1912] Lafayette B. Mendel 143 



equilibrium ; and, in extreme retention of salt, increased elimination 

 may be checked for many days. 



It cannot be denied that many healthy persons consume too great 

 quantities of common salt. Moderate amounts are not injurious. 

 A certain quantity of salt, as seasoning, is permissible for civilized 

 individuals accustomed to substances which stimulate the sense of 

 taste. 



The choice of foods, with regard to disease 



CARL VON NOORDEN 



The discussion pertained to the lessons dietetlc therapy holds for 

 US in its connection with various diseases and disease groups, and 

 to the foods that are serviceable or a hindrance to the attainment of 

 the end desired. Only the major groups of food substances, such 

 as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, spices and salts were considered. 



1. Obesity. Principle : Decrease in the caloric value of the food. 

 This is best attained through a decrease or total exclusion of the 

 supply of fat. Carbohydrates, where relatively plentiful in the diet, 

 should be barred out. In anti-fat treatments, the amount of con- 

 tained protein should, where possible, amount to not less than 100 

 grams. The supply of water must be curtailed only if the obesity is 

 accompanied by disturbances of the circulation. 



2. Forced alimentation. Principle : Increase of the caloric sup- 

 ply over the diet for maintenance. Theoretically, it is all the same, 

 whether the center of gravity rests upon a large supply of carbohy- 

 drates or fat. In reality, 250 gm. of carbohydrate is seldom ex- 

 ceeded, because most carbohydrate foods possess a very great vol- 

 ume. The supply of protein may not ordinarily be increased be- 

 yond 100-120 gm. By means of these, approximately 1,300 calo- 

 ries, no satisfactory alimentative results may be obtained. The 

 practical results depend always upon the increase in the supply of fat. 

 In most cases, the latter may be increased to 250 or 300 gm. daily, 

 and then increases in weight of about 2 kilos per week may be 

 gained. 



3. Gout and uric acid diatheses. Principle : Decrease in animal 

 foods; eventually total exclusion of the same. It is useful, in the 



