p. 7 | Some Simple Remedial Agents by A. B. Olsen, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 5, 1911

Some Simple Remedial Agents

By A. B. Olsen, M. D.

A. B. OLSEN, M. D.

Most people suffer from chronic constipation at one time or another; for it is one of the most common of all digestive disorders. Constipation is more a symptom than a disease, usually indicating general inactivity of all the organs of digestion, and more especially of the intestinal tract. The patient's kidneys, too, are often sluggish, and his skin is dry.

The causes of constipation are numerous, yet they can be classified briefly under six heads; namely, a sedentary life, errors of diet, the use of opiates and other drugs, indiscriminate medicine taking, neglecting the calls of nature, and special diseased conditions.

Exercise is essential to sound health. The wise advise of Paul, “If any would not work, neither should he eat,” contains the truth in a nutshell. In order to use the food eaten to the best advantage, physical activity is necessary. The stomach and bowels are muscular organs, and general exercise of the body serves to stimulate them to activity.

On the other hand, a sedentary life, with close confinement indoors, tends to languor and general inactivity of the body and its various organs, including the digestive system. Dyspepsia soon follows, as well as constipation, dull headache, feelings of depression, despondency, and general discomfort. If to the sedentary life we add a concentrated diet and overeating, the condition is much aggravated. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as well as tea and coffee, have a bad effect upon the stomach and bowels, and lead to digestive disturbances. They are stimulants and not foods, and those who wish to attain the highest degree of physical efficiency will do well to avoid them.

The habitual use of purgatives and laxatives is productive of evil. It is unnatural to be always swallowing some obnoxious pill or bitter draft after the meal. Don't think that by so doing you are insuring digestion; for in the majority of cases the reverse condition is likely to result.

Then there are such disturbances as chronic catarrh, stricture, and partial paralysis, all of which produce constipation of a very obstinate nature.

Normally, in the case of most people, the bowels should move once a day. If the contents are retained longer, some of the effete matter is absorbed into the system, and soon causes trouble. The blood and tissues become clogged, the natural functions of the different organs are interfered with, the breath is foul, and the mouth has a bad taste.

Now what can be done to remedy the evil?—Remove the cause by changing the habits of life. Insist on two hours of brisk exercise out-of-doors daily. Drop purgative pills and cathartic medicines. Drink from two to four pints of water every day. Maintain regular habits. Have a regular time for going to stool. The morning hour, soon after breakfast, is a good time.

The diet should consist largely of fruit, both fresh and stewed. Fresh apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes may be considered as mild, natural laxatives, and can be taken in abundance. Stewed prunes, apples, raisins, and apricots, baked apples, steamed figs, tinned fruits, dates, etc., are all excellent for constipation. It is well to use the coarser breads, made with brown or whole-meal flour.

Still, with all these aids, chronic constipation will often require local treatment, and for this purpose we would recommend warm-water enemas. To give the injection one should have a fountain syringe, which can be obtained from any chemist. From one to three pints may be taken at a time. In obstinate cases a little pure Castile soap may be added to the water; and the bowels may also be kneaded by an attendant to assist their action. Repeat the operation until the bowels are well cleaned out. The enema may be taken daily in diminished quantities until the bowels act naturally.

Caterham, England.