Now, it will be understood that, if by some inherited or acquired vice of the constitution the gouty person has not the power of oxidising the amount of food ordinarily taken, there will consequently be a want of balance between the consumption of food and the elimination of waste products, with the inevitable result that a quantity of effete and injurious material remains circulating in the blood. The person threatened with gout must, if he would be healthy and wise, ascertain by careful observation and experiment the exact amount of food which his body has the power of oxidising, or he should by increased exercise and fresh air so stimulate oxidation in the body that the balance can be restored and maintained. There is no doubt that this can be done; but the gouty person-must, if he would be free from the attacks of his malady, become an ascetic in the matter of eating and drinking.

The Intake Of Food Should Be Strictly Limited

The gouty person should never eat to satiety, but only enough to maintain strength and to restore the waste of the body. It is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rule on the question of the amount of food to be taken, as it would depend in a great measure on the amount of exercise taken daily. This is, therefore, a matter which the patient must decide for himself after careful observation. I am acquainted with a vigorous old gentleman of eighty-eight, who successfully keeps the attacks of gout to which he is liable, at bay, by a frugal and scientific dietary. He breakfasts on fruit; at mid-day he takes a small meat meal consisting of four ounces of meat if he has walked twelve miles in the previous twenty-four hours, and of two ounces of meat if he has only walked six miles. His evening meal consists of baked apples, custard pudding, or some similar light dish. On this simple dietary, combined with active exercise, this octogenarian is able to live a busy public life, to be alert in mind and vigorous in body, and to ward off the gout which would have killed a more self-indulgent person.