The Complete Guide to Optimal Health

ATTENTION: Before making any changes please contact your health care professional.

“The Lord gave His word to ancient Israel, that if they would cleave strictly to Him, and do all His requirements, He would keep them from all the diseases such as He had brought upon the Egyptians; but this promise was given on the condition of obedience.” (CD p. 26.3)

The words spoken to Israel are true today of those who recover health of body or health of soul. ”I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26

WHAT IS A DEFINITION OF DISEASE?

“Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from the violation of the laws of health.”  (MH p. 73)

WHAT ARE THE LAWS OF HEALTH?

Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remedies. (MH p. 44)

The precious statements below are to be used as a guide to improving your health and preventing many diseases.

PURE AIR

“The strength of the system is in a great degree dependent on the amount of pure fresh air breathed. This is necessary for mental alertness that we do have proper fresh air.”  (HL p. 171)

In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood.

PROPER BREATHING

• Soothes the nerves
• Stimulates the appetite
• Renders more perfect digestion
• Induces sound refreshing sleep
• Promotes good blood
• Improves blood to the brain
• Good for anxiety attacks

IMPROPER BREATHING CAN CAUSE

• Weak and unhealthy system
• Poor circulation
• Blood moves sluggishly
• Depression
• Fevers
• Acute diseases
• Poor digestion

“Exercise in the open air should be prescribed as a life-giving necessity. And for such exercises there is nothing better than the cultivation of the soil. Let patients have flower beds to care for, or work to do in the orchard or vegetable garden. As they are encouraged to leave their rooms and spend time in the open air, cultivating flowers or doing some other light, pleasant work, their attention will be diverted from themselves and their sufferings.” (MH p. 264, 265)

Let fresh air flow through your home: Crack the windows at least one inch so fresh air comes in at night. Purify the home with plants.

Homes can have air that yields sick conditions such as: air fresheners, scented candles that can cause lead poisoning, radon gas emissions, lead paint that can cause brain injuries, moldy areas, that can cause mucus buildup and sinus conditions.

High levels of smug and pollution can increase strokes of those who live in industrialized, crowed cities.

SUNLIGHT

Sunlight is one of the greatest blessings given by God to you.Sunlight is one of the most healing agents in nature.

SUNLIGHT BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Helps facilitate healthy bones
• Resets the biological rhythm
• Lowers blood pressure by 8%
• Decreases blood cholesterol
• Lowers blood sugars
• Increases white blood cells
• Improves deep breathing
• Increases blood circulation
• Reduces stress

Diseases linked to sunlight deficiency include, but not limited to autoimmune disorders, defused muscular pain, lupus, arthritis, depression, diabetes, heart disease, rickets, jaundice, multiple sclerosis (MS), poor blood circulation, cancer, hormone related problems, cholesterol, high blood pressure.

Diabetes: sunlight has an insulin-like effect – it lowers the blood sugar in right proportion i.e. sunlight increases glycogen (stored sugar) in the body causing the blood sugar to be lowered.

Asthma patients who could hardly breathe, were able to inhale freely after a sunbath.

Stress: calms the nerves and increases adrenalin - more relaxed, better able to move through the day, resulting in peaceful restful sleep.

Cholesterol: since 1904 it was discovered that sunlight changes the cholesterol just under the skin into vitamin D. Because there is so much cholesterol just under the skin, when it is changed by sunlight into vitamin D, cholesterol in the blood is sent to take its place, thus lowering the cholesterol in the blood. 2 hours after a sunbath (exposure 45mins – 1 hour for darker complexion) reduces blood cholesterol by 13%.

Rickets (Vitamin D needed to calcify the bones in not present and so it bends bones easily in children, for adults, the calcium leaves the bones and they become softer). Tuberculosis, bones, lungs, streptococcal infections, jaundice, fungus infections of the feet and toes, common cold, flu (colds are more during the rainy/winter seasons when there is less sunlight), spinal meningitis, germs – kills germs and changes skin oils into bacterial agents, acne, increases white blood cells to build immune system. (Neutrophils in the blood cells are stimulated to eat up bacteria, fungus and other bacteria). Lighter skinned individuals require 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight daily, while darker skinned individuals, require between 45min - 1 ½ hour between the hours of 9:00am-3:00pm.

