Volume 3 — Lesson XV

CURATIVE AND REMEDIAL MENUS CONCLUDED

LESSON XV

Curative and Remedial Menus

INTRODUCTION

Scientific eating leads toward simplicity

Scientific eating consists in selecting the food the body requires according to age, occupation, and climate. These requirements can be supplied with a very few articles. The necessary changes in diet can always be made by varying the proportions. It is possible to select, for each of the four seasons of the year, three or four articles that will contain all the elements of nourishment the body needs, therefore true food science leads one inevitably toward the mono-diet plan; that is, making a meal of only one kind of food. Owing to our inherent desire to sit at the "groaning table" we may yet be a long distance from the mono-diet plan, but the science of human nutrition points with unerring certainty toward simplicity. It should be remembered, however, that one may eat, under nearly all conditions except extreme superacidity all he desires of one or two things—one preferred.

How foods become curative

In the light of modern medicine, no food has any specific curative property. Foods become curative only as they remove abnormal conditions, and they will remove abnormal conditions just to the extent that they can be perfectly digested and assimilated, and to the extent that waste matter is thoroughly eliminated from the body. In this way all possible resistance is removed, and Nature will build up the dis-eased and broken-down tissue in obedience to the law of animal evolution. This constructive process we call "curing."

While the menus for each season of the year may seem to vary but little, especially when compared with the conventional omnivorous diet, yet experience has proved that the fewer the articles composing the meal, the better will be the results.

COOKING

SOME IMPORTANT FACTS REVEALED BY MODERN SCIENCE

The object of cooking is to tear down the cell-structure of foods, and to make them more digestible. After the cell-structure is demolished, every degree of heat to which foods are subjected injures the foods instead of improving them.

GRAINS

Grains should be cooked whole. They should be cleansed, well covered with water, and boiled until the grains burst open as in making old-fashioned corn hominy. This will often take from three to four hours' constant boiling.

Cereals prepared in this way are more delicious, more nourishing, and far more healthful than any of the prepared or patented "breakfast foods," while the cost is perhaps about one-eighth or one-tenth of that of the popular patented products.

VEGETABLES

The old or popular method of cooking vegetables is to cover them generously with water and to boil them much longer than is necessary, then to drain off the water, season, and serve. By this process the mineral salts, in many cases the most valuable part of the food, are dissolved, passed into the water, and lost. In this way many excellent articles of food are greatly impoverished and reduced perhaps 50 per cent in nutritive value.

The time vegetables are cooked should be measured by their solidity. As an example, spinach can be thoroughly cooked in about fifteen minutes. In this way some of its elements are volatilized, giving it a delicious flavor and taste, while if cooked in an abundance of water, from half to three-quarters of an hour, which is the customary way, its best nutritive elements are lost by draining away the water, and it is rendered almost tasteless.

COOKING EN CASSEROLE

All succulent and watery vegetables such as cabbage and spinach, beans, carrots, onions, parsnips, peas, squash, turnips, etc., should be cooked in a casserole dish.

Prepare vegetables in the usual manner as for boiling. A few tablespoonfuls of water may be added to such articles as green beans and peas, beets, carrots, cauliflower, onions, parsnips, etc. Cover, and place in an ordinary baking oven until the vegetable is thoroughly cooked or softened. In this way vegetables in reality are cooked in their own juices, rendered much softer, more digestible, more delicious, and all their mineral salts and other nutritive elements are preserved, making them also more nutritious.

RICE AND MACARONI

Rice, macaroni, and spaghetti are exceptions to the above rules. They should be cooked in an abundance of water and thoroughly drained. In this way the excess of starch which they contain is disposed of, and their nutritive elements are better balanced. They are also rendered much more palatable and digestible.

FRUITS

If fruits can be obtained thoroughly ripe, they should never be cooked.

Dried or evaporated fruits can be prepared for the table by soaking them thoroughly in plain water for a few hours, or over night. In this way the green and inferior pieces are exposed and can be discarded. The excess of water can be boiled down to a sirup and poured over the fruit. In this way the fruit-sugar is developed, and sweetening with cane-sugar becomes unnecessary.

Soaking as above described is merely a process of putting back into the fruit the water that was taken out of it by evaporation or dehydration.

It is evident that that part of the fruit which will not soften sufficiently by soaking, to become palatable, was not ripe enough for food.

CANNED FOODS

The average table, especially hotels and restaurants, are supplied largely from canned foods. A process of perfect preservation of foods has never been invented and probably never will be. No matter how well foods may taste, they undergo constant chemical changes from the time they leave the ground or parent stalk until they are thoroughly decomposed. All vegetables, therefore, should be used fresh, if possible.

BUTTERMILK

An excellent quality of buttermilk may be made as follows: Allow sweet milk to stand (well covered) in a warm room until it thickens or coagulates; whip with an ordinary rotary egg beater without removing the cream.

HOME-MADE BUTTER

Sweet butter may be made in a few minutes from ordinary cream by placing it in a deep bowl and whipping with a rotary egg beater.

SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING THE SELECTION AND THE PREPARATION OF CERTAIN ARTICLES MENTIONED IN THE MENUS

THE BANANA

The banana is a vegetable. It is one of our most valuable foods, as well as the most prolific. It will produce more food per acre, with less care and labor, than any other plant that grows.

While the banana grows only in the tropical countries, it is equally as good and useful to people of the northern zones.

Bananas that are transported to the North are cut green, and often immature; that is, before they have attained their full growth. This latter variety should never be used. In their green and unripened state, they are wholly unfit for food, and for these reasons there has arisen a broadcast prejudice against this most excellent article of diet.

HOW TO SELECT AND RIPEN BANANAS

Care should be exercised to select the largest variety—only those that have attained their full growth on the parent tree. If bananas cannot be procured "dead ripe" from the dealer, they should be purchased, if possible, by the bunch, or a few of the lower "hands" can be purchased and left on the stalk. They should be kept in the open air (that is, uncovered), in an even, warm temperature, and the end of the stalk covered with a clean white cloth, or immersed in water, kept fresh by changing daily. In this way the banana will mature, ripen slowly, and be almost as delicious as if obtained ripe from its native tree.

Bananas should not be eaten until they are "dead ripe"—black spotted. In this state, the carbohydrates which they contain are as readily digestible as fresh milk.

BAKED BANANAS

Peel large ripe bananas; bake in an open pan in a very hot oven from ten to fifteen minutes, or until slightly brown.

Baked bananas make a delicious dessert served with either of the following:

a Cream

b Nut Butter

c Dairy Butter

d Both dairy butter and a sauce made by gradually diluting nut butter with a little water, until a smooth paste is formed

Bananas need much mastication, not for the purpose of reduction, but for the purpose of insalivation.

RECIPES

RECIPE FOR CODDLED EGG

Place an egg in a pint cup; cover with boiling water and allow to stand, covered, five or six minutes.

RECIPE FOR UNCOOKED EGGS

Break the number desired into a narrow bowl; add a teaspoonful of sugar to each egg, and a pinch of salt; whip very briskly with a rotary egg beater from five to eight minutes.

To each egg a teaspoonful of lemon juice and half a glass of milk may then be slowly whipped into the mixture, if desired.

RECIPE FOR BAKED OMELET

Whip two eggs very thoroughly for about five minutes; add a dash of salt, a dessert-spoonful each of corn-starch and of heavy cream. Bake very lightly in a small pan.

FISH AND FOWL SELECTION AND PREPARATION

If we must eat the flesh of animals the young should be selected. It contains more digestible protein, especially albumin, than the old or matured animal, and has had less time in which to become contaminated by unhygienic habits. Both fish and fowl should be baked, boiled, or broiled; never fried.

RECIPE FOR PREPARING GREEN PEAS IN THE POD

After thoroughly cleansing the desired amount of fresh tender peas, unshelled, put them into a covered pot or casserole dish; add a few spoonfuls of water, a little butter and salt, and cook slowly until thoroughly softened; serve in the pod.

The peas may be eaten by placing the pod between the teeth, and then giving it a gentle pull. This strips off the outer coating or pulp, leaving only the thin film of cellulose.

NOTE: The pea pulp, or substance upon the pod, is rich in mineral salts, highly nutritious, slightly laxative, and an excellent aid in the digestion of other foods. It is a better balanced and a more valuable food than the pea.

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin may be made very delicious by stewing or boiling in just enough water to prevent burning. Mash well and put through a colander. Season and serve same as squash, or, prepare as directed, and bake until slightly brown.

VEGETABLE JUICE

Chop fine and boil carrots, peas, asparagus, or any other fresh vegetable from eight to ten minutes in sufficient water to make the amount of juice required; strain and serve.

The tender parts of the fresh vegetable may be thoroughly cooked, put through a colander, and served as a purée.

HOW TO MAKE SASSAFRAS TEA

Crush the bark of the red sassafras root, allowing a piece as large as a silver dime to each cup. Add the quantity of water desired; simmer from five to ten minutes. Drink with cream and sugar.

WHEAT BRAN

Wheat bran is the outer coating of the wheat grain. Chemically, it is pure cellulose, which is insoluble and indigestible in the ordinary digestive solvents of the body.

Wheat bran serves a valuable medicinal purpose in the stomach and in the alimentary tract. When introduced into the stomach, its cell structure fills with water, and it increases from four to eight times its size in its dry state. It excites both stomach and intestinal peristalsis, thereby preventing stomach indigestion, and by carrying the water along down the intestinal tract, it prevents intestinal congestion, or what is commonly called constipation. Wheat bran may be properly called an intestinal broom or cleansing agent.

Man, in the process of preparing his food, has invented expensive and complicated machinery for removing all cellulose and roughness from his diet. He has suffered both stomach and intestinal congestion just to the extent that this refining process has been carried on. Bran puts back into the diet not only what modern milling methods have taken out of it, but that which civilized habits of refining have eliminated from our food. It therefore naturalizes the diet, promotes digestion, cleanses the mucous surfaces of both the stomach and the intestines, and prevents congestion in the ascending colon, which is the primary cause of appendicitis, so called.

BRAN MEAL

Bran meal is the product of the entire wheat, ground coarsely, and mixed with a certain per cent of wheat bran. It makes an excellent bread.

Bread made from bran meal acts on the digestive and the alimentary organs, the same as the pure bran, only in a milder capacity. It also aids the stomach in the digestion of other foods. It is more nourishing than wheat flour, for the reason that it is better balanced, containing all the carbohydrate and the proteid elements of the grain.

Bread made from bran meal is better in the form of gems baked in small gem rings.

This meal requires neither baking powder nor soda, and should not be sifted.

CHOICE OF MENUS

Wherever two menus are given, choice may be exercised, but whichever menu is chosen, it should be taken in its entirety. In other words, do not select articles from one menu and combine them with articles mentioned in another menu. Neither should any article of food be eaten with a particular menu, other than that which is mentioned therein. By observing these suggestions, the proper combinations of food are observed, which is equally as important as the selections.

NOTE: In this volume there are some menus which contain combinations of food classed as No. 3 in Lesson XII, "Tables of Digestive Harmonies and Disharmonies," pp. 609 to 617 inclusive. This is explained by the fact that said "tables" are laid out for the normal person, while the menus were prescribed for the treatment of some special disorder, or for the purpose of removing some offending causes.

NORMAL MENUS

The following menus are intended for those possessing normal digestion and assimilation of food; that is, for those having no digestive disorders.

INTRODUCTION TO NORMAL MENUS

While a majority of the menus composing this volume were prescribed for the purpose of removing the causes of some specific disorder, a vast number of those treated remained under the care of the author long after they had become normal or cured, as the transition from dis-ease to health is usually termed.

Another large number of comparatively healthy persons, recognizing the relation between diet and health, came under the care of the writer for the purpose of having their diet selected, proportioned, and balanced according to age, occupation, and the season of the year.

The excellent results that were obtained, in nearly all such cases, emphasized the importance of giving a set of normal menus for normal people. All the following menus have been tested, under the direction of the author, and have been chosen because they gave the desired results.

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A few soaked prunes, with cream

A small portion of coarse cereal, thoroughly cooked

From one to two glasses of milk

LUNCHEON

A baked potato

Onions or carrots, well cooked

Milk

DINNER

Home-made vegetable soup or cream soup

Green peas or asparagus tips

A baked potato

Milk

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

One very ripe peach

A small portion of coarse cereal

A baked sweet potato

Milk

LUNCHEON

Cream of rice, bean, or pea soup—home-made

Whole wheat crackers, with butter

Milk

DINNER

A baked potato

Peas or lima beans

Whole wheat crackers or bran biscuits

Milk

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or a very ripe peach

Coarse cereal

Milk

LUNCHEON

A baked potato or whole wheat gem

A coddled egg (See recipe, p. 677)

Milk or junket

DINNER

Cream soup—home-made

Mashed turnips or carrots

A very ripe banana, with cream and sugar

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL CHILD

From 2 to 5 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A baked apple, with a little sugar

Cereal—small portion

Milk

LUNCHEON

One or two bananas

Milk

DINNER

Corn hominy—small portion; thoroughly cooked

Milk

The articles of food for children ranging from two to five years of age are about the same. The proportions, however, should be administered according to age.

The child from two to three years of age may be given a glass of milk between meals, but should eat a very light dinner, consisting of only two or three articles, while the child from three to five, especially after it has engaged in vigorous play, can, with safety, follow the menus herein prescribed.

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 5 to 10 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A banana, with cream

Milk or an egg

Corn hominy

LUNCHEON

A potato, or whole wheat bread, with butter

Clabbered milk or cottage cheese

DINNER

Peas, turnips, or carrots

A potato—sweet or white

Milk or an egg

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 5 to 10 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A peach

Milk or an egg

Boiled rice, with either honey or sugar and

cream

LUNCHEON

Tender corn or a potato

Milk

DINNER

Vegetable soup or cream soup

Asparagus or string beans

Tender corn or a potato

Gelatin or Junket

Milk

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 5 to 10 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Prunes or grapes

Cereal—a small portion

Cream

Milk

LUNCHEON

Boiled onions

Rice or potatoes

Milk

DINNER

One fresh vegetable

Milk, fish, or an egg

Potatoes or baked beans

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 5 to 10 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cereal

Honey

Milk

LUNCHEON

Cabbage or cauliflower

Potatoes or baked beans

DINNER

Boiled onions

Corn bread

Cottage cheese

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 10 to 15 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Dried peaches—stewed

Oatmeal, or corn hominy, with either cream or butter

Milk

LUNCHEON

Rice with rich milk

DINNER

Potatoes, either sweet or white

Turnips, asparagus, or peas

Fish, junket, or an egg

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 10 to 15 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup

A banana or a sweet potato

Corn cake with butter

Milk

LUNCHEON

Tender corn

Milk

DINNER

Vegetable soup or cream soup

Spinach, onions, carrots, peas, beans, asparagus—any two of these

A potato or whole wheat bread

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 10 to 15 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A banana, with cream and nuts

Honey or maple-sirup

Corn cake

Milk

LUNCHEON

Baked sweet potatoes, with butter

Milk

DINNER

Carrots, parsnips, or squash

Potatoes, or corn bread, with butter

Milk

Nuts, raisins, and cream cheese

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL YOUTH

From 10 to 15 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Oatmeal or flaked wheat, thoroughly cooked; serve with thin cream

A baked banana

Milk

LUNCHEON

One or two eggs

Whole wheat bread

Milk

DINNER

One or two fresh vegetables

Boiled rice or baked potatoes

Gelatin or junket

Milk

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 15 to 20 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A very ripe banana with cream and dates

Plain boiled wheat, or oatmeal, with cream

Milk

LUNCHEON

Home-baked beans

Whole wheat gems

Milk

DINNER

Cream or vegetable soup

Asparagus or peas

Rice or a baked potato

Egg custard or ice-cream

Milk or cocoa

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 15 to 20 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Melon or peaches

One or two eggs with whole wheat gems

Milk

LUNCHEON

Fresh peas, beans, or carrots

Corn or potatoes

Milk—sweet or sour

DINNER

Boiled onions, beets, or squash

Potatoes or lima beans

Lettuce and tomato salad with nuts

Bran meal gems

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 15 to 20 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup

Corn cake with maple-sirup, or rice cake with honey

Milk

LUNCHEON

Broiled fish

Baked potatoes

DINNER

Cantaloup

Turnips, carrots, spinach, peas, beans, or onions—any two of these

Corn bread or baked potatoes

Milk or cocoa

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 15 to 20 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Soaked prunes

Rice, or corn hominy, with cream

Very ripe banana with nuts and cream

LUNCHEON

Whole wheat bread with nut butter and nuts

Rich milk

DINNER

Soup

Winter squash or stewed pumpkin

Sweet potatoes

Celery and nuts

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 20 to 33 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cherries or very sweet berries with sugar—no cream

Cereal with butter

One or two eggs

Whole wheat muffins

Milk or cocoa

LUNCHEON

Peas in the pod

Baked potatoes or whole wheat gems

Buttermilk

DINNER

Soup

Asparagus or fresh peas

Potatoes

A green salad—optional

Bran meal gems

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 20 to 33 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or peaches

Coddled eggs

Whole wheat or corn muffins

Cocoa or milk

LUNCHEON

Boiled corn

Lettuce and tomato salad, with nuts and raisins

DINNER

A light soup

One or two fresh vegetables

Rice or tender corn

Ice-cream or gelatin

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 20 to 33 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Choice of non-acid fruit

Two baked bananas with cream

Whole wheat, boiled

Nuts

Milk or cocoa

LUNCHEON

Home-baked beans

Lettuce, or celery, with nuts

Cottage cheese with whole wheat bread

DINNER

Soup—optional

Sweet or white potato

String or lima beans

Lettuce, or romaine, with nuts

Whole wheat or bran meal gems

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 20 to 33 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A very ripe banana with dates, nuts, and cream

Oatmeal or corn hominy—choice; small portion

Milk or cocoa

LUNCHEON

A poached egg or a baked potato

A glass of buttermilk

DINNER

Tender fish, broiled

Baked potatoes

Lettuce, or celery, with nuts and raisins

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 33 to 50 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Boiled whole wheat, or hominy, or corn bread

Two eggs or a bowl of clabbered milk

LUNCHEON

One whipped egg and a pint of milk

A whole wheat cracker or a baked potato

DINNER

Cream soup

Asparagus, peas, turnips, or carrots

Potatoes or baked beans

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 33 to 50 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Berries, peaches, or melon

A baked sweet potato

A banana (very ripe) with nuts, cream, and raisins

Milk or cocoa

LUNCHEON

Tender corn on the cob, with butter

A glass of milk—optional

DINNER

Fresh peas, beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beets—any two of these

Green corn or a potato

Lettuce and tomato salad, with nuts

Orange ice or peach ice

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 33 to 50 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Two large, very ripe bananas, baked; serve with cream

Whole wheat or graham gems

One egg or a glass of milk

LUNCHEON

A large, baked potato and a poached egg

Cocoa or chocolate

DINNER

Soup—cream of celery or tomato

Turnips and lima beans

Bran meal gems or a baked potato

Cocoa or chocolate

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 33 to 50 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Two eggs, coddled

Whole wheat muffins

A cup of chocolate or a cup of hot water with sugar and cream

LUNCHEON

Home-baked beans

Lettuce or celery

A few nuts

DINNER

Carrots, parsnips, or cabbage

A baked potato

Broiled fish or a nut omelet

Cocoa, chocolate, or sassafras tea

Note: Sassafras tea is made from the bark of red sassafras. (See p. 681.)

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 50 to 65 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water with milk or sugar

A coddled egg and a baked potato

LUNCHEON

Junket or a bowl of clabbered milk

One or two baked bananas

DINNER

Peas or asparagus

New potatoes or bran meal gems

A cup of cocoa or a cup of hot water with cream

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 50 to 65 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Peaches, plums, or melon

Coarse cereal with cream

Cocoa or hot water with cream

LUNCHEON

A sweet potato with butter

Cheese with water-cracker

Milk or chocolate

DINNER

Peas, beans, or carrots

Lettuce or spinach

Green corn or a potato

Cottage cheese with cream and a water-cracker

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 50 to 65 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

A bunch of grapes or a melon

Bran meal gems or plain boiled wheat

Cocoa or hot water with cream

LUNCHEON

Very ripe bananas with cream

Dates and nuts

A glass of milk

DINNER

Lima beans and creamed onions

A baked potato

Whole wheat or bran meal gems

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 50 to 65 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Soaked prunes

Baked chestnuts

Clabbered milk or junket

LUNCHEON

A bowl of milk with boiled rice

DINNER

Baked onions and winter squash

Baked beans

A cup of cocoa

One or two whole wheat crackers and cottage cheese

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 65 to 80 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Two or three very ripe bananas, baked; serve with cream

Nuts, raisins, and either cream or cottage cheese

Cocoa or hot water

LUNCHEON

A bowl of sour milk

Rye bread or bran meal gems

DINNER

Cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, or squash

A potato

Cheese or an egg

Note: If there is a tendency toward rheumatism, gout, or lumbago, eggs should be omitted.

