Health Notes

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 7 (Supplement)

Health Notes

The Part Played by Diet i in Cases of Catarrh

By J.C.

is an inflammation of the mucous membrane, its distinguishing feature being the discharge of mucus. It is not solely confined to the nose and throat, as is commonly believed, Hut may affect any portion of the body where there is mucous membrane, such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, and so on, and is very similar in effect to a cold with regard to the mucous membrane discharge. However, it is in the region of the noso, throat, and bronchial tubes that it is most prevalent, so wo shall confine ourselves to the respiratory tract.

The complaint is disturbing not alone to the one who has it, but to those who are forced to see and hear its manifestations. These symptoms are clue to the efforts of the membrane to throw off the excess mucus, which catarrh causes when the vital forces of the body are working toward its purification. The reasons for catarrh are partly climatic, but mainly our wrong habits of living., especially excessive eating and defective elimination. The most pronounced cause of catarrh or of the toxemic condition that makes the body produce the catarrh, is the use of large amount of starches, such as bread, pastries, potatoes, rice, _ sugar, fried foods, sweets, etc. Combined with this there is sometimes an excessive amount of meat-eating, so that there is putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines, with the result that the body absorbs the detrimental by-products of these foods. . . ' The catarrhal discharge is merely the discharge of congealed impurities from the bodv for its own protection. So'if the chief causes of this condition are. corrected, there will he no impurities or waste products thrown upon the mucous membrane, and, therefore, no catarrh. Chief Dietetic Faults There are, of course, other factors apart from food and climate that are contributing causes to catarrh, among which is an excessive amount of clothing, preventing normal skin action to enable impurities to bo expelled through the pores. Another cause not generally suspected is_ our centrallyheated business premises, where we spend the greater part of the day in an air-dried, moisture-robbed atmosphere. Insufficient bathing will have an effect similar to that of excessive clothing. If the pores of the skin are not properly active, the entire functions of the skin will be retarded, and as elimination through this channel is ineffective, the waste products of the body will find an outlet through the mucous membrane. Constipation also leads to the development of catarrh

through the failure of the chief means of elimination, thus making it necessary for the mucus to find another outlet.

With regard to diet, it must not be considered that starches and sugars alone and the foods previously mentioned are the sole dietetic causes of catarrh. Too much protein or fat in any form will produce or aggravate the condition, as will also an insufficient amount of water taken into the body. Over-fatigue, when frequently repeated, causes such constant lowering of the vital forces of the body, that once catarrh has developed it will be some time before the vitality can be restored. Excessive smoking also aggravates the respiratory tract, causes impurities to he absorbed into the bloodstream, and increases the flow of mucus. The Ideal Treatment However, catarrh is usually curable. In order to eradicate it it is necessary to re-establish elimination through all channels, and also the normal activity of all the vital organs of the body. No outside help is needed, and no matter how slow the progress, one can be certain that a proper programme of living will steadily improve the general health, and in time there will be a complete disappearance of any discharge from the mucous membrane. The ideal treatment is a fruit diet, which keeps up elimination in a normal manner, and at the same time rapidly alkalinises that accumulation of acid waste, and so aids in purifying. If the weight and general conditions of living permit, a person can remain on the fruit diet for a few weeks with benefit. Citrus fruits are preferable; in fact, any fruit will do except the sweet variety. For instance, six or eight oranges a day would be normally enough, but if the weight is dropping rapidly or is not high to begin with, and if the energy is below normal, up to twice this amount may be taken. It is very important that a large quantity of water be taken, also that the bowels be emptied daily. The regular diet should be returned to very gradually, and should consist chiefly of fruits of all kinds, salad and cooked green vegetables, with slowlyincreasing amounts of root vegetables. In fact, green vegetables and juicy fruits should form the bulk of the diet. It is very important that the body should be helped to burn up its waste products, and one of the best means of doing this ,is through exercise. Another is through proper attention to normal skin activity. Long walks are very helpful, especially when there is deep breathing. To improve the skin activity, cold showers are ideal. The reaction is beneficial not only to the skin, but to the circulation, to the blood itself, and to every cell in the / body*