means of relief is the overcoming of this condition. The method
of doing this depends upon the individual, and the treatment must be
decided on by the physician.

~Dietetic Treatment.~--The dietetic treatment consists in abstaining
from food or reducing the amount to a minimum while the attack lasts
and while the intestines are being thoroughly emptied. All stagnant
material which has clogged the bowels and which has been subjected to
the activities of putrefactive bacteria must be gotten rid of. The
diet must be especially low in fat. Oyster or clam broth, soft-cooked
eggs, toast, cereal, or rice, with a little milk instead of cream and
very little sugar, tea, and baked apple or stewed prunes are given.

~Convalescent Diet.~--After the attack the diet may be gradually
increased until it is again normal. Moderation must be observed in the
amount of food eaten; no highly seasoned or spiced foods, pickles, or
condiments, such as peppers, mustard, or horseradish, should be taken.
Salads should be dressed without oil. Lean beef, lamb chops, fish,
chicken, sweetbreads, quail, squab, eggs (except fried or hard
cooked), green vegetables (except radishes, onions, water-cress, and
celery) in abundance, a small amount of potato, rice, or tapioca,
fresh and cooked fruit with little, if any sugar, junket, custards,
fruit jellies, weak tea and coffee should constitute the diet. Certain
individuals find that milk increases the tendency to constipation;
this is probably due to the small amount taken; large quantities do
not as a rule produce this effect. Buttermilk, koumiss, and modified
milk are advised in severe cases.

~Diet for Constipation.~--Individuals inclined to biliousness should
endeavor to overcome the constipation which is one of the most
prominent features. This is done by proper diet more successfully than
by drugs (cathartics): bran bread, vegetable soup, fresh fruit, stewed
fruit, fruit beverages, plenty of water. The following menus are
suggested:

Breakfast--Stewed prunes
Oatmeal with milk (no sugar)
Weak tea or coffee
Toast (milk toast or dry toast)

Lunch--Tomato soup
1 small baked potato
1 lean lamb chop (broiled) or a poached egg on toast
Cup of weak tea

Dinner--Vegetable soup
1 slice of lean, rare beef (cut from the inside of the
roast)
Spinach
Rice