Chapter 5—Physiology of Digestion
The Reward of Respecting Nature’s Laws
153. Respect paid to the proper treatment of the stomach will be
rewarded in clearness of thought and strength of mind. Your digestive
organs will not be prematurely worn out to testify against you. We are
to show that we appreciate our God-given intelligence by eating and
studying and working wisely. A sacred duty devolves upon us to keep
the body in such a state that we shall have a sweet, clean breath. We
are to appreciate the light God has given on health reform, by word
and practice reflecting clear light to others upon this subject.—
Letter
274, 1908
Physical Effects of Overeating
154. What influence does overeating have upon the stomach? It
becomes debilitated, the digestive organs are weakened, and disease,
with all its train of evils, is brought on as the result. If persons were
diseased before, they thus increase the difficulties upon them, and
lessen their vitality every day they live. They call their vital powers
into unnecessary action to take care of the food that they place in their
stomachs.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:364, 1870
155. Often this intemperance is felt at once in the form of headache,
indigestion, and colic. A load has been placed upon the stomach
that it cannot care for, and a feeling of oppression comes. The head
is confused, the stomach is in rebellion. But these results do not
always follow overeating. In some cases the stomach is paralyzed. No
sensation of pain is felt, but the digestive organs lose their vital force.
The foundation of the human machinery is gradually undermined, and
life is rendered very unpleasant.—
Letter 73a, 1896
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156. I advise you to make your diet abstemious. Be sure that
as a rational Christian sentinel you guard the door of your stomach,
allowing nothing to pass your lips that will be an enemy to your health
and life. God holds you responsible to obey the light He has given you
on health reform. The rush of blood to the head must be overcome.
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