Page:Linda Hazzard - Fasting for the cure of disease.djvu/253

 of fasting cases makes plain the fact that the fast will perfectly relieve all ailments of a functional character, but that it can never wholly overcome mechanical defects in body organism. However, the fast will uncover the organic condition of the system, and will cause the nature of its deficiencies to be clearly displayed. One whose organs are functionally equal to the requirements of elimination undergoes the treatment with no unusual symptoms. But, when severe and distressing manifestations arise during the period of abstinence from food, it is virtually certain that defects in organism lie within. Post mortem examination of the bodies of patients who have died while the fast was in progress gives proof to this allimportant point, and, in these cases, it was further demonstrated that death would have occurred, fasting or feeding.

A drug, with regard to its effects upon the human body, may be said to be any substance which will influence metabolism and the functioning of the organs. According to this definition, foods, especially when of unwholesome quality, even though the quantity be reasonable, may react as a drug upon the system. Food itself, like substances regarded