HEALTH GUIDE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26905, 18 October 1948, Page 6

HEALTH GUIDE

HINTS FOR DYSPEPTICS By the Department of Health Dyspepsia is a more technical name for indigestion. Whatever you call it. it is a distressing nuisance, and mostly unnecessary. The symptoms are loss of appetite, bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, heartburn and wind. All; are very unpleasant. Over-fatigue is stomach enemy No. 1. Hurry and fuss at the beginning of the 'day are likely to upset the stomach. The answer to that is to get up early; then there is no need to hustle before breakfast. Go to bed early and get nine hours’ rest whenever possible. . , . . Lying flat on the back is good for dyspeptics, especially Tf they can learn to go completely limp. Rest before as well as after meals, and do not undertake heavy work, particularly if it involves bending the back so as to constrict the stomach, until about an hour after any main meal. If you return from work very tired, it is a good idea to drink a glass of water and lie down for 20 minutes or so before eating. Constipation is the second enemy. Indigestion is more often due to laxatives taken regularly without advice than to constipation. Four measures which will prevent constipation are: Drink plenty of water, though not immediately after meals. Eat extra fruit and green vegetables. Exercise more, and—most important of all—go to the lavatory the same time each day, preferably 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. If, after adopting all these measures for a couple of months you are . still constipated, consult your doctor. Take laxatives only on his advice, and in the doses he recommends.

Irritation is the third enemy. Food not properly chewed sabotages the works, so make sure your teeth are in good order. Eat slowly and avoid worry. Use very sparingly mustard, spice and sauces. Avoid fried foods. Butter and vegetable oils are the most digestible fats. Avoid starchy foods such as pastry, biscuits and cake, especially if cooked with fat. Go easy on alcohol, coffee and chocolate. Eat small meals, even if you find you have to have more of them. Eat moderately of red meats and have plenty of fish if it agrees with you. A good lump of cheese each day suits most stomachs. Have fresh fruit and green vegetables twice a day if possible. Wholemeal bread helps to defeat constipation. Drink plenty of water and a glass or so of milk daily. If your indigestion continues, consult your doctor.