ANALYSIS OF FOOD.
| ARTICLES. | Nitrogenous | Carbonaceous | Mineral Salts. | Waste. | Water. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat[1] | 18 | 77 | 2 | 3 | |
| Rye[1] | 13 | 81 | 3 | 3 | |
| Barley[1] | 13 | 79 | 3 | 5 | |
| Oats[1] | 14 | 75 | 3 | 8 | |
| Maize[1] | 12 | 80 | 1 | 7 | |
| Buckwheat | 13 | 67 | 2 | 4 | 14 |
| Rice | 5 | 82 | 0 | 4 | 9 |
| Beans | 30 | 57 | 4 | 1 | 8 |
| Lean Meat | 19 | 4 | 5 | 72 | |
| Potatoes | 2 | 24 | 1 | 73 | |
| White Fish | 18 | 3 | 1 | 78 | |
| Eggs | 16 | 30 | 2 | 52 | |
| Milk | 4 | 9 | 1 | 86 | |
| Sugar | 100 | ||||
| Butter |
[1] A dry state. In any ordinary state grains contains 11 to 18 per cent. water.
CHAPTER X.
HYGIENE IN PREGNANCY.—EXERCISE.
Motion is a law of nature. All animal life is full of activity. Remaining quietly in closely heated rooms frequently causes disease in the pregnant woman. Without exercise, food cannot be assimilated, the processes of depurition are imperfect, the muscles lose tone and power, and the nervous system becomes prostrated. On the other hand, excessive labor often proves injurious. Some muscles are overtaxed and local strains produced. It is difficult to give directions applicable to all cases. Exercise should not be carried to actual fatigue. A weariness that makes the bed feel good can do no harm.
General housework is desirable, avoiding the more laborious portion, like washing, scrubbing and heavy lifting. In housework one brings into action nearly all the muscles of the body, with the exception of some of the trunk and those used in deep respiration. Even these would not lack development if clothing caused no restrictions. In the home work a woman reaches, stoops, turns, walks, lifts and climbs stairs.
Housekeeping usually interests a woman during pregnancy if at no other time. She is nest building, and the home work is a labor of love. She rests in the quiet of a cozy, retired home. How easy to perform the duties that the heart sanctions and impels!
If a woman has no functional derangement, walking and carriage riding are invaluable. She cannot be too much in the out-door air. Properly clothed, brisk walking brings into action nearly every muscle, and is invigorating to every function. American women, as a rule, walk too little. Wearing common sense shoes, having the arms free, the dress short and loose, one can accustom herself to walking long distances with positive benefit.
Light gardening can not be too highly recommended. It has the advantage of being out doors. It gives postures that bring into action the unused muscles of the trunk and abdomen.
Coming in contact with the earth carries off any excess of electricity. Besides, the result, either in a supply of fresh vegetables for the table, or in floral decorations, are always satisfactory. My own experience proves that getting out and working in the ground is a cure-all for ennui, indigestion, torpid liver, anxiety, despondency; indeed, any slight physical derangement or mental disturbance.