roasted meat, alcoholic
beverages, which exert a stimulating or irritating effect upon the
liver, should be studiously avoided and the fats and carbohydrates
restricted, since, as it has already been demonstrated, it is upon the
liver that the body depends for the preparation of these substances
for their utilization. When, for example, the flow of bile is
lessened, an incomplete emulsification of the fats exists and the
fatty acids which are highly acid in character cannot be efficiently
dissolved or neutralized, or when the liver is diseased and for this
reason the conversion of glycogen into glucose is interfered with, the
utilization of the carbohydrate foods is thus impaired.

GALLSTONES

~Factors Influencing Their Formation.~--According to Friedenwald and
Ruhraeh[155] the two factors that in all probability exert the most
influence on the formation of gallstones are the stasis of bile and
the inflammation of the bile passages and gall bladder.

~Dietary Rules.~--There are certain dietary rules which should be
observed by all persons who have had gallstone attacks. These are (1)
to prevent stasis of bile, (2) to avoid fats. Everything should be
done to prevent the formation of the stones, and this can only be
accomplished by observing these rules. The flow of bile must be free;
this is encouraged by keeping the intestinal tract in good condition.

~Stimulating Peristalsis.~--Peristalsis must not be allowed to become
sluggish, for it is only during the process of digestion when the food
mass passes along the intestinal canal that there is an ejection of
bile into the intestines. When the passage is abnormally slow the bile
is in a measure dammed back with a formation of gallstones as a
result. The restriction of the fats has already been discussed in
another part of the chapter. It has been demonstrated that these
substances have a chemical influence upon the formation of gallstones
as well as upon the intestinal stasis which leads to their formation.

~Dietetic Treatment.~--Hence the diet should be so directed as to (1)
increase the flow of bile, and (2) to avoid all foods that are liable
to cause indigestion which may bring about putrefaction in the
intestinal tract and a consequent irritation and inflammation of the
bile passages and gall bladder.

The meals should be regular and an abundant diet advised to increase
the flow of bile and stimulate peristalsis in the intestines.

~Exercise.~--Exercise is