The Cause

Diarrhea is in reality not a disease, but a symptom behind which there are always primary causes, usually -

1 Overeating

2 Irritating condiments

3 Wrong combinations of food at meals

4 Poisonous laxative drugs

5 Excess of acids

6 Excess of sweets

7 Sometimes nervous excitement

Diarrhea caused by the last-named condition is usually of temporary duration. Sudden attacks of diarrhea are often caused by exposure, by changes of diet, or by the overconsumption of acids in the form of berries.

Errors in eating the cause of diarrhea.

There is no abnormal condition of the alimentary tract that is more directly traceable to errors in eating and drinking than diarrhea and all forms of dysentery. This condition is most generally caused by chronic fermentation, or by the presence of some non-nutritive or foreign substance. It matters not whether this condition comes from the use of poisonous drugs called laxative remedies, or from foods containing foreignor non-nutritive substances, the result is the same.

The habitual taking of drugs sufficiently poisonous to cause the intestinal machinery to exert enough action to cast them out, is a painful and slow process of self-destruction. It frequently happens that the peristaltic muscles become relaxed and give way completely from the habitual use of poisonous cathartics, and chronic diarrhea or dysentery is the result.

Diarrhea - The Treatment

In ordinary cases of diarrhea one can pursue his usual work provided he observes the suggestions in regard to diet, given below, but in severe cases one should avoid labor or exercise, and remain most of the time in a reclining position. Drink copiously of pure water, and eat very sparingly.

Omit

Acid fruits

All green salads

Coarse foods, such as cabbage, celery, turnips, spinach

Condiments

Desserts, pastry, etc.

Pickles and all foods preserved in acids

Red meat and flesh food of every kind except very tender fish and white meat of chicken and turkey

Relishes

Sweets

Tuber vegetables except sweet and white potatoes

Eat

Baked beans

Boiled chestnuts

Boiled corn hominy

Boiled rice (thoroughly cooked)

Boiled sweet milk

Cottage cheese

Ordinary white bread

Potatoes - Sweet (baked) White

Puree of beans or peas

Puree of rice

Sweet clabbered milk, including the cream

Very tender white meat of chicken, or turkey, or fish

Effects of emaciation.

Omit all beverages at meals except plain water, taking only about one glass.