The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1920-05-28

Ordinarily when we speak of per-
son being we'll nourished we merely
think of one or two important factors
In the workings Of the organism. One
may think that the digestive process
as pertaining to the stomach must be
in good condition, or perhaps he may |
become experienced enough to consider
that perfection of the whole digestive |
system, of which the stomach is only |
a part, is requisite to the best nutrition
of the body. 1t is barely possible, how
ever, that one might only consider the
food supply of the body as the all-im-
portant element in the end to be OBJ
tanned. Hence the Oft-repeated ques-
ton, What shall eat?" or, "If l could
only get my stomach to work would
become strong"
l do not say that these special
queries are not important, for indeed
they are. The only trouble is that
they are only limited part of the
process. Tie study of nutrition is not
merely the study of what we shall eat
or how the stomach will handle it,
but rather the study of the whole Or
ganism, and the making of it. The
study of nutrition begins with the prep
aration of food for the body and the
partaking of it. Next the work of the
digestive organs, as they reduce it to
that condition so that the nutritive ele-
ment can be absorbed and taken into
the circulation. During it's course in
the blood channels some of the vital
organs, especially the liver, produce
certain changes in the newly formed
products, which prepare some portions
of it for the tissues assimilation, and
other parts to supply energy and force
to the activities of the body.
The lungs bear an important relation
to the same work, as they supply ma
terial which is of equal Importance to
the building and repairing process.
The final and all-important step is the
actual assimilation by each tissue of
the element appropriate for it's own
use. 1t is success in all these steps
that furnishes the members of the body
with tissue and force; and a weak
place at any point will interfere with
the work and cause malnutrition,
which may mean the loss of strength
and flesh, or it may mean the deposit
of an abnormal amount of fat, or other
local or general morbid growths.
In the hygiene of nutrition one must
study all these functions. In the prepa
ration of food simplicity and taste are
points to be emphasized. The more
simple the diet of nutritive food the
better it can be adapted to the uses OF
the body. The cooking of food is only
to put it in the best condition to b.
handled by the digestive organs. Taste
is an important factor, as it is thu
main active stimulus in the digestive
work. Care should be taken, however
not to pervert it, as then it becomes I'm
safe as a guide. The hygiene of tn
stomach is simple. When the RICH
foods have been properly prepared ant
properly eaten it passes our guardian
ship. The greatest point to be urge
relative to the stomach is nOn-interfer
ence Give it is proper share of tn
nerve fOrce-that is not actively uSin
tine nerve FORCE OIL TIE DOuy III OII|
work while the digestive processes ar
being started and also not exhaustin
them before taking a hearty meal.
this precautiOn is taken it will TAX
care of it's own work, provided its wor
be not in excess of the needs of body
= The other part of the digestive al
paratus is alike faithful and capable
: For the best action of the liver and tn
} lungs q good circulation is essentta
The latter should not be impeded b
clothing that prevents the free flow
blood.
, Overwork or underworld will int
5 fere with the trophic nerves, and pr
!, vent their properly regulating tissr
e nutrition. Mental worry or constal
! overstrain by excessive work will e.
haust nervous vitality and force ar
e incapacitate the nerves to preside ovt
the function of nutrition or any 9TH
e function of the body.
e Of course, it is not necessary to So
e that ali dissipating habits, as the u
|, Of liquor and tobacco and all other lii
Y poisons, come first In power to unde
e mine the nervous system.
y From these suggestions we conclu'