Limewater is added to the milk to avoid the formation of large curds and to neutralize the acids of the stomach. The patient is given half a cup of milk every hour for three days, from 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. From the third to the tenth day the quantity may be increased to one cupful, then to a cup and a half, and the periods between feedings lengthened to two hours. If the milk is thoroughly heated, but not boiled, before the limewater is added, it digests more readily.
After ten days, for the succeeding ten days the nourishment should be given every two hours and the diet varied by semiliquid foods, such as gruels, toast water, soft-boiled egg (once a day), beef juice, two softened crackers (once a day), gelatin, buttermilk, and strained soups. (See page [313], Semisolid Foods.)
After twenty days the patient, if all is well, may very gradually resume a normal diet, beginning with baked potatoes, softened toast, lamb chops, a small piece of steak or white meat of chicken. It is imperative that all food, liquid or solid, be thoroughly mixed with saliva and that solids be chewed to a pulp.
Liquids must not be swallowed either hot or cold, but about body temperature. Cold water may be taken into the mouth when more palatable than warm and held there until about body temperature before it is swallowed. All liquids should be sipped, not swallowed in gulps.
When the condition of ulcer has existed for some time complete rest in bed for from six to ten weeks is advisable. Either the diet suggested above or, if it is desired to gain in weight, a diet of milk, cream, and eggs may be followed. All solid food should be avoided.
INTESTINAL DISORDERS
Most cases of intestinal difficulties may be traced to a clogged condition, either due to a weakness of the nerves and of the intestinal muscles, with resultant weak peristalsis, or to insufficient lubrication.
If the waste is not promptly moved through the intestines, irritation may result and the poisons from bacterial fermentation will be absorbed by the system.
Deranged digestion in the stomach also interferes with digestion in the intestines. Likewise delayed intestinal digestion affects digestion in the stomach.