To Avoid Sunburn: Cover body properly (long sleeves and hat), drink lots of water, eat a healthy balanced low-fat plant-based diet. There is a receptor on every cell in the body for Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a stored nutrient and when one is not exposed to sunlight it pulls from storage.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D – take 5000iu daily, until your levels are back in line. Correct Levels of vitamin D are 40 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL(once the levels get above 150 ng/mL with supplement it can become toxic to the body however if the levels get above 150 ng/mL with Natural Sunlight then you are fine.) For the colder climate, as a regular maintenance from June – September use the Natural Sunlight, May and October take 1000 IU daily, April and November take 2000 IU daily, March and December take 3000 IU daily, January and February take 5000 IU daily. Do not exceed the recommended vitamin D level. Remember that the liquid vitamin D with fat is best and easily absorbed (vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, so it requires fat in order for it to be absorbed). This is the one I recommend: 

https://www.vitacost.com/natures-answer-vitamin-d-3-drops?q=natures+vitamin+d&ta=natures+vitamin+d

If you live in a warmer climate please use the natural sunlight (45-90 minutes daily between the hours of 9:00 am – 1:00 pm daily).(MS/diabetes/high blood pressure/all bone problems/colon and breast cancer).

PS: If you are deficient in vitamin D, then you will need to take the prescription dosage or the equivalent of 5,000iu per day for 8 weeks of supplemental vitamin D (liquid is better and taken with plant based fats is best for maximum absorption because vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin).

TEMPERANCE

True temperance teaches total abstinence of that which is harmful and moderate use of that which is good.

“Indulgence in eating too frequently, and in too large quantities, overtaxes the digestive organs, and produces a feverish state of the system. The blood becomes impure, and then diseases of various kinds occur.” – R&H, September 5, 1899 “

Abstemiousness in diet and control of the passions will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor, enabling men to bring all their propensities under the control of the higher powers, and to discern between right and wrong, the sacred and the common.” -- Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 491

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Phil 4:5

Irregular hours for eating and sleeping saps the brain forces. {2MCP 388.1}

AVOID

• Tobacco, insecticides, automobile fumes
• Alcohol, Toxic drugs
• Caffeine (cola drinks gradually melt your teeth)
• Sugar foods
• Greasy foods
• Meat/flesh animals and animal products
• Condiments and spices
• Worry or anxiety
• Inappropriate clothing

 DO

• Maintain balance of rest and exercise
• Regularity in daily routine
• Eat at set meal times
• Dress healthfully (dress, shoes)
• Care for your body (no nail polish, tattoo, hair)
• Relax
• Listen to heavenly music

 REST

• You should go to bed before 10:00pm as the body heals itself between the hours of 10:00pm and 12:00am.
• Melatonin hormone, which gives restful sleep, is released between the hours of 10:00pm and 12:00am when the body is at rest. It is a natural anti-oxidant and a tumor suppressant. Studies in Denmark and US show that it reduces breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.
• Two hours' good sleep before twelve o'clock is worth more than four hours after twelve o'clock. . . (7MR 224.3)
• Make it a habit to go to bed and get up at approximately the same time each day. For the greatest benefit, an optimal bedtime would be around 9:00pm.
• Insufficient sleep will cause you to feel drowsy and have poor concentration during the day. A recent study conducted at Brigham Young University proved a correlation between a good GPA and the practice of “early to bed, to rise.” The principle applies not only in the classroom, but in every setting; quality sleep will help you think more clearly.
• Studies have shown that sleep-loss affects learning and memory. When animals and humans are deprived of sleep, they do not perform well on memory tasks.
• “If you study after 9:30pm, much is lost and nothing is gained.”
• Between the hours of 10:00 pm–12:00 pm the brain does the most work, most releasing of hormones, chemicals, melatonin, growth hormones and the brain restores itself.
• No student should form the habit of sitting up late at night to burn the midnight oil, and then take the hours of day for sleep. If they have been accustomed to doing this at home, they should seek to correct their habits and go to rest at a seasonable hour, and rise in the morning refreshed for the day's duties. In our schools the lights should be extinguished at half past nine. {Christian Education p124.1}

 DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING?

• Do nothing in the bed but sleep. No TV in the bedroom. No eating or reading in bed. Train the brain what the bed is for.
• Do not watch the clock if you wake as you would create anxiety. Develop bedtime rituals, such as, change clothes, brush teeth, and get into bed.
• Do not watch the news after 9pm for the brain keeps awake.
• Do not use caffeine products
• Avoid too much salt and spicy foods
• Take a warm bath
• Get active exercise during the day
• Take an outdoor walk before bedtime
• Avoid loud noise and too much talk
• Avoid worry and anxiety
• Get adequate fresh air
• Read God’s word, pray and trust in Him

