ix HYGIENE OF DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION 117 



shriveling of the true liver substance which causes the 

 peculiar nodules that give it the name " hob-nailed " 

 or " gin-drinker's " liver. Either of these conditions 

 unfits the liver to perform its numerous duties. 



92. The Large Intestine. By a little effort the large 

 intestine may be trained to empty itself every morning. 

 This is a very important matter, for, if the useless and 

 harmful substances are retained too long, they weaken 

 the intestines, impair digestion and absorption, cause 

 diseases of the liver, and lead to various other disorders. 

 Loss of appetite, drowsiness, headache, biliousness, and 

 constipation are among the symptoms that result from 

 neglect of this very important personal matter. 



SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS 



T. Many foods contain disease germs and hence are danger- 

 ous to eat. Milk, water, meats, vegetables, and fruits must be 

 cared for properly after they are brought to the house. 



2. Typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and trichinosis are 

 often due to impure or spoiled foods. 



3. Foods are sometimes made impure by adulteration with 

 cheaper and less nutritious substances. Milk, butter, cheese, 

 molasses, jelly, sirup, sugar, tea, honey, candy, flour, bread, 

 baking powder, saleratus, coffee, chocolate, lard, olive oil, vine- 

 gar, liquors and wines, drugs and medicines, are among the 

 things that are adulterated. 



4. Cooking is the first step in the process of digestion. 

 Boiling, roasting, baking, stewing, broiling, and frying are com- 

 mon modes of preparing foods. 



5. Teeth must be kept clean and free from particles of food. 

 They should be cleaned with a brush and tepid water at least 

 twice a day. 



