This may be uncomfortable at first, causing a full feeling, and one may begin by drinking one glass, followed by stomach exercises, gradually taking another glass within a half-hour of the first. This, by means of the exercises, will wash out the mucus.
A glass of cold water half an hour before each meal is recommended here, as well as for relief of indigestion.
In many cases as much as a pint of slimy mucus collects in the stomach during the night. When the stomach cleansing by means of water drinking is impossible, the physician often uses a stomach tube.
Chronic gastritis, in any of its phases, is frequently accompanied by constipation, which reacts on the stomach, and the diet should be as laxative as possible, without irritating the lining of the stomach.
In case an acute attack occurs, which is likely in chronic cases, the diet under “Acute Gastritis” should be followed.
Pancreatinized milk is an excellent food in both chronic and acute cases especially when they are severe. This is prepared by putting “pancreatin” a pancreatic ferment (trypsin) into fresh milk. Preparations of “pancreatin” are sold in the drug stores. Pepsin may be used in the same way for making peptonized milk.
The pancreatinized milk does not form hard curds and readily passes through the stomach for digestion in the intestine. The taste is rather bitter; it may be disguised by flavoring. This may be given for a few days, followed by milk and limewater, barley and toast water, kumyss, oatmeal gruel, meat juices, scraped meat (raw, boiled, or roasted), broths thickened with thoroughly cooked cereals, ice cream, egg lemonade, gelatins and whipped cream, custards and raw oysters.
Fruit in the morning and just before retiring aid the intestines. Two prunes chopped up with one fig, or a bunch of grapes, or an apple, just before retiring may be eaten to assist the action of the intestines and the kidneys.
Almost all fruits contain acids which increase the peristalsis, and the resultant flow of gastric juice. Cooked pears, stewed or baked apples, prunes, and dates are mild fruits which may be used if they agree. The juice of an orange on arising may be used if relished.
All cereals should be thoroughly cooked.