood in the stools is an alarming sight, particularly when it affects your child. However, bloody stools are surprisingly common in babies and young children, and they don't necessarily warrant a panic-stricken trip to the emergency room, reports...
Caffeine is a stimulant that triggers several changes in the body. It is consumed by many people as a means of improving alertness and energy. But caffeine can also affect the gastrointestinal system, and not necessarily in ways you would like. It...
Loose stools, more commonly referred to as diarrhea, are watery bowel movements that usually pass at least three times per day, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Acute diarrhea, which lasts one to two days, is...
Metamucil is a fiber supplement that helps relieve constipation and keeps you regular. It makes increasing your fiber intake easier, since it comes in a variety of forms, including chewable wafers, powder, capsules and others. Taking too much of a...
Loose, watery stools, or diarrhea, often lasts several days and requires more frequent trips to the bathroom. Causes of diarrhea include viruses, bacteria, medications, surgery and digestive disorders. The Cleveland Clinic states that most people...
Your toddler’s body is growing and changing, so her stool often changes frequently as well. Looking at her waste may not be fun, but it’s an easy way to keep track of what’s going on inside her. Stool that varies in color and...
A bloated belly, rectal pressure, infrequent bowel movements and dry stools that are hard to pass are all signs of constipation. Constipation can cause repeated straining during bowel movements to increase your risk of developing painful...
The primary symptoms of lactose intolerance include explosive and sudden bowel movements with loose and watery stools. Lactose intolerance symptoms are uncomfortable and embarrassing but do not cause any permanent damage to your digestive system....
Caffeine in excessive doses can cause loose stools and diarrhea. If you notice that whenever you consume caffeine you develop diarrhea, you need to call your doctor. It is possible that you are sensitive to caffeine or that other factors may be...
Consuming refined foods, a number of dairy products, alcohol, even stress can cause constipation or hardening of the stool. It can last anywhere from a day to a number of weeks if not treated properly. Laxatives are somewhat of an immediate...
Loose stools, more commonly referred to as diarrhea, are watery stools that usually occur at least three times per day. Loose stools may be acute, which means they last one to two days, or chronic, which means they last for more than two days....
During the toddler phase of life, a child is transitioning from eating soft, pureed foods to eating a more normal diet of semi-hard foods that the whole family is enjoying. These dietary changes can contribute to various bowel inconsistencies,...
Your infant's stools can be an early indication of changes or problems in his digestive system. Although there is a wide range of normal in infant stools, changes in his stools can indicate problems. Observing his stools can enable you to notice...
The lining of the large intestine produces mucus, which serves as a lubricant for stool to pass to the anus. Mucus can be present in stool, but when the production is increased enough that you are able to see it in your child's bowel movements,...
A viral infection is the most common cause of loose stools, reports the National Institutes of Health. Antibiotics and food poisoning can also contribute to this condition. Loose stools generally only last a few days and gradually resolve with...
Loose stools -- sometimes called diarrhea, depending on the water content and frequency of your stools, or feces -- is a common health problem. MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, notes that the No. 1 cause of loose...
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...
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2005 Food Pyramid guidelines recommend that adults eat seven to eight servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans do not eat the recommended daily allowances...
Stool color is a topic you may be hesitant or embarrassed to discuss with your health-care provider. Most people have what they consider to be their normal stool color, but when your elimination looks different from your expectations, you may...
Infants, especially breastfed babies, have a wide variety of stools. The bowel movements of your infant can indicate underlying conditions regarding his health and development. Mucus inside the stools may be a sign of teething, a virus or even a...