The chief therapeutic agent needed for the treatment of
tuberculosis is
calcium. Milk is the richest food source for
the supply of organic calcium to
the body and should be taken liberally. In fact an exclusive milk diet is
considered highly valuable in
tuberculosis. However, a preparatory fast for
three days, consisting of raw juices, preferably, orange juice, is essential
before the milk diet is begun. The procedure is to take half a glass of orange
juice diluted with an equal quantity of water every two hours from 8 a.m. to 8
p.m. For the full milk diet, the patient should have a glass of milk every two
hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first day, followed by a glass and a half
every hour on the second day. Thereafter, the quantity can be gradually
increased until the patient takes a glass every half an hour. Usually, six liters
of milk should be taken every day. In the case of women, five liters should be
sufficient. Raw milk, that is, milk, which has not been pasteurized, produces
the best results, provided it is clean and pure. Milk should be kept cool and
away from dust, flies, odors, and sunlight. It should be gently stirred before
use to ensure an even distribution of cream. It should be sipped very slowly so
as to be thoroughly mixed with saliva which dilutes it and, to a great extent,
promotes its digestion. Nearly eight to six weeks of a full milk diet is
necessary for the success of the
treatment. A considerable amount of rest is
necessary with a milk diet and the patient should lie down for about two hours
twice a day.