It has been popularly supposed, and announced from many alleged sources of authority, that there is no remedy for this dis-ease, and from the standpoint of Materia Medica this probably is correct, but from the standpoint of the natural scientist there is a remedy. However, Bright's dis-ease, like all others herein discussed, can better be prevented than cured, and under a correct dietetic regimen, with plenty of exercise and fresh air, the kidneys, like every other organ of the body, will perform their normal functions.
When Bright's dis-ease has made its appearance, the first thing to be ascertained is the character of the diet and the general habits of eating and drinking during the previous two or three years; secondly, the occupation or habits of exercise, especially exposure to fresh air and sunshine.
BRIGHT'S DIS-EASE—THE TREATMENT
A very restricted diet should be observed, consisting largely of the following:
Fresh vegetables
Green salads
Subacid fruits
The fine cereals—
(Such as barley and rice)
Milk and eggs—(limited quantity)
All sweets taken should be in the form of sweet fruits. (See Lesson VIII, p. 313).
Milk is very beneficial in this condition—especially when taken in the form of buttermilk, clabbered milk, koumyss or zoolak. The lactic acid ferments in the sour milk help to destroy the germs of putrefaction in the intestines, which are always one of the aggravating causes of Bright's disease.
Sometimes an exclusive acid milk diet for a while works wonders.
Suggestions for diet in different seasons