CONSTIPATION. 229 



bring on such a condition, and that other foods have the oppo- 

 site tendency. Thus, cracked wheat and oatmeal are gener- 

 erally considered as somewhat laxative in their effects. The 

 fruits generally are laxative. The coarse particles of graham 

 flour are irritating to the mucous lining of the stomach and 

 intestines, and for many persons serve well to stimulate the 

 action of the bowels. But in many persons the mucous coat 

 is so sensitive that it cannot bear such irritation. For these 

 the "entire wheat flour" may serve the same purpose. Of 

 course each person finds out by his own experience what is 

 best for him, and no rules can be laid down that will apply to 

 all cases. But it may be well to know what is the usual 

 effect of some of the common articles of food, as perhaps some 

 persons may habitually partake of certain articles and do not 

 suspect that they are the cause of the trouble. The following 

 list is taken from Stockham's Tokology (a very valuable work, 

 especially for all mothers). 



LAXATIVE. CONSTIPATING. 



Rolled and cracked wheat bread, Hot bread. 



gems, biscuit, griddlecakes. White bread. 



Crackers and mush from flour of the White crackers. 



entire wheat and graharn flour. Black pepper and spices. 



Granula. Pastry made of white flour and lard. 



Bran gruel and jelly. Bread, rolls, dumplings, etc., made 

 Fruit puddings. with baking-powder.' 



Fruit pies. Cake. 



All fresh acid fruits, including tropi- All custard puddings. 



cal fruits, like bananas, oranges, Salted meats. 



lemons, etc. Salted fish. 



Dried fruits. Dried meats. 



French prunes and prunellas, eaten Dried fish. 



raw. Smoked meats. 



Stewed dried fruits containing hydro- Poultry. 



cyanic acid, of which peaches, Cheese. 



plums, and prunes are the best. Chocolate. 



New Orleans molasses. Cocoa. 



