We have heretofore described (Chapter II (Digestive Organs, And The Processes Of Digestion)) the general structure and functions of the intestines, but we might again emphasize the fact that a very important part of digestion takes place here, and that the intestines are not a smooth channel for the escape of waste, but have numerous folds and tongue-like projections which are so constructed that they absorb portions of the food which is then mixed with the blood, and carried mainly to the liver.

Now if the food remains in the intestines too long a time, poisonous matter may be generated and carried into the general circulation. This may also result from imperfect digestion, as the entire intestinal tract contains bacteria of various kinds, some of which are likely to be very active when there is any defect in natural processes. The ordi-ary diseases of the intestines are such as hinder digestion, absorption and the elimination of waste. Chief among these is constipation, and it can be truly said that there is no ailment in America so common.

No definition would seem to be needed for a disease so nearly universal, and yet there are many mistaken notions as to what symptoms clearly indicate its existence. It is generally supposed that daily, or at least frequent stools, is conclusive, that no constipation exists, whereas nature may make frequent attempts, yet be unable to fully clear herself. Whenever the waste of the food is not regularly and completely discharged, there is constipation, no matter how frequent the stools.

These may be enumerated as follows:

1st. The habit of eating food that contains too little waste, ordinarily called cellulose.

2nd. Imperfect mastication of food - too rapid eating.

3rd. Ice water, and iced drinks generally, also iced foods.

4th. Failure to drink sufficient fluids between meals.

5th. Improper admixture of foods.

6th. Over eating, i. e., eating so much food that the stomach is unduly distended.

7th. Eating too little food.

8th. Astringent foods and drinks.

9th. Insufficient exercise.

10th. Lack of peristaltic movements of the bowels. 11th. Neglect to evacute the bowels daily.

12th. Irregularity in eating.

13th. Hereditary weakness.

14th. Insufficient secretions of the various digestive organs.

loth. Eating coarse, insoluble substances.

16th. Over-distention of the abdominal wall.

17th. Malaria.

18th. Drugs, especially cathartics, opiates and astringents.

10th. Mental influences.

20th. Chronic diseases of the mucous membranes.

21st. Excessive perspiration.

22nd. Dilatation of the rectum from repeated injections of large quantities of water.

23rd. (a) Pressure on intestines. This may come from tight waist bands, corsets, belts or clothing.

(b) Stooping posture, common to seamstresses, students, bicycle riders and others.

(c) From pregnancy. This results both from pressure and from general inactivity of the bowels, common to this condition.

24th. Disease.

The effects of constipation are so far-reaching, as to be well-nigh indescribable - they cannot be enumerated. There is always danger that toxic substances will be absorbed into the system, which may cause merely a feeling of discomfort, or disease of any organ of the body. Aside from this, accumulation of fecal matter will likely dilate the intestines so that they permanently lose their contractile power. This is one of the reasons why chronic constipation is so hard to cure. It is also a source of pelvic and genital irritation out of which arise immorality and even crime. Hemorrhoids (piles) is another common effect of constipation, although they may have other causes. The most common symptom of constipation is general lassitude. When toxic substances, caused by retained fecal matter or mal-fcrmentation of foods, are absorbed, the nervous system is quickly affected. Sometimes there will be increased activity, and a feeling of unusual vigor, followed by flushes of heat, which cause the face to burn. This, the laity often mistake for fever, and the general symptoms of auto-intoxication are often supposed to be malaria even by physicians in high standing.

Other manifestations of constipation and self poisoning are headache, indolence, dullness, sleeplessness, stupor, loss of appetite, vertigo, burning sensations in the stomach, tenderness of the gastric region, foul breath, flatulence, palpitation of the heart, pain in the back, and a moody and irritable disposition.

