THE CONVALESCENT

Evening Star, Issue 23371, 14 September 1939, Page 8

THE CONVALESCENT

THE WAY TO FEED HIM HELPING APPETITE No phase of illness calls for more careful management than the period of recovery—berore lull activity is reestablisned, writes Dr Irving Gutter in the 1 Chicago Tribune.’ WitJi respect to diet it is a transition interval from the special, restricted menu of the invalid to that of three squares daily. The objective, of course, is to rebuild lost tissues as speedily as possible, thereby aiding the patient to regain strength. If we become over-zealous, we are likely to suffer defeat. Too much or too rich food may prolong convalescence. As a rule, appetite is a reasonably safe guide. Nevertheless many will find that hunger fails to come. Resourcefulness is then demanded with larger volumes of fruit juices, soups, and a wider variety in the edibles offered. Occasionally a mild, bitter tonic will be beneficial. Wo must recall that reserve stores have been burned up and these, as well as muscle loss, must be replaced. If the patient looks forward eagerly to his trays we must guard against overfilling the digestive tract. This leads to the suggestion that four or five relatively light meals will bo assimilated better than three standard portions. If the patient has become accustomed to tobacco its resumption should be gradual. Rest—at least a half-hour before and an hour following each repast—should be the rule. What nutriments should be emphasised? The main essentials are proteins—represented by milk, eggs, and moat. Next in order are vitamins and mineral salts. These are the corner stones in cell building. Dairy, products can be given early. In fact, milk probably constituted the major item during the acute stage of the malady. Fruits and fresh vegetables likewise are suitable. The meat ration should be instituted with a morsel, which may be increased by degrees until more than the regular amount is eaten. In order to make certain that basic foods are supplied in each 24 hours we may include additional milk, one egg. one and one-half ounces of butter, and a helping of roast beef, beef-steak, lamb, chicken, or baked fish. Tf bread is employed an extra cereal need not be insisted upon. But sugar will prove helpful as it is converted into energy quickly. Honey and brown sugar are useful. Green vegetables will be of greater value if served as a salad. There is less chance of destroying vitamins and the well-chewed fibre will be stimulating to the intestinal tube. If the blood is not quite up to normaly, substantial will be offered by calves' livers, wdaich mav be mixed in soups, or minced, stewed, or sauted. As much as a half-pound, two or three times a week, may be taken with relish. Further reinforcements will be offered by egg yolk, green beans, and carrots.

Some attention should be given to the attractiveness of the table, and. of course, good cooking is_ indispensable. Sometimes recuperation is long delayed because platters loaded with viands present anything hut an appetising appearance. Little by little—as digestion warrants —the quantity may be augmented until the patient is receiving at least half again as many calories as he is accustomed to. This ration must be maintained until average weight has been readied or exceeded slightly. The total intake may then drop back to that which, will retain the added pounds. If rebellion arises on the part of the alimentary system we may recognise the symptoms in loss of appetite, constipation. and sleeplessness. Indivividuals differ widely in habit. Some can take a bed-time snack with benefit, while others will toss for hours, only mildly conscious of the cause —abdominal discomfort. We may be obliged to back up on our nian of high calorie feeding, lowering the allowance for a day or two. At the first sign of bowel sluggishness we may prescribe two full glasses of hot water or weak tea half an hour before breakfast. This usually relieves the manifestations entirely, and, at the same time, washes the stomach so thoroughly that a hearty breakfast will he consumed. M ith many, a generous meal in the morning is highly desirable.