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 92 seemingly beneficial results. The Japanese are such believers in moderation that when a lessening of diet is advised the immediate beginning of a fast is not recommended. The amount of food consumed daily is very gradually diminished, and the seeker after reduction of weight is allowed to use his own discretion as to the amount of food to be used each day—always provided that the amount of edibles consumed is decreased every day, or else every two or three days. It is not believed that entire abstinence from food is desirable. The stomach requires exercise just as much as does any other portion of the human system. When any other part of the body is over-exercised the remedy is to be found in gradually lessening the amount of that exercise. The Japanese believe that this principle should be applied to the use of the stomach. While the true followers of jiu-jitsu are never prone to overeating, those who do commit this sin find their remedy in gradual diminution of food.

The fast is never employed except in cases of severe distress of the stomach. He who finds that he cannot eat any food with relish