If colds are recognized and treated at the very beginning, they may generally be controlled soon. They are most often the result of fatigue, overeating, and a run-down condition, and can be suppressed by rest and careful diet. As soon as a person feels any symptoms of cold, the following treatment is recommended:

1. A mild cathartic. An effective cathartic if taken on an empty stomach is composed of 1 slightly rounding teaspoon of salt (7 grams), to 1 quart of water. The entire amount should be taken. On rising in the morning is the best time, since the stomach is then normally empty.

2. A period of fasting. Eat no food except water and a little fruit juice for 24 hours, or until the cold has been broken.

3. Water. Drink 1/2 glass of water every hour or half hour during the day. A little lemon juice may make this easier to drink.

4. Rest. Stay at home for at least 24 hours, and rest and sleep as much as possible during that time in a well-ventilated but comfortably warm room. Avoid drafts and changes in temperature.

5. Food. When the cold begins to yield, as it will in most cases in 12 to 24 hours, break the fast with a light meal of milk toast. Begin then with a light laxative diet of low fuel value. Fruits and mild vegetables, fruit juices, crisp toast, and well-cooked cereals, lightly cooked eggs, milk, milk soups or gruels.