In all diseases of the stomach cures are effected by diet that are quite unattainable by drugs. No absolute rules can be formulated that will enable people to cure themselves. The term "dyspepsia" is used to cover a multitude of sins; in fact, every pain in the stomach or discomfort after eating is called by most persons dyspepsia or "indigestion." Food is correct, as a rule, when it produces no discomfort in the stomach and passes into the intestines without creating gas and flatulency. "Intestinal indigestion" - starch indigestion - is by far the most common among the people of the United States, and is perhaps most easily cured. Gastric troubles are much more difficult to regulate, as almost invariably the motor, as well as the secretory action, is impaired. In such cases the food eaten must be most easily digested and yet it must be very nutritious.

Dyspeptics like rheumatics are found in two classes: the hearty eater who lives on rich foods until the digestive powers are over taxed, and the "moderate" eater, who eats toast, tea, fruits stewed with sugar, fried meats, fried potatoes, pies and layer cakes, which for some unknown reason he considers a simple diet. The latter class are by far the more, difficult to cure. The first class are, as a rule, greatly benefited by a fast for two or three days, then a milk diet for two weeks, coming back gradually to a normal diet, composed of milk soups, stale breads, chopped broiled beef, and simple well-cooked green vegetables.

The second class will do well to live on milk, eggs and meat, bread and rice, for one or two months, as case may require. They must avoid all fried food, tea and coffee.

To keep up the balance a patient in bed requires one-fifth the food of an active person in health. In all gastric disorders the appetite is never keen - nature's warning to eat but little.

Rest the stomach as much as possible. A two or three days' fast frequently forms a foundation on which to build a cure.