DRINKING.
Many diseases of the body are caused by what we take into our stomachs.
You can see, therefore, how important it is that we should know what and
how to eat and drink.
TEA, COFFEE, MILK, AND CHOCOLATE.
If I say that tea, coffee, and chocolate are poisonous, and that they
shorten life, you will smile and shake your head. Very likely some of
you have kind grandmothers who have drunk tea all their lives and still
enjoy good health. Perhaps your father is fond of his coffee and feels
no ill effects from its use.
No doubt it would be better for all if only water was drunk, but it
cannot be said that a temperate use of tea, coffee or chocolate and what
are known as temperance drinks, are injurious. Milk is a drink of
nature, and therefore excellent, though it does not agree with every
person.
WHEN AND HOW TO DRINK.
If you have formed the habit of drinking while eating, stop it at once.
At first your mouth will be dry and your thirst great, but persevere and
in a short time you will not feel the least desire to drink until you
have finished your meal, when a few swallows will be all you wish.
Nearly every one drinks too much. If you are thirsty, you fill a tumbler
and drink its contents and sometimes take even more than that. Now if
instead of doing so, you sip the water slowly, your thirst will be gone
before half the water is consumed.
An hour or two after a hearty meal, you may feel a slight degree of
thirst. This is caused by the digestion going on in the stomach. If you
drink, you will soon be thirsty again and will be forced to drink often
through the day; but, if you refrain, at first, the thirst will soon
depart and will not return for hours.
During warm weather, or when perspiring from exercise, you need more
water than at other times. Even if very cold, it will do no harm, if
slowly sipped. Many people learn to like warm water, which is more
healthful than cold.
LEMONADE, ROOT BEER, SODA WATER, ETC.
Pure soda water, lemonade, root beer and similar drinks are not hurtful,
but the sugar they contain increases our thirst and leads us to drink
more than is good for us. Water is the provision of nature, and though
it has no color, taste or smell, nothing in the world is so delicious
and refreshing.
Very hot and very cold drinks are hurtful, but much of the ill effects
may be averted by sipping them as I have already advised. Few will
believe until they make the test, how little water is needed through the
day. The less we take the more comfortable will we feel.
* * * * *
How are many diseases caused? What, therefore, is important?
What have you to say about tea, coffee, and chocolate?
What of a temperate use of those and of temperance drinks? Of milk?
What have you to say of the habit of drinking while eating?
What does nearly every one do? What is the best way to drink water?
What should be done when slightly thirsty an hour or two after a
meal?
When do you need more water than at other times? In what manner may
very cold water be drunk without harm? What of warm water?
What is said of soda water, lemonade, etc.? What of water?
What of very hot and cold drinks? What will be the effect if we
drink only a small quantity of water?