Children who have chronic valvular disease or enlargement of the heart, but who are not strictly confined to bed, should be closely supervised in regard to their habits of eating. They should eat slowly and moderately, and have their meals at regular intervals, taking the principal meal at noon, and a light supper two hours before bedtime. In general, animal food is better for them than vegetables, but they may eat the lighter fresh vegetables, such as spinach, tomatoes, or stewed celery in season, and sometimes a little roast or mashed potato. Rice and macaroni may be given. Bread should be only eaten dry or toasted. Sweets should not be allowed, except very rarely, when a taste of jam or preserves may be given. Such substances are apt to cause flatulency and palpitation, if not more serious disturbances, and everything depends upon saving the heart from excitation or strain. All food should be very simply cooked, and too great variety is harmful.

In acute endocarditis it is very important to avoid all food likely to cause dyspepsia. Raw eggs with brandy, broths, and chiefly milk must be prescribed, and if the stomach is weak and irritable, a part of the nutriment may be given per rectum (p. 414).