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 65 to 80 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Peaches, pears, grapes, or melon

A baked sweet potato or potato cakes

Sassafras tea with cream

(See recipe, p. 681)

LUNCHEON

String beans or new peas

Rye bread

Cottage cheese

DINNER

Carrots, squash, beets, or onions

Lima beans or a potato

Buttermilk

Bran meal gems

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 65 to 80 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Melon, persimmons, or a baked apple

Boiled chestnuts or rice with cream

A cup of chocolate or a cup of hot water

LUNCHEON

A bowl of milk with corn bread

DINNER

Boiled onions, carrots, or stewed pumpkin

A potato—sweet or white

A baked banana with cream cheese

A cup of cocoa or chocolate

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 65 to 80 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Soaked prunes

Boiled wheat—small portion

Cream, hot water, or chocolate

LUNCHEON

A Spanish onion cooked en casserole

A baked potato

Buttermilk

DINNER

Stewed pumpkin or winter squash

A sweet potato

Broiled fish—small portion

Cocoa

SPRING MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 85 to 100 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Two baked bananas, with cream

Two egg whites, whipped into a glass of milk

LUNCHEON

New peas in the pod (See recipe p. 679)

A glass of sour milk

DINNER

Bean soup

Baked sweet or white potatoes

Cottage cheese with cream and sugar

SUMMER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 85 to 100 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup

A bowl of clabbered milk

Bran meal gems

LUNCHEON

Purée of rice with milk

DINNER

A baked or boiled sweet potato

Purée of peas

Egg custard or gelatin

FALL MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 85 to 100 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Wheat flakes, thoroughly cooked; serve with cream

Warm milk

LUNCHEON

A coddled egg with a baked potato

A cup of chocolate

DINNER

Cream of celery soup

Bran meal gems

A potato

Cocoa or sassafras tea (See recipe, p. 681)

WINTER MENU FOR THE NORMAL PERSON

From 85 to 100 Years of Age

BREAKFAST

Two very ripe bananas, baked, eaten with nut butter and cream

Sassafras tea or a cup of chocolate

LUNCHEON

Cream of potato soup

Whole wheat crackers

DINNER

Purée of peas or beans

A potato—sweet or white

Chocolate or hot milk

CURATIVE MENUS

INTRODUCTION TO CURATIVE MENUS

Scientific investigation leads one inevitably to the conclusion that a vast number of so-called dis-eases are caused by errors in eating; that is, by wrong selections, wrong combinations and wrong proportions of food. (See chart, Vol. I, p. 9, showing the number of dis-eases caused by superacidity.) This chart will give the reader some idea of the number of disorders that may originate from one source or from one fundamental cause.

While superacidity is a true dis-ease, and may cause all the disorders shown on this chart, yet behind superacidity there is a parent cause, namely, wrong eating. In the light of these facts, it is obvious that a department of curative and remedial menus should constitute an important feature of this work.

For each patient who came under the care of the author (over 23,000 in all), there was prescribed an average of six menus, covering a period of six weeks. Each patient was required to keep an accurate record of his or her diet, and the symptoms that developed after each meal. This record was either brought to the author in person, or sent to him through the mails.

From this vast amount of data and clinical experience, the writer was enabled to select all the menus composing this volume, from those that had proved successful in the various disorders treated. This volume, therefore, is composed of only such menus as gave the desired results. It represents the refined experience of twenty years' active practise in Scientific Feeding.

MENUS FOR SUPERACIDITY

SPRING MENU

ABNORMAL APPETITE SUPERACIDITY

Abnormal appetite is caused by the surplus acid which is left in the stomach after digestion has taken place. This surplus acid causes irritation of the mucous membrane of both the stomach and the pylorus. The supersecretion of acid, in turn, is caused by overeating, by taking foods in combination which are chemically inharmonious, by sedative and intoxicating beverages, by tobacco, and by all stimulating drugs. The logical remedy, therefore, is to omit the use of these things, and to regulate the diet according to age, occupation, and chemistry, and to drink copiously of water both at meals and between meals.

BREAKFAST

Plain or flaked wheat, boiled very thoroughly; serve with butter, cream, and nuts

A baked or broiled banana

LUNCHEON

Purée of pea soup, made from the pod

Baked potatoes

One egg, boiled two minutes, or lightly shirred

DINNER

Spinach or dandelion, cooked

Boiled onions, peas, asparagus—any two of these

A very small portion of tender fish (optional)

A baked potato

Gelatin or junket

Note: For all cases of superacidity, see "Importance of Water-drinking," Vol. II, p. 434.

SUMMER MENU

ABNORMAL APPETITE SUPERACIDITY

BREAKFAST

A melon or extremely ripe peaches; melon preferred

Two or three eggs, whipped; flavor with sugar and fruit-juice, and add half a glass of milk to each egg

LUNCHEON

A liberal portion of tender corn, with butter

Half a glass of milk

DINNER

A green salad with grated nuts

Any two fresh vegetables

A very small portion of fish

A small, baked potato

Cantaloup

Drink one or two glasses of water at each meal.

FALL MENU

ABNORMAL APPETITE SUPERACIDITY

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, or very ripe tomatoes with a sprinkle of sugar and a spoonful of cream

A morsel of smoked fish

A baked potato or a bran meal gem

LUNCHEON

A green salad

Turnips, Brussels sprouts, onions, green corn, lima beans—any two of these

A wheat muffin or a slice of corn bread

DINNER

Slaw or celery

Any vegetable from the luncheon selection

Baked beans or a baked potato

Junket or gelatin

The noon meal should be omitted if the breakfast is late.

WINTER MENU

ABNORMAL APPETITE SUPERACIDITY

BREAKFAST

Three egg whites and one yolk whipped, eaten with baked bananas and thin cream

Bran meal gems

Salted almonds

LUNCHEON

Boiled Spanish onions

A baked potato

DINNER

Cream of pea soup or corn soup

Celery or slaw

Carrots or parsnips

Spinach, with egg

Baked dried beans or a sweet potato

Drink an abundance of cool water at each meal.

If the patient is suffering, or recovering from a severe attack of stomach irritation, the quantity of solid food should be reduced, and the quantity of water increased.

SPRING MENU

SOUR STOMACH (SUPERACIDITY) IRRITATION OF STOMACH AND INTESTINES

On rising, drink two glasses of cool water. Devote from three to five minutes to vigorous, deep breathing exercises.

BREAKFAST

Whole wheat or a corn-meal gem

Two eggs very lightly cooked

Half a cup of wheat bran, cooked and served as a porridge, with butter and salt

Half a glass of water

LUNCHEON

Tender asparagus, peas, or beans

New potatoes

A small portion of wheat bran

A glass of water

DINNER

New peas or asparagus

New potatoes, baked

Whole wheat, boiled; serve with butter

A glass of water

At least two glasses of water should be drunk between breakfast and luncheon, and between luncheon and dinner.

The quantity of food may be slightly increased as the patient improves, and the meals may be varied by changing the vegetables current in the market. The general combinations and the proportions, however, should be observed for two or three weeks.

SUMMER MENU

SOUR STOMACH (SUPERACIDITY) IRRITATION OF STOMACH AND INTESTINES

Immediately on rising, drink two glasses of water.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, or very ripe peach—neither sugar nor cream

Tender corn, scraped from the cob; cook slightly with a whipped egg and butter, stirring constantly

A glass or two of water

(Mastication should be very thorough)

LUNCHEON

String beans and either young carrots or onions

A baked potato

One egg, prepared choice

DINNER

Fish—very tender

A baked potato

A green salad with nuts

An ear of tender corn

A glass or two of water

Just before retiring, drink two glasses of water.

FALL MENU

SOUR STOMACH (SUPERACIDITY) IRRITATION OF STOMACH AND INTESTINES

Observe the instructions in regard to water-drinking and deep breathing, which were given in connection with the spring menu.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, peaches, or persimmons

A glass of clabbered milk

One whipped egg

A small portion of steamed or boiled whole wheat

A tablespoonful of clean, wheat bran

LUNCHEON

Choice of the following—

a Two or three exceedingly ripe bananas (red variety preferred), eaten with cream, two figs, and either nuts or nut butter

b A baked sweet potato

DINNER

Lettuce, endive, or romaine salad, with dressing or olive-oil and whipped egg

Tender corn or string beans

A baked potato

A baked banana

From one to three glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals—half a glass at the beginning; a glass during the progress of the meal, and a glass at the close.

WINTER MENU

SOUR STOMACH (SUPERACIDITY) IRRITATION OF STOMACH AND INTESTINES

On rising, drink two or three glasses of water, and take vigorous exercise and deep breathing.

BREAKFAST

Two heaping tablespoonfuls of plain wheat, thoroughly cooked, or simmered over night; eat with butter and nuts

One or two eggs, either whipped or cooked two minutes

The entire meal may consist of boiled wheat and butter, with a very little cream, unless the weather is exceedingly cold, in which event the wheat may be reduced in quantity, and two, or even three, whipped eggs taken.

LUNCHEON

A liberal portion of baked sweet potato

Stewed pumpkin or winter squash, with either butter or olive-oil

A cup of chocolate

DINNER

Carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets, onions—any two of these

A small portion of tender fish or fowl; or, an egg preferred

A baked potato

Celery, or slaw, with nuts

Avoid overeating. Stomach fermentation is caused largely by taking into the stomach a quantity of food in excess of digestive ability or of bodily requirements. The logical remedy, therefore, is to limit the quantity of food, or to increase the amount of physical exercise.

SPRING MENU

SOUR STOMACH—INTESTINAL GAS CONSTIPATION

On rising, drink a glass or two of water, eat a spoonful of cherries or berries, and devote a few minutes to vigorous exercise.

BREAKFAST

Half a cup of wheat bran

One or two red bananas—very ripe; baked if preferred. Served with either a spoonful of nuts or nut butter

Raisins and cream

LUNCHEON

Two tablespoonfuls of wheat bran

Two eggs—preferably whipped

Lettuce, with young carrots and grated nuts

Boiled onions

A baked potato

DINNER

Wheat bran

Choice of the following vegetables, baked in casserole dish: peas, asparagus, or onions

Spinach, with egg

A few spoonfuls of plain boiled wheat

A baked potato

Drink two glasses of cool water at each of these meals.

Just before retiring, take a small portion of wheat bran, and spend at least ten minutes in vigorous exercise.

SUMMER MENU

SOUR STOMACH—INTESTINAL GAS CONSTIPATION

Drink copiously of cool water, and take a brisk walk or vigorous exercise and deep breathing before breakfast.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or peaches—no cream

Half a cup of wheat bran, cooked

Whipped egg—a dash of sugar

A baked banana—very ripe

One or two glasses of water

LUNCHEON

A green salad

An ear or two of tender corn, masticated very thoroughly

Nuts

Wheat bran

A glass or two of water

DINNER

A green salad

Choice of two fresh vegetables—peas, corn, beans, okra, eggplant beans, okra, eggplant

A potato

Cream cheese with nuts and raisins

A small portion of bran, cooked

Water

Cool water should be drunk freely at meals, and mastication should be thorough.

FALL MENU

SOUR STOMACH—INTESTINAL GAS CONSTIPATION

First Day: On rising, drink two glasses of water, and devote three or four minutes to Exercises 3 and 5. (See Vol. V, pp. 1344 and 1345.) Inflate the lungs every fourth or fifth movement to their extreme capacity.

BREAKFAST

Steamed or boiled whole wheat

A tablespoonful or two of coarse wheat bran (This may be cooked, and served the same as any ordinary cereal, and eaten with butter and salt)

One or two exceedingly ripe bananas (baked if preferred), eaten with cream and nut butter

One egg whipped very briskly, to which add a teaspoonful each of sugar and of lemon juice while whipping

LUNCHEON

Four glasses of milk, drinking half a glass every six or eight minutes

DINNER

Choice of two of the following vegetables:

Carrots, parsnips, squash, beets, tender cabbage

A baked potato or whole wheat bread

A green salad or celery

One egg, whipped (The egg could be omitted, and the combination of foods would still be well balanced)

Wheat bran

Just before retiring, take a spoonful of wheat bran in half a glass of water. Exercise as prescribed for the morning.

Second Day: The same as the first, increasing the quantity of food, if hungry. The noon meal could consist of two eggs, prepared as prescribed, and one fresh vegetable, uncooked, such as carrots or turnips, eaten with a green salad and either nuts or olive-oil. A banana, with very thin cream, might also be taken.

