The Eight Laws of Health

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

An Invitation to Wholeness

This guide is more than information—it is a call to transformation. Begin your journey today by aligning your lifestyle with these natural laws and experiencing the healing power of God’s design.

Your body is a temple. Please treat it with the care and reverence it deserves.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." — 3 John 1:2

Optimal health is not a mystery; it is a lifestyle. The following eight principles are God’s natural remedies—simple, powerful, and effective:

1. The Power of Pure Air

Pure, fresh air is more than just a pleasant breeze — it's life itself. Every cell in the body depends on oxygen to function. When we breathe deeply and fully, our lungs absorb oxygen that fuels and purifies the blood, promoting vitality throughout the body.

Benefits of Pure Air:

• Soothes the nervous system

• Stimulates appetite and enhances digestion

• Supports deep, restorative sleep

• Improves circulation and brain function

• Calms anxiety and mental fatigue

On the other hand, shallow or improper breathing can weaken the body, slow circulation, and even contribute to conditions like depression, digestive disorders, and fevers.

Fresh air is medicine. Regular time outdoors, especially in green spaces, restores energy and uplifts the spirit. Gardening, walking in nature, or even caring for flowers can reduce focus on pain and promote healing.

Simple Ways to Breathe Better:

• Crack your windows open at night to let fresh air circulate

• Avoid synthetic air fresheners and scented candles

• Add air-purifying plants to your home

• Be aware of harmful indoor pollutants such as mold, radon gas, and lead-based paints

For those living in smoggy or industrialized areas, daily exposure to fresh air is even more critical. Prioritize open-air environments and natural surroundings whenever possible.

2. The Healing Light of the Sun

Sunlight is one of God's greatest natural gifts. It's not just a source of light — it's a source of life and healing.

Sunlight Boosts Your Health By:

• Strengthening bones by facilitating vitamin D production

• Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol

• Balancing blood sugar levels

• Enhancing immune response by increasing white blood cells

• Supporting mental health by calming nerves and reducing stress

• Improving sleep by resetting your biological clock

Lack of sunlight has been linked to numerous health issues, including autoimmune diseases, arthritis, depression, diabetes, and poor circulation. Even infections like the cold and flu are more common in months with limited sunlight.

Sunlight is Especially Beneficial for:

• Asthma relief and respiratory health

• Reducing skin infections and acne

• Supporting bone health (rickets, osteoporosis)

• Stimulating the body’s internal cleansing systems

Safe Sunlight Guidelines:

• Fair-skinned individuals: 10–15 minutes of sun daily

• Darker-skinned individuals: 45–90 minutes between 9 AM and 3 PM

• Avoid sunburn: wear protective clothing and stay hydrated

The sun's rays convert cholesterol under the skin into vitamin D, which then pulls cholesterol from the blood, naturally lowering blood cholesterol levels. Just two hours after a sunbath, blood cholesterol can drop by 13%.

Vitamin D: A Vital Nutrient

Vitamin D is essential for nearly every system in the body. Every cell has a receptor for it, and it supports immune health, hormone balance, bone strength, and much more.

Supplementing Smartly:

If you live in colder climates, supplementation may be necessary:

• Jan-Feb: 5000 IU daily

• Mar & Dec: 3000 IU

• Apr & Nov: 2000 IU

• May & Oct: 1000 IU

• Jun-Sep: Use natural sunlight instead of supplements

Tip: Always take vitamin D with healthy fats like avocado or olive oil for maximum absorption. Liquid forms are preferred.

Target Vitamin D Levels: 40–100 ng/mL. Natural sunlight won’t create toxic levels, but supplementation should be monitored to avoid excess.

If deficient, a higher daily dose (e.g., 5000 IU for 8 weeks) may be necessary, preferably under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

3. Temperance: The Discipline of Balance

True temperance means total abstinence from what is harmful and moderation in what is good. It’s about living intentionally, choosing what uplifts health and rejecting what degrades it.

