Overall Health

The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That’s why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should not run faster than we have strength (see D&C 10:4), and that we should use moderation in all good things.

In general, the more food we eat in its natural state—the less it is refined, and the fewer additives it contains—the healthier it will be for us. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies in certain elements in the body can promote mental depression.

A good physical examination periodically is a safeguard and may spot problems that can be remedied. Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit. Wholesome recreation is part of our religion and is a necessary change of pace; even its anticipation can lift the spirit.
By President Ezra Taft Benson
Do Not Despair

I have spent the last few weeks preparing for a class I am teaching to the women at my church tomorrow. The topic is Family Nutrition and the Word of Wisdom. For those not familiar with the LDS church, or the Word of Wisdom it is a revelation given to Joseph Smith Jr. What is so wonderful about it is that at the time there was no science surrounding the counsel, it was from the Lord. However over the years science has come to prove that it is not only good counsel but sound scientific advice.
Those who are familiar with the Word of Wisdom know that it is filled with many do's and don'ts but isn't a definitive list. Many ask "you can't drink coffee, but you can drink coke?" Upon searching further church documents, and counsel from subsequent prophets and leaders the information is there to help us pray and receive our own answers as to whether or not we should be drinking Coke, and other things that fall into the grey category. I like to point out at the time the revelation was given Coke wasn't around, I imagine it would have done more harm than good to have the Lord reference Coke. Just a few of the things that I have further found on this is the advice given that anything addictive in nature should be avoided, if you can't get through the day without X, Y, or Z, you should take some time to think further into it. Life is better when we can live it without vices.
Danny and I were discussing this the other day and came to our own, but I think very good conclusion. If you are having to justify why you are doing something, you have already received your answer from the Lord as to whether or not you should be doing it. When we don't have explain why we are doing something, this includes explaining to ourselves, it is because we are at peace with the decision to do it.
I personally have a testimony of living the word of wisdom and know that the harder I try to live it more fully the more blessed my life has become. There are several promises given to us if we follow the Word of Wisdom, one being that we will discover untold treasures, I know this is true in my life. Here is the Word of Wisdom directly from the Doctrine and Covenants from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have also posted a list of link (they are not active you will have to cut and paste) to other talks that further explain, edify the do's from the Word of Wisdom. As we begin to live the do's more fully the don'ts become less and less of an issue. I would like to reiterate that the Word of Wisdom is something personal, to be read, prayed over and personal decisions to be made between you and the Lord.
THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
SECTION 89
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.
1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.
1 A Word OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
Word of Wisdom
LDS.org


My Obsession with Food
By Aleta Goodman Breakwell
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=c77c76e6ffe0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

A Principle with a Promise
President Ezra Taft Benson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=da609c84f5d6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____

Cancer, Nutrition, and the Word of Wisdom
By William T. Stephenson, MD
Dr. Stephenson is a physician at Kansas City Cancer Center, Kansas City, Missouri.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=86c33645a2cba110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

The Do’s in the Word of Wisdom
By Lora Beth Larson
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=728c1f26d596b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1