The Ministry of Health and Healing

Chapter 25—Extremes in Diet

Not all who profess to believe in diet reform are really reformers. With many the reform consists merely in discarding certain unwholesome foods. They do not understand clearly the principles of health. Their tables, still loaded with rich foods and delicacies, are far from being an example of Christian temperance and moderation. MHH 178.1

Another class, in their desire to set a right example, go to the opposite extreme. If they are unable to obtain the most desirable foods, they adopt an impoverished diet instead of using such things as would best supply the lack. Their food does not supply the elements needed to make good blood. Their health suffers, their usefulness is impaired, and their example turns people against reform in diet. MHH 178.2

Others think that since health requires a simple diet, one need give little thought to choosing or preparing food. Some restrict themselves to a very meager diet that lacks enough variety to supply the needs of the system, and they suffer in consequence. MHH 178.3

Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of reform are often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views themselves but in urging them on their families and their neighbors. The effect of their mistaken reforms, as seen in their own ill health and their efforts to force their views upon others, give many a false idea of reform in diet and lead them to reject it altogether. MHH 178.4

Those who understand the laws of health and who are governed by principle shun both the extremes of indulgence and of restriction. Their diet is chosen, not for the mere gratification of appetite, but for the upbuilding of the body. They seek to preserve every power in the best condition for highest service to God and man. Appetite is under the control of reason and conscience, and they are rewarded with health of body and mind. They do not urge their views offensively upon others, but their example is a testimony in favor of right principles. These persons have a wide influence for good. MHH 178.5

There is real common sense in diet reform. The subject should be studied broadly and deeply, and we should not criticize others because their practice is not, in all things, in harmony with our own. It is impossible to make an unvarying rule to regulate everyone’s habits, and we should not use ourselves as a criterion for all. Not all can eat the same things. Foods that are palatable and wholesome to one person may be distasteful, even harmful, to another. Some cannot use milk, while others thrive on it. Some persons cannot digest peas and beans; others find them wholesome. For some the coarser grain preparations are good food, while others cannot use them. MHH 179.1

Those who live in new countries or in poverty-stricken districts, where fruits and nuts are scarce, should not be urged to exclude milk and eggs from their daily diet. It is true that robust persons in whom the animal passions are strong need to avoid the use of stimulating foods. Especially in families of children who are given to sensual habits, eggs should not be used. But in the case of persons whose blood-making organs are feeble—especially if other foods to supply the needed elements cannot be obtained—milk and eggs should not be wholly discarded. Great care should be taken, however, to obtain milk from healthy cows and eggs from healthy fowls that are well fed and well cared for; and the eggs should be so cooked as to be most easily digested. MHH 179.2