DIET IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE. 351 



tain solid vegetable^ which might be swallowed without previous 

 solution by the salivary secretion. 



If sleeplessness be troublesome, an egg, a sandwich or a few 

 biscuits, with a little warm wine and water or a glass of bitter ale, 

 the last thing before going to bed, will be found serviceable. 



Attention should be paid to the teeth. These little organs of 

 mastication perform a very important part in the preparatory pro-. 

 cess of digestion. Those that are sound should be preserved; those 

 that are beginning to decay should receive the immediate care of 

 the dentist. Artificial teeth are very valuable substitutes for lost 

 natural teeth, and when a set has been procured they should be 

 examined every few months by the dentist so that they may be 

 fitted to the shrinking gums and their grinding surfaces kept in 

 apposition. The roughness of those surfaces also becomes worn 

 down and consequently the trituration of food is incomplete. 

 Teeth should be obtained not merely to improve personal appear- 

 ance bat also to promote mastication and healthy digestion. 



Diet in Maternity The expectant mother should make few 

 changes in her diet, if it be simple, nutritious and easily digested. 

 It is an error to suppose that she should eat and drink excessively. 

 Quality is to be considered rather than quantity. Rich food does 

 not nourish the infant, and may be productive of serious conse- 

 quences. Whatever is taken should be thoroughly masticated, and 

 accompanied by a little cold drink, as milk and soda-water. Animal 

 food, plainly cooked, once a day, well boiled vegetables, ripe fruit 

 and farinaceous puddings, will afford sufficient variety and at the 

 same time not disagree with the stomach. Highly seasoned dishes, 

 salted and smoked meat, pastry, rich sauces and much raw fruit are 

 objectionable. Strong tea and coffee and stimulants are usually 

 injurious to mother and child. Everything likely to produce con- 

 stipation should be avoided, while such food as small quantities of 

 brown bread, biscuits and cooked fruits should be taken to maintain 

 a healthy action of the bowels. 



The recently delivered mother should be allowed as much good 

 nutritious food as she can easily digest and assimilate. As soon 

 after delivery as the appetite returns, substantial, nourishing diet 

 may be given. If the appetite be poor (perhaps from exhaustion 

 or want of fresh air, or want of exercise), it may be at once tempted 

 by some simple but palatable food, without waiting for it to 

 become stronger. A mutton-chop or the breast of a chicken, oat- 

 meal-porridge, cold toast buttered, bread and butter, light farinac- 

 eous puddings, gruel, cocoa, or black tea, may be given. Many 

 women have suffered from low, inflammatory symptoms and 

 serious womb disorders from a too exclusive use of liquid food, the 

 system being insufficiently strengthened to rally from the physical 

 exhaustion attending parturition, or labor. It should be distinctly 

 understood that wholesome food is the best preventive of inflam- 

 mation. Too much liquid food is likely to produce flatulence, 



