When the system shows an excess of uric acid, the chances are that the individual has not been living on a diet containing too large a proportion of protein, but that he has been eating more than he requires of all kinds of foodstuffs. His system thus becomes weakened and he does not breathe deeply nor exercise sufficiently to oxidize and throw off the waste. Meats, eggs, and legumes should be eliminated from the diet. A free drinking of water, milk with limewater, cereals, buttermilk, kumyss, barley water, toast water, lemonade, orangeade, vegetables, and fruit should form the diet. Exercise and free breathing of fresh air are imperative. All food should be thoroughly masticated. [Sidenote: Excess of Uric Acid] When this condition appears it is due to too great an amount of animal or nitrogenous food. It causes dizziness, ringing in the ears, general nervousness, and insomnia. Uric acid does not render the urine acid but when the acidity of the urine is increased, due to too much animal food, the tendency of the uric acid to form a crystalline deposit is increased. This deposit, as “gravel,” may occasion attacks of renal colic or become the basis, when mixed with mucus, for kidney stones or stones in the bladder. Headaches if due to uric acid will often cease when animal food is lessened. Too much candy or sweet foods, or too much fat, eaten in connection with much protein, by deranging the liver function, change the character of the urine and favor the production of uric acid, causing such chronic ailments as bronchitis, asthma, severe nerve depression, gout, and neuralgia. The natural relief is obtained by control of the diet, supplying less protein. One may either eliminate the proteins from the diet, or may cut down the entire quantity of food. Free elimination through a free action of the kidneys, the pores of the skin, and the lungs, is necessary. Systematic exercise, deep breathing, copious drinking of water, and fresh air day and night, are the best aids. Exercise and deep breathing promote a free elimination of waste through the pores of the skin, and the free drinking of water creates a greater elimination through the kidneys, thus throwing off the excess of acid. The skins of fruits contain various acids which favor the alkalinity of the blood. Therefore it is better, when there is an excess of uric acid, to eat unpeeled fruits. Apples, eaten raw and unpeeled, because of the acids, are of benefit. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruit, are advised. Pears, and other sweet or bland fruits, because of the lack of acid, are less valuable. Pea pods when young may be cooked with the peas. String beans, spinach, celery, and asparagus are of value. All rich sauces and gravies must be avoided. [Sidenote: Gout] Osler remarks that “gout is evidence of an overfed, overworked, and consequently clogged machine.”