EXERCISE

• Exercise is very essential to good health. The acronym “FIT” embodies the ingredients of a good exercise program. “F” stands for frequency or how often one should exercise. “I” stands for the intensity or how hard and vigorous one should exercise. “T” stands for the amount of time one should exercise for. 
• As the intensity of exercise rises, blood flow through the muscles greatly increases. Of all the structures of the body, more than half (54%) of a fit person is muscle.
• A casual walk 15-30 minutes outside after each meal will aid with proper digestion.
• Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood, but in idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so necessary to life and health, do not take place.
• Walking is the best form of exercise for the diseased. One should walk 21 miles per week, which is approximately 3 miles per day seven days per week for approximately one hour. This exercise should be a very brisk, steady walk, if possible.
• Walking strengthens the bones; each step immediately increases calcium absorption. It follows a 50-50% plan, that is, it burns 50% sugar and 50% fat.
• Note too that 1 hour of continual walking is equal to 20 units of insulin.
• There is no exercise that will prove as beneficial to every part of the body as walking. (HL p. 130.2)
• …in walking, all the muscles are brought into action. (HR, July 1, 1872 par. 14)
• Morning exercise, in walking in the free invigorating air of heaven, . . . is the surest safe-guard against colds, coughs, congestions of the brain and lungs, . . . and a hundred other diseases. (HL p. 210.3)
• Exercise will improve: Muscle tone and blood vessels, efficiency of your heart and lungs, digestion, maximum oxygen intake, overall condition of your body, change your whole outlook on life, sleep at night, slow down your aging process, difficult and painful menstruation, children’s growth. 

NUTRITION

Our Creator in His great wisdom, provided lots of varieties of foods for our enjoyment and to keep us healthy.

Man’s original diet constituted of fruits, grains, seeds and nuts. Genesis 1:29, says, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”

After sin, plants were introduced to the diet, Genesis 3:18, says, “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread…” Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect, that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet. (CD p. 81.2)

After the flood the people ate largely of animal food. God saw that the ways of man were corrupt, and that he was disposed to exalt himself proudly against his Creator and to follow the inclinations of his own heart. And He permitted that long-lived race to eat animal food to shorten their sinful lives. Soon after the flood the race began to rapidly decrease in size, and in length of years. (CD p. 373.3)

“The stomach must have careful attention. It must not be kept in continual operation. Give this misused and much-abused organ some peace and quiet and rest. After the stomach has done its work for one meal, do not crowd more work upon it before it has had a chance to rest and before a sufficient supply of gastric juice is provided by nature to care for more food. Five hours at least should elapse between each meal, and always bear in mind that if you would give it a trial, you would find that two meals are better than three.”  (CD p. 173.1 art. 267)

“After the regular meal is eaten, the stomach should be allowed to rest for five hours. Not a particle of food should be introduced into the stomach till the next meal. In this interval the stomach will perform its work, and will then be in a condition to receive more food.” (CD p. 179.1 art. 281)

“In no case should the meals be irregular. If dinner is eaten an hour or two before the usual time, the stomach is unprepared for the new burden; for it has not yet disposed of the food eaten at the previous meal, and has not vital force for new work. Thus the system is overtaxed.” (CD p. 179.2)

“Neither should the meals be delayed one or two hours, to suit circumstances, or in order that a certain amount of work may be accomplished. The stomach calls for food at the time it is accustomed to receive it. If that time is delayed, the vitality of the system decreases, and finally reaches so low an ebb that the appetite is entirely gone. If food is then taken, the stomach is unable to properly care for it. The food cannot be converted into good blood.” (CD p. 179.3)

“If all would eat at regular periods, not tasting anything between meals, they would be ready for their meals, and would find a pleasure in eating that would repay them for their effort.” (CD p. 179.4)

If you or someone you know is suffering from any sickness or disease or would like to live a healthy lifestyle, it is imperative for you to adhere to the following:

CONDIMENTS, SPICES, FERMENTED ITEMS

Avoid all condiments, mustards, mayonnaise, vegenaise, nayonnaise, ketchup, vinaigrette dressings, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauces. If you are insistent on using any of the above condiments, see our recommended cookbooks for numerous healthy substitutes.

Avoid all fermented items. These items include but are not limited to:

• Vinaigrette dressings, vinegar, apple cider, alcohol, soy sauces, miso, tempeh, tamari, and items of like character.
• Avoid all spices, ginger, mauby, all energy drinks, curry, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves.
• Most spices can be used for medicinal purposes but not for dietary uses (that includes vinegar for external uses).
• Avoid all hot peppers (including but not limited to chili peppers, black and white peppers, cayenne pepper, scotch bonnet, bird pepper, hot pepper sauces, and so forth) are related to cancer of the stomach and hypertension. They are also stimulants and should be avoided. 

