Health Reform and Natural Remedies in Ellen White's Writings

Discarding flesh meat is a vital step in health reform because it is not the most healthful food and its use contributes to numerous diseases, the animalization of human nature, and a decrease in spiritual and intellectual powerEGWSCC 1.13+1. While fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables provide all the nutrients necessary for high-quality blood and muscular strength, a meat diet creates an unwholesome condition of the brain and muscles because we are composed of what we eatCG 384.1+2.

Eating the flesh of dead animals is a consequence of the fall and was never the best diet for manEv 663.4+1. In this age, the animal kingdom is heavily burdened by the curse of sin, making meat eating particularly dangerous as animals are increasingly diseased with cancers, tumors, and tuberculosisEGWSCC 1.13+2. These diseases are transferred to the human system, often causing suffering and death that is not immediately connected to the dietHL 99.2+1.

Beyond physical health, a flesh diet has a marked effect on the mind and soulCCh 230.4. It stimulates the lower animal passions, strengthens animalism, and causes the higher intellectual and moral powers to diminish proportionatelySpM 47.1+2. For those preparing for translation and the society of heavenly angels, meat eating will eventually be done away with entirelyCCh 231.7+1.

True health reform involves an individual's consecration to God and a recognition that the body is a temple not to be defiled 1 Corinthians 3:17MR852 3.5+1. Instead of focusing on the "meat which perisheth," we are called to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, which means receiving and practicing His Word through the Holy Spirit John 6:635T 575.2+1.

...disease, and that the practice of eating largely of meat is contracting diseases of all kinds—cancers, tumors, scrofula, tuberculosis, and numbers of other like affections.—Counsels on Diet and Foods, 388. We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet, but we do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God’s people. I have been instructed that flesh food has a tendency to animalize the nature, to rob men and women of that love and sympathy which they should feel for everyone, and to give th...— EGWSCC 1.13 (1964)

...ce of the appetite for dead flesh. We have plenty of good things to satisfy hunger without bringing corpses upon our tables to compose our bill of fare. I might go on to any length upon this subject, but I will forbear— SpM 47.1 (1985)

Instruction Concerning a Change in Diet—It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more vigorous health can be enjoyed without its use. The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to health and strength, animal food would have been included in the diet appointed man in the beginning— CG 384.1 (1954)

...hould stand in your individual dignity before God, in your individual consecration to God, that the soul-temple shall be dedicated to God. “Whosoever defileth the temple of God, him will God destroy,” Now I want you to think of these things, and do not make any human being your criterion.—Manuscript 43a, 1901, p. 13. (“Talk of Mrs. E. G. White, Before Representative Brethre...— 8MR 350.1 (1990)

Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavor to work steadily toward it.424Counsels on Diet ...— CCh 231.7 (1991)

...st be changed into its likeness by the power of Christ and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His ...— 5T 575.2 (1889)

...th, and whatever affects the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and the soul. Think of the cruelty to animals that meat eating involves, and its effect on those who inflict and those who behold it. How it destroys the tenderness with which we should regard these creatures of God— MH 315.1 (1905)

The original and most healthful diet appointed by our Creator consists of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetablesCG 380.1+3. These specific foods contain all the nutritive properties necessary to produce high-quality blood and provide the system with more vigorous health than a flesh diet can offerCG 384.1+2.

The Original Plan for Humanity

• Edenic Origins: In the beginning, God appointed Adam his food, which did not include animal productsCG 380.1+1. The fruit of the trees in the garden was exactly what man's physical wants requiredTSDF 125.6.

• Biblical Foundation: God explicitly gave every herb yielding seed and every tree yielding fruit to be used as food Genesis 1:29TSDF 125.2.

• The Best Quality: To know the best foods today, we must study this original plan, as the Creator understood exactly what the human system needed for strength and longevityCG 380.1+2.

Benefits of the Creator's Diet

• Mental and Physical Vigor: When prepared simply and naturally, these foods impart a strength, power of endurance, and vigor of intellect that a more complex or stimulating diet cannot provideTSDF 82.11+1.

• Superior to Meat: It is a mistake to think muscular strength depends on animal food; the needs of the body are actually better supplied by grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetablesCG 384.1+1.

• Spiritual Perception: Choosing the diet God originally prescribed increases our susceptibility to the truth and helps keep the lower passions under control4MR 384.1+1.

A Progressive Return to Ideal Living

• Restoration: The Lord is working to bring His people back to the simple diet originally given to man in EdenTSDF 125.6+1.

• Simple Preparation: These foods should be prepared in a simple, natural manner, free from grease and irritating spices, to be most nourishingTSDF 82.11+2.

• Future Perfection: As we prepare for translation to heaven, our diet should become more simple, eventually excluding everything that entered the human diet after sin occurred2T 352.1+1.

• Total Temperance: Following the example of Daniel, who chose "pulse" (vegetables) and water, leads to being "ten times better" in wisdom and health than those who indulge in stimulating dainties Daniel 1:12-20SITI January 21, 1886, page 42.5+1. 🍏

The use of sugar is generally discouraged because it tends to clog the system and is a frequent cause of diseaseCTBH 56.4. While a very small amount is not wholly denounced, it should be used with extreme caution and sparingness to preserve healthLASW 132.2+1.

The Dangers of Excess Sugar

• Physical Congestion: The free use of sugar in any form is harmful as it clogs the system and can obstruct the healthy action of the bodyCTBH 56.4.

• Indigestion and Fermentation: Sugar is a primary cause of indigestion, especially when found in sweet cookies, cream cakes, and pastriesLASW 132.2. It is also known to cause fermentation in the stomachCTBH 56.4.

• Mental and Emotional Effects: Excessive sugar intake can result in a clouded brain, making it difficult to have clear thoughtsLASW 132.2. It also contributes to feelings of impatience and irritabilityCD 321.2.

