The Washington times., 1933-09-12
Secrets OF
Health
By FAY KING
By LOUIS e. BISCH. MD. Ph.D.
Why Most Persons Crave
Stimulants

SGAmuA&0tS
As regards the craving for
stimulants, two classes Of per-
sons exist: those who must
needs have them in order to
maintain their own sense Of
well-being, and those who can
do without them in every form,
and still feel satisfied.
Few men and women exist,
however, who do not crave
stimulantS.
It may only be the morning
cup of coffee, or the afternoon
cup of tea; it need not be
whisky before breakfast or the
daily dose of a narcotic. Yet
we are so constituted that a
little daily pepping-up, mild or
strong, is almost universally
necessary if we are to feel at
our best.
Whether certain kinds Of
stimulants should be considered
as foods or not is beside the
question here.
"BuiIder-Upper"
What medical science does
know is that the nervous and
glandular systems are so con-
stituted that they sometimes
seem to slow down. This gives
us sensations of depression,
make us lose interest and even
ambition. It is at such times,
especially, that-to borrow an
expression from that noted
stage comedian, Jimmy Du-
rante-a ."builder-upper" is de-
sirable.
Fatigue substances Of va
rious kinds probably accumu.
late in the muscles, nerves and
other tissues of the body, ana
in some mysterious manner a
sttmulant helps to eliminate
them. Many stimulants' OF
course, make the blood flow
faster and increase gland &C.
tivity. Direct action on kidney
skin and even lung elimination
can often also be noted.
A stimulant, therefore, Is q
kind of furnace-cleaning pro
cess. It aids in removing the
accumulated clinkers and ashes;
it allows the fire again to burn
brightly, so it can supply
needed heat energy.
It must be remembered, how
ever, that although stimulantS
produce, as a rule, beneficial
effects when taken in small
doses, the effects are pernicious
in large or excess doses.
Habit Forming
Particularly is this true IN
the case of alcohol. One cock
tail may remove fatigue, pro-
mote appetite, and make the
world seem rosy again. On the
other hand, a half dozen such
bracers actually will lead to
paralysis of the nerves and q
retardation Of all physiological
functionings-a state that is so
aptly termed dead drunk"
Not only should every indi-
vidual be careful about the
amount Of stimulation he
uses; he must also watch the
factor of habit. For, whereas
one cocktail may suffice to
obtain desired results for a
few months, a daily habit soon
loses its "kick" quality, and
more alcohol then is needed
for the same effect.
The daily use Of coffee and
tea does not seem to make per-
sons want to drink more and
more, but with alcohol this tend
ency is a real danger.
No person should be ashamed
that he feels the need Of stim-
ulant now and then, nor should
he deny himself the relaxation
that goes with its proper use.
But moderation should be prac-
ticed-plus common sense. Then
one can indulge in almost any
Stimulant, now and then, eX-
cept a narcotic drug, and obtain
real benefit from its use.
DR.. Bisch's Daily Diet Hint
Persons inclined to obesity
need not refrain from drinking
beer if they enjoy it. Beer
should, however, be considered
a food with a fairly high caloric
value. Therefore, if you would
drink beer and not gain in
weight, reduce somewhat the
food intake at regular meal
times, especially the carbohy'
drates (starches and sugars.
Copyright. 1898. King Features
Syndicate, Inc.)