BEVERAGES

• Avoid green tea, black tea, sweet tea, chai tea, Lipton’s Iced Tea, red tea. Also, teas of a lighter nature (pico tea). The tannins in these teas depletes iron in the body and promotes insomnia.
• All herbal teas can be used medicinally. Avoid stinging-nettle tea if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol. It reduces the blood sugar level for diabetics, but it constricts the arteries for others.
• All forms and types of coffee and caffeinated drinks should be avoided.
• Avoid all Carbonated drinks: energy drinks, sweetened waters, purified waters (in many cases, it contains baking soda),
• Vitamin waters should be avoided because they destroy the calcium levels in the body.
• Avoid the constant use of juice. Juice should be used sparingly; it should be considered a treat. Juice is robbed of the necessary fiber the body needs for regularity.
• Avoid all wines and alcoholic beverages completely. Women who consume one glass of wine every fifteen days increase the risk of breast cancer by 60 percent.

 SUPPLEMENTS

• Did you know that one orange with 53.2 mg of vitamin C is superior to 500 mg of supplemental vitamin C because of the 170 phytochemicals that are present in the natural orange?
• The red bell has four times more vitamin C than orange juice has.
• Did you know that black strap molasses has 2,492 mg per 100 grams of potassium versus 396 mg of that of banana?
• Do not use vitamins or supplements unless you have exhausted the use of fruits and vegetables in their natural state. For example, did you know that 100 grams of sesame seeds is equivalent to 975 mg of calcium, far more than the 123 mg of milk of the same serving size? Likewise, 100 grams of black strap molasses is equivalent to 860 mg of calcium. Both the black strap molasses and the sesame seed have a greater absorption rate because these items possess all of the facilitators needed than any supplemental vitamins. A study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine (October 10) showed that women between the ages of 55 to 69, who commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements, including multivitamins, vitamins B₆, and folic acid, as well as minerals iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper, were associated with a higher risk of total mortality.”
• Avoid capsules and/or caplets unless they say 100 percent vegetarian or are plant based. Many such capsules and/or caplets may contain gelatin from either pork or beef sources. 

GRAINS

• All grains should be cooked for at least three (3) hours. This is to required to break down the phytic acid in the bran which if not destroyed prevents the absorption of copper, zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium.
• Old fashioned oats should be cooked slowly for 3 hours to make sure that the phytic acid and starch is broken down. A Study of people over age 30 found out that there were legions on the brain caused by undercooked grains, particularly oats.

 MEATS, CHEESES, AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Flesh foods (chicken, fish, beef, lamb, pork, and all crustaceans) and their byproducts (cheese, milk, whey, etc) are high in animal protein and fat and are one of the foundational causes of all sicknesses and diseases.
• Flesh products are related to almost every type of cancer that affects the human body.
• Pork is high in parasites as well as bacterial and viral contamination. It should never be used and never be introduced into the stomach.
• Shrimp, lobster, crab, conch, wilkes, snails, mussels, squids, catfish, crawfish, til, and like organisms should never be introduced into the stomach because they are difficult to digest and they contain more than 150 mg% of cholesterol, more than double that of lean beef. It should be avoided by all.
• Fish is loaded with cholesterol and is one of the leading causes of cancer because of the high, industrial, chemical pollutants (mercury, cadmium, etc) that are dumped in the seas today.
• Cheese from animal sources elevates cholesterol and causes high blood pressure; not to mention it is fermented and contains a chemical called tyramine, which causes the brain to send off false signals. This causes the individual to be delusional and see and hear things that are not present.
• Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach….it is still more objectionable; it is wholly unfit for food. (CD p. 368)
• Cheese is the number one cause of artery blockage, it is the leading cause of allergies, contains casein, and made with the use of animal rennet. Most vegetarian cheese has the same pasteurized milk and animal protein but made with vegetable rennet. This will still increase cholesterol levels and allergies.
• Milk is the one of the leading causes of allergies, childhood (juvenile) diabetes and prostate cancer. Milk is also mucous forming.
• Avoid the use of ice cream. The combination of milk and sugar causes fermentation in the stomach and poisons the blood.

FATS

Despite popular belief, Avocado, Nuts and Coconut and does not contain cholesterol. Avocado, in fact, lowers cholesterol. However, avocado, nuts and coconut should be eaten in moderation because of their high fat and oil content.

The oil in the olives relieves constipation, and for consumptives, and for those who have inflamed, irritated stomachs, it is better than any drug. As a food it is better than any oil coming secondhand from animals. (CD p. 349.4)

When properly prepared, olives, like nuts, supply the place of butter and flesh meats. The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat. (CD p. 350)

If you are struggling with reversing heart disease, refrain from the use of all oils. Use nuts for your fat intake.

