Abnormal hunger is entirely different. It is a very insistent craving
and if it is not satisfied it produces bodily discomfort, perhaps
headache. The gnawing remains and gives the victim no rest. Very often
it must be pampered. It calls for beefsteak, or toast and tea, or
sweets, or some other special food. If not satisfied the results may be
nervousness, weakness or headache or some other disagreeable symptom.
When missing a meal or two brings discomfort, it is always a sign of a
degenerating or degenerated body. A healthy person can go a day without
food without any inconvenience. He feels a keen desire for food at meal
times, but as soon as he has made up his mind that he is unable to get
it or that he is not going to take any the hunger leaves. Normal hunger
is a servant. Abnormal hunger is a hard master.
A person in good condition does not get weak from missing a few meals.
One in poor physical condition does, although this is more apparent than
real. In the abnormal person a part of the food is used as nourishment,
but on account of the poor working of the digestive organs, a part
decomposes and this acts as an irritant or a stimulant.
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