Physiology of Digestion
83
[
The Stomach Needs Quiet Rest—267
]
Aided by Pure Air
159. The influence of pure, fresh air is to cause the blood to circu-
late healthfully through the system. It refreshes the body, and tends
to render it strong and healthy, while at the same time its influence
is decidedly felt upon the mind, imparting a degree of composure
and serenity. It excites the appetite, and renders the digestion of food
more perfect, and induces sound and sweet sleep.—
Testimonies for
the Church 1:702, 1868
160. The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible.
Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are
cramped and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so
common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one’s work.
In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing
soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand A
similar effect is produced by tight lacing....
Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood
moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be
thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood
becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and
brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the
heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused;
gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed
[105]
and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 272, 273, 1905
Hindered by Liquid Diet
161. Had your physical health been unimpaired, you would have
made an eminently useful woman. You have long been diseased, and
this has affected your imagination so that your thoughts have been
concentrated upon yourself, and the imagination has affected the body.
Your habits have not been good in many respects. Your food has not
been of the right quantity or quality. You have eaten too largely, and
of a poor quality of food, which could not be converted into good
blood. You have educated the stomach to this kind of diet. This,
your judgment has taught you, was the best, because you realized the