Deeper insights into Doctrine and Covenants 89 - Given February 27, 1833 in Kirtland, Ohio

As a Registered Dietitian and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’m grateful for all the revelation from God that was given to Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the aforementioned church. Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, also known as the Word of Wisdom, teaches us how God wants us to take care of our bodies and promises blessings when we follow his teachings. This 21-verse section is brimming with information; so much of it can easily be overlooked. Come with me on a deeper look at this revelation that will help us take care of our bodies to maintain and improve our health.

DISCLOSURES:

• This content, images, and other materials found in this journal entry are not sponsored or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its leadership, or all its members. I am not an official representative of the Church. This journal entry is simply my thoughts that I choose to sincerely share with you. I am always open to new insights and would love to hear yours. Keep in mind while commenting that I ask that everyone is civil and respectful of all beliefs, even if they aren’t shared by you, in your comments.
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Overview of the LDS Word of Wisdom

If you’re a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and even if you’re not but have heard a little about the Word of Wisdom, or our beliefs when it comes to food, you most likely know that we believe in abstaining from alcohol, coffee, non-herbal teas, tobacco products, and recreational drugs. Many might think of these as unnecessarily strict or restrictive commandments, but remembering that these come from a loving God can help us know we will be better off by following His word. 

While most of us can state these “restrictions” with ease, can you as easily remember what we are supposed to include in our diet to care for our bodies? When you think only of what you can’t do, you are missing so much.

When reading the Word of Wisdom I try to find all the things I can add to my life. There is so much in this revelation that you might not have noticed. Let’s review the section to learn and improve our lives together.

A Word of Wisdom for the Saints

The first verse of Section 89 in the Doctrine and Covenants is where we get the name “Word of Wisdom.” These revelations are wisdom from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This revelation is from God is to help everyone. If you have even a spark of hope for improved health, even if you aren’t a member of the Church, I urge you to try these commandments out and see what happens in your life. (See John 7:17 where Jesus invites you to test out what He says to determine if He is only a man or if He is truly God’s Son.)

In the beginning, the Word of Wisdom was not a commandment. God didn’t expect the Saints to be able to change immediately. He gives us time to make the changes we need in our lives. I’m grateful for this because in all the commandments He has given through His prophets today, I feel we have enough time to learn how to implement them with plenty of trial and error. The Word of Wisdom is now a commandment to be followed.

“In 1851, President Brigham Young proposed to the general conference of the Church that all Saints formally covenant to keep the Word of Wisdom. This proposal was unanimously upheld by the membership of the Church. Since that day, the revelation has been a binding commandment on all Church members.”

-President Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “A Principle with a Promise” April 1983

As with all commandments, whether temporal (like tithing, the law of chastity, etc) or spiritual (no other God’s before me, pure thoughts, etc) when we can keep a commandment we will receive blessings in our lives.

Why do we need this Instruction?

There is no getting around the fact that Satan is always there trying to tempt and deceive us. He and his minions are always working to get us to make poor decisions that affect our bodies, minds, and spirits. In verse four, the Lord warns us that in the last days, men will be evil and try to deceive us in relation to nutrition and the foods we choose to consume. It’s also interesting to note in verse four that the Lord mentions he has already warned us – “I have warned you, and forewarn you.” I enjoy finding other scriptures including the Old and New Testaments that teach us how to best care for our bodies. The story of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar immediately comes to mind. (See Daniel 1) 

What Should we Avoid 

ALCOHOL

As mentioned previously, most of us are very familiar with what foods we should not consume. In verse five we are taught it is “not good” to have wine or strong drink. There are so many benefits to abstaining from drinking beer, wine, or spirits, both long- and short-term. Some benefits include having a clear mind, avoiding addiction to these strong substances, and decreasing your chances of experiencing chronic health diseases like depression, liver disease, digestive problems, heart disease and high blood pressure, and cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon. Plus, think of the money you’ll save, both on the drinks now and the healthcare bills later!

