When the walls of the stomach are weak and distended or prolapsed, light food served in small quantities at regular but more frequent periods is preferable to a hearty meal, which further distends the stomach walls. The stomach does not secrete sufficient gastric juices to digest a meal large enough to supply the needs of the system, if food is taken only three times a day. When a loss of weight occurs, it usually indicates a failure to _assimilate_ rather than the failure to eat a sufficient amount of food. A good circulation, particularly through the vital organs, must be established; deep full breathing of fresh air, and regular and complete rest periods, should be observed. Usually, in chronic cases, a dietitian, or a physician, is not called 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. [Sidenote: Gastritis or Catarrh of the Stomach] This involves an inflammation of the mucous lining of the stomach and is a most common phase of indigestion. In acute cases the physician is called at once. He can then treat the case in its initial stage and cause a much more rapid recovery. _Acute Gastritis_ is accompanied by nausea and vomiting and the patient should refrain from taking food for at least two days. To allay thirst a tablespoonful of water may be held in the mouth for a few moments without swallowing it. A slice of lemon may be sucked if water excites vomiting, or cold carbonated or acidulated waters may be sipped, a teaspoonful at a time, every ten or fifteen minutes. Rest of both body and mind must be obtained. After two days 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. Increase the quantity on the fourth day and lengthen the time between feedings to three hours. Gradually increase the diet, adding semiliquid food, noted on pages 237-238, soft-boiled eggs, moistened toast, raw oysters, etc., slowly returning to the regular bill of fare. Avoid any food difficult of digestion and any vegetable containing coarse fiber. Care in the diet must be observed for several weeks or a relapse may occur. _Chronic Gastritis_ is accompanied by 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 will be gradual.