RENAL COLIC or GRAVEL

Renal colic is associated with the formation of stones in the kidney. chemically, this stones consist of usually of uric acids. A study of persons giving a history of renal colic shows that before the age of forty the death rate is normal, but after this age here is the tendency to excessive mortality from apoplexy, heart disease, arteriosclerosis , and kidney disease. this is particularly true where there is associated, as there often is, some degree of overweight. It is advisable for persons who have passed gravel, or who have had attacks of renal colic.

To eat meats very sparingly once a day is more than sufficient to supply the elements that meats contribute to the body chemistry. It is particularly desirable to avoid such meats as liver, kidneys, brains, and sweetbreads. Boiled meats are probably no more harmful than the white meats.

Fruits are very beneficial especially the citrus fruits.

Constipation is harmful and must be avoided. usually it can be overcome by proper regulation of the diet.

Overweight particularly past the age of forty, should be guarded against. the suggestions under the heading of Height and Weight will be of value in keeping down the tendency to obesity.

Alcohol appears to be harmful particularly the heavy sweet wines or heavy brews of beer or ale and whisky, especially the cocktail before meals, unduly stimulates the appetite and encourages overeating.

Water drinking is beneficial provided it is not done excessively, three or four pints a day are usually sufficient. It is usually good practice to drink a glassful of water before breakfast and again before retiring at night.

Alkaline mineral waters may be used instead of plain water, but most of the virtue is in the water rather than in the salts in the mineral waters.

A pinch of good baking soda 9about as much as can be heaped upon a dime) in a glass of hot water before breakfast will probably do as much good as the average mineral water, the baking soda being alkaline helps somewhat in rendering the urine less acid and favoring the solution of uric in the urine. a yearly chemical and microscopic examination should be made of the urine. finally, dissipation, excitement, too much business responsibility , nervous and emotional strain, such as anger, unquestionably are harmful