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.
Sponsored. 1  During pregnancy, the stool appears black because of iron and vitamin supplements. 2  As your uterus enlarges, the increased pressure within the pelvis may cause constipation and hemorrhoids. It often leads to internal bleeding and the stool appears dark.