Such emotions do not thrive so well in healthy individuals as among the
sick, but then perfect health is a rarity.
When going without food people are subject to various symptoms, which
depend as much on the temperament as on the physical conditions. A
hysterical woman can scare inexperienced attendants into doing her will
by her antics. She may make them believe that she is dying. On the other
hand, well balanced, fearless people can fast for weeks with very little
annoyance. Fasting is not always pleasant and there are a number of
symptoms that are often present.
The faster loses weight, at first often as much as two pounds a day.
This is mostly water. After the first ten days the loss may be but
one-half of a pound, or less, per day. The loss of weight is greatest in
heavy people and in those who have high fevers.
The tongue becomes badly coated, and the breath foul, showing that the
mucous membrane is busy throwing out waste. The tongue remains coated
until the system is clean, and then it clears off. Most people feel weak
when they attempt to walk or work, but they feel strong when resting.
Others, who are badly food-poisoned, gain strength as the system
eliminates the harmful substances from the body.
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