The following constitutes a typical menu in ordinary cases. It must be varied to suit the individual case.
| Breakfast: | Fruit, cereal, two eggs (poached or boiled) with or without a few slices of bacon; two slices of toast or bread, one-half ounce of butter, and a glass of milk. |
| 10 a.m.: | Two or three eggs beaten in a glass of milk. |
| Luncheon: | Fish, chop, or steak, or some tender meat, one-half ounce of butter, one or two slices of bread, baked potato, or a dish of rice or hominy, green vegetables, or a salad of lettuce or tomato with olive oil, a dessert of custard or junket or some other nutritious dish, and a glass of milk. |
| 3 p.m.: | Milk and eggs, meat broth and egg, milk and egg custard, or Graham crackers and milk. |
| Dinner: | Soup if desired, a glass of milk, a liberal helping of some special meat, roast beef, lamb, or mutton, chicken or turkey, potatoes, or a farinaceous vegetable, and a green vegetable, dessert, and a small piece of cheese. |
This menu approximates the number of calories desirable in cases of tuberculosis that have not advanced to a stage in which complete rest is necessary. In that case a liquid or semiliquid diet is given.
When it is necessary that the diet be less expensive, beans, lentils, and eggs may take the place of meat at some meals, and oleomargarine may be substituted for butter. Milk and eggs, however, in the quantity advised, should be taken if possible.
If signs of overfeeding appear, due to the lessened activity of the digestive organs, shown by biliousness, coated tongue, etc., the food may be lessened in quantity until the condition is corrected.
If the tongue becomes coated the mouth should receive the care directed on page [95].
In all cases of weak lungs and chronic lung trouble, the diet should consist of easily digested foods. Those that cause flatulence should be avoided, as the distended stomach presses on the diaphragm and interferes with proper breathing and with the heart action.
DERANGEMENTS OF THE NERVES
No disturbance in any part of the body requires less medicine than a disturbance in the nerves. The correction must come through general hygienic treatment and directing the mind to optimistic thoughts.
Regular exercise, alternated with regular rest periods, the formation of the habit of complete nerve relaxation, the general regulation of an easily digested, nutritious diet, with deep breathing exercises, are the best remedies. The patient should be out of doors as much as possible and, unless too weak, should be employed at light work for mental diversion.