Third Day: Practically the same as the second, varying the breakfast by omitting eggs, allowing it to consist of bananas, soaked prunes and cream; or, oatmeal in small quantity, with thin cream; or, if agreeable, let it consist of the same articles as prescribed for the first day.

FOURTH DAY:

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water

Bran meal gems, with butter

Bananas, with soaked prunes, and either nuts or nut butter (Bananas should be baked unless very ripe)

LUNCHEON

Two egg whites and one yolk rolled with whipped cream into a very rare omelet

A small, baked potato

DINNER

Anything in the way of a salad—celery, lettuce, cabbage

String beans, parsnips, pumpkin, squash, onions, or carrots

One egg whipped or cooked two minutes

A baked potato or baked beans

Just before retiring, take a heaping tablespoonful of wheat bran and the exercises which were prescribed for the first day.

Fifth Day: Same as the fourth.

Sixth Day: Same as the first, repeating the diet, day by day, for twelve or fifteen days.

WINTER MENU

SOUR STOMACH—INTESTINAL GAS CONSTIPATION

Immediately on rising, take a cup of hot water, into which put two tablespoonfuls of wheat bran. Devote from three to five minutes to deep breathing exercises.

BREAKFAST

Half a cup of wheat bran cooked from twenty to thirty minutes; eat with cream and a very little salt

One or two very ripe bananas, with cream and nuts

Whole wheat, thoroughly cooked

LUNCHEON

Boiled onions, carrots, or squash—any one or two of these

A bit of green salad or celery

A baked white potato—eat skins and all

A tablespoonful of wheat bran, either cooked or uncooked

DINNER

A bit of slaw or celery

Spinach, carrots, parsnips, beets, turnips, pumpkin, or squash—any one or two of these pumpkin, or squash—any one or two of these

Baked beans or baked sweet or white potatoes

A small portion of fish or chicken (If this is not convenient, an egg, lightly cooked, may be eaten)

If something sweet is desired, a small portion of plain ice-cream or gelatin may be eaten once a week.

From one to two glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals.

If it is cold, and something hot is desired, a cup of sassafras tea, made from the bark of the red sassafras root, may be taken at the morning and the evening meal. (See p. 681.)

Just before retiring, devote three or four minutes to deep breathing exercises.

At the beginning of the evening meal, or on retiring, two or three tablespoonfuls of bran may be taken in a little hot water. The quantity of bran may be reduced according to the condition of the bowels.

SPRING MENU

STOMACH AND INTESTINAL CATARRH

Catarrh of the stomach is merely a form of chronic irritation caused by a residue of hydrochloric acid in the stomach following the process of digestion. This condition is augmented by intoxicating and stimulating beverages—tobacco, liquor, beer, tea, coffee; by acids, such as vinegar, lemon, grapefruit, and pineapple juices; by cane-sugar, cereal starches, and meat. The remedy, therefore, is found in eliminating these things, and in confining the diet to the following foods:

All fresh vegetables Milk

Eggs Nuts

Green salads Subacid fruits

Melon Very tender fish or white meat of fowl—occasionally

Inasmuch as the primary cause of stomach catarrh is supersecretion of hydrochloric acid, an abundance of pure water should be drunk at meals and also between meals.

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water

Egg whites, whipped, mixed with lukewarm milk; drink slowly

Drink a cup of hot water about 11 a. m.

LUNCHEON

A cup of hot water

A green salad or one fresh vegetable

A new potato, baked; serve with butter

Rice, simmered over night; serve with rich milk

Half a cup of water at close of meal

Drink a cup of hot water about 4 p. m.

DINNER

A cup of hot water

Two fresh vegetables

A new potato, baked

Bran gems, with butter

An egg, or a very small portion of either tender fish or chicken

Mastication must be perfect.

Bread, flour, and cereal products should be omitted, with the exception of a very limited quantity of thoroughly cooked rice and wheat bran.

Sweets, desserts, tea, coffee, all sedative and stimulating beverages, and drugs and narcotics should be omitted.

Water should be drunk copiously both at meals and between meals.

SUMMER MENU

STOMACH AND INTESTINAL CATARRH

BREAKFAST

A bit of subacid or non-acid fruit—pear, peaches, plums, or melon

Whipped eggs, using an excess of whites

An extremely ripe banana, baked, eaten with very little thin cream

LUNCHEON

A green salad with nuts

Tender corn or string beans

A baked sweet or a white potato

DINNER

A salad with grated nuts—no dressing

One or two fresh vegetables—corn, peas, beans, carrots

A baked white potato

A whipped egg, or fish, if engaged in manual labor

A very ripe peach or a melon

FALL MENU

STOMACH AND INTESTINAL CATARRH

BREAKFAST

A melon or a very ripe peach

Two or three glasses of fresh milk, taken slowly

Half a cup of wheat bran, cooked

LUNCHEON

A very small portion of green salad, with grated nuts

Tender corn, lima beans, or lentils

DINNER

A green salad, with grated nuts

Stewed pumpkin or squash

Corn, carrots, or parsnips

A baked potato or baked beans

WINTER MENU

STOMACH AND INTESTINAL CATARRH

BREAKFAST

A pint of junket

One whipped egg

LUNCHEON

Vegetable soup

Boiled onions, carrots, or turnips

An egg or a small portion of tender fish

A baked potato

DINNER

Choice of the following cooked in a [B]casserole dish:

a Cauliflower, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts

b Carrots, parsnips, or turnips

A baked potato

A vegetable salad with ripe olives and nuts

[B] For cooking en casserole, see p. 671.

MENUS FOR FERMENTATION

SPRING MENU

FERMENTATION—INTESTINAL GAS FEVERED STOMACH AND LIPS CANKERS ON TONGUE

BREAKFAST

A glass of cool water

Three or four egg whites and one yolk, whipped; sweeten slightly; add half a glass of milk

Gelatin, without fruit, or two extremely ripe bananas baked in a casserole dish

LUNCHEON

Carrots, parsnips, or turnips

Peas or asparagus

A white potato, either baked or boiled

DINNER

Cream of asparagus soup, made rather thin

Peas in the pod (See recipe, p. 679)

A new, white potato, baked; serve with very little butter

One egg, whipped

A glass or two of cool water

An abundance of cool water should be drunk between meals, and from one to two glasses at meals.

Fevered stomach is caused by fermentation of food—hyperacidity. After the diet is balanced so as to be chemically harmonious, the next most important thing is copious water-drinking at meals and between meals.

See Vol. II, p. 434.

SUMMER MENU

FERMENTATION—INTESTINAL GAS FEVERED STOMACH AND LIPS CANKERS ON TONGUE

Immediately on rising, drink a glass or two of water. Also take vigorous exercise and deep breathing.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, or watermelon, eliminating the pulp

Half a pint of junket or gelatin

A baked banana or bran meal gems

LUNCHEON

A liberal portion of fresh green corn, boiled or steamed in the husk; eat with a very little butter

DINNER

Two fresh green vegetables

Choice of fish or an egg

A baked potato

From one to two glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals, eliminating all sweets and acids.

If there is a tendency toward constipation, half a cup of wheat bran, cooked, and served as an ordinary cereal, should be taken at the morning and the evening meal.

FALL MENU

FERMENTATION—INTESTINAL GAS FEVERED STOMACH AND LIPS CANKERS ON TONGUE

Immediately on rising, drink a cup of cool water, and take vigorous exercise and deep breathing.

BREAKFAST

A bunch of California grapes

One egg—coddled (See recipe, p. 677)

Choice of very ripe bananas, baked—served with butter and thin cream, or a corn-meal muffin

A cup of hot water into which put a little sugar or cream

LUNCHEON

Two or three eggs whipped very thoroughly, to which slowly add a teaspoonful each of lemon juice and of sugar while whipping. Add half a glass of milk to each egg

EMERGENCY LUNCHEON

A scrambled egg or a morsel of fish, eaten with a baked potato

A boiled onion

A cup of water

DINNER

Choice of carrots, parsnips, squash, or string beans, seasoned with a little butter

A baked potato or green corn

A cup of milk

EMERGENCY DINNER

Two baked potatoes

A boiled onion

A glass of milk, and an egg, if desired

If one is engaged in heavy manual labor, the food may be increased beyond the amount herein prescribed. The combination, however, should be observed.

The emergency luncheon is to be taken if one does not like the regular luncheon. The same rule should be observed with the emergency dinner. The regular luncheon contains considerable protein, which is very necessary in these conditions. The emergency dinner contains the same in another form. The one may be chosen which appeals most to natural hunger.

Now and then the breakfast may consist of one or two extremely ripe bananas, eaten with nut butter and cream, and one or two whipped eggs.

WINTER MENU

FERMENTATION—INTESTINAL GAS FEVERED STOMACH AND LIPS CANKERS ON TONGUE

BREAKFAST

A small bunch of grapes

Two egg whites and one yolk, whipped very fine, into which whip a teaspoonful of sugar. Whip until stiff and smooth

One or two exceedingly ripe bananas, baked, eaten with cream

A cup of hot water with a little sugar and cream

LUNCHEON

A baked potato or a bran meal gem

A boiled onion or baked squash

DINNER

Vegetable soup

One fresh vegetable such as carrots, parsnips, squash, or turnips

A baked potato—eat skins and all

A cup of chocolate, or a whole wheat cracker

If the tongue should become coated, or the mouth sore, the amount of food prescribed for the evening meal should be reduced until digestion is perfect, which can be aided largely by drinking copiously of water.

If the bowels should become slightly constipated, take two heaping tablespoonfuls of wheat bran in a cup of hot water just before retiring. It is not necessary to masticate the bran. Devote two or three minutes to deep breathing exercises, Nos. 1 and 5, as shown in Vol. V, pp. 1343 and 1345.

The eggs can be taken uncooked, without whipping, if preferred.

MENUS FOR CONSTIPATION

SPRING MENU

CONSTIPATION (CHRONIC) NERVOUSNESS

First Day: Immediately on rising, take half a cup of wheat bran, in hot water, and eat a tablespoonful of soaked evaporated apricots.

Devote five minutes to exercises Nos. 3 and 5. (See Vol. V, pp. 1344 and 1345.) These should be taken vigorously, before an open window, and before dressing. Then take a cool shower bath and a vigorous rub down.

If possible, take half an hour's walk before breakfast.

BREAKFAST

Half a cup of coarse wheat bran, cooked ten minutes; eat with thin cream

Two bran meal gems

Two large, very ripe bananas, with thin cream and either nuts or nut butter (The bananas may be baked if preferred)

Two glasses of water

Devote two or three minutes to exercises 3 and 5, about ten o'clock, if possible.

LUNCHEON

A dozen soaked prunes and one very ripe banana

Two tablespoonfuls of nuts, or a rounded tablespoonful of nut butter (The prunes, the banana, and either the nuts or nut butter may be eaten together)

One egg, whipped, or cooked two minutes (If whipped, add sugar and lemon juice)

Peas or asparagus

Half a cup of coarse wheat bran

Drink two glasses of water during the progress of the meal.

DINNER

A salad of lettuce, asparagus, peas or carrots; or anything green, eaten with either nuts or nut butter

One egg, coddled; serve with butter and salt

A baked potato or a whole wheat muffin

A cup of wheat bran, slightly cooked if desired, and eaten with thin cream

Two glasses of water

Just before retiring, take half a cup of wheat bran.

