Healthful Living

Chapter 25—The Organs of Digestion

Physiology of the Digestive System

661. The stomach has a controlling power upon the health of the entire body.—The Health Reformer, October 1, 1871. HL 161.1

662. Anything which is taken into the stomach and converted into blood becomes a part of the being.—Testimonies for the Church 4:141. HL 161.2

663. The benefit you derive from your food does not depend so much on the quantity eaten as on its thorough digestion, nor the gratification of the taste so much on the amount of food swallowed as on the length of time it remains in the mouth.... Eat slowly, and allow the saliva to mingle with the food.... Those who are excited, anxious, or in a hurry, cannot supply the necessary gastric juice.—The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884. HL 161.3

664. Thorough mastication is a benefit both to the teeth and the stomach.—The Review and Herald, May 8, 1883. HL 161.4

665. You are a nervous dyspeptic. The brain is closely connected with the stomach, and its power has so often been called to aid the weakened digestive organs that it is in its turn weakened, depressed, congested.—Testimonies for the Church 2:318. HL 161.5

666. It is important that we relish the food we eat. If we cannot do this, but eat mechanically, we fail to be nourished and built up as we would be if we could enjoy the food we take into the stomach.—Testimonies for the Church 1:682. HL 162.1

667. Immediately after eating there is a strong draught upon the nervous energy. The brain force is called into active exercise to assist the stomach; therefore, when the mind or body is taxed heavily after eating, the process of digestion is hindered. The vitality of the system, which is needed to carry on the work in one direction, is called away and set to work in another.—Testimonies for the Church 2:413. HL 162.2

668. The stomach, when we lie down to rest, should have its work all done, that it may enjoy rest, as well as other portions of the body. The work of digestion should not be carried on through any period of the sleeping hours. After the stomach, which has been overtaxed, has performed its task, it becomes exhausted, which causes faintness.... The stomach becomes weary by being kept constantly at work.... Having no time for rest, the digestive organs become enfeebled, hence the sense of “goneness,” and desire for frequent eating.... The stomach must have its regular periods for labor and rest.—How to Live 1:56. HL 162.3