A PASTER’S BILL OF FARE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3778, 23 November 1907, Page 3

A PASTER’S BILL OF FARE.

The Dominion publishes the following from a Wanganui gentleman ;

“In re fasting and the Auckland press wire containg doctors’ doubts and opinions that fasters must have taken some ‘ fluid.’ That is just what is done, but the fluid is of the uon-nutrilious variety, being confined to water, hot or cold (either ‘ straight ’ or with a lemon squeezed into it), soda water, and, in a very few cases, an occasional cup of tea — the latter a sign of weakness due to the Old Adam. It should be made clear that fasting does not mean abstention both from food and drink, but only from the former. Of course, liquids like milk and beef tea are foods, and are barred.

“ Water is very valuable in allaying craving for food, and hot, with a lemon squeeze, isstimlating and refreshing. After a few days of this the alimentary and nervous systems get a good rest, cleansing, and benefit greatly. Of course, weight is lost, but if due care is taken in the choice of food after eating is resumed weight soon gets back to the normal with good clean tissue. Some people worry when fasting, and get into a blue funk lest they might collapse. They will do just as well to keep on their feed. All that is wanted is horse sense enough to know when they are beginning to feel ‘ ex,haustion ’ as distinct from the slight weakness which, some —but not all—feel. For the rest, there is a cupboard in every house, and no famine in the land. “Another instance I forgot to tell yon about was of a young lady acquaintance of ray own who had a bad attack ot ‘nerves;’ She fasted for eight days, went about her daily business as usual, experienced no discomfort, and felt much better for it.

“ The instances I have given you are facts, well attested, and some within the scope of my own personal knowledge. But it should be understood that fasting means abstention from food only, whether solid or fluid. Drink, so long as it is not food, may be taken, and is beneficial, as. it washes the system out. ,My own experience in my short font-days fast, however, was that thirst diminished in a wonderful degree.”