124 DYSPEPSIA. 



2. Dyspepsia is the name commonly used to indicate 

 difficult or painful digestion. It may take many forms 

 and be due to imperfect action of different organs. In 

 certain cases, it is, no doubt, unavoidable; some unfortu- 

 nate people have weak stomachs, or sluggish livers, as 

 others have feeble muscles or poor eyes, from causes 

 beyond their control. But in the great majority of cases, 

 dyspepsia is due to some imprudence in conduct. Its 

 most frequent cause is unwise eating and drinking; but 

 mental overwork, neglect of muscular exercise, lack of 

 fresh air, late hours, and improper clothing, all play 

 their part in various cases. Probably not more than 

 one person out of five of those who live in towns or 

 cities, reaches the age of forty, without suffering from 

 some form of dyspepsia, which might have been avoided 

 by wiser habits during early life. Once it has made its 

 appearance, dyspepsia is extremely difficult to get rid 

 of. How best to avoid it, is therefore a very important 

 branch of hygiene. 



3. The Intervals between beginning Meals should be 

 not less than four hours, five is better; except in the case 

 of young children and invalids, who require food more 

 often, and in smalt quantities at a time. As we have 

 learned (p. 115), the stomach is only emptied about two 

 and a half or three hours after an ordinary meal. It 

 should have some rest before being set again to work. 

 During this rest, it collects in its glands material for 

 making a fresh supply of gastric juice. Eating between 



2. What is dyspepsia? Why not always avoidable ? What is said 

 concerning it in the majority of cases ? Most frequent cause ? 

 Other causes? What is said concerning dyspepsia in those who live 

 in cities? Concerning ease of cure? 



3. Proper time between meals ? Exceptions ? What does the 

 stomach collect during rest ? Why is eating between meals injurious ? 



