Digestion fails because the body has no energy left for production of enzymes and digestive juices. Rest, especially sleep, is indicated rather than food. Sleep, rest, relaxation, exercise, fresh air, sunshine, emotional and mental poise have to be supplied to the body if we want the process of nutrition to take place. How to Eat All foods, whether solid or liquid, should be chewed thoroughly to avoid hasty eating and to ensure thorough ensalivation of food. Drinking at meals is not conducive to proper digestion of food.
Liquids dilute the digestive juices and thus interfere with their work.
Very hot foods are objectionable because the excessive heat injures the delicate mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines. Dr. William Mayo, the eminent surgeon, has for years maintained that taking of hot food and liquids into the stomach is one of the causes of gastric ulcer. Very cold foods, e.g. ice water, ice cream, are also questionable items. If taken at all, they should be used in limited quantity and so slowly sipped, chewed and swallowed that before reaching the stomach they acquire a temperature near that of the body. What Not to Eat We should aim to meet our nutritional needs, while consuming as little poison as possible.