The Ministry of Health and Healing

Wrong Conditions of Eating

When eaten, food should not be very hot or very cold. If food is cold, one’s vitality is drawn upon in order to warm it before digestion can take place. Cold drinks are injurious for the same reason, while the free use of hot drinks is debilitating. In fact, the more liquid that is taken with meals, the more difficult it is for food to digest, for the liquid must be absorbed before digestion can begin. The irritation that calls for so much drink at mealtime will largely disappear if one uses little salt, avoids the use of pickles and spiced foods, and eats an abundance of fruit. MHH 170.5

Food should be eaten slowly and thoroughly chewed. This is necessary in order that the saliva may mix properly with the food and the digestive fluids be called into action. Another serious evil is eating at improper times, as after violent or excessive exercise, when one is exhausted or overheated. Immediately after eating there is a strong demand upon the nervous energies, and when mind or body is heavily taxed just before or just after eating, digestion is hindered. When one is excited, anxious, or hurried, it is better not to eat until rest or relief is found. MHH 171.1

The stomach is closely related to the brain. When the brain is constantly taxed and there is lack of physical exercise, even plain food should be eaten sparingly. At mealtime cast off care and anxious thought. Do not feel hurried. Eat slowly and be happy, with your heart filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings. MHH 171.2

Many who discard flesh meats and other gross and injurious articles think that because their food is simple and wholesome they may indulge appetite without restraint. They eat to excess, sometimes to gluttony. This is an error. The digestive organs should not be burdened with a quantity or quality of food that will tax the system. MHH 171.3

Custom has decreed that food shall be placed upon the table in courses. Not knowing what is coming next, people may eat an amount of food that perhaps is not best suited to them. When the last course is brought on, they often venture to overstep the bounds and take the tempting dessert, which, however, proves anything but good for them. If all the food intended for a meal is placed on the table at the beginning, one has opportunity to make the best choice. MHH 171.4

Sometimes the result of overeating is felt at once. In other cases there is no sensation of pain, but the digestive organs become exhausted, and the foundation of physical strength is undermined. MHH 171.5

The surplus food burdens the system and produces unhealthy, feverish conditions. It calls an undue amount of blood to the stomach, causing the limbs and extremities to chill quickly. It lays a heavy tax on the digestive organs, and when these organs have accomplished their task, there is a feeling of weakness or listlessness. Some who are continually overeating think this all-gone feeling is hunger, but it is caused by the overworked condition of the digestive organs. At times there is numbness of the brain, with disinclination to mental or physical effort. MHH 171.6

These unpleasant symptoms are felt because nature has accomplished her work at an unnecessary outlay of strength and is thoroughly exhausted. The stomach is saying, “Give me rest.” But with many the faintness is interpreted as a demand for more food, so, instead of giving the stomach rest, another burden is placed upon it. As a consequence the digestive organs are often worn out when they should be capable of doing good work. MHH 171.7

We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead, the food should be more simple, and less should be eaten in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. A clogged stomach means a clogged brain. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many do more than they think to unfit themselves for receiving the benefit of its sacred opportunities. MHH 172.1

Cooking on the Sabbath should be avoided, but it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather the food prepared the day before should be heated. And let the meals, however simple, be tasty and attractive. Especially in families where there are children, it is well, on the Sabbath, to provide something that will be regarded as a treat. MHH 172.2