ter. Do not use
that in which the grains are sharp-edged. One or more of these products
are valuable as a laxative and the devitalizing after-effects of
a drug cathartic will be absent. They are, however, not by any means as
pleasant as food laxatives, and remedies of this sort should not be
employed except as a temporary expedient.

Whole grains of various kinds, wheat, rye, oats and barley, simmered in
hot water for a long time until properly softened, not only afford a
high degree of nourishment, but will be found of special value as a
means of remedying constipation. They are best if used in their
natural state, just as they come from the farm. They are more valuable
when eaten raw with fruit or cream, or in some other palatable form,
than when cooked. When flaked or crushed, as in the case of ordinary
oatmeal, they may be used with figs, dates, raisins and a little cream,
or they may be eaten with a little honey. One bowl of this class of
food, either raw or cooked, each day, is very effective in
overcoming constipation. Salads of various kinds not only have great
value by way of supplying food for the nerves, but they are also worth
while for their mild laxative effect. I would recommend all forms of
uncooked green food, chiefly to be used in the form of salads, such as
lettuce, tomatoes, onions, celery, radishes, cucumbers, cold slaw,
water-cress, parsley, and the like. All cooked green vegetables such as
spinach, asparagus, string beans, fresh green peas, Brussels sprouts,
dandelion leaves, greens, cabbages, mushrooms and other foods of this
sort will likewise be helpful.

Fruits are of even greater value for their laxative qualities. One
should use them freely for ordinary health building, but especially
when suffering from this complaint. Apples, oranges, grapefruit,
peaches, plums, grapes, and various berries are exceptionally good for
increasing alimentary activity, though all kinds of fruit are valuable.
Prunes and figs are particularly recommended. Such acid fruits as
lemons, oranges and grapefruit are valuable not only for their
stimulating qualities in connection with constipation, but also
because of their antiseptic influence.

Cheese is very constipating to those inclined in this direction. All
forms of cheese and food combinations containing it should be
avoided. Spaghetti and macaroni prepared in this way are especially
inadvisable, though it may be