SALT

Salt is essential to making good blood.

The best salt to use would be one that has iodine and other trace minerals. Iodine is essential in regulating the thyroid function. Without it, one may develop thyroid related conditions, including goiter and greaves disease.

SODIUM BICARBONATE

The use of soda or baking powder in bread making is harmful and unnecessary.

Soda causes inflammation of the stomach, and often poisons the entire system. (CD p. 342)

Sodium bicarbonate found in baking powder and baking soda irritates the stomach and causes the PH level in the stomach to remain high, thus preventing the manufacture of the intrinsic factor which his essential in breaking down protein in the stomach and the production of vitamin B12 in the intestines. High PH levels also prevents the digestion of protein in the stomach.

It would be wise therefore, to avoid the use of items containing sodium bicarbonate. However, do not despair, Calcium bi-carbonate is a safer substitute in your dishes.

SUGAR

“Sugar is not good for the stomach. It causes fermentation and this clouds the brain and brings peevishness into the disposition.” (CD p. 327)

It clogs the system…affects the brain directly and …sugar when largely used, is more injurious than meat.

 (CD p. 328)

LIFESTYLE

Eating and drinking together causes food to ferment in the stomach; thus, producing as much as 32 oz of alcohol in the body. (Have you ever wondered why Christians have beer bellies and they don’t drink liquor?)

All meals should be eaten on a regular schedule, 7 days a week, with no more than a 30 minutes time difference in schedule. Meals should be eaten at least 5-6 hours apart.

Even temperature is essential to good circulation. Clothing should cover the extremities (arms and legs) in cold weather. Clothing should not be too scanty and short. When clothing does not cover the arms and legs in cold weather, the blood rushes to the organs and causes a concentration of blood to the heart and the trunk area.

If you feel you must have supper, then it should be a light a supper. For example, fresh fruit and whole grain crackers or bread with a natural fruit spread on it. However, this meal should be eaten at least three hours before going to bed.

To learn more, it is recommended that one read the following books in their entirety: Ministry of Healing or Pathways to Health and Happiness chapters on Prayer for the Sick, Mind Cure, and Diet and Health.

WATER

In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven’s choicest blessings. It helps to purify and detoxify the body inside and outside.

Water, the most plentiful substance in the body, makes up more than 60 percent of its total weight.

Water protects the eyes from drying out; thus, preserving sight. Water makes the skin soft and pliable, keeping it from becoming cracked, dry, and shriveled.

Without water, one could not breathe. Before oxygen can pass into or carbon dioxide out of the blood, they must first dissolve in a thin film of water that lines each air sac in the lungs and surrounds each tissue cell in the body.

At least 8 glasses (64 oz.) of water should be drunk each day. 8-16 oz. of warm water should be taken before breakfast. Water should be taken 15 - 30 minutes before the meal or 2 hours after the meal.

Water aids with relieving constipation and reduces the risk of cancer of the colon, bladder and urinary track.

Please drink water until your urine is pale yellow to clear.

The brain contains 85% water. Studies have shown that most people are constantly partially dehydrated; as a result, their brain is working considerably below its capacity and potential.

TRUST IN GOD

We teach from three perspectives:

1. THE BIBLE

     The Bible is God's revelation to mankind, through His word we get to know more of His will.

2. INSPIRED WRITINGS

     Any inspired writings that harmonize with the word of God.

3. GOOD SCIENCE

     Good science is that which harmonizes with the Bible and inspired writings.

DISEASE AND SICKNESS OCCURS AS A RESULT FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE CAUSES:

1. The Violation of Natural Laws
2. The violation of Spiritual Laws
3. The Glory of God

“Disease never comes without a cause.”  {HL 60.2} 

What are The Laws of Health?

Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power--these are the true remedies.

CAUSE TO BE ASCERTAINED

“In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system.” (MH p. 127.1)

DRUGS AND DISEASE

Drugs never cure disease; they only change its form and location. . . . When drugs are introduced into the system, for a time they seem to have a beneficial effect. A change may take place, but the disease is not cured. It will manifest itself in some other form. The disease which the drug was given to cure may disappear, but only to reappear in a new form, such as skin diseases, ulcers, painful, diseased joints, and sometimes in a more dangerous and deadly form. . . . Nature keeps struggling, and the patient suffers with different ailments, until there is a sudden breaking down in her efforts, and death follows.” – (HL p. 243.3)

“If the harmonious working of the system has become unbalanced by overwork, overeating, or other irregularities, do not endeavor to adjust the difficulties by adding a burden of poisonous medicines.”

