ASTHMA

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21745, 30 March 1936, Page 7

ASTHMA

1 TO TH* EDITOR OT TH» PRESS. I Sir,—ln response to the enquiry by t “Sufferer” about asthma, may I be s allowed to tell him he might get good 1 results if he would fast for a few - days, taking care to drink nothing but 2 water, mildly hot for preference. Then ] he should begin a strict diet, making I breakfast the principal meal of the " day. Bread (wholemeal, of course).

I butter, salads, cooked vegetables g sometimes, a little cheese, but no ■ drink with meals at any time. Then [ he could have a fruit lunch. Then * always take care to have the third 5 meal very light. If he must have i meat, let it be then with salad or ; cooked vegetables, but no bread. ‘ Great care should be taken never to 1 over-eat. Commercial sugar and white 1 flour should be avoided, also pickles, 1 vinegar, sauces, etc. —Yours, etc., t CHARLES S. SMITH, i March 26. 1936.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS, Sir, —In reply to “Sufferer” who is seeking a cure for asthma, the cure for it is just the same as for catarrh. Wrong living is the basic cause for all diseases. Hence it follows that a study of the diet followed out by t “Sufferer” is the only way of combat- , ing the trouble. Strictly speaking, j there is no cure for any disease. The . real solution is to stop causing -it. As , one writer says, “Our diseases were all settled for us by our ancestors, 1 for they gave us weak spots and ten- , dencies, and all diseases move along 3 the lines of least resistance. They .fly to • the weak spots, but they . all come from one cause—bad blood.” One thing is sure they r do not come out of the air. Other-

. wise everybody would be ill together. . "Sufferer” evidently has tried various > methods recommended and has not 1 found a cure. If I could get “Suf- > ferer’s” manner of Hying I could sug- • gest the remedy better. Maybe there > is an inherited weakness in the respii ratory organs. Personally my seven i years’ illness left me with a tendency

to asthma but my knowledge of dietetics enables me to keep it well under control. I would suggest more of the cleansing foods, with special care to take nothing in the nature of heavy foods after noon. The night meal should be of a liquid nature or fresh fruits. Hot water drinking is especially good for asthmatics, also inhaling Friars Balsam and taking deep breathing exercises. vThe last two named to be effective need a practical demonstration. It is possible both to inhale and practise deep breathing without getting the least benefit from them. Toning up the system by sun and air baths and hill walking are beneficial to some. Others greatly benefit by the seaside air. There are scarcely two people alike in their response to treatment for asthma; it is such a contrary disease to deal

with. Each case must be studied individually. Without being offensive to all sufferers from any disease, I would like to quote the words of Bernarr MacFadden, who says, “This is an age of learning. There is plenty of health literature to be bought these days. Get busy and learn.” Perhaps it is a hard thing to say but the older I get the more I am inclined to believe what the phychologists say, "We mostly get what we deserve.” My offer holds good to “Sufferer,” If he cares to call on me, I can supply him with good health literature that will be of benefit.—Yours, etc., CURED I*o STAY CURED, March 26, 1936.

TO THE EDITOH OF THE PEEBS. Sir—To all asthma sufferers I would suggest that they apply to the Asthma Research Council, King’s College, Strand, London. W.C.2, for help and advice respecting this distressing malady. Clinics have been established at different places throughout England, and a report of the progress made at each clinic is sent out periodically. A “Physical Exercise Book” is also published by the council and sent to anyone on receipt of two shillings. This book has proved of great benefit to many sufferers, and to those interested enough to obtain my address from you I shall be pleased to show the book and give helpful suggestions. —Yours, etc..

M.I.A. March 27, 1930.