TOBACCO

In subsequent verses, we read that tobacco and hot drinks are also not to be consumed internally. Tobacco can, however, be used for “bruises and sick cattle, … with judgment and skill.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has some startling facts about tobacco.

“The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year around the world. … All forms of tobacco use are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco.”

-Tobacco, World Health Organization,

HOT DRINKS

When the scriptures state “hot drinks are not for the body or belly,” I know of two reasons that God might have directed us this way. First, and not often mentioned by those I speak with, is esophageal cancer. The lining of your esophagus can be damaged by very hot drinks (above 149°F, 65°C per this study). The second, most commonly discussed, is the caffeine which makes it addictive. It’s undesirable to be addicted to any substance because it takes away basic freedoms of our mind and body. It requires extra willpower to avoid something when you’re addicted and I sometimes lack the willpower to resist eating a handful of chocolate, cookies, or any source of sugar once the kids go to bed. Would you be interested in hearing my experiences with and thoughts about sugar?

Hot drinks might be considered items like coffee and tea. It has long been told that herbal teas are fine to consume, yet the white, black, green, and oolong should be avoided. What is the difference between herbal and non-herbal teas? Are non-herbal teas addictive because of caffeine? Is it only because of the caffeine or are there other substances we should not allow into our bodies?

I’m excited to learn all the reasons why when I see Jesus in person, or possibly even find out more reasons to avoid hot drinks as I study more. The hard part about following God is sometimes He doesn’t always tell us everything upfront. He makes us work, learn, and grow to find answers and sometimes we never find out why He asks us to do or not do certain things. This is where faith is required. The blessings come after our effort to follow even without knowing everything.

What Should we Eat

Next in the revelation comes things “ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man.” This is the best part to study because we can enjoy what God and Jesus Christ have created for us to use during our time on Earth.

HERBS

Verses 10-11 begin talking about wholesome herbs. They are to be used in three ways:

There are countless herbs and spices that can be added to our food for flavor. The best part about herbs and spices is all the phytochemicals and antioxidants they contain. Dried herbs are a common staple in my household because they’re easily accessible and fast when getting a meal on the table. My favorite, though, is going out into the garden before a meal to pick any ripe veggies along with a handful of fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary. 

When cooking, consider the difference between fresh and dried herbs: Use 3 parts fresh herbs to 1 part dried.

GRAIN

God tells us that all grain is ordained (appointed/established) for the use of both man and beasts. It’s not only for us but is to be used as the staff of life. What is a staff of life? 

A staff is defined by the Webster 1828 Dictionary as “a stick carried in the hand for support or defense by a person walking; hence, a support; that which props or upholds. Bread is the proverbially called the staff of life.” 

To me, this means it should be the main, or at least a large part of, our diet. 

Verse 17 lists specific grains for specific animals. Although I am oblivious to animal needs, I do know about different grains for human consumption. We can and should eat corn, oats, rye, barley, and more.

This revelation doesn’t specifically mention other whole grains like rice, teff, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, amaranth, etc but I believe these are covered at the end of verse 17 with the words, “…as also other grain.” I take this to mean that all grains, especially when left in their complete, or “whole” form, help us be as healthy as possible. I believe that any whole grain is good for the body. 

Did you know that so many of these grains are easy to grow in your own garden? I’ve grown amaranth, millet, and quinoa in years past and will continue to grow them so I can learn to harvest and clean the chaff, or outer protective shell of the seed, from them easily. Then I’ll have my own organically-grown grains to eat each fall into the winter and into spring.

BUT WHAT IF I CAN’T TOLERATE GLUTEN?

