Relieving Constipation: Best Foods, Remedies, and Stool Softeners

Relieving constipation in adults and babies often involves dietary interventions like prune juice, olive oil, and fiber powders. Learn the differences between laxatives and stool softeners for safe, effective relief.

Chili con Carne

Is Chili Good for Constipation?

Chili, that deliciously spicy Tex-Mex stew, can be good, bad or indifferent for constipation depending on the recipe. Traditional Texas chili con carne, or chili with meat, contains no beans, few vegetables and only a little dietary fiber.

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Portrait of a Girl With Hay Fever

What Are the Causes of Children Seeing Black Spots?

When your child comes to you and says she is seeing black spots, or floaters, you will naturally feel concerned. These black spots are probably not a reason for concern, as long as they only occur once or for only a few seconds, according to Medline Plus.

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Pouring water

Can You Take Metamucil Everyday?

People who have difficulty getting enough fiber though food may rely on a supplement to ensure they get enough. Metamucil is one brand of fiber supplements that is widely available in drugstores and supermarkets.

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Wheat field

Gluten Free Diet & Constipation

For sufferers of celiac disease or other forms of gluten intolerance, a gluten-free diet can be a lifesaver -- sometimes literally. Gluten, a combination of proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and related grains, can trigger problems ranging from diarrhea to osteoporosis in sensitive individuals.

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Businessman talking to doctor indoors

FiberCon Vs. Metamucil

Inadequate fiber consumption can lead to constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort. The recommended daily allowance of fiber is 25 g per day for women and 38 g for men, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic's website, Eat Right.

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Woman sitting on bed holding stomach, head bowed

Foods That Prevent Constipation

Constipation, or intestinal slowdown, is a symptom of either a temporary gastrointestinal problem or, less commonly, a more serious medical condition.

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Natural Ways to Soften Stools

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 stools.

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What Are the Dangers of Taking Too Many Laxatives?

Taking too many laxatives can put your health at risk. If you're taking excess laxatives for any reason, including chronic constipation or in misguided efforts to purge, cleanse your body or lose weight, serious complications are possible.

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psyllium seed

Metamucil & Loose Stools

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.

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Gatorade Launch Event

Can Gatorade Help With Constipation?

Constipation can significantly affect your quality of life. In fact, dealing with hard stools can cause hemorrhoids, leave you feeling bloated and full, and disrupt your digestive processes. Some feel consuming Gatorade or other sports drinks can help with your constipation.

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Psyllium seed husks or isabgula

Pros & Cons of Metamucil

Metamucil is a brand name for a fiber supplement containing psyllium seed husks, according to Drugs.com. Psyllium is created from the crushed seeds of Plantago ovata plants. Native to Asia, the Mediterranean and north Africa, Plantago ovata is now commonly grown in the U.S. as well as India and Pakistan.

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Mother supporting boy receiving injection

What Are the Causes of Underweight Children?

Genetics, low-fat diets and other factors may all cause a child to be slightly slimmer than his same-age peers. However, when the child's weight falls below the fifth percentile for his age and height, physicians will consider him to be underweight.

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Does Eating a Lot of Protein Cause Constipation?

Getting extra protein in your diet can help support a healthy, active lifestyle. Unfortunately, constipation is a frequent side effect of increased protein intake. Do not reduce your intake of high fiber fruits and vegetables simply because you are trying to get more protein.

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Woman using toilet in morning

Does a Laxative Cleanse the Colon?

Colon cleansing proponents believe the treatment provides health benefits by cleaning out the digestive system. Cleanses are done through water irrigation or with dietary supplements that are similar to laxatives.

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mature woman having stomach ache

What to Eat to Stop Constipation

Constipation is an unpleasant digestive condition that makes having a bowel movement difficult. This occurs most often when you have not been drinking enough fluids, eating enough fiber or exercising, among other lifestyle factors.

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Woman running in mountains

Can You Get Bronchitis From Running Outside in the Cold?

Bronchitis is the medical term for a chest cold. Viral infections are the most common cause of acute bronchitis. Dr. Alan Greene, pediatrician and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University, notes that research indicates cold air in and of itself does not cause colds or bronchitis.

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stomach ache, woman lying on bed

Constipation Due to Zinc Overdoses

Zinc is an essential mineral in your diet responsible for providing structure to proteins and to help enzymes in your body speed up chemical reactions.

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