When a loss of weight occurs, it usually indicates a failure to assimilate rather than the failure to eat a sufficient amount of food. A good circulation, particularly through the vital organs, must be established; deep full breathing of fresh air, and regular and complete rest periods, should be observed.
Usually, in chronic cases, a dietitian, or a physician, is not called until the condition has prevailed for so long that other complications have set in and the patient has lost much flesh. It takes months to pull the system down and it takes months of following of proper hygiene to build it up.
Gastritis or Catarrh of the Stomach
This involves an inflammation of the mucous lining of the stomach and is a most common phase of indigestion. In acute cases the physician is called at once. He can then treat the case in its initial stage and cause a much more rapid recovery.
Acute Gastritis is accompanied by nausea and vomiting and the patient should refrain from taking food for at least two days. To allay thirst a tablespoonful of water may be held in the mouth for a few moments without swallowing it. A slice of lemon may be sucked if water excites vomiting, or cold carbonated or acidulated waters may be sipped, a teaspoonful at a time, every ten or fifteen minutes. Rest of both body and mind must be obtained.
After two days begin the nourishment with water and a small portion of liquid food (not over two ounces) every two hours. Toast tea, made by pouring hot water over toast, oatmeal, or barley gruel (thoroughly strained so that no coarse matter may irritate the stomach), limewater and milk, and egg lemonade are easily digested. Increase the quantity on the fourth day and lengthen the time between feedings to three hours. Gradually increase the diet, adding semiliquid food, noted on pages [237-238], soft-boiled eggs, moistened toast, raw oysters, etc., slowly returning to the regular bill of fare.
Avoid any food difficult of digestion and any vegetable containing coarse fiber. Care in the diet must be observed for several weeks or a relapse may occur.
Chronic Gastritis is accompanied by a thickening of the mucous lining of the stomach. It is usually caused by prolonged use of irritating foods and the regulation of the diet is of utmost importance. Alcohol is a common cause. The difficulty begins gradually and the relief will be gradual.
There is an excessive secretion of thick, tenacious mucus which prevents the gastric juices from mixing with the food. The resulting fermentation of food causes heartburn and produces much gas. Thirst may be excessive.
The stomach needs washing. The washing may be accomplished by drinking two glasses of hot water at least an hour before breakfast, followed by stomach exercises, to cause a surging of the water through the stomach. This may be followed by a glass of cold water.