(MH p. 94)

“People need to be taught that drugs do not cure disease. It is true that they sometimes afford present relief, and the patient appears to recover as the result of their use; this is because nature has sufficient vital force to expel the poison and to correct the conditions that caused the disease. Health is recovered in spite of the drug. But in most cases the drug only changes the form and location of the disease. Often the effect of the poison seems to be overcome for a time, but the results remain in the system and work great harm at some later period.” (MH p. 126.3)

“…The patient appears to recover as a result of their use; this is because nature has sufficient vital force to expel the poison and correct the conditions that caused the disease - health is recovered in spite of the drug.  {MH 126.4} 

USE OF NATURAL REMEDIES REQUIRES EFFORT

The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and up building is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind. (MH p. 128)

“But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.” (MH p. 44)

“Too little attention is generally given to the preservation of health. It is far better to prevent disease than to know how to treat it when contracted.” (MH p. 128)

“By the use of poisonous drugs, many bring upon themselves lifelong illness, and many lives are lost that might be saved by the use of natural methods of healing.” (MH p. 128)

HEALTH IS SPIRITUAL

“To those who desire prayer for their restoration to health, it should be made plain that the violation of God’s law, whether natural or spiritual, is sin, and that in order for them to receive His blessing, sin must be confessed and forsaken.”   {MH 228.1}

“I saw that the reason why God did not hear the prayers of His servants for the sick among us more fully was that He could not be glorified in so doing while they were violating the laws of health.” (CD p. 25 – 26)

THE FOLLOWING QUOTATIONS SHARES KEY REFERENCES ON THE SPIRITUAL COMPONENT OF HEALTH:

Romans 12:1,2 – God’s expectation for our bodies

Proverbs 26:2 – Nothing comes without a cause

John 5:1-15 – The lame man at Bethesda

John 9:1-7 – The blind man – what was the cause

John 11:1-14 – Lazarus’ death

Numbers 12:1-15 – Leadership and backbiting

Luke 5:12-25 – The paralytic

Job 42:7 – Examine Job’s case

2 Samuel 11:12 – David’s adultery, murder, the birth and death of a child

2 Samuel 12:24 – David’s deepest repentance – despite error the blessings still come

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT IS MENTIONED IN THIS FACT SHEET, REFER TO THE FOLLOWING BOOKS:

1.     365 Total Wellness by James Luke and Natalie Nash

2.     Health Power - Health by Choice not by Chance

3.     Ministry of Healing

4.     Counsels on Diet and Foods

5.     Counsels on Health

6.     Temperance

7.     It’s All Good

8.     Ten Talents

9.     Seven Secrets

10.  The Optimal Diet

11.  Of These Ye May Freely Eat

12.  Give Them Something Better

13.  Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power

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Got info from another source.

The Cocoa Romance

Low on love?

Chocolate is a key romance ingredient in many of Michael Webb’s recommendations in his book: 101 Romantic Ideas.1, Owner of the website TheRomantic.com, Michael devotes a whole page to romantic chocolate ideas.2 And why shouldn’t he? Isn’t chocolate the most craved food by females?3 Indeed, 45% of women regularly crave chocolate.4 Thanks to Phenethylamine (PEA),5 the “love hormone”, and other psychoactive substances, cocoa is a powerful stimulator of the sexual pleasure center of the brain6 and is a driver of erotic behavior.7 As could be expected, women indulging in more cocoa products score higher points on the Female Sexual Function Index.8

Food of the Gods
Is chocolate’s addictive power limited to its role as icon of Hollywood’s love affair with sex or does it have a magic all its own? The most active ingredient in chocolate is theobromine; its name is taken from the Greek name of the plant from which this product is derived Theobroma Cocoa, which literally means, “cocoa—food of the gods”.9 Complemented, as it is in chocolate, with caffeine,10 theobromine is responsible for much of the addictive power of your favorite cocoa product.11 This “food of the gods” maybe more addictive than you bargained for.12,13

Heroine or Heroin
Studies show that chocolate trumps hot chili pepper on food, people’s favorite alcoholic beverage, video games, coffee, tea, cola beverages, gambling, and even cigarettes in its addictive power.14 People with a lack of control around chocolate are called “Chocoholics”.15 Could chocoholics really be closet heroin addicts? That may be stretching it a bit, but humans and animals given a drug which blocks their body’s opioid receptors (receptors activated by drugs such as heroin, morphine and opium) virtually lose their addictive attraction to chocolate.16,17 Thus, chocolate’s addictive power lies in its ability to stimulate the same opioid receptors in the brain as morphine. Maybe this explains the pervasiveness of this annual $17 billion, 3.5 million ton industry from which the average American obtains around 22 pounds of cocoa per year.18 And why isn’t morphine allowed as an ingredient in candy? Narcotics enfeeble and degrade the intellect, lower the morals and cause a person to lose the power to resist temptation.
 
