CHAPTER XII. 

 HYGIENE OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 



1. Why Care of our Digestion is an Important Duty. 



When the digestive organs are all in good working 

 condition, appetite is healthy, our meals are enjoyed, the 

 temper is cheerful, the body vigorous and well nour- 

 ished, and life pleasant. If the stomach, liver, or intes- 

 tines fail in their duty, the picture is reversed. Appetite 

 is wanting, the brain and muscles are ill nourished, every- 

 thing is regarded from a gloomy point of view, work of 

 any kind is a burden, and life a weariness. It is plain 

 from this, that in most cases, the man with a good di- 

 gestion and, in consequence, a well-nourished body and 

 cheerful active mind, has much better chances for suc- 

 cess in life than one whose energies are weighed down 

 by bad digestion, and consequent ill heath. 



Not merely from its bearing on our own personal 

 happiness and welfare, but as a matter of duty towards 

 others, it is of primary importance to preserve the 

 digestive organs in a healthy natural state. A man 

 with good digestion is pretty sure to be an agreeable 

 and encouraging friend or companion; while the chances 

 are that one who digests badly, will be irritable, de- 

 pressed, and disagreeable. 



i. How does a good digestion influence our health and happiness? 

 A bad? Our chances for success in life? Why is it a duty towards 

 others to try and maintain our digestive organs in good condition ? 