There is one specific question I have that I’d love your feedback and thoughts on in the comments below. My question is, why are there so many people suffering from gluten intolerance? Celiac disease was not as prevalent a few generations ago as it is now. Is it something we, as a society, have done to our grains that have caused our bodies to not handle them as we used to? Have the genetic modifications that allow herbicides and pesticides to work on everything except the grains changed the wheat, barley, and rye thus changing the way the body absorbs them? Have genetically-modified grains changed a vital part of the grain that affects digestion? Is the increased prevalence of gluten-intolerance because we have better medical tools to identify what is happening? Could it be something with our bodies that is changing or becoming more sensitive because of the emotional, physical, or chemical stressors of life? Possibly a combination of all of these things?

While I don’t have answers, I still believe in eating whatever grains your body can tolerate. When possible, eat 100% whole grains too!

FRUIT

Fruit is mentioned in both verse 11 with herbs and verse 16 with grains. The scriptures state that fruit should be used in season, with prudence and thanksgiving. This is the same counsel given for using herbs. All fruit of the vine both in- or above-ground are good for us. Though it only mentions fruit, I believe it’s safe to say this also includes vegetables. I know my children would happily be fruitarians, but vegetables also provide a great variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Lest you think that nuts and seeds aren’t included in the Word of Wisdom, these are technically part of the fruits of plants. Think pine nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, beans and legumes, flax seeds, cashews, chia seeds, and countless others that are parts of a plant.

My favorite way to grow vegetables, and even grains, is to grow them quickly and easily as sprouts and microgreens. They are a great way to get home-grown goodness onto your table even during the winter months. Another bonus is the lack of pests indoors that are found outdoors contending for your vegetables and grains in the garden. Learn how you can also easily incorporate these into your own kitchen by reading these journal entries.

Exploring the Differences: Sprouts versus Microgreens

What to Eat Sparingly

MEAT

Meat is included in the Word of Wisdom. Read for yourself what it says in verses 12, 13 and 15. These scriptures refer to meat as “flesh… of the beasts and of the fowls of the air.” God tells us that he has ordained these for the use of man. When using them, they should be used, as with herbs and fruits, with thanksgiving. He states they are to be used sparingly. 

But how often is “sparingly?” What do you think? 

In verse 13 and 15, God gives us more guidance by saying they should be used “only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine… and excess of hunger.” I don’t know about you, but I was born and raised with meat provided at every dinner, most lunches, and some breakfasts if we were lucky enough for eggs, bacon or sausage, and french toast or pancakes. I’m not complaining because I was well-fed and cared for and feel incredibly blessed with my life and circumstances. Not everyone can afford meat and not everyone chooses to eat meat.

I’m not trying to tell you anything like never to eat meat again. God has told me (and you) in D & C 49:18 that we shouldn’t forbid others to eat meat because He has ordained them for our use for food and for raiment. A few verses later in that section it instructs us to be careful not to shed blood or waste flesh if there is no need. In the book of Genesis in the Bible and the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, it tells us that Jesus, under the direction of His Father created animals of all kinds on days five and six of the creative period. On the sixth day, man and woman were given dominion over “all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Moses 2:26,28). The following verse, Moses 2:29 goes as follows: “And I, God, said unto man: Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in the which shall be the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” God then tells us that the beasts of the Earth have been “grant[ed] life” and that “every thing … he made … [was] very good.”

There are many more scriptures to find in the Bible, our more recent scriptures, and even the words of prophets and apostles that we can search to find answers to any questions we may have about what we should or should not eat. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I will leave the decisions of how and when to include meat in your diet to you and your family and won’t judge you no matter what you do or do not eat. As a dietitian, I will never tell you to restrict yourself from any food because then you will crave it all the more. Everyone gets to choose for themselves. It’s wonderful that we have the gift of agency.

What Isn’t Mentioned

Milk and other animal by-products aren’t mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 89. I’ll leave it to you to decide what you choose to consume. My (quick, not yet finished) research has led me to discover that in the 1800s when this revelation was given there were no large dairy farms to supply lots of milk and dairy products. Because of this, I would think that consumption would be somewhat limited. This would especially be true if raising cattle as most of the milk would be used for calves. With limited consumption at the time of this revelation, there would be little need to advise on animal by-products.

