The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-05-14

opthalmia, night-blindness, ulcera- tion of cornea, conjunctivitis, per- haps renal calculus, multiple scler- osis, and in optimal ration enables the body to develop and maintain the highest degree of immunity against infection, particularly cri. Long before vitamins were dis covered physicians prescribed cod liver oil empirically as a ''tonic" and alternative, especially in cases of chronic bronchitis or fre- quent and obstinate 'colds," and for children who seemed physical ly frail. Aside from the vitamins, cod liver oil contains considerable iodin, and this essential element, so often lacking in the ordinary diet, accounts for some of the vir- lures ascribed to cod liver oil.
 Elsewhere I have remarked on the futility of choosing only foods which are assumed to be "easily digested" and eschewing items as- stunned to be difficult to digest" Now may add that in my opin- ion it is quite as bootless to select or reject foods because they are reputed to be or not to "fatten- ing." True enough, overindulgence in certain items of diet, taking certain things to excess, is the chief factor in many instances of overweight, it does not follow that moderate use of the same items in the diet will have any appreciable effect on body weight. It is grand total of calories ingested day by day that determines whether your food is "fattening" or not.
 Probably the common notion that certain items are ''fattening" and other items are "nourishing" or strengthening" without being "fattening" rests on he quaint diet lists of the past, parallel columns of things one ''may cat" or may not eat" Some charlatans still sell such "diets'' to the wiseacre and ninnyhammer portion of the population.
 Sweets such as sugar, candy, ice cream, sweetened fountain bever- ages, cake, cookies, buildings, pas tries, syrups, chocolate bars, pack the most calories in forms easiest to eat. For the overweight this is tragic. For the underweight 1t is a blessing. No trouble at all to slip down the chute a 400 or 500 calory chocolate sundae with fudge sauce and walnuts or pe- cans; or if you are thirsty to drink a 150 calory glass of your favorite refreshing bevarage. Most fat folk, say, have a fatal fondness for these delectables. Many thin folk have a limited tolerance for such things. Insullin treatment raises the tolerance; promotes better nu- triton. But does vitamin B. In- deed we knoww that an optima. ration of vitamin B is equivalent to small dose of insulin in ef- feet, but this effect of vitamin B becomes manifest only after the optimal ration has been taken for a month or more.
 Baby Sucks Clothes
 How to stop, ten months old baby from sucking the bedclothes. (Mrs l.. R. W.)
 Answer-Dip edges of clothes in a decoction made by steeping some quassia chips in a quart of water. Let dry. This imparts very bit- ter taste, which is harmless. A few ounces of the same decoction given as an injection after a sim- pie soap and water enema is a good remedy for pipworms.
 Substitutes
 Effects of use of oleomargarine in place of butter and crlsco in place of lard. (B. r. B.)
 Answer-No objection to use of such substitutes provided the diet includes at hast pint of fresh milk daily.
 Fine Complexion
 I want lovely skin as we'll as healthy skin. If my skin will re. main fine without spending seven doilars-that's what 1 pay every time I replenlsh my supply of creams-then I want Co know t. (E. G.)
 Answer-it is silly to think the skin or tho map can be n0urlshod, beauiliicd or improved by smear Ing t with fancy eEeamA Plain