Psyllium husk is a source of soluble fiber. It is often used for occasional constipation and to help restore regularity. Psyllium husk works by absorbing water in your digestive tract and combining with the water to form bulky stool. This process stimulates digestion and helps quicken the passage of stool. For this reason, psyllium husk is known as a bulk forming laxative. Psyllium husk is also used to help treat irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. These conditions cause pain and digestive problems that may be alleviated by incorporating psyllium husk into your daily routine. Your doctor may advise against taking psyllium husk products if you are on any medications. Psyllium can reduce the absorption of medications into the digestive system. If your doctor says it's okay to take psyllium husk with your medications, he or she may recommend that you take psyllium husk at least 2 hours before or after you have taken your other medications. This time between taking psyllium husk and your medications will reduce the likelihood that the psyllium will affect your medication absorption. You can get psyllium husk in a wide variety of forms, from powders to cookies. Pure psyllium husk powder has a sawdust-like texture that some people find unpleasant, so it is also available in forms that are flavored and easily dissolvable. The advantage of these products is that they have a more pleasant taste and texture than pure psyllium husk. Psyllium products like Metamucil are known as blond psyllium and they often contain sugar and other additives. You can purchase flavored Metamucil powder to mix with water or you can even get cookies or wafers that contain psyllium husk. Follow the instructions on the package when taking one of these forms of psyllium husk. If you prefer, purchase a 100% psyllium husk powder product at a health food or nutrition store. This type of psyllium husk has no flavor or added sugar, so it is best to mix it with water or juice. Make sure that you understand the dosage instructions and contraindications of the product before you leave the store. If you have any questions about the product and whether or not it may interact with your medications, ask a pharmacist.

Summary: Understand the uses of psyllium husk. Call your doctor before you purchase a psyllium husk product. Choose a psyllium husk product that suits your needs. Read the instructions on the package before purchasing any psyllium husk product.

No matter which hand you write with, squeeze the pen between your thumb and index finger. Keep your fingers level but on opposite sides of the pen. Hold the pen with a light but firm grip. If you squeeze too tightly, your fingers may tire out or ache after a while. Adjust your grip on the pen as needed until you feel comfortable. You don't have to place your fingers exactly of the way along the pen's length. Bring your middle finger down, underneath the pen. Your middle finger is the third finger to grip the pen, except only the upper half of the tip contacts the pen. Position your ring and pinky fingers underneath your middle finger, not touching the pen. Your middle finger should grip the pen more lightly than your thumb and index finger. Use it to hold the pen still. Make sure the back end of the pen rests against the top part of your hand. Hold the pen at an angle rather than vertically. Move your hand down like you're going to start writing. Set the back edge, which is the part right above your wrist, on the paper. Let your ring and pinky fingers rest on the page as well. Adjust your hand until you feel comfortable enough to write. The pen should be at an angle, enough so that you can press the tip to the page. Your wrist may rise slightly to allow you to move the pen. Avoid lifting it too much, since that can end up causing cramps due to to tension. If your hand comes up off the page, you may be gripping the pen too hard.

Summary: Grip the pen lightly about of the way from the tip. Rest your middle finger on the pen. Rest the heel of your hand on the page.

Generally speaking several bowel movements per day is considered more than normal, especially if this changes suddenly. Increased bowel movements or changes in the consistency, volume, or appearance of poop can indicate an underlying medical condition. Be prepared to inform your healthcare provider about your bowel habits, and the typical consistency, frequency, and appearance of your poop. Celiac disease involves an immune reaction to gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye products. You should follow a gluten-free diet. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. It is a disorder that can affect any part of the bowel from mouth to anus. Hyperthyroidism, also called overactive thyroid, can cause diarrhea and changes in bowel movement frequency. Hypothyroidism can cause constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause constipation and diarrhea. You may also have issues with your skin, joints, eyes, and bones. Ulcerative colitis is another kind of inflammatory bowel disease that usually affects only the colon. Blood tends to be associated with this disorder. Many medications can cause changes in bowel movement frequency.

Summary: Know when you are pooping too much. Seek medical attention if your bowel movements are accompanied by abdominal pain, mucus, pus, or blood. Understand diseases that can cause increased frequency of bowel movements.

Figure out the length of your braid. Add on an extra 1/3 of that measurement to get your cutting length. This is how long you'll need to cut your string. For example: Desired length: 24 inches (61cm) 24 divided by 3 = 8 inches (20cm) 24 + 8 = 32 inches (81cm) 32 inches (81cm) = cutting length Use the same color for each strand of string, or use different colors. For a fancier braid, cut 6 or 9 strings instead, then divide them into 3 groups. For example, you can do 3 pink strings, 3 purple strings, and 3 magenta strings. Embroidery floss is a popular choice, but you can use other types of string, such as yarn or leather cording. Gather the ends of your strings together. Treating them as a single strand, coil them into a loop, then pull the ends through the loop. This will make the knot. Keep the knot 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6cm) from the string end. Tape the string above the knot to a flat surface, such as a table. 1 strand to the left, 1 in the middle, and 1 on the right. With multiple strands of color, group the strands by color instead. For example, place the pink strings to the left, the purple strings in the middle, and all the magenta strings to the right. Take the left string and cross it over the middle string. Take the right string and cross it over the new middle string. Again, if you have multiple strings of each color, treat that color group as a single string. For example, if you have 3 pink, 3 purple, and 3 magenta strings, cross all of the pink strings over all of the purple strings. Give the strings a gentle tug to tighten the strings as you braid. Repeat the process until you reach the length you want, or until you have 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6cm) left. Coil the braid end into a loop, then pull the tails through the loop. Tug on the tails to tighten the knot, then trim off the left over strands, You can now use the braid for the craft project you created it for. If this is a bracelet, wrap the braid around your wrist and tie the ends together into a double-knot.
Summary: Decide your braid's length. Cut 3 pieces of string based on your measurements. Knot your strings together. Separate your string into 3 strands or groups. Start the braid. Maintain a consistent tension. Fasten the braid end into a knot. Remove the tape from the start of the braid.