“Abstemiousness in diet and control of the passions will preserve the intellect and give mental and moral vigor.” – Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 491

Avoid These Health Hazards:

• Tobacco, alcohol, toxic drugs

• Caffeine (including cola drinks)

• Sugary and greasy foods

• Meat and animal products

• Condiments, excessive spices

• Worry, anxiety, and immodest or tight clothing

Embrace These Life-Enhancing Habits:

• Regularity in meals and daily routine

• Balanced rest and physical activity

• Modest and healthful dress

• Natural body care (free from chemicals, nail polish, tattoos)

• Spiritual nourishment: prayer, uplifting music, trust in God

“Let your moderation be known unto all men.” – Philippians 4:5

4. REST: The Power of Sleep and Renewal

Optimal rest is not just about quantity—it’s about timing and quality. The body performs deep repair between 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM, releasing melatonin, a powerful antioxidant and natural cancer suppressant.

"Two hours of good sleep before midnight is worth more than four hours after." – 7MR 224.3

Healthy Sleep Habits:

• Go to bed by 9:00 PM

• Keep consistent sleep and wake times

• Avoid screens and news after 9:00 PM

• Establish calming bedtime rituals

  If You Struggle with Sleep:

• Use your bed only for sleep

• Avoid caffeine, spicy/salty foods in the evening

• Take a warm bath and walk outdoors before bed

• Maintain quiet and avoid anxiety before sleep

• End the day with prayer and Bible reading

Quality sleep enhances focus, strengthens memory, improves emotional resilience, and fuels physical vitality.

5. EXERCISE: Move with Purpose

Physical activity is a divine prescription for holistic health. Walking—especially in the fresh air—is the most beneficial and accessible form of exercise.

Remember the FIT Principle:

• Frequency: Daily movement

• Intensity: Brisk, heart-elevating activity

• Time: 30–60 minutes daily

“There is no exercise that will prove as beneficial to every part of the body as walking.” – Healthful Living, p. 130.2

Why Exercise Matters:

• Boosts circulation, digestion, heart and lung function

• Regulates blood sugar and insulin (1 hour = 20 insulin units)

• Strengthens bones and muscles

• Improves sleep, mood, and mental clarity

• Slows aging and supports hormonal balance

A brisk walk after each meal aids digestion and helps prevent disease. Just 3 miles per day—about an hour of walking—transforms the body and mind.

“Morning exercise, in the free invigorating air of heaven… is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, and a hundred other diseases.” – Healthful Living, p. 210.3

6. NUTRITION: God’s Blueprint for Health and Healing

Our Creator, in His infinite wisdom, designed a diet that nourishes the body and uplifts the spirit. From the very beginning, mankind was given a simple, natural plan for health. Genesis 1:29 declares, “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.” This original diet of fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds was crafted for vitality, longevity, and harmony with nature.

After sin entered the world, vegetables were added to the human diet (Genesis 3:18). These plant-based foods, when prepared simply and naturally, provide superior strength, endurance, and mental clarity—far more than complex, over-processed diets. (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 81.2)

Following the flood, meat consumption increased, and lifespans dramatically decreased. God permitted the use of animal foods as a way to shorten human life due to increasing corruption and rebellion. (CD p. 373.3)

The Stomach: A Sacred Trust The stomach should be treated with reverence. It must not be kept constantly active. Adequate time between meals—at least five hours—is essential. Overeating and snacking overburden the digestive system, depleting energy and leading to disease. Two meals per day, at regular intervals, are often better than three. (CD p. 173.1, p. 179.1-4)

Healing Through Lifestyle:

To reverse disease and live a vibrant life, avoid the following:

Condiments and Fermented Items

· Mustard, mayonnaise, vegennaise, ketchup, Worcestershire, BBQ sauces

· Vinaigrette dressings, vinegar, apple cider, alcohol, soy sauce, miso, tempeh, tamari

Stimulants and Harmful Spices

· Ginger, curry, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves (reserved for medicinal use only)

· Hot peppers of all types (linked to stomach cancer and hypertension)

Unwholesome Beverages

· Caffeinated teas (green, black, chai, red, pico), energy drinks

· Herbal teas are medicinally useful; avoid stinging-nettle tea if hypertensive or with high cholesterol

· All coffee and carbonated beverages

· Vitamin waters (can reduce calcium levels)

· Frequent juice consumption (lacks essential fiber)

· All alcoholic beverages (1 glass of wine every 15 days raises breast cancer risk by 60%)

Supplements vs. Whole Foods God’s pharmacy is superior to synthetic alternatives:

