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.

Constipation can impact nearly everyone, including children, and coping with the discomfort is often stressful for a child.

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.

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.

Constipation is a common condition that results from factors such as poor diet, stress, medications, inactivity, dehydration, and overuse of laxatives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.