Mary Jane on the Brain
But what of the euphoria well known to chocolate devotees? While you won’t turn positive for cannabinoids on a urine drug screen, chocolate is like Marijuana. There are three substances in chocolate that activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain and mimic the psychoactive effects of marijuana.19 Is it any wonder that chocolate is widely believed to enhance the effect of marijuana.20 SPECT scan studies of the brains of cannabis users reveal an appalling lack of neural activity in the frontal lobes. The frontal lobes are where your conscience is located—where you discriminate between right and wrong and make important moral decisions. Paul declares, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1Corinthians 6:12 A Christian should never use a product that will bring them under its power. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16.
 
If You Like It, Why Not Claim It’s Healthy?
In her article published in the journal Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, “Chocolate: the health food”, Vickie A. Miracle states, “Then there are times I believe I was born too early. I have been proclaiming chocolate as a health food since I was 6 years old! I do confess to being a chocoholic and proud of it. Now science has caught up with my theory. Chocolate does have health benefits. These benefits have been reported in the literature for more than 10 years. While the history of the cacao plant and chocolate is very interesting, it is not the intent of this editorial to discuss this. Rather, this editorial will explain why chocolate may have health benefits, some of its benefits, its disadvantages, and current recommendations for those who enjoy eating chocolate.”21 I have no grumble with the trend in our society to elevate the value of health to an all time high. And maybe we should be happy that this author does not live in a culture where some practices offensive to our thinking reigns supreme, else we might be obliged to read editorials touting chocolate as just the thing to make primitives better head hunters, Eskimos better whalers, and French better.... You get the idea. This elevating of substances of questionable nutritional value includes such delicacies as rotten apples sold as “organic apple cider vinegar”, inebriating red wine touted as good for your heart, medicinal marijuana—the legalization of a brain destroyer and formerly discarded whey powder as good to build your muscles. It seems that chocolate is so subtly destructive to your intellect and morals as to make its promulgation as a health product seem plausible. If you like it, why not just claim you like it, why purport to have discovered medicinal properties for it?
 
Weight Loss Wonder
With obesity at an all time high and the existence of a $60 billion per year weight loss market why not sponsor a weight loss study? According to Carol E. O’Neil, Victor L. Fulgoni III and Theresa A. Nicklas, in their article of June 2011, which appeared in Food & Nutrition Research, “Total, chocolate, and sugar candy consumption was not associated with weight/adiposity variables and candy consumers were less likely to be overweight or obese than non- candy consumers.” “Current levels of candy consumption were not associated with adverse health parameters in children or adolescents.” One is called to wonder how these things can be so. Doesn’t this go against conventional wisdom? But further investigation reveals that under the heading “Conflict of interest and funding” it is admitted, “Partial support was also received from the National Confectioners Association.”22 Research has become merely a line item in an advertising budget. Many of these commercial enterprises have research funding that far exceed the entire yearly budget of the National Institute of Health. Imagine the economic value of a scientific discovery. “Science” discovers that chocolate cures some disease, news agencies spread the story, and people opt for one more scoop of chocolate ice cream at the dairy stand.

Hair On Bald Heads And Feeling In Peg Legs
The list of medicinal properties for chocolate is growing. Researchers reach for the dark, flavonoid rich vial marked cocoa and test subjects turn up healthier.23 But where did this nasty tasting laboratory version of the common candy bar come from? These specially prepared cocoa samples are not the same as the readily available commercial products people buy in the store.24 The street variety tends to be loaded with fat and sugar and only overthrows a person's resistance to indulgence of appetite.25 Indeed, up to 98% of calories in chocolate preparations comes from fat and sugar.26,27 Sugar, by itself, is a drug of addiction. The addictive nature of sugar generates phenomenally high levels of obesity.28 Sugar surpasses cocaine in its ability to elevate the addiction hormone dopamine in the brain making sugar more addictive than some street drugs.29 And why all the fat in this product? The sensory experience of tasting fat overpowers self- control and increases food intake even in people who are usually restrained eaters.30 Taken in combination, fat and sugar work to weaken food satisfaction signals to the brain and activate hunger signals driving excessive food consumption.31,32

Easter Bunny or Trojan Horse?
Taste good? Yes! But not all chocolate’s effects generate good health:

