Extremes in Diet
93
diet produces poverty of the blood. Cases of disease most difficult to
cure result from this cause. The system is not sufficiently nourished,
and dyspepsia and general debility are the result. Those who use such
a diet are not always compelled by poverty to do so, but they choose it
through ignorance or negligence, or to carry out their erroneous ideas
of reform....
The narrow ideas of some would-be health reformers have been
a great injury to the cause of hygiene. Hygienists should remember
that dietetic reform will be judged, to a great degree, by the provision
they make for their tables; and instead of taking a course that will
bring discredit upon it, they should so exemplify its principles as to
commend them to candid minds. There is a large class who will oppose
any reform movement, however reasonable, if it places a restriction
on the appetite. They consult taste instead of reason or the laws of
health. By this class, all who leave the beaten track of custom, and
advocate reform, will be accounted radical, no matter how consistent
their course. That these persons may have no ground for criticism,
hygienists should not try to see how different they can be from others,
but should come as near to them as possible without the sacrifice of
principle.
When those who advocate hygienic reform go to extremes, it is
no wonder that many who regard these persons as representing health
principles, reject the reform altogether. These extremes frequently
do more harm in a short time than could be undone by a lifetime of
consistent living.
Hygienic reform is based upon principles that are broad and far
reaching, and we should not belittle it by narrow views and practices.
But no one should permit opposition or ridicule, or a desire to please or
influence others, to turn him from true principles, or cause him lightly
to regard them. Those who are governed by principle will be firm and
decided in standing for the right; yet in all their associations they will
manifest a generous Christlike spirit and true moderation.
The Youth’s Instructor, May 3, 1894
Many have misinterpreted health reform, and have received per-
verted ideas as to what constitutes right living. Some honestly think
that a proper dietary consists largely of porridge. To eat largely of