Overeating
109
rapidly, and this can be done successfully by those only who practice
strict temperance. The mind strengthens under the correct treatment
of the physical and mental powers. If the strain is not too great, new
vigor comes with every taxation. But often the work of those who have
important plans to consider and important decisions to make is affected
for evil by the results of improper diet. A disordered stomach produces
a disordered, uncertain state of mind. Often it causes irritability,
[139]
harshness, or injustice. Many a plan that would have been a blessing
to the world has been set aside, many unjust, oppressive, even cruel
measures have been carried, as the result of diseased conditions due to
wrong habits of eating.
Here is a suggestion for all whose work is sedentary or chiefly
mental; let those who have sufficient moral courage and self-control
try it: At each meal take only two or three kinds of simple food, and
eat no more than is required to satisfy hunger. Take active exercise
every day, and see if you do not receive benefit.
Strong men who are engaged in active physical labor are not com-
pelled to be as careful as to the quantity or quality of their food as are
persons of sedentary habits; but even these would have better health if
they would practice self-control in eating and drinking.—
The Ministry
of Healing, 308-310, 1905
Some wish that an exact rule could be prescribed for their diet.
They overeat, and then regret it, and so they keep thinking about what
they eat and drink. This is not as it should be. One person cannot lay
down an exact rule for another. Every one should exercise reason and
self-control and should act from principle. [
Late Suppers Particularly
Harmful—270
]
Indigestion and Board Meetings
226. At bountiful tables, men often eat much more than can be
easily digested. The overburdened stomach cannot do its work prop-
erly. The result is a disagreeable feeling of dullness in the brain, and
the mind does not act quickly. Disturbance is created by improper
combinations of food; fermentation sets in; the blood is contaminated
and the brain confused.
The habit of overeating, or of eating too many kinds of food at one
meal, frequently causes dyspepsia. Serious injury in thus done to the