The suggestions hitherto given for all kindred disorders will apply in most cases of neurasthenia. (See also "Nervousness—Its Cause and Cure," Vol. V, p. 1211.) The patient should be advised to spend at least from three to four hours a day in the open air and sunshine, when the weather will permit, in some quiet way, walking, driving, or in moderate exercise.
Most important of all is the diet. It should be balanced according to age, labor, and temperature of the atmosphere, and should consist of—
Such foods as will cause normal action of the bowels
Green corn
Nuts
Rich fresh milk
Yolks of eggs
Young beans, peas, or any legume before it hardens
Immature starch composes the best form of carbohydrate food, which is exceedingly necessary in most cases of neurasthenia, unless the patient be obese, in which event it should be reduced to meet only the requirements of the body, and nitrogenous foods should predominate.
A passive form of exercise is very highly recommended, such as all forms of Swedish or mechanical electrical massage. In connection with this the body should be given an olive-oil rub at least twice a week.
In cases of Neurasthenia:
| OMIT | EAT |
| Confections | All legumes |
| Desserts | Cheese |
| Fatty foods | Eggs (yolk) |
| Hot drinks | Fish—very tender |
| Fresh milk | Fresh vegetables |
| Pastries | Green corn |
| Rich gravies | Nuts |
| Red meat | Potatoes |
| Stimulants | |
| Tea and coffee | |
| White flour products |