trogen metabolism, or to the toxins
formed as a result of the tissue changes due to the disease, the water
then instead of being restricted in the dietary is greatly increased
to encourage a free diuresis with a consequent washing out of the
accumulated poison. Certain authorities recommend a strict milk and
water diet, as has already been described in the beginning of the
chapter. A light or soft diet is advised until the condition improves,
resting the renal organs as far as possible. This diet may consist of
fruit juices, strained cereals with cream, cocoa, milk, buttermilk,
toast, butter, strained apple sauce, cream soups, except those made
with beans or peas. The above diet is gradually increased by adding a
mashed or baked potato, well-cooked green vegetables, stewed or raw
fruit, rice and tapioca pudding, and chocolate blanc-mange.

~Selection and Preparation of Food.~--The preparation of foods for the
nephritic differs in certain particulars from that used in other
pathological conditions, namely, the restriction of certain food
constituents; dishes made with meat and eggs are cut out of the diet,
and salt is used as sparingly as possible, when it is used at all. The
nurse must weigh or measure out the maximum quantity allowed and
divide this in portions for each feeding, measuring carefully any that
is not used and charting it. In this way it is possible to increase or
decrease the amount according to the symptoms of the individual. The
water content of the various foods comprising the diet is, as a rule,
not considered, but it is necessary to adhere strictly to the orders
of the physician and to curtail the beverages, water, tea, coffee,
etc., until the amount conforms to that laid down in the dietary.

The nitrogenous foods, with the exception of milk, are as a rule
eliminated from the nephritic diet. The nurse must study the tables
and learn which food materials come under this head. It may seem
difficult to prepare diet for the sick without eggs, but it is
possible and at times obligatory.

~Combating Anemia.~--In chronic (ambulatory) nephritis the anemia must
be reckoned with. It is not safe to upset the nitrogen equilibrium of
the body, but it has been proved that this may be maintained on as
little as 30 or 40 grams of protein a day. This will be seen not to be
difficult to obtain when milk forms an important part of the diet. The
wheat and oat cereals, as well as the bread, contain protein, and a
jud