God created humanity in the beginning in “His image” which translates to perfect health.
illustrates that drawing on the Bible to improve our spiritual outlook can enrich our mental and physical health.
Improving a patient’s dietary patterns and overall diet quality has the potential to boost immunity, strengthen resilience, and enhance overall wellness, which is why nutrition-based interventions are fundamental components of an effective treatment plan.
Nutrition
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31
In his book, What the Bible Says About Healthy Living, Rex Russell, M.D. offers three timeless nutritional principles2:
1. “Eat only substances God created for food.”
Simply put, if God didn’t create it, we shouldn’t be eating it. For example, on Russell’s list of things to avoid are processed, manufactured, pre-packaged “foods.” As tempting as they may be, God did not make pretzels and powdered donuts. Consider, though, the wholesome options suggested in the book of Genesis. Genesis 1:29 states, “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth, and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” And Genesis 9:3 says, “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.” In his book, Russell provides a lengthy list of specific foods mentioned favorably in the Bible, like almonds, fish, goat’s milk, lentils, and honey. The bottom line is this: Except for poisonous, spoiled, or otherwise defiled foods, virtually any plant-related, natural food and anything that moves is God-approved! It’s up to you to make choices that work best for your body.
2. “As much as possible, eat foods as they were created – before they are changed or converted into something humans think might be better.”
Examples of foods humans have sought to improve but wrecked in the process include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and refined, processed flours and sugars. Reflected in this second principle is a strong spiritual truth: Our attempts to be God by “improving” His design and intentions for our health generally will not end well. Russell writes, “In our consumptive and pleasure-seeking culture, we often concoct additives, chemicals and processed foods that take us away from our Creator’s excellent design for nutrition.” A better approach is to let God be God and follow His divine design.
3. “Avoid food addictions. Don’t let any food or drink become your god.”
This principle is derived from the first Biblical commandment in Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before me.” God has provided plenty of wholesome, nutritious foods for us to eat, Russell says, but when we allow them to consume our attention, they become idols or addictions, replacing God as first in our lives. As holistic health practitioners, we know that both acute and chronic health conditions can result from any addiction or overconsumption, as illustrated by one of the most common addictions – alcohol. Virtually every major system in your body, including your brain and nervous system, liver, heart and vascular system, and muscles and joints, suffers greatly when alcohol becomes your god. From this perspective, God’s wisdom is clear. Things like food, money, or work are wonderful blessings as long as they aren’t taken to extremes, but gluttonous behavior in any form has negative consequences. The Bible warns us of this outcome in Proverbs 23:20-21: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
References:
- Russell, R. (2014). What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health. Revell Publishing: Grand Rapids, MI.