The Vital Role of Blood in Physical and Spiritual Health

Maintaining perfect health is fundamentally dependent on a perfect and vigorous circulation of the blood throughout the entire body2T 531.2+1. The blood is the current of life, serving the vital functions of repairing waste and nourishing every part of the systemCCh 218.1+1.

The Foundations of Good Blood

To ensure the blood can effectively build up wasting tissues and provide life-giving energy, several factors must be harmonized:

• Nutritious Diet: The quality of the blood is determined by the food we eat; therefore, we must choose simple, nutritious, and well-prepared food such as grains, fruits, and vegetablesTSDF 94.4+2. Flesh meat should be avoided, as it corrupts the blood, strengthens the animal nature, and implants seeds of disease in the tissuesEv 663.2+2.

• Pure Air: We are more dependent on the air we breathe than the food we eat, as full, deep inspirations of oxygen are required to purify, vitalize, and impart a bright color to the life-current2MCP 484.1+2.

• Proper Preparation: Food that is poorly prepared, sour, or heavy cannot be converted into good blood and instead deranges the stomach and benumbs the heart's finer feelingsTSDF 94.4+2.

• Abstemious Living: Overeating, even of healthy food, burdens the system and prevents the blood-making organs from functioning properly, leading to a clogged system and a confused brainCD 102.1+2.

The Role of Circulation and Exercise

A healthy current of blood must flow freely to the extremities to maintain vitality10MR 149.1+1.

• Equalized Circulation: If the extremities are not as warm as the chest, blood is driven to the head or internal organs, causing headaches, indigestion, or heart palpitationsCG 426.2+2.

• Physical Activity: Inactivity causes the blood to pursue its course sluggishly; however, regular exercise in the open air quickens the circulation and helps the system expel impuritiesCH 173.1+2.

• Useful Labor: Engaging in manual work, especially in nature, expands the lungs and sends the warm current of life bounding through arteries and veinsFE 73.3+2.

Mental and Spiritual Influence

There is an intimate relationship between the mind, the spirit, and the blood1MCP 59.3+1.

• Cheerful Disposition: A happy mind and a sense of satisfaction from doing good to others create a "glow" that quickens the circulation of the blood and tones up the entire bodyVSS 136.2+2.

• Faith in Christ: Just as the life of the body is in the blood, our spiritual life is maintained through faith in the blood of Christ, which cleanses from sin and provides spiritual health 1 Peter 1:1912LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 15+1.

• Moral Responsibility: It is a religious duty to obey the laws of health, as the human structure is a wonderful machine created by God, and any habit that injures the body also affects the mind and characterCG 408.1+2.

By bringing our habits into harmony with physical law, we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God Romans 12:1CIHS 47.1. When the blood is kept pure through healthful living, the mind is clear to discern sacred truths and the whole being is perfected in Christ10MR 149.1+2.