HYGIENE OF DIGESTION 253 



digestion, for with this manner of eating, the natural 

 secretions are insufficient. Should the liquid be sipped 

 with each mouthful, or should it.be taken at intervals and 

 when the mouth is empty ? Which method would have 

 less effect in decreasing the flow of saliva ? Which method 

 would be more likely to increase the tendency to bolt the 

 food down ? 



459. Individual Wants. The student readily sees that 

 the question of individual needs is of importance. There 

 is truth in the old adage, " What is one man's meat is -an- 

 other man's poison." No cast-iron rules can be laid down 

 for any one's life. Common sense can never be dispensed 

 with. Persons with moderate powers of observation find 

 by experience what is best, and they should have will 

 power enough to adhere to what they find is best for 

 them, although opposite ideas may be presented to them 

 as the only correct way, by persons of narrow views. 

 What is enough for one is a surplus for another. Sex, 

 age, occupation, and heredity, each has its influence on 

 diet. The wear and tear of an active body requires a class 

 of food which to one of sedentary occupation would be 

 a burden. Exercise lights the fire that burns up the 

 refuse of the body, and thus it increases the appetite and 

 strengthens the digestion. 



460. Indigestion in Sound Digestive Organs. If a person 

 confines himself closely with brain work and takes no exer- 

 cise whatever, he may not digest his food well, but he need 

 not think his digestive organs unsound, and begin dieting 

 himself. He should take more exercise, and by better 

 habits of life stir up his circulation, use the food stored in 

 the cells, and they will become hungry for more, and diges- 

 tion will be perfect. There is a saying, " You can lead a 

 horse to water, but you can't make him drink." So you 

 may put food in the alimentary canal, but you cannot make 

 the cells assimilate it ? although, by the use of much pepper 



