DIET AND ARTHRITIS

a physical condition as possible, and to help offset some of the effects of the disease. For children with arthritis it is essential to meet their food needs to achieve normal growth and development.

Gout

Gout has been traditionally associated with "high living," rich foods and drink. Modern research, however, has discovered that in most instances the basic cause is that persons with gout have a metabolic defect in the ability to metabolize purine-the proteins which form uric acid. An accumulation of uric acid in the system of such individuals may occur

even on a diet normal in protein, and with normal kidney I

action. However, gouty attacks may be triggered in susceptible people by dietary excesses and other situations such as excessive dieting or alcohol consumption, or emotional upset through the effect on the body chemistry.

With a better understanding of the disease and with the newer drugs for the management of gout, blood uric acid levels can be controlled without rigid dietary restrictions. Even so, most physicians recommend that people subject to gout not tempt fate through overindulgence in fatty foods and alcohol, and through the elimination of such foods as liver, kidney, sweetbreads and beer. Coffee, tea and cocoa need not be restricted. Fluid intake should be liberal so that uric acid can be effectively eliminated.

Other Health Problems

When rheumatic conditions are accompanied by other health problems, especially kidney disorders, diabetes, ulcers or heart disease, other special diets and nutritional special measures are necessary. These can be directed only by the physician, since they may become quite complicated and each patient's needs are unique to him.
KITCHEN AIDS FOR THE ARTHRITIS PATIENT

Information on how you can obtain special kitchen devices designed to help you prepare food is available through your local chapter of The Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation. It is recommended in every case that professional counsel be sought regarding all such devices so that patients may obtain those items most suitable to individual needs.

QUACKERY VERSUS NUTRITION

It is unfortunately true that

medical science has not yet !

solved the mystery of the cause and cure of arthritis and rheumatism although modern medicine can do much to control this disorder. But it is also true that quacks and fanatics and hysterical self-appointed "arthritis experts" have not solved the mystery either.

The charlatans, however, have convinced many millions of sufferers that their products will cure arthritis. To the sellers of misrepresented products claimed as cures, some harmless but useless, others equally useless but quite harmful, your understandable but uncritical search for relief is


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