Second Day: The same as the first, slightly increasing the quantity of food if there is a tendency toward weakness or unusual fatigue.

Third Day: The same as the second, varying the meals by changing the vegetables.

Fourth Day: On rising, eat a cup of soaked apricots, and take the exercises which were prescribed for the first day.

BREAKFAST

A cup of wheat bran, with cream

A cup of hot water

The juice of one sweet orange

A small portion of plain wheat, boiled (simmered over night)

One egg, coddled

LUNCHEON

A dozen soaked prunes

Two extremely ripe bananas, with two tablespoonfuls of nuts

Three or four figs, and cream cheese—fresh

Two glasses of water

DINNER

A cup of hot water

A cup of wheat bran

Two large, boiled Spanish onions

One other vegetable

A baked potato

One glass of cool water

Just before retiring, eat a few soaked evaporated apricots, or half a cup of bran.

Note: The apricots should be omitted if there is a tendency toward sour stomach (premature fermentation), or rheumatism.

Fifth Day: the Same As the Fourth.

Sixth Day: The same as the first.

Repeat this diet until the bowels become normal. The bran and the apricots may then be reduced according to the condition of the bowels, and the quantity of vegetables, eggs, and other solids increased sufficiently to meet the demands of normal hunger.

SUMMER MENU

CONSTIPATION (CHRONIC) NERVOUSNESS

Immediately on rising, eat two or three very ripe peaches or plums, and drink a glass or two of water. Devote from five to ten minutes to vigorous exercise and deep breathing, especially exercise No. 3. (See Vol. V, p. 1344.)

BREAKFAST

A dish of sliced peaches—very ripe; a little sugar, but no cream

Half a cup of wheat bran, with a spoonful or two of crushed wheat, thoroughly cooked (simmered over night)

An ear of tender corn—prepared choice

LUNCHEON

A liberal portion of tender corn

A lettuce and tomato salad, eaten with grated nuts

DINNER

A liberal green salad, with grated nuts

A baked sweet potato

Fresh peas, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn—any two of these

A portion of wheat bran, cooked

If the above menus do not seem sufficient to sustain the body while performing manual labor, one or two whipped eggs may be added.

Just before retiring, eat three or four ripe peaches, or a large bunch of blue grapes, swallowing seeds without mastication. Take exercises as prescribed for morning.

From two to three glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals.

FALL MENU

CONSTIPATION (CHRONIC) NERVOUSNESS

(For general instructions see Spring Menu.)

Just after rising, eat a bunch of grapes.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or melon

Wheat bran and a small portion of whole wheat

Two or three baked bananas, eaten with raisins and nuts

LUNCHEON

Celery or slaw

One fresh vegetable

An ear of tender corn or a baked potato

Wheat bran

DINNER

Lettuce and tomato salad

Okra, eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, squash, cabbage, string beans—any two of these

Chicken or fish—very limited portion

A cantaloup or a baked banana

From two to three glasses of water should be drunk at each of the above meals, and mastication should be very thorough.

WINTER MENU

CONSTIPATION (CHRONIC) NERVOUSNESS

Immediately on rising, take the juice of a sweet orange.

For general instructions see Spring Menu.

BREAKFAST

Two extremely ripe bananas, eaten with nuts or nut butter (The bananas may be baked if preferred)

A liberal portion of whole wheat, boiled until very soft—simmered over night; serve with butter or cream

LUNCHEON

Spinach, with an egg

Endive, kale, or cabbage

Peas, beans, lentils, or corn

DINNER

Celery, with nuts

Carrots, parsnips, beets, onions, stewed pumpkin, or squash

A small rare omelet, or a very small portion of fish; omelet preferred

A potato

A glass of pure apple cider may be drunk just after rising, and just before retiring.

From two to three glasses of water should be drunk at each of the above meals.

SPRING MENU

CONSTIPATION—AUTOINTOXICATION LOW VITALITY

Choice of the following menus:

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST

Half a cup of wheat bran, cooked Two glasses of water

The juice of a sweet Florida Wheat bran, cooked

orange (Russet seedling) Boiled whole wheat, with cream

One glass of water Two tablespoonfuls of nuts or

One whole egg, whipped one tablespoonful of nut butter

with teaspoonful of sugar One very ripe banana, with

One or two extremely ripe nuts and raisins

bananas, with nuts and cream

LUNCHEON

Peas or asparagus A boiled onion

A baked potato Whole wheat or a bran meal gem

A cup of hot water A cup of hot water

DINNER

Green peas A small portion of fish or

Spanish onions of white meat of chicken

A small, baked white potato One very small, baked white potato

(Eat skins and all) A salad of lettuce or anything

Two eggs, lightly poached green, with oil

Nuts and raisins, if something A baked banana

sweet is desired

A spoonful or two of coarse wheat bran should be taken both at breakfast and at dinner; also, just before retiring, a glass of water and a few pieces of soaked evaporated apricots.

(The apricots should be omitted if there is a tendency toward either fermentation or rheumatism.)

SUMMER MENU

CONSTIPATION—AUTOINTOXICATION LOW VITALITY

Choice of the following menus:

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST

Fresh fruit—grapes preferred Wheat bran

A baked sweet potato Melon or peaches

Two very ripe bananas, Very ripe bananas with

with figs and cream cream, nuts and raisins

Wheat bran One glass of water

One whipped egg

LUNCHEON

Melon One or two fresh vegetables (choice)

One fresh vegetable A baked potato or corn

A bran gem with either A green salad

butter or nut butter Bran, or a bran gem

Two tablespoonfuls of nuts (choice)

One glass of water

DINNER

A fruit salad made of bananas, Practically the same as for

raisins, and grated nuts; luncheon, with choice of

serve with whipped cream junket or gelatin

Two tablespoonfuls of nuts (choice)

Cream cheese and one fig

Boiled wheat, with sweet butter

Two glasses of water

A melon

SUPPLEMENTARY MENU

Corn

Spinach

Two egg whites—poached or whipped

A potato

A salad

Water and wheat bran

If there is a craving for something sweet, let the evening meal consist entirely of ice-cream and three or four glasses of water. All sweets may be omitted, however, if they do not especially appeal to the taste.

Take vigorous exercise and deep breathing just after rising, and just before retiring.

FALL MENU

CONSTIPATION—AUTOINTOXICATION LOW VITALITY

Just after rising, eat a large bunch of grapes and drink a glass of water.

Choice of the following menus:

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST

Peaches, plums, or melon Two or three exceedingly

Whole wheat, or barley, ripe bananas, eaten with

boiled until soft; serve nut butter and cream;

with butter and cream also raisins, if something

Wheat bran cooked, eaten sweet is desired

with thin cream (Bananas may be baked

Water if preferred)

LUNCHEON

A bowl of clabbered milk, A baked white potato

eaten with a very little sugar (Eat skins and all)

One whipped egg One fresh vegetable

Half a cup of wheat bran A morsel of fish

DINNER

Spinach, cooked Same as dinner (Menu I)

One egg white with the addition of buttermilk

Baked beans or a morsel of fish

One fresh vegetable (Some simple dessert may be

taken with this meal, if desired)

Just before retiring, take wheat bran or eat a large bunch of grapes.

WINTER MENU

CONSTIPATION—AUTOINTOXICATION LOW VITALITY

BREAKFAST

A small portion of plain wheat boiled until soft, or until the grains burst open; serve with cream and salt

A cup of wheat bran, cooked, eaten with butter and salt

Two egg whites and one yolk

One exceedingly ripe banana—must be very ripe; eat with one fig, cream, and a spoonful of either nuts or nut butter

A cup of hot barley water

LUNCHEON

A spoonful of wheat bran

A portion of boiled onions

A baked white potato—skins and all—with butter and salt

A cup of hot barley water

DINNER

A salad of anything green

Choice of carrots, turnips, eggplant, parsnips, or squash, cooked in casserole dish—no cream

A baked white potato

A baked white potato

A morsel of fish or chicken, or an egg, cooked two minutes, eaten with butter

(One of the fresh vegetables should be made very hot with red pepper, or a small capsule of red pepper may be taken at the close of the meal)

From one to two glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals.

Either grapes or wheat bran should be taken just before retiring. The wheat bran may be taken uncooked in hot water.

If constipation is not relieved after taking the quantity of bran prescribed, increase the quantity until the desired results are obtained, then gradually decrease the quantity, taking it only at the morning and the evening meal.

MENUS FOR GASTRITIS

SPRING MENU

GASTRITIS

In severe cases of gastritis, all food, and even water should be omitted. As the patient begins to recover, water, cool or hot, may be taken, and after a time, when normal hunger appears, the following suggestions in diet should be observed:

BREAKFAST

Choice of the following—

a One large, very ripe banana, baked; preferably en casserole

b A baked white potato, with butter

LUNCHEON

Onions, or fresh tender peas, thoroughly cooked, en casserole

A baked potato

DINNER

Peas, asparagus, or onions

A baked potato or rice (If rice is chosen, a tablespoonful of clean wheat bran should be eaten)

As the patient recovers, the articles composing the meals may be increased, confining entirely to such foods as peas, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, spinach, and the green salad vegetables.

SUMMER MENU

GASTRITIS

In regard to the omission of food in severe cases, see Spring Menu.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or melon, discarding the pulp of the melon

Two or three egg whites, lightly whipped with a sprinkle of sugar

LUNCHEON

Tender peas, string beans, green corn, or young carrots, thoroughly cooked

Bran meal gems

DINNER

Carrots, parsnips, squash, spinach, or turnip-tops

Graham gems or a baked potato

FALL MENU

GASTRITIS

BREAKFAST

A cantaloup or very ripe peaches—no cream

Baked chestnuts, or boiled rice, with butter

A tablespoonful of wheat bran in hot water

LUNCHEON

Eggplant, okra, or a Spanish onion

Tender corn or a potato

DINNER

Celery or lettuce

Nuts and ripe olives

Green corn or a baked potato

Carrots or winter squash

WINTER MENU

GASTRITIS

BREAKFAST

A baked banana

A spoonful or two of plain wheat, boiled

A cup of hot water

LUNCHEON

Winter squash, or onion, en casserole

A baked potato

Celery hearts

DINNER

A light vegetable soup—no crackers

Celery

Carrots or parsnips

A potato

For instructions in cooking "en casserole," see p. 671.

MENUS FOR NERVOUS INDIGESTION

SPRING MENU

NERVOUS INDIGESTION

Nervous indigestion is a condition in which the mucous membrane of the stomach is in a chronic state of irritation caused by hydrochloric acid fermentation.

The appetite is usually keen; sometimes ravenous. This, however, is the best evidence that the diet should be limited to just enough food to sustain strength when no manual labor is performed.

