South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-11-23
Dir. COPELAND ANSWERS A
VERY INTERESTING INQUIRY.
l.S Royal >. Copeland. VI. D.. Cont
missioner of Health New


a doctor writes 20 ask What
are tine causes. symptoms and cure
of nigh acidity OF the urine" When
. started to write these articles I
had no thought OF instructing the
medical profession and ] haven't
now. Ny correspondent needs no
advice. of course. but. out of the
kindness Of his heart wanted 20
suggest a useful and timely topic.
Therefore. not 10 instruct him. but
To- give my readers the benefit OF
this Information. 1 shall attempt TO
answer the questions this thoughtful
doctor asked.
In examining the fluids of the
body il is customary 10 find whether
they are acid, alkaline or neutral
like water This test is called taxi
ing the reaction" The urine Of
al person who lives on the usual max
ed diet Of the human family has an
acid reaction. In testing the urine
we expect 20 ind it acid. and imme-
diately make a lot of inquiries if it
isn't
Meat Makes" Acid.
The nature and quantity Of he
food determines its reaction Meat
has pronounced effect The more
meat consummed. the more acid is
the urine. Fats. starches. like
bread. rice and other cereals. sugar
and alcoholic beverages increase the
acidity Most fruits. even the acid
fru$s-lemons. oranges and peaches.
for produce alkaline urine.
but a few-suCh as prunes and cram
berries-result i'm increased acidity.
There is a lot ~ dispute over the
effect Of exercise on the reaction OF
the urine 10 IS conceded that per
sons I'm perfect health often pass
neutral or alkaline urine in the
morning, after the quiet of the
night. because of this and for other
reasons, most of the authorities be
Eeve muscular activity increases tine
acidity
The acid OF the urine is rot due
go uric acid alone. 1t is caused by
the pressure of half a dozen other
acids Anything increasing the ex-
erection Of any one or all of thsee
acids will tend. of course. TO all to
the acidity OF the urine. Among such
causes is the action Of the body It.
slf-in the course of its growth ana
repair acids arc continually pro-
tuCcd
Only symptom
FAILURE Of the body 20 deal nor
ual'y with the food taken will in
crease the ncid content Of the urine.
certain diseases have this effect.
VI nero there Is combined heart and
sidney trouble. Bright's disease. dta-
u.tcs or lever OF any sort. increased
idity Is the rule.
Excessive acidity OF the urine isn't
disease. To is one Of the symptoms
20 faulty eating. or of imperfect
bodily action Therefore. we do not
expect 90 find "A lot Of symptoms
which may be ascroed TO the acid
lty As a matter Of fact however.
here may be discomfort I'm the
bladder frequent urging 10 urinate
and burning and smarting after
ward
The treatment has been suggested
ny our recital of tho causes. -ne
underlying disease must be over.
come The heart. kidneys and other
organs must be made % perform
their respective functions. This Is
uot easy il there Is organic dlstur-
aauce. Many functional disorders
are more readily removed Among
the latter. constipation should be
corrected
Generally speaking. greatest de
ucrderce must be placed on the diet.
The acd-produc.ng foods should be
Eliminated and cCid-dcstroying foods
substituted The dependable potato
~ one OF the best CT such foods.
Vegetables must be eaten Instead
of meat. lots Of water should be
taken and the bodily functions en-
couraEed by plenty Of rest and sleep.