The percentage of water in milk is likewise known and for this reason the fluid content of a milk diet can be easily calculated. However, it is also true that the greatest drawback to a diet consisting solely of milk is the large amount of water therein compared with its nutrient value.
Resting the Kidneys.—During the acute stage of nephritis the kidneys are given as much rest as possible by eliminating all food and restricting the amount of water entering the body. The thirst is relieved by small sips of plain or carbonated water or by ice pellets held in the mouth, or, as is sometimes necessary, by injections of water into the rectum.
Adjusting the Fluids.—The amount of fluid, however, must be adjusted to meet the condition of the patient, taking into consideration the amount of urine voided and the uremic symptoms manifested. If the urine is not suppressed the amount of water taken may be slightly in excess of the urine voided, thus promoting diuresis. In many cases an excellent diuretic drink consisting of one pint of water and one teaspoonful of cream of tartar with a half a lemon and perhaps a little sugar, serves the purpose of relieving the thirst, which is at times acute during this period.
The extent of the starvation treatment must depend upon the patient himself. As a rule, however, it is not carried out longer than two days, after which milk may be substituted, allowing from twenty to thirty ounces per day, which is as much fluid as an ordinary nephritic patient can handle.
The regulation nephritic diet, which is bland in character, contains nothing that will tend to increase the irritation and inflammation of the kidneys, and furnishes a certain amount of nourishment when the symptoms of the disease warrant the giving of any food other than milk.
The following diets used in cases of high urea or severe hypertension:
Low Protein Diet[115]
Protein Free Diet
| Protein | Carbohydrates | Fats | ||
| Grams | Grams | Grams | ||
| Breakfast: | ||||
| Protein-free cookies[116] | (5) | |||
| Fruit juice | (100 grams) | 0 | 166.5 | 39 |
| Lactose | (15 grams) | |||
| Dinner: | ||||
| Protein-free cookies | (5) | Total calories, 1045 | ||
| Fruit juice | (100 grams) | |||
| Lactose | (15 grams) | |||
| Supper: | Each cookie weighs 10 grams | |||
| Protein-free cookies | (5) | |||
| Fruit juice | (100 grams) | |||
| Lactose | (15 grams) | |||