Health Tip: Drugs That May Lead to Diarrhea

(HealthDay News) -- Certain medications are more likely than others to aggravate the digestive tract and result in loose stools, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.
The agency says they include:

• Antibiotics, which often cause diarrhea because they kill bacteria -- even the good bacteria -- found in the intestines.
• Chemotherapy drugs, used to treat cancer.
• Immune system-suppressing drugs, such as mycophenolate.
• Some herbal teas that contain senna or other substances that are natural laxatives.
• A laxative is meant to relieve constipation. But taking too much of a laxative can lead to problem diarrhea.

Health Tip: Why am I Constipated?

(HealthDay News) - Constipation often is defined as producing fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Other symptoms may include producing small, hard stools; and significant straining during bowel movements.

The University of Michigan Health System lists these common causes of constipation:

• Insufficient fiber in the diet.
• Dehydration.
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Lifestyle factors, including taking certain medications, pregnancy, travel or aging.
• Not acting on the urge to produce a bowel movement.
• Having conditions such as Irritable bowel syndrome, a blockage of the colon or rectum, or certain systemic diseases.