BREAKFAST

A pint of clabbered milk with a light sprinkle of sugar, if desired

Two tablespoonfuls of clean wheat bran, well cooked; serve with cream

LUNCHEON

Onions, en casserole, or fresh peas

Bran meal gems or graham muffins

A baked potato

A glass of water

DINNER

Peas, asparagus, onions—any two of these

A potato and bran meal gems

A glass of buttermilk

A spoonful or two of bran prepared as for breakfast

SUMMER MENU

NERVOUS INDIGESTION

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or baked bananas

Two or three egg whites, lightly poached

One or two bran meal gems

A glass of milk

LUNCHEON

Peas, string beans, carrots, okra—any two of these

Tender corn or a baked potato

Spinach, with egg

A spoonful or two of wheat bran

DINNER

Young carrots, string beans, or squash

Tender corn, lima beans or a baked potato

Gelatin, if something sweet is desired; a very small portion, and very little sugar

FALL MENU

NERVOUS INDIGESTION

BREAKFAST

Persimmons, cantaloup, or a baked banana

A baked potato

Half a glass of milk

A spoonful of wheat bran

LUNCHEON

Two and one-half to three glasses of fresh milk

Two tablespoonfuls of wheat bran

DINNER

Eggplant, okra, Brussels sprouts, tender spinach, string beans, carrots, or onions—one or two of these

A baked potato or rice

Note: From one to three glasses of cool water should be drunk at each of these meals.

WINTER MENU

NERVOUS INDIGESTION

BREAKFAST

Very ripe bananas with cream

Two bran meal gems with butter, or two tablespoonfuls of plain boiled wheat

LUNCHEON

Vegetable soup—omit crackers

Cauliflower, boiled onions, or carrots

A baked potato

DINNER

Soup—cream of corn or of rice

Celery, ripe olives, and nuts

Carrots, parsnips, beets, turnips—choice of two of these

Bran meal gems or a baked potato

A spoonful or two of wheat bran (A glass or two of water should be drunk at this meal)

Note: Acids, sweets, white bread, oatmeal, corn hominy, and the cereal foods from which the bran has been removed, should be entirely omitted in all cases of stomach irritation, of which nervous indigestion is merely an expression. The use of tea, coffee, tobacco, all stimulating and intoxicating drinks should also be discontinued.

MENUS FOR NERVOUSNESS

SPRING MENU

FOR BUSINESS MAN

THIN—NERVOUS—IRRITABLE INSOMNIA—STOMACH AND INTESTINAL TROUBLE

Menu No. 1 is for use at home where one can get all the staple vegetables prepared as directed.

Menu No. 2 consists of emergency meals to be taken when away from home.

They practically contain the same nutritive elements, however, but in slightly different proportions.

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST

A dish of whole wheat or flaked A cup of hot water

wheat, thoroughly cooked Bran meal gems

Two tablespoonfuls of nuts Corn muffins

One egg, coddled A potato eaten with either

A cup of hot water butter or cream

LUNCHEON

One or two fresh vegetables Two glasses of milk (One

A baked sweet or a white potato whipped egg mixed with

A salad, if desired the milk)

One or two spoonfuls of nuts A potato or one fresh vegetable

A glass of water

DINNER

A green salad—either lettuce Vegetable soup

and tomatoes, or endive One fresh vegetable

Gems made from corn meal An omelet or a very small

or bran meal, eaten with portion of fish or white meat

butter and nuts of chicken; omelet preferred

Choice of peas, beans, or A baked potato

asparagus One extremely ripe banana

Dessert—gelatin or home-made with cream, nuts, and

ice-cream either figs or raisins

Intestinal gas can be largely controlled by thorough and complete mastication.

If the use of milk should cause slight constipation, the constipation can be relieved by taking a small portion of wheat bran, either cooked or uncooked, at both the morning and the evening meal.

SUMMER MENU

FOR BUSINESS MAN

THIN—NERVOUS—IRRITABLE INSOMNIA—STOMACH AND INTESTINAL TROUBLE

Choice of the following menus for a week or ten days:

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or sliced peaches Melon or peaches

One tablespoonful of steamed Two very ripe bananas with

whole wheat cream, nuts, and raisins

One glass of milk Two baked bananas

Two or three glasses of milk

LUNCHEON

One or two ears of corn—boiled Baked sweet potatoes, with

A few nuts—choice butter

One whipped egg and one Two tablespoonfuls of nuts—choice

glass of milk, mixed A green salad

DINNER

Spinach, lima beans, carrots, Cantaloup

squash—any two of these Boiled corn and lima beans

One egg, coddled Lettuce and tomato salad

Small piece of corn bread A baked potato

or whole wheat bread An egg or a small portion

Two glasses of buttermilk of fish

Note: From one and a half to two glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals.

If constipation occurs, soaked prunes or soaked evaporated apricots may be taken just before retiring. A glassful of water in which the prunes or apricots have been soaked should also be drunk just after rising.

If stomach-acidity or intestinal fermentation should occur, omit all acid fruits and regulate the bowels by the use of wheat bran.

One hour during the day should be devoted to vigorous physical exercise.

FALL MENU

FOR BUSINESS MAN

THIN—NERVOUS—IRRITABLE INSOMNIA—STOMACH AND INTESTINAL TROUBLE

First Day: Immediately on rising, drink one glass of cool water and eat half a pound of Concord grapes. Eliminate the seeds, but thoroughly masticate and swallow the skins.

Devote from five to six minutes to exercises Nos. 3 and 5. (See Vol. V, pp. 1344 and 1345.) Inflate the lungs to their fullest capacity at every third or fourth breath.

BREAKFAST

A cantaloup

One or two exceedingly ripe bananas, baked; must be very ripe—red variety preferred; serve with thin cream

One cup of hot water

LUNCHEON

A lettuce and tomato salad

An ear of tender corn

DINNER

Choice of boiled corn, string or lima beans

(With the corn, eat a teaspoonful of either nut butter or nuts; masticate to exceeding fineness)

A lettuce and tomato salad, with a simple dressing

One coddled egg

From one and a half to two glasses of water should be drunk at each of the above meals.

Just before retiring, eat a small bunch of Concord grapes and drink half a glass of water.

Devote from five to ten minutes to exercises Nos. 3 and 5, as above directed, giving special attention to deep breathing. Endeavor to inflate the lungs to their fullest capacity every third or fourth breath.

Second Day: The same as the first, slightly increasing the quantity of food if desired. This may be done by more thorough mastication and by devoting more time to exercise.

Third Day:

BREAKFAST

Two or three exceedingly ripe peaches, eaten with grated maple-sugar

Two or three egg whites poached, served on a crisp cracker; or, one whole egg if the appetite will accept it

Half of a cantaloup

A cup of hot water or cocoa

LUNCHEON

Cooked spinach or a green salad

An ear of tender corn

A potato

A glass of water

DINNER

String beans and young onions—cooked

A green salad

A bit of fish or white meat of chicken, with a baked potato

Fourth Day:

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup or peaches

One or two extremely ripe bananas, baked, and eaten with cream

One large pulled fig, with cream

One glass of water

LUNCHEON

Cantaloup

One whole egg, coddled

A baked sweet or a white potato

DINNER

Corn, lima beans, or a potato

A cup of hot water

Fifth Day: The same as the first.

Sixth Day: The same as the second, and so on, day by day, for about twelve days.

LETTER OF ADVICE

ACCOMPANYING ABOVE MENU

Rise at a regular hour every morning. Take a lukewarm sponge bath, following it by a cool splash and a vigorous rub down, practising deep breathing all the while.

Before dressing, devote from two to three minutes to exercises Nos. 3 and 5. (See Vol. V, pp. 1344 and 1345.) Take these movements calmly.

Do not worry. Masticate all food to infinite fineness. Take plenty of time to eat.

Inflate the lungs to their fullest capacity one hundred times a day. This is of very great importance.

If the quantity of food prescribed is more than the appetite calls for, eliminate any one thing entirely, or reduce the quantity of the whole.

WINTER MENU

FOR BUSINESS MAN

THIN—NERVOUS—IRRITABLE INSOMNIA—STOMACH AND INTESTINAL TROUBLE

First Day: Immediately on rising, drink two cups of cool water and devote from five to ten minutes to vigorous exercise.

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water

A small portion of boiled wheat or rice

One or two eggs, coddled

Cocoa or chocolate

LUNCHEON

Three eggs, whipped; add a glass of milk and a flavor of sugar and fruit-juice

DINNER

Carrots, parsnips, turnips, winter squash—any two of these

A baked potato

A small portion of fish or chicken (white meat); or, one egg prepared choice, eaten with either a baked potato or a bit of whole wheat bread

Just before retiring, repeat the exercises which have been prescribed for the morning, and, if constipated, take two or three tablespoonfuls of wheat bran in hot water.

Second Day: Same as the first, slightly increasing the quantity of food, if hungry.

Third Day: Same as the second, adding one or two whipped eggs for breakfast, and changing vegetables to suit the appetite for luncheon and for dinner. Nearly all vegetables such as beets, carrots, parsnips, and turnips may be substituted for one another.

Fourth Day:

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water

Two eggs lightly poached; or, a very rare omelet rolled in nuts and whipped cream, eaten with a whole wheat muffin

A cup of chocolate

A liberal portion of wheat bran, cooked and served as an ordinary cereal, with butter and cream

LUNCHEON

Three eggs. See recipe, p. 678.

DINNER

Endive, lettuce, or celery

Choice of any two fresh vegetables

A potato or a whole wheat gem

Exercise as prescribed for the first day.

Fifth Day: The same as the fourth.

Sixth Day: The same as the first, repeating these menus for a period of about three weeks.

For diet and general instructions in regard to nervousness, see menus for "Fermentation" and "Superacidity." See also Lesson XVII, "Nervousness—Its Cause and Cure," Vol. V, p. 1211.

MENUS FOR SUBACIDITY

SPRING MENU

INDIGESTION (CHRONIC)

BREAKFAST

A dish of very ripe berries or apricots

A cup of hot water

A baked white potato, served with a very little butter and salt

One or two egg whites, lightly poached

Half a cup of wheat bran, cooked twenty minutes

LUNCHEON

A cup of hot water

Two or three bananas, baked in casserole dish. (For baked bananas, see recipe, p. 677)

DINNER

A cup of hot water

Purée of peas

A baked white potato, asparagus, or carrots

Half a cup of wheat bran cooked, served as an ordinary cereal

A few tablespoonfuls of pineapple juice should be taken half an hour after each meal.

The above menus may be increased in quantity as the digestion improves, taking special care, however, not to overeat. Fresh vegetables, from the list given below, may be added to the noon and the evening meal, as the season advances, and the patient becomes stronger.

Asparagus

Beans

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Kale

Lettuce

Parsnips

Peas

Spinach

Squash

SUMMER MENU

INDIGESTION (CHRONIC)

Immediately on rising, drink a cup of water, and devote from five to ten minutes to vigorous exercise, with deep breathing.

BREAKFAST

Melon or peaches

A large red banana, baked, or broiled in butter; eat with soaked prunes

One egg, either coddled or whipped

LUNCHEON

Melon or cantaloup

A liberal portion of gelatin, with thin cream

DINNER

A light vegetable soup

A very small portion of green salad

A very little tender fish or chicken—white meat

Baked potatoes or green corn

Any fresh vegetables

A small portion of wheat bran, cooked

FALL MENU

INDIGESTION (CHRONIC)

Immediately on rising, drink a cup of water, and devote a few minutes to vigorous exercise.

