Dietary Advice for Overcoming Self-Abuse in Youth

A young boy who is struggling with habits of self-abuse should not be allowed to include eggs in his diet12MR 169.4+2.

The Effect of Diet on Animal Passions

Certain foods, specifically eggs and animal flesh, have properties that feed and inflame the animal passions within the human system2MR 106.1+1. For families with an excitable temperament where the animal nature already predominates, these foods make it significantly more difficult for a child to overcome the temptation of self-pollution2MR 106.1+1. This practice is particularly dangerous because it weakens the physical, mental, and moral powers of the youth, effectively barring the way to everlasting life1MCP 290.1+1.

Parental Responsibility

Mothers and fathers have a sacred obligation to place their children in the best possible condition to resist the health- and life-destroying vices of this ageTe 170.2.

• Education and Reform: Parents should instruct their children on how to shun corruption rather than focusing primarily on providing "something good to eat"TSDF 59.3+1.

• Selection of Food: It is impossible to properly arouse the moral sensibilities of children when parents are not careful in the selection of their foodPH085 15.1.

• The Power of Prayer: Many parents provide their children with eggs and meat—the very things that excite base passions—and then ask God to bless and save themTSDF 59.3+1. However, God requires parents to do the work He has left for them first by removing these stimulants before they can claim His special helpTSDF 59.3+1.

The Goal of Health Reform

The ultimate purpose of restricting such foods is to ensure the intellect remains unimpaired and the moral nature stays in control of the lower passionsPH085 15.1+1. By providing a simple, nutritious diet of fruits and grains, parents help their children become "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" 1 Peter 2:9. While eggs may be used as a remedial agency for those with feeble blood-making organs or in specific medical circumstances, they are strictly cautioned against in families where children are "steeped in habits of self-abuse"12MR 169.4+2.