Many people suffer from constipation, and it is essential that those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism realize the importance of getting the bowels in good working order.

Waste products and toxic matter should be eliminated freely and the adjustment of the daily diet.

When constipation is of long standing, however, the bowel has to be re-educated.

It is helpful to take, first thing in the morning, the juice of half a lemon plus a tablespoonful of cold water in which have been soaked overnight a dozen raisins. After drinking the liquid the raisins should be thoroughly chewed and eaten.

Breakfast is an important meal in the cure of constipation. Bulk is necessary if bowel activity is to be induced and this can come from a dessertspoonful or two of muesli (according to one's appetite) and one of wheat germ into which is grated pears or apples unpeeled. These should be compost grown if possible. Ripe berries may be added when in season. When no fresh fruit is available, sundried fruit soaked overnight may be added - apricots, pears, prunes or raisins.

A little honey is the very best natural sweetener and good for the heart; it also provides heat and energy.

Diluted fruit juice or a little plain yogurt may be added to complete a nourishing and health-giving breakfast which should, in time, help the bowels to work freely. If only pasteurized milk is obtainable then a little plain yogurt may be used instead. This is best obtained from a health food store and a reliable make purchased. The original and best yogurt is obtained from goat's milk and this can often be found.

As a matter of interest constipating foods include white bread, pastries, cakes and biscuits made from white flour, spaghetti and macaroni, pasteurized milk, polished rice, tapioca and sago, custard made from powder, pickles etc.

Foods, which help to promote healthy bowel function, are most root and all green, leafy vegetables, yogurt, bran, crude black molasses, whole grain cereals, most ripe fruits in season, wheat germ and dries brewer's yeast.

All aperients should be stopped except one of the herbal preparations - nerve use liquid paraffin.

A small teaspoonful of sunflower seed or soya oil is helpful in some cases if oil can be tolerated, taken 3 times daily just before meals. This should not be taken last thing at night.

It is essential that the patient should go to stool at the same time each day. No straining should take place but this regular habit will prove beneficial after a time.

Overcoming constipation is a great step in the right direction and the sooner this is achieved the better.