Nutrition and Diet

This is the introductory page for the nutrition and diet section.  Click on one of these quick links to see the other pages:

Word of Wisdom
5+5 Menu Planning
Vegetables
Sprouts
Plant Oils


Introduction:

As a nutritionist, I have seen first hand the difference a wholesome diet can make in improving health.  Nutritional deficiencies have quite an impact on mental processing, and there is a strong correlation between gut health and brain functioning.   In addition to food selection, the individual must digest and assimilate the food properly in order to have good health.  The general recommendations given below can be applied by all people.  However, in cases of complicated health challenges or when digestive complaints such as constipation, gas, bloating, intestinal cramping, or frequent belching are present, I recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified nutritionist or integrative medicine doctor.  

During the past couple of decades we have witnessed a marked increase in anxiety, depression, dependency, addiction, obsession, and ADD or ADHD. We are living during the times prophesied long ago when “men’s hearts shall fail them”  (D&C 45:26)  While many of these challenges appear to be emotional or spiritual in nature, we must ask ourselves how physical health factors also play a contributing role.  

Finding solutions to resolve the pains of the soul can be difficult because a variety of factors come into play.  Some of the factors are related to our spiritual body while others are related to the physical body.  Some mental health challenges may last a life time. Such experiences teach us patience and to rely more fully on the grace of God as we learn to say “thy will be done”. Nevertheless, through the guidance of the Spirit and obedience to correct principles, many solutions for physical, mental, and emotional health challenges may be discovered.

My professional training is in nutrition and food science.  I have seen theories about best dietary practices come and go. I have marveled at the changes in scientific theory that recommends one thing today and then flip-flops to an opposing idea tomorrow.  Having witnessed these changing philosophies over the years, I have found hope and steadiness in the principles found in the Word of Wisdom. (Doctrine and Covenants: 89)

I have read many different interpretations of the Word of Wisdom. Some are more strict than others.  The opinions that I share in this article are based on my training as a nutritionist and my personal experience in applying the principles.  I have come to appreciate the wisdom found in these few verses of scripture that allow for flexibility in cultural dietary patterns and personal health needs.  Moderation is the key. These principles allow us to use and be grateful for the variety of foods God has ordained for our use with "prudence and thanksgiving".   When applied with the guidance of the Spirit, these suggestions will be instrumental in improving our overall health.
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Here is a sampling of quotes from church leaders that have influenced my understanding of the Word of Wisdom: 

Hyrum Smith:  “The Lord has told us what is good for us to eat, and to drink, and what is pernicious, but some of our wise philosophers, and some of our elders too, pay no regard to it; they think it too little, too foolish, for wise men to regard --fools! Where is their wisdom, philosophy, and intelligence? From whence did they obtain their superior light? They think it too small for him to condescend to tell men what will be nutritious or what will be unhealthy. Who made the corn, the wheat, the rye, and all vegetable substances? And who was it that organized man, and constituted him as he is found? Who made his stomach, and his digestive organs, and prepared proper nutriment for his system, that the juices of his body might be supplied; and his form be invigorated by that kind of food which the laws of nature, and the laws of God has said would be good for man?"  (Hyrum Smith, “The Word of Wisdom,” Times and Seasons 3, no. 15 (June 1, 1842): 799–801.)

In more recent years, our Prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson counseled us:
“To a significant degree, we are an overfed and undernourished nation digging an early grave with our teeth, and lacking the energy that could be ours because we overindulge in junk foods . . . To a great extent, we are physically what we eat. Most of us are acquainted with some of the prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom, such as no tea, coffee, tobacco, or alcohol. But what need additional emphasis are the positive aspects – the need for vegetables, fruits, and grain . . . We need a generation of people who eat in a healthier manner.”  (Ezra Taft Benson, "In His Steps," Fireside address given at Brigham Young University, 4 March 1979.)

The Lord’s counsel in the Word of Wisdom can be a great blessing if we give heed.  It serves as both a protection and a guide at a time when advertisers and food faddists promote extremes in food choices and when our food supply has become tainted with chemicals and unnatural substances.  Elder Boyd K. Packer offers this counsel and clarification:  ​

“The Word of Wisdom is “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints” (D&C 89:3). It is buttressed by other scriptures. They teach that the good things of the earth “are made for the benefit and the use of man, … Yea,” the Lord said, “for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul, … to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion” (D&C 59:18–20).
 Young people, learn to use moderation and common sense in matters of health and nutrition, and particularly in medication. Avoid being extreme or fanatical or becoming a faddist.  For example, the Word of Wisdom counsels us to eat meat sparingly (see D&C 89:12). Lest someone become extreme, we are told in another revelation that “whoso forbiddeth to [eat meat] is not ordained of God” (D&C 49:18).  Another scripture counsels, “Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; … cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (D&C 88:124).”  (Boyd K. Packer, "The Word of Wisdom:  The Principle and the Promises,  LDS General Conference, APRIL 1996.)