• The amount of cocoa contained in one half ounce of milk chocolate when taken daily is enough to double the risk of prostate cancer.33

• Daily chocolate consumption lowers bone density and strength,34 due in part to increasing the volume of precious bone calcium lost in the urine.35

• Sweet tooth? Will your teeth appreciate cocoa suspended in creamy milk? No, dental cavities multiply with such concoctions.36

• That burn in the chest, is it heart troubles? Not likely, chocolate is billed as heart healthy.37 Try heartburn!38 Chocolate relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter causing reflux and pain symptoms.39,40

• Romantic dreams or nightmares? A disorder that gives people nightmares and makes them move violently in their sleep could be aggravated by eating chocolate. 41

• Constipation complicates the treatment of hospital patients on morphine. Chocolate is perceived by many people as a constipating food, possibly by the same opioid receptor stimulating mechanism as morphine.42

• Chocolate on the brain? Foods more commonly reported as headache triggers include: alcoholic drinks, chocolate and cheese.43,44,45

And why does chocolate share disease triggering properties with cheese? Both are fermented products! Fermentation, like the rotting of apples to make vinegar, contaminates products with toxins known to cause illnesses. What happens to a box of good apples when you throw a rotten one in the batch? They all rot. Does chocolate share disease triggering properties with what happens when you eat rotten foods? You rot—otherwise known as oxidative stress, free radical formation, and lipid peroxidation. People consuming aged, rotted, fermented, spoiled foods suffer the consequences. Maybe this is why chocolate is a huge red flag for autoimmune inflammatory conditions.

• Inflammation is the key ingredient in inflammatory bowel disease. Cocoa products increase the risk of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease by a whopping 150%.46,47

• And what of rheumatoid arthritis? Chocolate aggravates the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis making it harder to bear.48,49 • Are worms the only instigator of an itchy anus? Think chocolate. Cocoa products are among the top 6 foods causing “Pruritus Ani”50

• Chocolate increases the risk of acne by 40% in teenage boys.51

• The psychoactive components of chocolate are concentrated in breast milk,52 and infants breastfeeding on mothers eating chocolate are more likely to experience allergic dermatitis.53

Don’t be fooled, not everything made out to be pure gold is really gold at all.

Dark Chocolate
“Hey Clark, your going to love this one,” David was animate, “they (the TV) just exposed the west Africa slave trade responsible for the production of half the world’s chocolate. Teenagers are stolen from places like Togo and taken to Ivory Coast chocolate plantations where they are literally worked to death in 4 years.” Shocking, I thought, but at the time, not being a TV watcher and having no way to verify the account, I shuffled the information to the back of my mind. Then, when conducting this current chocolate investigation I decided to explore the story. Factual beyond controversy, it’s now all over the internet.54 Chocolate, due to its addictive nature, is one of those products., along with sugar, opium and other drugs, coffee, tea, tobacco, and other cash crops that have helped create the poverty-stricken third world. Man’s insatiable desire for something stimulating, and the greed of the empires, have synergized to plunder the economies and ecologies of the poorer agrarian nations.55 An older Jamaican related to me his experience on the coffee plantations of their island nation. The English started Jamaica growing cash crops, then pitted them against Guyana, who they had also started growing these crops. When the English traders lowered the price they offered for coffee to the point that the Jamaicans would lose money, the president of Jamaica was forced to plead with them to raise the going price. The English just stated that they could get the coffee cheaper from Guyana. My Jamaican friend was still incensed that the president of his country should be so humiliated. Such are the atrocities that reduced stable agricultural based nations to poverty, subservience, and near starvation.
 
Home to Roost
How many weeks would you be willing to have one of your family members go and labor on a chocolate plantation to obtain your precious “food of the gods”? It would be a most memorable experience. They’d lose weight; have scars all over their backs in testimony to the appreciation they were shown, and perhaps be grateful to just escape with their lives. Next time you sink your teeth into a luscious bar of rich tasty chocolate pause to consider how many teenage Africans gave their lives for your excess.
 
The Biggest Losers
Who are the greatest slaves here, the unpaid child laborers who have no say in the matter, the greedy unscrupulous plantation owners who organize such crimes against humanity, or the addicted product users who for a moment of pleasure are willing to brush over their accountability in this whole drama? There is no more subtle form of slavery than when the captives will their own captivity.
 
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54. http://www.johnrobbins.info/blog/is-there-slavery-in-your- chocolate/ 
55. https://www.american.edu/sis/news/20190201-the-dark-side-of-chocolate.cfm
56.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_in_cocoa_production
57. Mike Davis, Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño Famines and the Making of the Third World (London and New York: Verso, 2001)

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