BREAKFAST

A bunch of Tokay or Malaga grapes

One or two eggs, coddled or poached

A baked white potato

A cup of hot water

LUNCHEON

Purée of corn or beans

One or two egg whites, whipped

DINNER

Stewed pumpkin or squash

A baked white potato

One extremely ripe banana (black spotted), eaten with cream

WINTER MENU

INDIGESTION (CHRONIC)

BREAKFAST

A cup of coarse wheat bran

Whole wheat, cooked until the grains burst open; serve with thin cream or rich milk, and either a spoonful of nuts or nut butter (This should be masticated exceedingly fine)

LUNCHEON

One egg whipped very fine, or boiled one and one-half minutes; if whipped, add a sprinkle of sugar; if boiled, eat with a baked potato

A very small vegetable salad—grated carrots, onion, and lettuce leaves

DINNER

Boiled onions, carrots, or parsnips

A baked white potato

Half a glass of milk, mixed with one whipped egg white

Take a spoonful or two of wheat bran and a spoonful of pineapple juice at the close of this meal, either cooked, or in hot water, uncooked.

The above menus are the minimum of food for this condition. The quantity may be increased according to the demands of normal hunger. Hunger, however, should be determined by labor or exercise. Abnormal appetite, caused by supersecretion of acid in the stomach, is very often mistaken for hunger. In such cases, the patient should cease eating before the appetite is satisfied.

INDIGESTION (ACUTE)

In nearly all cases of acute indigestion, food should be omitted. The patient should be given hot water morning, noon, and evening, and, if possible, a stomach tube should be inserted, and the hot water and stomach contents removed. If this cannot be done, the patient should drink copiously of hot water, and vomit as much of it as possible. After the stomach has been cleansed, a cup of coarse wheat bran, or a large bunch of Concord or blue grapes may be given (if they are in season), swallowing skins, seeds, and pulp. Both bran and grapes are preferable to laxative medicines, and much more effective. The high enema should be administered, thus removing the contents of the lower bowels. After the stomach and the bowels have been thoroughly cleansed, if the patient is not able to exercise, artificial manipulation of the abdomen should be administered for a period of half an hour three times a day. These suggestions may be repeated until the patient is relieved, when the diet for chronic indigestion may be followed in rather modified form, omitting the heavier vegetables, and increasing the lighter foods.

MENUS FOR BILIOUSNESS

SPRING MENU

BILIOUSNESS—HEADACHE SLUGGISH LIVER

Supersecretion of bile by the liver is termed biliousness. This may be expressed by the presence of bile in the stomach, which usually causes headache, beginning at the base of the brain, and after five or six hours settling over the eyes. This is sometimes associated with nausea or sick headache.

Again, the excess of bile is absorbed into the blood, causing the skin to become yellow and spotted, and sometimes it assumes the appearance of jaundice.

Biliousness is caused by taking an excess of sweets, coffee, liquors, fats, and sometimes starches—cereal, bread, etc. The remedy, therefore, is a very simple one, and largely confined to elimination, vigorous exercise, deep breathing, and copious drinking of water.

The following menus are suggestive. The diet may consist of any group of fresh, natural foods which are in season.

BREAKFAST

Grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, or berries

Eggs, whipped, flavored with fruit-juice, and a bit of sugar

A banana, baked, or eaten uncooked, if very ripe

LUNCHEON

Vegetable soup

One or two fresh vegetables

Spinach or green salad

A small portion of fish

One egg

Junket or gelatin

DINNER

A green salad

Spinach or dandelion

Asparagus, peas, or any fresh vegetable

Baked beans or lentils

A baked potato

Gelatin

Sufficient coarse wheat bran should be taken at each meal to keep the bowels in normal condition.

SUMMER MENU

BILIOUSNESS—HEADACHE SLUGGISH LIVER

BREAKFAST

Soaked prunes, apricots, or berries

Choice of the following—

a A very ripe banana, with either nuts or nut butter

b A baked sweet potato, with dairy butter

A cup of water

LUNCHEON

Lettuce, celery, or slaw

A baked potato or corn

A cup of junket

Sliced peaches

DINNER

Tender corn, peas, beans, okra, or eggplant

Any green vegetable or a salad

A whipped egg or a glass of buttermilk

A melon or peach ices

FALL MENU

BILIOUSNESS—HEADACHE SLUGGISH LIVER

BREAKFAST

Grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, or plums

A very rare omelet

A whole wheat muffin, or a slice of corn bread

LUNCHEON

Green corn or baked beans

Boiled onions or turnips

Carrots or parsnips

DINNER

A salad of anything green, with grated nuts and oil

A baked sweet potato

Any fresh vegetable such as turnips, carrots, beets, squash, or stewed pumpkin

Gelatin

(One-half pound of grapes an hour after eating)

WINTER MENU

BILIOUSNESS—HEADACHE SLUGGISH LIVER

BREAKFAST

Any acid fruit that appeals to the taste

Two eggs—prepared choice

A very little corn bread or a baked potato; potato preferred

Thin cocoa

LUNCHEON

Two or three bananas, extremely ripe, eaten with nuts, raisins and cream

DINNER

Cream soup, onions, or celery

One fresh vegetable

Baked beans or a baked potato

A baked banana, eaten with a whipped egg

SPRING MENU

HEADACHE—TORPID LIVER

BREAKFAST

Cherries or berries—neither sugar nor cream

Two bananas broiled in butter, or baked, eaten with cream

(They may be eaten uncooked if sufficiently ripe)

A few raisins, with either butter or nuts

LUNCHEON

Boiled onions—a liberal portion

A baked potato

DINNER

Peas or asparagus

A green salad—just a very little

Baked beans or a baked potato; potato preferred

Just before retiring, drink a cup of water and eat a dozen ripe strawberries, without sugar or cream. This should be followed by vigorous exercise and deep breathing.

For recipe for baked bananas, see p. 677.

SUMMER MENU

HEADACHE—TORPID LIVER

BREAKFAST

Melon, peaches, or berries

One or two whipped eggs

A small portion of plain boiled wheat, with very little butter; no cream

LUNCHEON

Spinach or a green salad

Any fresh vegetable

A potato—baked, boiled, or mashed

DINNER

Cantaloup or melon

Okra, eggplant, string beans, spinach, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or turnips

One whipped egg, or a portion of gelatin with cream and fruit

FALL MENU

HEADACHE—TORPID LIVER

First Day: Immediately on rising, take a glass or two of water and a bit of any juicy fruit—grapes preferred. Devote as much time as possible to exercises Nos. 1, 3, and 5. (See Vol. V, pp. 1343, 1344, and 1345, giving preference to No. 3.) Do not exercise until too much fatigued, but rest every twenty or thirty movements.

BREAKFAST

A bunch of grapes—California variety; swallow seeds and pulp whole; masticate and swallow the skins

Half a glass of water

An egg, cooked one and a half minutes; eat with a potato

Whole wheat, boiled

A cup of hot water or chocolate at the close of the meal

LUNCHEON

One or two fresh vegetables; preferably boiled onions, string beans, or carrots

A baked potato

A baked potato

Anything green in the way of a salad—either lettuce, endive or romaine, with oil, lemon juice, and sugar

A cup of hot water

DINNER

A green salad or spinach

Choice of two of the following vegetables—carrots, string beans, boiled onions, squash, or turnips; preferably boiled onions and carrots

A baked potato

Just a bite or two of the proteids, such as egg, fish, or white meat of chicken

A cup of hot water

Just before retiring, take the juice of half an orange, half a glass of water, and devote as much time as possible to exercises prescribed for the morning.

Second Day: Same as the first, slightly varying the meals according to choice of vegetables.

Third Day: Same as the second.

Fourth Day: In regard to water-drinking, exercising, and eating a particle of fruit just after rising, see the rules which were given for the first day.

BREAKFAST

A portion of wheat bran, served with thin cream

Coarse cereal, with either nut butter or nuts

A sweet potato, baked, or sliced and broiled in butter

LUNCHEON

A tomato, stuffed with fine vegetables, and baked

One fresh vegetable

A salad or celery

A baked sweet or, a white potato

A cup of hot water

(A cup of cool water during the progress of the meal)

DINNER

Celery or a salad—a very small quantity

One fresh vegetable such as boiled onions, carrots, parsnips, or turnips

Choice of one whipped egg, fish, or white meat of chicken

A cup of hot water or cocoa

Half a cup of wheat bran

Just before retiring, eat a small bunch of grapes, drink a glass of water, and take exercise, as prescribed for the first day.

Fifth Day: Same as the fourth.

Sixth Day: Same as the first.

Seventh Day: Same as the second, continuing for ten or twelve days.

WINTER MENU

HEADACHE—TORPID LIVER

The element protein slightly predominates in these menus, while the fat-producing nutrients are minimized.

Choice of the following:

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water One egg, whipped with a

Half a cup of bran very little sugar and a

Baked sweet potatoes spoonful of lemon juice

Cocoa One banana with very little nut

butter and cream, and a few raisins

LUNCHEON

A vegetable salad—lettuce, A fruit salad—lettuce; seeded

grated carrots and tomatoes, grapes, banana, and

eaten with a dressing a piece of an orange,

of nut butter, reduced chopped; serve with

to a solution by either whipped cream or

adding water nut-butter dressing

A boiled onion One fresh vegetable, with

A baked sweet or a white a whole wheat cracker

potato, or baked beans

(Eat sparingly of the latter)

DINNER

Two fresh vegetables One fresh vegetable

Fish or an egg; egg preferred A baked potato

A potato or a whole wheat gem Two eggs, either boiled two

minutes or whipped with

just a little lemon juice and sugar

MENUS FOR CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

Cirrhosis is a word derived from the Greek meaning yellow. It was originally intended to convey the idea of over-growth or enlargement of this much-abused organ, but inasmuch as atrophic conditions often show yellow or tawny, there are now two kinds of cirrhosis, namely, atrophic cirrhosis, meaning a shrinkage, and hypertrophic cirrhosis, meaning enlargement of the liver.

Atrophic cirrhosis is caused by alcoholism, often augmented by milder stimulants such as tea and coffee.

Hypertrophic cirrhosis is caused by overeating, especially of meat, sweets, and starchy foods.

The causes of the former should be removed by ceasing the use of tea, coffee, and all alcoholic stimulants, and of the latter by omitting sweets, and limiting the diet in quantity to, or in severe cases below, the actual needs of the body.

The following menus are laid out for the treatment of severe cases. They are designed both as a counteractive and as a remedial measure.

In mild cases, or as the patient recovers, the diet may be increased in quantity, but it should be confined very rigidly to the articles named in the list below, and in the menus which follow.

Foods to be used in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver:

Proteids Vegetables Fruits

Egg whites Asparagus Apples

Fish Beets Apricots

Fowl—white meat Beans Cantaloup

Nuts Brussels sprouts Cherries

Sour milk Cauliflower Grapes

Cabbage Melons

Carbohydrates Carrots Oranges

Bananas Celery Peaches

Corn bread Onions Pears

Flaked rye Potatoes Plums

Wheat bran Spinach Prunes

Whole wheat Squash Raisins

Turnip-greens Tomatoes

Fats Turnips

Butter

Nut butter

Nuts

SPRING MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

Soaked apricots; neither sugar nor cream

Very ripe bananas

Nuts

Note: If bananas are not "dead ripe" they should be baked.

