The symptoms are usually pain in the epigastrium; nausea and sometimes vomiting in the morning; general loss of vitality and ambition; sallow complexion. A dull aching or a throbbing pain is often experienced, followed by a heavy, sluggish feeling, especially on rising in the morning. Alternate constipation and diarrhea, and enlargement of the liver are frequent symptoms. In the atrophic variety, however, the liver shrinks in size.
CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER—THE TREATMENT
The diet should be nutritious, yet simple, so as to put as little labor as possible upon the already impaired digestion. Fats should be restricted, and starchy foods should be closely limited, so as not to set up additional fermentation.
A liberal service of plain wheat bran should be taken at least twice a week in order to insure active intestinal peristalsis.
All stimulants, narcotics, sweets, condiments and irritating foods of every character should be omitted. The patient should drink copiously of pure water at meals, omitting all other beverages.
In cases of Cirrhosis of the Liver:
| OMIT | EAT |
| Acid fruits, except the | All legumes |
| citrus fruits | Edible succulent plants |
| Condiments | Fresh vegetables |
| Fats | Green corn |
| Gravies | Liberal quantity of wheat |
| Red meats | bran |
| Stimulants and narcotics | Limited quantity of— |
| Sweets | Apples Oranges |
| White bread | Bananas Peaches |
| Grapes Pears | |
| Grape fruit Plums | |
| Lemons | |
| Nuts | |
| Potatoes | |
| Salads | |
| Whole wheat thoroughly cooked |
Cirrhosis of the liver is always aggravated by the overconsumption of sweets, starches, fats and intoxicating beverages. Sweet and starchy foods should be limited and intoxicants of all kinds should be entirely omitted. An abundance of pure water should be taken at meals.