Strictly speaking, digestion is largely a
process of fermentation, consisting of the breaking down of complex
substances into simple ones, by means of ferments. However, in the
popular mind digestion and fermentation are not synonymous, and will not
be so considered in this book. To make my meaning clear, in this book
the words will have the following meaning:
Digestion--the normal breaking down of food and formation into
substances that can be used by the blood for building, repairing and
producing heat and energy.
Fermentation--the abnormal breaking down of food in the digestive tract,
producing discomfort and health impaired. This process manifests in
various ways, such as the production of much gas in the digestive tract
or hyperacidity of the body.
We will consider digestion as a process conducive to health, but
fermentation, as one that leads to disease, being an early stage of
digestive derangement.
CHAPTER IV.
OVEREATING.
All agree that excessive indulgence in alcoholics is harmful physically,
mentally and morally. We condemn the too free use of tea and coffee and
nearly all other excesses. However, intemperate eating is considered
respectable.
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