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Some say that a person is constipated only if their normal pattern changes or they have irregular difficult movement. Generally speaking, one to three times a day is average and the more frequent the bowel actions, the looser the movement. Constipation may be caused by changes in diet. Some medications also cause this problem. Although laxatives can temporarily relieve the problem, don't allow your body to become dependent on them. Overuse of laxatives can cause bowel inactivity once their use is stopped. A good alternative to laxatives is to eat foods higher in fiber.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestines resulting in poor production of water or lucrative minerals and vitamins and producing frequent watery stools. The major causes of this condition are local irritation of the intestinal tract by infection or chemical agents and emotional disorders. Diarrhea is accompanied by frequent and liquid bowel movements, abdominal cramps and general weakness. The stool may be blood-streaked if diarrhea is severe. Diarrhea is a symptom of a wide variety of disorders including digestive disturbances, deficiency diseases, allergies, and tumors of the intestinal tract rather than a disease itself. However, symptomatic treatment may be instituted to relieve the dehydration, nutritional deficiencies and disturbances of acid balance produced by the loss of water, food elements and electrolytes.