The bible does mention butter, although from my research it wasn’t always like the butter we use today. I’m looking forward to reading more about butter in ‘Butter: A Rich History’ and might have more to say about butter and dairy products afterward.

Milk and dairy are often included in the American diet nutritionally for their calcium and protein for children. No one can deny they add much to meals with their creamy and varied flavor profiles. They can easily change a meal from “meh” to something kids will devour in minutes.

Animal products, from meat to milk, have naturally occurring trans-fats. Trans-fats are very undesirable. It is so undesirable that as a dietitian I advise avoiding all trans-fats whenever possible. However, research shows there are two types of trans fats. One from animal products and the other from baked goods, which are included to help stabilize food until eaten. Multiple reviews of many studies (meta-analysis’) have been inconclusive as to the effect of each type of trans fat. Some show that both are equally bad, while others show mixed results. Either way, it’s good to know the possibilities of what trans-fats can do to our bodies.

“Research has proved the direct connection of trans fatty acids with cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer, shortening of pregnancy period, risks of preeclampsia, disorders of nervous system and vision in infants, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity and allergy. In light of these new findings trans fatty intake should be zero…”

Dhaka, V., Gulia, N., Ahlawat, K.S. et al. Trans fats—sources, health risks and alternative approach – A review. J Food Sci Technol 48, 534–541 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-010-0225-8

At this point, I haven’t ventured to take milk and dairy out of my diet completely, although I have tried some vegan cheeses and cream cheese and love having almond and oat milk on hand for breakfast with my granola or oatmeal. I’ve also recently (like last week) included milk kefir in my diet for the added probiotics and have found a few tricks to get my kids to eat it without complaint too! I’ll share more on making my own kefir (although you can also purchase it at the store) and using it in kid-friendly recipes soon.

I would love to hear your thoughts, experiences with going dairy-free, and any interesting research you've found on milk, milk kefir, and other animal-byproducts in the comments at the end of this journal entry

What Might Get Missed in the Word of Wisdom

There are four words that I’ve never paid much attention to in these verses until I read a book on fermenting foods. The words are, “and for mild drinks.” Have you also skimmed over these words quickly, without any additional thought? To give a little more context, verse 17 says “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.”

So, all grains, not just the ones mentioned in this verse, are to be used for mild drinks. If you’re also interested in learning more about this amazing opportunity to use grains in a time-tested, yet relatively new-to-me way, check out the book I read or find one similar at your local library. There are lots of books coming out these days all about fermenting and I’m sure you’ll benefit from any book you read and recipe you try.

Eventually, I’ll have lots of easy and delicious fermented vegetable and grain recipes and journal entries. Don’t miss any updates by signing up for journal updates today.

Why Should We Follow this Counsel?

Whenever God gives a commandment, there is always a blessing to be had for following His commandment. The blessings for following the Word of Wisdom are highly desirable. They’re found in verses 18-21, the last four verses of D & C Section 89. 

The blessings include:

• Health in the Navel
• Marrow to the Bones
• Wisdom and Great Treasures of Knowledge, even Hidden Treasures
• To Run and not be Weary, and Walk and not Faint
• The Destroying Angel shall Pass By, as the Children of Israel, and Not Slay [You]

I love the idea of running without being weary, especially after what feels like a particularly long day of running after children. Don’t you?! Despite not knowing everything about all foods and why we should or shouldn’t consume certain foods, I know my Heavenly Father loves each of us and is willing to help us. He wants to bless us when we “remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments.” There is much I have to learn and I’m excited to find hidden treasures of knowledge to benefit my family and me. While I don’t know how long it will take me to find all the hidden treasures of knowledge, I do know that I’m benefiting already with my generally good, although not perfect, health and avoidance of addictions and unnecessary disease by following the Word of Wisdom.

Learn more about my family and our story and don’t forget to share your thoughts below!

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