AUTO-INTOXICATION
Auto-intoxication is a condition produced by the absorption of the decomposition products of food in the intestinal canal.
Absorption of Toxins.—As a rule the condition occurs in individuals suffering more or less from constipation which may be due to errors in diet or a lack of tone in the intestines, giving rise to a sluggishness in the peristaltic movements in this region of the alimentary canal. In certain individuals the liver is more or less sluggish, or in some way fails to do its regular work of detoxifying the products of metabolism brought in by the blood stream, in which case these toxins are reabsorbed into the system and induce a condition known as auto-intoxication.
Care of Bowels.—As a rule the patient has more or less fever, nausea and at times vomiting. The head aches and the abdomen may be distended by the formation of gas in the intestines. The treatment is like that used in the majority of intestinal disorders. The bowels are emptied by means of soapsuds or salts and glycerin enemas. Certain physicians recommend an enema made with equal quantities of milk and molasses, with enough hot water added to make a thin, warm solution. Care must be used in preparing this flatus enema on account of the danger of curdling the milk with the acid in the molasses and the hot water. If the solution should curdle it must be discarded and a fresh solution prepared. A flatus enema containing salts, glycerin, and a few drops of turpentine is also valuable in removing the gas formed by the action of the putrefactive bacteria upon the unabsorbed food mass. This enema must be given “high” so as to reach the spot in the colon where it may efficiently do its work.
Dietetic Treatment.—The diet may consist of fluids for the first few days, or as long as the fever continues. Buttermilk is probably the best fluid food to use under such conditions, since it not only nourishes, but likewise furnishes lactic acid bacteria which aid in the destruction of the more harmful bacteria, especially numerous under the conditions just mentioned. When whole milk is given it is best to peptonize it. Well-strained meat broths may be given occasionally to vary the diet and albumenized orange juice or orange juice in carbonated water may also be given once or twice daily during the febrile period. After this, the patient may have well-cooked cereal gruels. These may be dextrinized with vegetable diastase (Taka diastase) if necessary. A return to normal diet is made gradually to prevent a return of the trouble. The patient should be advised against overeating, and eating highly seasoned or indigestible foods.
Convalescent Diet.—The diets recommended for use during convalescence from other intestinal disorders may serve here, reducing, however, the allowance of meat, since meat proteins are particularly susceptible to attacks of putrefactive bacteria.
Dietary Precautions.—After the body has returned to its normal state, the patient must keep in mind the danger arising from constipation and intestinal putrefaction. The following menu is given as a guide to aid the individual in selecting a diet which will in a measure assist in preventing future attacks of intestinal putrefaction and auto-intoxication: