Temperance

IS THERE ANYONE WHO WANTS IT ANYMORE?

Temperance is the act of being in a state

of self-control. Moderation is another
term often used to denote temperance.
The word temperance was used in the
Bible in several locations.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (New King James
Version) …refers to being temperate in
all things, or bringing and keeping your body under subjection.

Fast-forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, temperance had

more to do with the fight against alcoholic beverages, thus
promoting abstinence. Here we are referring to temperance as
the ability to maintain self-control in one’s life. This means

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being moderate in some things, abstinent in others, and still
zealous in other areas of life.

Substances Of Abuse: We Can Overcome

Substances of abuse, including Alcoholic beverages and illicit

drugs and prescription drugs if taken without discretion, can
affect your health and nutrition status.

1. Some substances increase or decrease your appetite,

2. Some substances interfere with the absorption of nutrients

from the foods you eat.

3. Some substances interfere with your metabolism or how

your body uses the nutrients in the foods you eat.

4. Some substances affect how your body excretes urine and

feces.

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 5. Some substances can interact with
medications you need to take in order to
manage a health problem.

So when we take concentrated

substances into our bodies whether they
are necessary, unnecessary or illicit
substances, there are almost always
side affects and/or consequences---and
we should always weigh the benefits of
taking medication versus what would
happen to you if you don’t take the
medicine. The cure should not be worse
than the disease. Certainly recreational
drugs should have no place in a healthy
persons lifestyle.

Some Specific Drugs That Cause

Nutritional Problems.

Amphetamines (“speed” or “uppers”)

Methamphetamines (“speed”, “meth”, “chalk”)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, (“ice”,
“crystal”, “glass”, “tina”)
" -Makes the mouth dry, alters taste,
causes nausea, upset stomach, loss of
appetite, weight loss, stomach ulcers,
back and forth cases of constipation
and diarrhea.

Cocaine (“snow, or “coke”)

" -Alters taste of food, has an
anesthetic effect.

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Barbiturates (“barbs”, “downers”)
" -Causes vitamin D, calcium, Thiamine (B-1),
folic acid and " vitamin B-12 to function
improperly in " the body. It also causes
the body to " lose more vitamin C.

Tranquilizers (“Valium”, “Librium”)

" •Causes increased appetite, weight
" gain, and higher cholesterol levels. It
" also causes the vitamin Riboflavin " (B-2) not to work
properly in the body.

Opium
" •Causes cravings for sweets, fluctuations in blood sugar,
" and possibly weight gain.

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (“LSD”)

Phencyclidine (“PCP”, “angel dust”)
" •Causes high blood pressure, increased heart rate and
" increased blood sugar.

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 Marijuana/Cannabinoide (“pot”,
“grass”, “Weed”)
" •Causes dry mouth,
increased appetite and weight
gain.

Heroin (“H”, “junk”, “smack”)

" •Leads to decreased
appetite and weight loss. Also
causes nausea, vomiting,
constipation and electrolyte
imbalance.

Morphine (“M”, “dreamer”)

codeine
" -Causes dry mouth, loss of
appetite, weight loss, slowed
digestion, nausea, vomiting and
constipation.

Nicotine (cigarettes)
-Causes vitamin C to not work
properly.

Substances Used As Food That

Cause Nutritional Problems

Caffeine – found in coffee, tea,

chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and
some over-the-counter
medications

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 Caffeine is a stimulant. It can lead
to insomnia, nervousness,
irritability, anxiety, heart rate and
heart rhythm disturbances.

Alcohol – found in
liquor, wine and
beer. It can lead to
malnutrition because
it provides calories
without protein,
vitamins or minerals. It takes the
body about 1 1/2 hours to
process a serving of alcohol.
Alcohol significantly affects most
vitamins and minerals in the body
and thus, leads to many health
problems. It can also lead to
burning or erosion of the throat
and stomach, bleeding ulcers,
high blood sugar, low blood
sugar, and cirrhosis of the liver,
cholesterol problems and
diarrhea.

Sugar – a concentrated form of

carbohydrates that has 16
calories per teaspoon. Sugar
provides calories while not
providing other important
nutrients. Too much sugar can
lead to obesity, which can lead to
diabetes, heart disease,
gallbladder disorder, liver
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problems, high blood pressure, hernia, gout and breathing
disorders. Too much sugar can also cause tooth decay.

A Plan For Recovery

1. Pray and meditate while making up your mind to make

changes in your lifestyle.

2. Get an evaluation from your doctor.

3. Eat balanced meals as tolerated and as advised by your

doctor.

4. Try to eat your meals at the same times each day.

5. If you feel you need to snack or start to crave sweets,

nicotine or other substances, snack on healthy items.

6. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables daily.

7. Take a dietary supplement if you need one.

8. Restrict the amount of sugary foods you eat

9. Find alternatives to coffee, tea and caffeinated beverages.

10. Avoid putting yourself in situations that are likely to present

temptations for you.of water will replace about one pound of
water weight loss.

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