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.
What causes constipation. Constipation occurs when too much water is absorbed by the colon or when your colon's muscle contractions are slow, causing the stool to move slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. The main causes of constipation can be attributed to a variety of factors including: 1  Low amount of fibre in the diet.