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.
âFor constipation, thereâs a belief that eating fibre such as bran always helps,â says Dr Emmanuel. âBut with slow transit constipation (STC) â a nerve and muscle problem that causes the slow passage of waste through the large intestine â it can cause bloating and excessive gas.â.