2io THE VITAL PROCESSES 



HYGIENE 



The separation of wastes from the body has such a close 

 relation to the health that all conditions affecting it should 

 receive the most careful attention. Their retention beyond 

 the time when they should be discharged undoubtedly does 

 harm and is the cause of many bodily disorders. 



Value of Water. As a rule the work of excretion is 

 aided by drinking freely of pure water. As water is the 

 natural dissolver and transporter of materials in the body, 

 it is generally conceded by hygienists and physicians that 

 the taking of plenty of water is a healthful practice. Peo- 

 ple do not as a rule drink a sufficient amount of water, about 

 three pints per day being required by the average adult, 

 in addition to that contained in the food. Most of the 

 water should, of course, be taken between meals, although 

 the sipping of a small amount during meals does not 

 interfere with digestion. As stated elsewhere, the taking 

 of a cup of water on retiring at night and again on rising 

 in the morning is very generally recommended. 



Protection of Kidneys and Liver. The kidneys and liver 

 are closely related in their work and in many instances 

 are injured or benefited by the same causes. Both, 

 as already stated (page 124), are liable to injury from 

 an excess of proteid food, especially meats, and also by a 

 condition of inactivity of the bowels (page 166). The 

 free use of alcohol also has an injurious effect on both of 

 these organs. 1 On the other hand, increasing the activity 

 of the skin has a beneficial effect upon them, especially 



1 Alcohol, if used in considerable quantity, leads to cirrhosis of the liver and 

 Bright's disease of the kidneys, both very dangerous diseases. Dr. William Osier 

 in his treatise, The Practice of Medicine, states that alcohol is the chief cause of 

 cirrhosis of the liver. Dr. T. N. Bogart, specialist in kidney diseases, asserts that 

 one third of all the cases of Bright's disease coming under his observation are 

 caused by alcohol. 



