Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of small pouches that pop out of the lining of the large intestine, often because of a weakness in the lining, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

When you eat food, it is processed and nutrients are absorbed as it courses through the intestine to finally become stool. The transit time of stool in the intestine can vary depending on the concentrations of the various electrolytes that affect the function of intestinal muscles and nerves.

Dulcolax, also called bisacodyl, is a laxative medication that treats constipation by helping you have a bowel movement. If you are breastfeeding, it is important to talk with your doctor about using Dulcolax because some medications pass into your breast milk.

Fenugreek is an herb with a long history of use as a spice and medicine. Many digestive diseases can reportedly be treated with fenugreek, including constipation. Fenugreek rarely causes severe side effects and may be a safe alternative for people seeking natural remedies for constipation.

Somehow over the years, popcorn has been linked to constipation by a number of people. But a good look at the dietary information of popcorn will show that it actually contains a decent amount of fiber and is often recommended as a food for people who are constipated.

Constipation is a fairly common condition during the baby years and typically occurs when you transition from breast milk to cow's milk or formula or when you begin giving solid foods or table foods around a baby's first birthday. Make a few dietary changes to help alleviate the problem.

Your "normal" bowel movement may not be normal for someone else. While bowel movements vary from person to person, the signs of constipation are not normal. These include difficulty moving stool and hard or dry stools.

Just about everyone feels tired at one time or another, and most people occasionally experience constipation, as well. But if you're chronically constipated and you also have fatigue, there may be something else going on.

If your toddler has had fewer than three bowel movements over the last week, she is constipated. Other symptoms include difficulty passing stool and the passage of hard, dry stools. The KidsHealth website reports that constipation is common among children and can be treated with certain foods.

Constipation is a common problem. If you have trouble passing hard stool or if your bowel movements only produce small dry feces, you are constipated. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) estimates that “more than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation.

Metamucil is the brand name of a fiber supplement that comes in several different forms, including capsules, powder and wafer products that you can add to water or food, or eat on their own. Metamucil products contain psyllium fiber, which is a soluble fiber that comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata.

Constipation can cause your child to have painful bowel movements, and prune juice can help resolve the problem. Constipation occurs when muscle tone is weak in the intestines or when there is not enough water left in the stool for it to pass easily from the body, according to Ask Dr. Sears.