Intestinal colic may result from constipation, or from enteritis or colitis, and more particularly from that form of colitis known as mucous colitis. The dietetic treatment therefore varies with the cause. If due to constipation, the diet should be one rich in cellulose, as given on page 352. If due to catarrh of the bowel, the diet should be a bland one, containing a large amount of fat in the form of butter and cream. The following diet is appropriate: it has ample nutritious material, and leaves a scanty residue: -

Breakfast

Milk, flavoured with cocoa. Small bowl of gruel, with cream. Slice of toast and butter.

Lunch

Vegetable soup, thickened with milk and egg.

Milk pudding or custard, with cream; or stewed apples or prunes.

Bread or toast and butter.

Dinner

Vegetable soup - potato, lentil, or vegetable stock, thickened with milk.

Fish or egg, mashed potato, and a vegetable.

Milk pudding or fruit jelly, blancmange, with cream.