THE USE OF WATER AT MEALS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5092, 27 October 1894, Page 2

THE USE OF WATER AT MEALS.

Opinions differ as to the effect of the free digestion of water at meal times, but the view most generally received is probably that ib dilutes the gnetrio juice and bo rpUrda digestion. Apart from the fact tbac a moderate delay in the ptoee^a is by no moans a disadvantage, as Sir William Roberts has 6hown in his explanation of the popularity of tea and coffee, it is mora than doubtful whether any such effeot is in reality produced. When ingested during meals, water may do good by washing out digested food, and by exposing the undigested part more thoroughly to the action of the digestive ferments. Pepsia ib a catalytic body, and a given quantity will work almost indefinitely, provided the peptones are removed bb they ara formed. The good effect of water drunk freely before mealß Laß, however, another beneficial result —it washes away the mucus whioh is saoreted by the mucous membrane during the interval of repose, and favours peristalsis of the whole alimentary traot. The membrane thus cleansed is in a much better condition to receive food and convert it into soluble compounds. The accumulation of mucus is especially well marked in the morning, when the gastric walls are covered with a thick, tenacious layer. Food entering the stomach at this .time will become covered with this tenacious coating, which for a time protects it from the action of the gastric ferments, and so retards digestion. The tubnlar contracted stomaoh, with its puckered mucous lining and viscid contents, a normal condition in the morning before breakfast, is not suitable to receive food. Exercise before partaking of a meal stimulates the circulation of the blood and facilitates the flow of blood through the vessels. A glass of water washes out the mucus, partially distends the stomach, wakeß up peristalsis, and prepares the alimentary canal for the morning meal. Observation has shown that non-irritating liquids pass through the "tubular" stomaoh, and even if food be present they only mix with it to a slight extent. According to Dr Leuf, who has made this subject a special study, cold water should be given to persons who have sufficient vitality to react, and hot water to ©th«r«. In chronic gastric catarrh it is extremely beneficial to drink warm or hot water before meals, and salt is said in most oases to add to the good effeot produced.