Various types of potatoes. A staple food, or simply a staple, is a food that is eaten routinely and in such quantities that it constitutes a dominant portion of a standard diet for a given people, supplying a large fraction of energy needs and generally forming a significant proportion of the intake of other nutrients as well.
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon.
Red, maroon or black, tarry stools that are caused by bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine) may have the accompanying symptoms: 1  Abdominal pain. 2  Nausea or vomiting of blood. 3  Diarrhea and cramping.  Weakness, lightheadedness, and dizziness.