The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1920-05-21
CHEWING FOOD.

1t has long been recognized that the
mouth constitutes an important factor
IN the physiology of digestion, and
this Importance is increased by the
knowledge that many chronic diseases
are directly dependent upon ABSORB
ton of pus from pus pockets at the
roots of the teeth. or upon auto
intoxication, pOisOns originating in the
intestinal tract. The part which the
mouth and it's accessory structures
play in digestion is in fact of equal
value with that assumed by the re-
naming portions Of the alimentary
canal, and is of particular signif-
icance, because it is here, in the
mouth, that the only part of the diges-
tive process resides which is under
voluntary control. You have control
over your mouth, and the oral cavity
is concerned with the grinding Of the
food to the proper fineness; it regu-
lates the temperature of the food, and
provides an Gdmixture of saliva which,
aside from moistening and lubricating
functions, affords a means by which
the organs of taste are excited and the
digestion of the carbohydrates begun.
The sensation of palatability conveyed
by this means has an important effect
on the mind, increasing the potential
energy of the entire nervous system,
besides stimulating the flow of gas
trio juice, thereby improving the
digestion in the stomach and rendering
even small quantities of food more
efficient and sustaining. If you chew
your food well, your appetite will i'm
prove, and appetite is necessary to
good digestion. Systematic mastica-
ton, therefore, is of particular value
| in dyspepsia" and administration
certain nervous disorders and chronic
joint troubles which are believed to
depend on faulty digestion will be
especially benefited. Even when the
diet is limited to fluids, the suggestion
also holds good in a way, for in this
! case the liquid food should be taken
! In small quantities at time, in Or
der to gain the same advantage in the
way of gradual Introduction into the
!
which would otherwise be produced
by the act Of chewing.
Ihave intimated here that food must
| be relished to do good. Food taken
without relish is" really a clog and
hindrance to the body rather than a
nourishment. Appetite Is necessary to
the digestion of food. because, if the
| food is not relished, the saliva and
gastric juices will not be freely seA
creted. The more you chew your
food, the greater win be the flow of
saliva; the more saliva mixed with
the food and swallowed, the greater
will be the flow of gastric juice. If
| you do not like a certain food, but
! force yourself to eat 1t because 1t is
recommended as a health food, you
will probably do yourself positive in
| jury. No matter what the food is,
how plain, how simple, if it is relished
| and thoroughly chewed and mixed with
saliva, it will do far more good In
| building up health and vitality than
the most highly recommended health
! food that is so unpalatable that one
must force himself to eat 1t. Appe-
tite is generally the best guide as to
what we shall eat. do not mean an
appetite that has been perverted by
all sorts of highly seasoned, rich and
indigestible foods, but natural,
healthy appetite. Don't abuse your
| digestive system. Do not clog the
system by an oversupply of food. If
you wish to keep well, eat moderate
ly and only when hungry, chew up
completely every mouthful of food.
drink at least eight glassfuls of water
every day aud no intoxicants, and
take as much exercise as possible in
the open air. Be cheerful and don't
fret. LEARN HOW TO LIVE.