Remedial value of fresh air and exercise
Inasmuch as the blood is conveying an excessive amount of poisons to the lungs for oxidation, much depends upon the amount of pure air that is breathed and the cell capacity of the lungs for oxidation; therefore the sufferer, if unable to be out of doors, should be warmly clad and placed before an open window, or on a veranda in the sunshine, if possible, where every breath will be of fresh air. If, however, the patient is able to go out, every moment possible should be spent walking briskly in the open air. Every morning the patient should be given a vigorous "sponge" with a towel dipped in cold water, and rubbed down with a dry one. This should be done in a warm room, with the body well protected from undue exposure. The room should be thoroughly ventilated at night, and in severe cases all garments and sheets used during the day should be thoroughly aired or changed at night.
The old methods of drugging and of excluding the air and sunshine, which is in reality poisoning the patient both within and without, is little less than criminal.
A cool shower, or a sponge bath, together with a vigorous rub every morning immediately on rising, and a normal quantity of natural food, render the body almost entirely immune from colds, la grippe, and all forms of capillary congestion and effete and toxic (poisonous) substances.
(For diet, see volume of Menus, p. 917.)
In cases of Colds:
| OMIT | EAT |
| Confections | Coarse cereals (very little) |
| Desserts | Fresh vegetables |
| Fatty foods | Fruit (See p. 524) |
| Flesh foods | Light vegetable soups |
| Heavy starchy foods | Nuts |
| Intoxicants | Wheat bran |
| Whites of eggs |
CATARRH—THE CAUSE
Decomposition of unused food the primary cause of catarrh