Where a loss of weight occurs, it usually indicates a failure to _assimilate_ a sufficient amount of food, rather than a failure to eat sufficient. A good circulation, particularly through the vital organs, deep full breathing of fresh air, and regular and complete rest periods, should be observed. Usually a dietitian, or a physician, is not called in chronic cases until the condition has prevailed for so long that other complications have set in and the patient has lost much flesh. It takes months to pull the system down and it takes months of following of proper hygiene to build it up. * * * * * =Gastritis or Catarrh of the Stomach= involving an inflammation of the mucous lining of the stomach, is a most common phase of indigestion. In acute cases the physician is called at once. He can treat the case in its initial stages and bring about a much more rapid recovery. * * * * * =Acute Gastritis= is accompanied by nausea and vomiting and the patient should rest from all food and drink for two days. If the mouth is dry, water or ice may be given frequently and held in the mouth, but not swallowed. After two days rest, begin the nourishment with water and a small portion of liquid food (not over two ounces) every two hours. Toast tea, made by pouring hot water over toast, oatmeal, or barley gruel (thoroughly strained so that no coarse matter may irritate the stomach), limewater and milk, and egg lemonade are easily digested foods to begin to eat. Increase the quantity the fourth day and lengthen the time between feedings to three hours. Gradually increase the diet by semi-liquid food, soft boiled eggs, moistened toast, raw oysters, etc., slowly returning to the regular bill of fare. Avoid, as you do so, any food difficult of digestion and any vegetable containing coarse fibre. Tea, coffee, pickles, and alcoholic drinks should be avoided. * * * * * =Chronic Gastritis= is accompanied with a thickening of the mucous lining of the stomach. It is usually caused by prolonged use of irritating foods and the regulation of the diet is of utmost importance. Alcohol is a common cause. The difficulty begins gradually and the relief must likewise be gradual. The stomach needs water. If the drinking of water causes nausea it is well to wash it out with a stomach pump each morning before breakfast.