The use of cathartics - except immediate results be absolutely necessary - must be discontinued. This also applies to all habits that are contrary to proper living as heretofore laid down. Meals must be regular every day, including Sunday, and ordinarily should not be closer than six hours for three meals a day, and eight hours from breakfast to dinner, with two meals a day. This is imperative. Foods must be properly cooked, and incompatible foods, though wholesome, must not be eaten at the same time. The practice of eating sour fruits and then oat meal and milk, is a good illustration. The porridge is likely to get but little saliva, and its action be immediately arrested by the acid previously taken. Salivary digestion will ordinarily be arrested in the stomach, by its secretions, in twenty or thirty minutes after food is ingested, and no acid should ever be taken with starchy foods, nor sooner than twenty minutes afterward.

It is very important that all food be thoroughly masticated, because it facilitates digestion, prevents gaseous distention and obstruction of the bowels. The quantity must also be adapted - neither too little nor too great excess. Too little food weakens, and too much over-works and in a sense, paralyzes. No food exerts as good effect on sluggish bowels as fine bran. Coarse bran used in graham bread - frequently prescribed by physicians sometimes obstructs the bowels and leads to grave consequences.

Next to over-eating, the habit of drinking large quantities of coffee, tea, or ice water, with meals must be avoided. The digestive secretions must not be greatly diluted. Small quantities of moderately warm fluid may be taken with meals, but the habit of pouring in liquids three times as fast as they can be absorbed, greatly interferes with digestion. Every constipated person should make it a regular practice to take a drink of water about four hours after meals, at bed time, and a half hour before breakfast. Astringent foods such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, elderberries, persimmons, quinces, some varieties (puckery ones) of pears are constipating and should be avoided. Those who take but little exercise, should partake sparingly of white bread, eggs, milk, lean meat, sugar, and all alcoholic Liquors. These have too little waste material for an exclusive diet, except for such labor as gives great abdominal, as well as general exercise. Torpid bowels must have some stimulation, from bran, fiber, seeds or acids. On account of the fine bran, digestibility, and nourishing properties, the health foods heretofore described are great aids in the cure and prevention of constipation.

It is not desirable to use irritating substances to such an extent as to cause the intestines to lose their sensibility. This is very important and often overlooked. Bran is nature's specific for constipation, but as modern man has become accustomed to have all food ground, it is almost impossible to get any one to sufficiently masticate it without regrinding. Where foods containing fine bran cannot be had, it may be washed, boiled, roasted and reground, and then eaten with any food or flavor most palatable. There is no reason why the bran so treated should not be mixed with flour - one part to three or four of flour - and made into bread. Nearly all garden vegetables contain a large amount of fiber, but because of their coarseness they are hard to digest and often fail to produce the desired effect, because of the flatulence they may produce. An intestine distended with gas, cannot contract and propel its contents.

Some foods affect the nervous system of a few persons, so that they act on the bowels at once. Idiosyncrasies must always be reckoned with, but the following are the most useful of the foods that might be classed as laxative:

Water; wheat preparations containing fine bran; rolled oats; bran boiled, roasted and reground; corn bread, corn mush and rye bread; string beans, (fiber); greens, (fiber); strawberries, (acid and seeds); figs, (seeds); apples, (acid and water); peaches, (acid and water); lemons and oranges, (acids); cream and nut oils.

Exercise is a great aid to good health, but its effect on constipation is somewhat exaggerated. There are many whose employment requires great activity, but yet they suffer from constipation. The exercise that directly combats constipation must be abdominal, which requires movements of the body rather than the legs. Striking, bending backward and forward, and kneading the abdomen from right to left and downward, is almost certain to be effective. Alternate hot and cold douches of the abdomen are sometimes very effective. The influence of the mind is far greater than many suppose. A determination to stool at a certain time every day is very important. The modern closet is very faulty as the sitting posture is unnatural. The weight of the body should be borne on the feet and arms without any pressure on the buttocks.

Whatever aids the general health is of value, and must not be lost sight of.

Proper clothing, baths, ventilation of shops and houses, with ample time for sleep, combined with a suitable diet as herein outlined, will make the old feel young, and give the young renewed energy.