192 rHYSIOI.()(,\ . 



The Bad Effects of Imperfect Mastication. If we 



swallow food before it is thoroughly ground and mixed 

 with the saliva, the stomach and other parts of the diges- 

 tive organs will require much more time to reduce the 

 food to a liquid form. Further, when eating hastily, we 

 are very apt to eat too much. Thus we may give the 

 stomach a double amount of material to handle, and the 

 material may not be half so well prepared as it should 

 be. The work thus thrown upon the stomach may easily 

 be made fourfold. Of course the organs suffer, and, 

 sooner or later, if this treatment is continued, they must 

 break down. 



Effect of Repose on Digestion. Not only mastication, 

 .but the whole process of digestion, goes on better when 

 the body and mind are at rest and in a peaceful and con- 

 tented condition, as not only the salivary glands, but all 

 the glands, are under the control of the nervous system, 

 and are greatly influenced by the condition of the body. 

 During a meal, and for a short time before and after, all 

 thoughts of one's occupation, and especially all anxiety, 

 should be absolutely dismissed from the mind. For those 

 whose digestion is not strong, it is especially desirable to 

 secure a period of rest after each meal, taking a lounge 

 or easy-chair, closing the eyes, and, as nearly as possible, 

 closing the mind ; for some, even a short nap is very 

 helpful. 



Conversation at Meals. During a meal there should 

 be conversation on topics of general interest. " Chatted 

 food is already half digested." 



Deliberation in Eating. It is said that the people of 

 the United States are nervous, and eat, as they do nearly 

 everything, hastily. Deliberation in eating adds to dignity 



