EGGS AND BACON GET BAD NAME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17878, 21 June 1926, Page 10

EGGS AND BACON GET BAD NAME.

ENGLISH DOCTOR TALKS

ON ENGLISH BREAKFAST. There are times when it is just as well to go without food. A man who has just had some bad news, or some unpleasant shock of any kind, is in no condition to load his digestive tract with food. Nature knows this, and warns him away from the table by causing him to lose his appetite (writes Dr Cecil WebbJohnson in the “Evening News”). This is where well-meaning friends try to interfere with the workings of an all-wise Mother Nature. “ Why, you must eat something! ” they cry. “Your strength must be kept up! ” It would be far better were they to allow him to heed the warning signals thrown out by his own-system. To force down food when the system rebels against it is to invite serious digestive troubles. Anxiety, suspense, and anger are potent destroj’ers of appetite, and it is far better to wait till the mind is tranquil before attempting to take a meal. There was once a wise physician, who, if any letters arrived just beforfe dinner, allowed them to remain unopened till he had had his meal. He did not wish his enjoyment spoiled and his digestion upset by possible bad tidings or worry. Let us,- as far as possible, copy that far-seeing doctor. The best opinion lays it down that, work, especially mental work, should cease an hour before the principal meal of the da)' is taken. All mental worr)' must be put on one side, and we must endeavour to go to the table • in a cheerful mood. Pleasant company is a great appetiser. A spotless tablecloth, flowers on the table, and shining glass and cutlery add to the sense of well-being. When there is anything hanging over one which causes anxiety or suspense the appetite fails, and no attempt should be made to force down food at such times. No ■strenuous exercise should be taken just before meals. The best hour of the day at which to eat is in the early evening, when the day’s tasks, are, presumably, ended, and the mind turns to lighter and more suitable affairs. The most unsuitable hour is, equally obviously, early in the morning, when one is rested rfhd refreshed by a good sleep, and the day’s tasks are all before us. This, though, is precisely the hour at which the insensate Englishman , elects to fill his unfortunate stomach with fried eggs and bacon—two of the most indigestible foods he could find. He further pours upon them scalding tea, the tannin in which inhibits digestion, and then considers himself fit to begin a day’s work! No other European nation commits this dietetic crime.