LUNCHEON

Peas in the pod

Bran meal gems

Buttermilk

DINNER

Peas or asparagus

Lettuce, spinach, or turnip-greens

Carrots or turnips

A potato

SUMMER MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

Peaches, cherries, apricots, or cantaloup

Three or four egg whites whipped with a spoonful of cream

Flaked rye, well cooked

LUNCHEON

Beans, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower

Lettuce and tomato

A potato

A glass of buttermilk

DINNER

Vegetable soup—very little fat

Any fresh vegetable in above list

Fish or chicken—very little

A potato or tender corn

FALL MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

Grapes, peaches, or plums

Two baked bananas

Whole wheat

LUNCHEON

Boiled onions

Squash

Lima beans or bran gems

DINNER

Celery or spinach

Any fresh vegetable in above list

A potato or corn bread

Two tablespoonfuls of wheat bran

WINTER MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

A baked banana or a baked apple

A baked potato—eat skins and all

LUNCHEON

Celery soup

Corn bread

Winter squash

DINNER

Parsnips or turnips

A potato or baked beans

Celery, with nuts

Fish or buttermilk

If the breakfast is late, and the labor is light, the noon meal should be omitted.

SPRING MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

Baked apples or very ripe berries without sugar

A very ripe banana with cream

Flaked wheat, thoroughly cooked with one-half bran

LUNCHEON

Peas in the pod—en casserole

A baked potato

DINNER

Peas, asparagus, or onions

A baked potato

Nuts with cream

Cheese with water-cracker

From one to three glasses of water should be drunk at each of these meals. Mastication should be very thorough.

For cooking "en casserole," see p. 671.

SUMMER MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, peaches, plums, or berries

Two tablespoonfuls of plain boiled wheat

A pint of rich milk; buttermilk preferred

LUNCHEON

Young onions, lettuce, romaine, or any fresh salad with either nuts or oil

Carrots, squash, or tender corn

A baked potato—sweet or white

DINNER

Vegetable soup

A Spanish onion, en casserole

Squash, carrots, parsnips, okra, cauliflower—any two of these

A baked potato

Tender corn or lima beans

Cheese, with nuts and raisins

FALL MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, peaches, or grapes

One egg, prepared choice

Bran meal gems or a potato

A glass of milk

LUNCHEON

Squash

Okra, or an onion, en casserole

A corn muffin or a baked potato

Celery, or lettuce, with nuts

DINNER

Vegetable or cream soup

Celery, or slaw, with nuts—no vinegar

Winter squash, stewed pumpkin, or a baked sweet potato

Bran meal gems

A morsel of cheese, with either raisins or nuts

WINTER MENU

CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

BREAKFAST

A baked apple or soaked prunes

A pint of milk

Plain boiled wheat or corn hominy. (If hominy is chosen, a heaping tablespoonful of wheat bran should be taken)

LUNCHEON

Two or three glasses of buttermilk

Two tablespoonfuls of wheat bran

DINNER

Cream of tomato soup

Turnips, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower—any two of these

A potato or a bran meal gem

(A small portion of tender fish may be added if much desired)

If there is a tendency toward constipation, two or three tablespoonfuls of wheat bran should be taken, and an abundance of water drunk both at meals and between meals.

MENUS FOR DIARRHEA

SPRING MENU

DIARRHEA

BREAKFAST

Two egg yolks, hard boiled

Zweibach or boiled rice

A glass of lukewarm milk

LUNCHEON

A sweet potato or corn hominy

Two glasses of milk

DINNER

Cream of rice soup

Boiled rice or spaghetti

A glass of hot milk

(If the milk should prove disagreeable, it may be boiled or heated to 200° Fahrenheit.)

SUMMER MENU

DIARRHEA

BREAKFAST

Blackberries, sugar, cream

A sweet potato broiled in butter

One glass of clabbered milk

LUNCHEON

Two egg yolks, hard boiled, eaten with rice and cream

DINNER

Cream of rice soup

A baked sweet potato

A water-cracker with cheese and raisins

FALL MENU

DIARRHEA

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup

Two egg yolks, hard boiled

Toast or zweibach

Baked chestnuts—cream

LUNCHEON

Two glasses of milk

A baked sweet potato

DINNER

Cream of rice soup

A sweet potato or baked beans

Rice or chestnuts

Cheese, with a water-cracker and almonds

WINTER MENU

DIARRHEA

BREAKFAST

Fish balls or two egg yolks, hard boiled

Chestnuts, rice or a potato

Chocolate

LUNCHEON

Two glasses of milk or two cups of chocolate

Corn hominy or rice

DINNER

Soup—cream of rice or of corn

Fish or turkey—white meat, omit cranberry sauce

Chestnuts, rice, or a sweet potato

Omit water at meals.

Mastication should be very thorough. The principle involved in treating diarrhea is to eliminate from the diet all coarse and fibrous foods, and to limit water, watery foods, and fats to the minimum.

SPRING MENU

DIARRHEA—DYSENTERY

First Day: Immediately on rising, drink a cup of hot water and devote from five to ten minutes to vigorous, deep breathing exercises, giving special preference to Nos. 3 and 5. (See Vol. V, pp. 1344 and 1345.)

BREAKFAST

Two eggs, whipped. See recipe, p. 678

A baked sweet potato, eaten with butter

A cup of chocolate—very little sugar

LUNCHEON

Boiled rice

A glass or two of milk or a cup or two of chocolate

DINNER

Cream of rice soup or boiled rice

Peas or asparagus

Baked beans or a baked sweet potato

Milk or chocolate

Note: Omit coffee and tea.

Just before retiring, take vigorous exercise and deep breathing as prescribed for the morning.

Second Day: Same as the first, increasing the quantity of food if weak or faint.

Third Day: Same as the second.

Fourth Day:

BREAKFAST

Hot milk or a cup of malted milk

Sweet potatoes, broiled in very little butter

A large banana, either broiled in butter, or baked

(See recipe, p. 677)

LUNCHEON

A baked sweet potato, boiled rice, or baked beans

(Make the entire meal of either of these, adding a little cream or milk to the rice, if that is chosen)

DINNER

Soup—cream of rice or pea

A very small lettuce salad with oil

Baked beans or lentils

Rice or corn hominy

A cup of junket or a whipped egg prepared as prescribed for the first day

Fifth Day: Same as the fourth, adding a whipped egg to the morning meal, and one or two whipped eggs to the evening meal, if faint or weak, omitting other foods in the same proportion.

Sixth Day: Same as the first, repeating the diet herein given, for a period of from twenty to thirty days, with variations confined to the things prescribed.

If there be no improvement by the third day, the quantity of food should be materially reduced.

SUMMER MENU

DIARRHEA—DYSENTERY

On rising, drink a glass or two of cool water.

BREAKFAST

Cantaloup, watermelon, or blackberry juice

A liberal portion of boiled rice, with cream

A cup of chocolate or cocoa, with very little sugar

Half a glass of cool water

LUNCHEON

A liberal portion of baked sweet potato, with butter

A glass of water

DINNER

Cream of rice soup

Lima beans or a baked potato

A glass of milk or a cup of junket

Cantaloup

FALL MENU

DIARRHEA—DYSENTERY

BREAKFAST

One egg, boiled three minutes

Rice, boiled plain, or baked chestnuts, served with cream and salt

A cup of hot cocoa

LUNCHEON

A baked sweet potato

Boiled onions

Baked chestnuts, eaten with cream

DINNER

One egg or a glass of buttermilk

A baked potato or baked chestnuts

Turnips, string beans, or carrots

Rice purée made with milk

Drink a cup of hot water at the close of each of these meals.

WINTER MENU

DIARRHEA—DYSENTERY

First Day: Immediately on rising, devote about five minutes to exercises Nos. 3 and 5 (see Vol. V, pp. 1344 and 1345) before an open window, or in a thoroughly ventilated room. Drink two glasses of water.

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot chocolate

One egg, whipped

A glass of clabbered milk

A small portion of boiled rice, with cream.

The rice should be allowed to simmer over night in a double boiler

LUNCHEON

(This meal should be very light)

A portion of boiled onions, carrots, parsnips, turnips, or squash—any one or two of these

A baked sweet potato

Half a glass of milk

A cup of hot water

DINNER

Three eggs, whipped. See recipe, p. 678.

Second Day: The same as the first.

Third Day: The same as the second, slightly increasing the quantity of food.

Fourth Day:

BREAKFAST

One exceedingly ripe banana (must be black spotted), with cream and either nut butter or nuts

One egg, cooked three minutes

Rice or whole wheat, boiled

Thin cocoa or a cup of hot water

LUNCHEON

One fresh vegetable

A baked sweet potato

A cup of hot cocoa or chocolate

DINNER

One fresh vegetable, such as onions, carrots, parsnips, turnips

Choice of rice, baked potato, or baked beans

A very small portion of fish, or white meat of chicken, if there is a craving for meat; if not omit, and take one egg

A cup of hot water with cream and sugar

Exercise and deep breathing, and a glass of water just before retiring.

Fifth Day: The same as the fourth.

Sixth Day: The same as the first, repeating the diet herein given, day by day, for a week or ten days.

MENUS FOR EMACIATION

SPRING MENU

EMACIATION—UNDERWEIGHT—RATHER ANEMIC

Immediately on rising, devote from twenty to thirty minutes to vigorous exercise and deep breathing.

BREAKFAST

A whole wheat muffin

One two-minute egg

Two exceedingly ripe bananas, baked; serve with thin cream

A cup or two of milk

Half a cup of bran, cooked; serve with cream

LUNCHEON

Two or three whipped eggs, with two glasses of milk and two teaspoonfuls of sugar

Half a cup of bran

DINNER

A cup of hot water

Green peas, asparagus, spinach, turnips, carrots, or creamed onions or creamed onions

A baked potato or whole wheat gems

Half a glass of buttermilk, or whipped eggs, prepared as for luncheon

A cup of chocolate

Drink from one to three glasses of either water or milk at each of these meals.

Take sufficient wheat bran to keep the bowels in normal condition.

For recipe for baked bananas, whipped and coddled eggs, see pp. 677 and 678.

SUMMER MENU

EMACIATION—UNDERWEIGHT—RATHER ANEMIC

On rising, drink two glasses of water and take vigorous exercises and deep breathing.

BREAKFAST

A small quantity of very ripe fruit, such as peaches, plums, or cantaloup

Two fresh eggs, whipped seven or eight minutes; sweeten to taste, adding half a glass of milk to each egg; drink slowly

A spoonful or two of wheat bran and crushed wheat (half of each), thoroughly cooked, eaten with butter and cream

LUNCHEON

Three eggs, prepared as for breakfast

A spoonful of wheat bran

DINNER

A cantaloup or one or two very ripe peaches

A morsel of salt fish or chicken

A baked potato

Two or three eggs, prepared as for breakfast

Two or three exceedingly ripe peaches and a small portion of bran

Just before retiring, eat a few peaches or plums, and take a spoonful of bran.

FALL MENU

EMACIATION—UNDERWEIGHT—RATHER ANEMIC

BREAKFAST

A cup of hot water

A small bunch of grapes

Two or three egg whites and one yolk, whipped from four to five minutes. While whipping, add slowly one tablespoonful of sugar and one of lemon juice