I need to be alert at my job, I’ve got to stay alive. Every morning, I have to cross a busy street, look out for rattlesnakes and other interlopers on the trail. I’ve got kids to raise at home.

I’m not much of a gum chewer. When I do have some, it only lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes. Then I’ve had it; got to spit it out.

I do have a little favorite though. At 6 AM, I roll out of bed for my four to six mile hike with my hubby and those dogs. Some mornings I feel the complete opposite of a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day. I need a little pick-me-up. I open my dresser drawer and pull out my hidden box of Stay Alert Acrtic Mint Gum. 

It’s a little more than minty sugary sweetness — it has caffeine in it. It’s called “caffeine supplement.” It’s medicinal.
It’s Military issue too — “recommended safe and effective by the committee of military research.” It says so right there on the packet — for military fatigue.

“Chew one piece for 5 minutes, if not alert within 15 minutes, chew a second piece.”

I don’t drink coffee because Mormons interpret the Word of Wisdom to mean no black tea and no coffee. Joseph Smith received this counsel — “no hot drinks.” In the 1830’s, black tea and coffee were the hot drinks of the day. Some Mormons say it means caffeine, but this is not precisely known to be the meaning of that revelation. At one time someone wanted to include chocolate as part of the ban. (frightful) I think moderation in all things and that includes over-eating, pain meds and caffeine, to name a few. But, still I don’t drink black tea and coffee.

I know, many Mormons do not drink any caffeinated beverages. But, some of us Mormons drink other things like energy drinks and diet Coke. (I do partake, occasionally, in moderation of course.) I remember that our family doctor advised my dear old grandpa to have a Coca-Cola every day. (They were both Mormons.)
Brigham Young once said that if you were too tired and felt like you needed a cup of coffee, you should go back to bed and rest until you have enough energy. Well, that is comical. Tell that to the baby that is crying or the 3-year old that needs breakfast and the teenager that needs a ride to early morning seminary, and don’t forget those dogs — cuz’ they aren’t going to forget. There are no extra wives around here to help tow the line. (I do love Brigham Young, though.)
Life is tough. Who doesn’t feel like they are in the military?  When my daughter-in-law had to work late and drive late, I slipped her some of my magic gum. She reported back, it worked, made her happy, and she arrived home safely.
p.s.
Though it says 100 mg, it does not feel like that at all. I don’t know if that’s because it’s in gum or what, but it doesn’t come close to some of those high-packed energy drinks. It’s much more subtle, no jitters. That’s my take.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah  was a little song from the 60’s in a Disney Movie called “Song of the South.” It actually won an academy award for best original song.

My favorite Word of Wisdom explanation comes from Hugh Nibley’s Commentary.