3856. All excess in eating should be avoided, but the quantity of food proper to be taken at one time depends entirely on the constitution, age, habits, degree of health, season of the year, climate, &c. The best guide is to be found in the calls of a healthy appetite.
3857. Health, and strength of body, depend upon the health of the stomach, and consequent perfection of the digestive powers, much more than upon the quantity or even quality of the food taken.
3858. Water is the most wholesome drink. Toast and water, sweetened water, or water with a slight addition of a vegetable acid, are useful diluents during the summer.
3859. Distilled and fermented liquors impede digestion; and, when drank to any great extent, invariably destroy the tone of the stomach, and of the system generally.
3860. The stomach ought not to be over distended with fluids during, immediately preceding, nor after a meal.