Must Not Take—
Salt, smoked, potted or preserved fish or meats, pork, liver, eggs, new bread, puddings of rice or sago, pastry, milk, sweets, tea, nuts, cheese, pineapple, spirituous liquors.
Foods classed as laxatives are honey, cider, molasses, and acid fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and oranges. Berries are effective laxatives on account of the acids and seeds they contain. (Huckleberries are constipating). Prunes, dates and figs are good and effective, also fruit juices.
[DIGESTIVE ORGANS 143]
Drinks.—There are few laxatives better than a glass of cold water or preferably hot water, taken upon an empty stomach before breakfast; water prevents the feces from becoming dry and massed, and stimulates the intestinal movements. A pinch of salt added to the water increases its effectiveness.
Out-door Exercise.—This should be taken regularly and freely.
Bathing.—The best time is before breakfast, and in as cold water as possible. The bath should be followed by a thorough rubbing of the skin with a Turkish towel.
Clothing.—Warm clothing in winter; cool clothing in summer. Cold weather induces constipation, and warm weather diarrhea. Moderate manner of living is everything.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Constipation. 1. One year to three years.—For infants one teaspoonful or less of black molasses or store syrup, or of olive oil; and Mellin's food eaten dry, is good for babies a year and older.
2. Small Children.—Increase cream in the milk, give oatmeal or barley water. Castile soap suppository, enema, massage, castor oil, or citrate of magnesia if drugs are needed.