ABSORPTION DIGESTION COMPLETED. 1 9 1 



cesses of digestion, and be absorbed into the system and 

 appease hunger. 



Value of Soup. But if a soup be first taken, which is 

 readily absorbed, the demand of the system will begin to 

 be met, and there will not be the same tendency to rapid 

 eating. Further, a warm soup stimulates the blood flow 

 in the mucous membrane, and thus prepares for more 

 thorough digestion. It is more easy after a soup to 

 deliberately masticate the solid portion of a meal. 



Desserts. Dessert and sweatmeats, following a meal, 

 are often very helpful by further stimulating the secretion 

 of the glands. Nuts, which are not very digestible, are 

 beneficial if eaten sparingly. The agreeable taste stimu- 

 lates the salivary glands, and the alkalinity of the saliva 

 stimulates the gastric glands to increased activity. The 

 same may be said of cheese. 



" Cheese is a surly elf, 

 Digesting all things but itself.' 1 



Pie. The average pie needs some extra help for its 

 digestion. Donoghue, formerly champion long-distance 

 skater, when asked if he dieted in preparation for a race, 

 said he avoided pastry. If the vigorous digestion of a 

 man skating for hours daily in zero weather cannot profit- 

 ably manage pie, how in the case of sedentary persons ? 

 If pie is eaten, it should be masticated with very great 

 thoroughness. Undoubtedly most persons would be better 

 off if they did not eat puddings and pastries. Fruit is 

 best taken before meals, especially before breakfast. 



Hot Drink at Meals. Hot drink, with a meal, whether 

 it be tea or coffee, or simply hot water, is usually bene- 

 ficial ; especially to a weak digestion when taken before 

 meals. 