• Disease Prevention: Reducing sugar intake is particularly beneficial in hot climates to prevent physical difficulties13LtMs, Lt 91, 1898, par. 5. Sugar, along with candies and cakes, provides no real nourishment and instead weakens the constitution, preparing the way for fevers and dyspepsia13LtMs, Lt 53, 1898, par. 18.

Harmful Food Combinations

• Milk and Sugar: The combination of milk and sugar taken together is especially harmful and should be avoided because it is liable to cause fermentationLASW 132.2+1.

• Rich Desserts: Custards and puddings where milk, eggs, and sugar are the chief ingredients are considered particularly injuriousLASW 132.2+1.

• Unwholesome Treats: Items like jellies, jams, sweet biscuits, and "knickknacks" are detrimental to health and should be replaced with simple, wholesome foodLASW 132.2+2.

Practical Guidelines for Reform

• Sparing Use: We are encouraged to bring the appetite to a very moderate use of sugar through self-denialCD 497.3. A little sugar may be less detrimental than other harmful habits, but the goal is to use as little as possible15MR 245.3+1.

• Simple Preparation: It is better to leave sugar out of crackers and breads, as even "sweet breads" can perpetuate indigestion and disease12MR 173.1+1.

• Natural Alternatives: Parents should teach children to relish simple, nutritious food rather than fostering an appetite for dainties that irritate the stomachTSDF 57.2. We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God Romans 12:1.

Education and Temperance

Following the light of health reform is essential for the highest development of the mind, soul, and bodyLASW 132.4. This reform requires us to practice temperance and self-control in all our eating habits, ensuring that our bodies remain a temple for the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:19-202MCP 382.1. By choosing simple, wholesome foods over dangerous dainties, we cooperate with God to restore His image within usTSDF 105.4+1.

God's eight true remedies are pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine powerDG 174.3+2. Every person should possess a knowledge of these remedial agencies and understand how to apply them to treat the sickCG 366.1+1.

1. Pure Air 🌬️

• Vitality for Life: Pure air is the current of life that cleanses and vitalizes the blood, carrying vigor to every part of the systemTSDF 131.7.

• Ventilation: Sleeping rooms must be thoroughly ventilated daily to ensure the atmosphere is healthy, and houses should be built on high ground to avoid poisonous miasmaCTBH 107.2+2.

• Disease Recovery: Even when suffering from a cold or lung disease, the system should never be deprived of fresh air, as it is a necessity for recoveryCH 53.3.

2. Sunlight ☀️

• Healing Influence: Sunlight is a blessing bestowed by Heaven to give life and strength to the emaciated invalidCD 301.3+1.

• Home Environment: Blinds and curtains should be put aside to allow rays of the sun to flood every room, as dark, damp houses breed rheumatism and lung complaintsCTBH 107.2+2.

• Transparency: Our daily business transactions and character should be as transparent as the sunlight6LtMs, Lt 22, 1890, par. 29.

3. Abstemiousness 🍽️

• Self-Control: Abstemiousness involves practicing temperance and self-denial, especially regarding appetite and hurtful indulgencesTSDF 84.6+1.

• Divine Approval: The experience of Daniel illustrates that an abstemious diet results in the purifying and uplifting of the soulTe 191.1.

• Fasting: If the taste has been perverted by rich foods, a period of fasting may be of greater benefit than medicine to allow the stomach to rest4aSG 130.3.

4. Rest 🛌

• Mental Relief: Those broken down from mental labor require rest from wearing thought to aid recoveryMH 238.1.

• Digestive Rest: An abused stomach finds needed rest when a person practices self-denial in eating4aSG 130.3.

• The Sabbath: The Sabbath is God’s sanctified rest day, to be hailed as a joy and used for religious instruction rather than indolence2MR 133.2+1.

5. Exercise 🏃

• Blood Circulation: Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease; exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood and aids the skin in expelling impuritiesMH 238.1.

• Outdoor Labor: Systematic and agreeable outdoor exercise, such as walking or gardening, is the most beneficial for the mind and bodyMH 238.1+1.

• Mental Health: Exercise is a potent means of resisting disease and controlling a diseased imaginationTSDF 85.3.

6. Proper Diet 🍏

• Natural Products: A healthful diet consists of grains, fruits, and vegetables prepared in a simple way, free from grease and spicesTSDF 119.9+1.

• Discarding Flesh: Flesh-meat should be discarded as it is stimulating but does not give true strength, and it is the worst diet for the sick15MR 279.2+1.

• Cooking Skills: It is essential for mothers to teach their daughters the art of wholesome cooking, as poor cookery wears away life energies2T 538.1+1.

7. Use of Water 💧

• Internal and External: Pure, soft water is one of nature's great blessings for both drinking and bathing purposesTSDF 85.5+1.

• Rational Remedy: The judicious use of water is a rational remedy and is in perfect harmony with the exercise of faith18MR 333.7.

• Alternative to Drugs: Many who die for want of pure water could be restored if they would let medicine alone and use nature's agencies2SM 287.3+1.

8. Trust in Divine Power 🙏

• The Ultimate Remedy: Trust in God is essential for health of body and mind; without it, thousands are dyingTSDF 84.6+1.

• Cooperation with God: We are to cooperate with God by obeying His laws and then asking for His healing power to come to the sufferingLLM 161.7+1.

• Resisting Temptation: Song and praise are weapons against discouragement that open the heart to the sunlight of the Savior’s presenceVSS 409.3.

The use of these natural remedies requires care and effort, and because the healing process is gradual, many become impatientCG 366.1. However, those who persevere in obedience to nature's laws—which are the laws of God—will reap a reward in health and peaceTSDF 84.6+1. Your people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified Isaiah 60:21.