The condition of the nerves depends upon the general condition of the system and upon general nutrition. There is no one food or set of foods which directly affect any nervous trouble, unless this trouble be localized by disturbance in some particular organ. Then the effort must be to correct the difficulty in that organ. There is no disturbance in any part of the body requiring less medicine than a disturbance in the nerves. The correction must come through general hygienic treatment. Regular exercise, alternated with regular rest periods, the formation of the habit of complete nerve relaxation, the general regulation of an easily digested, nutritious diet, with deep breathing exercises, are the best remedies. In many cases of nerve debility the nerves seem to be stronger in the latter part of the day. Where this is the case the hearty meal should be eaten at this time. * * * * * =Neurasthenia.= In cases of Neurasthenia, or “Tired Nerves,” all vital organs are more or less affected, because the nerves do not properly direct digestion, absorption, assimilation or elimination and, for this reason, the diet should be light and of easily digested foods. _A free, correct breathing of fresh air, day and night, is imperative._ It is important also to thoroughly masticate all food and drink freely of water. A change of thought, induced by a change of scene or companions, is helpful. * * * * * [Sidenote: Gout] This difficulty is usually the result of high living. It most often attacks people past middle age, who have indulged in rich pastries, puddings, meat three times a day, or who have frequently indulged in alcohol. Being supposedly caused by an excess of uric acid and other waste deposited in the joints, resulting from too much protein and an insufficient elimination of the waste of the system, the dietetic treatment must be a low protein diet. Alcohol is absolutely prohibited and the quantity of carbohydrates and fats must be cut down as well as the protein. In _acute cases_ a diet of bread and milk, or toast and milk, with light vegetable broths should be followed for one to three days. In _chronic cases_ the diet may consist of the following:[11] =Soups.=—Vegetable broths. =Fish.=—Fresh fish, shell fish, raw oysters. =Meats.=—It is better to omit all meats. If meat is eaten at all, it should be confined to game, chicken and fat bacon. =Farinaceous.=—Cereals, crackers, dry toast, milk toast, macaroni, graham or whole wheat bread, rye bread, oatmeal and any of the breakfast foods. =Nuts.=—With salt. Vegetables.—Celery, lettuce, watercress, all greens, with vinegar, string beans, green peas, potatoes, carrots and beets. =Fruits.=—All fruits, stewed or fresh. Unpeeled apples are especially recommended. (Greens, with vinegar and unpeeled apples increase the action of the kidneys.) =Desserts.=—Plain puddings, junket, rice, stewed or fresh fruits.