· An orange with 53.2 mg of vitamin C contains 170+ phytochemicals—far more powerful than supplements

· Red bell peppers have 4x more vitamin C than orange juice

· Blackstrap molasses: 2,492 mg of potassium per 100g

· Sesame seeds: 975 mg of calcium per 100g vs. 123 mg in milk

· Always prefer natural sources before turning to supplements

Supplement Warnings

· Avoid supplements unless absolutely necessary

· Most commercial supplements (multivitamins, B6, folic acid, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper) are linked to increased

mortality (Archives of Internal Medicine, Oct. 10)

· Avoid capsules not marked 100% vegetarian; many contain gelatin from pork or beef

The Importance of Proper Grain Preparation

Whole grains are a rich source of nutrients; they have nourished civilizations for centuries, but without proper preparation, they may do more harm than good. Many grains contain phytic acid, a compound found in the bran layer that binds essential minerals—such as copper, zinc, calcium, iron, and magnesium, preventing the body from absorbing them.

Key Recommendation:

• Cook all grains for at least 3 hours.
  This process breaks down phytic acid and starches, enhancing digestibility and nutrient availability.

Old-fashioned oats, in particular, must be cooked slowly for the full 3 hours. Inadequately cooked grains, especially oats have been linked to neurological damage, including lesions in the brain, especially among adults over the age of 30.

The Health Risks of Flesh Foods and Animal Byproducts

Animal-based foods may provide protein and fat, but they come with significant risks that can compromise long-term health and vitality.

Flesh Foods (Meat, Poultry, Fish, Crustaceans):

• High in saturated fats and animal proteins, these foods are linked to a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.

• Pork is especially hazardous due to its high levels of parasites, bacteria, and viruses.

• Shellfish and bottom feeders (shrimp, lobster, crab, catfish, etc.) are difficult to digest and contain over 150 mg% of cholesterol, more than double that found in lean beef. These are best avoided altogether.

• Fish, though often seen as a healthier option, is heavily contaminated with industrial pollutants like mercury and cadmium, making it a significant cancer risk.

Cheese, Milk, and Ice Cream: What You Need to Know

Cheese:

• High in cholesterol and a major contributor to artery blockage.

• Contains tyramine, a compound that can cause neurological disturbances, including hallucinations and delusional episodes.

• Manufactured with rennet (from animal stomachs) and contains casein, which is linked to allergies and digestive issues.

• As noted in Counsels on Diet and Foods, "Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach… it is wholly unfit for food." (p. 368)

Milk:

• A leading contributor to childhood diabetes, allergies, and prostate cancer.

• Known to be mucous-forming, which can impair respiratory and digestive health.

Ice Cream:

• The combination of milk and sugar leads to fermentation in the stomach, which can poison the bloodstream and burden the immune system.

Nourish for Life: A Guide to Healing Nutrition & Lifestyle

FATS
Contrary to popular belief, avocados, nuts, and coconuts contain no cholesterol. In fact, avocados help lower cholesterol. While these foods are rich in healthful fats and oils, they should be consumed in moderation.

• Olives: Their oil relieves constipation and soothes inflamed or irritated stomachs, offering a healing food that surpasses animal fats.

• Nuts and properly prepared olives are excellent substitutes for butter and flesh meats.

• If you are reversing heart disease, avoid all oils and choose nuts for your healthy fat intake.

“The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat.” — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 350

SALT
Salt is essential for healthy blood. The best salt contains iodine and trace minerals, crucial for thyroid function. Without iodine, one risks thyroid conditions such as goiter or Graves’ disease.

SUGAR
Refined sugar impairs both body and mind:

• Ferments in the stomach, clouding thought and mood

• Disrupts digestion, clogs the system, and damages the brain

“Sugar, when largely used, is more injurious than meat.” — CD, p. 328

SODIUM BICARBONATE (Baking Soda/Powder)
Baking soda and most baking powders disturb digestion by:

• Irritating the stomach lining

• Raising stomach pH, hindering protein digestion

• Preventing production of vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor

Use natural alternatives like calcium-based baking powders instead.

“Soda causes inflammation of the stomach, and often poisons the entire system.” — CD, p. 342

LIFESTYLE PRACTICES

• Avoid drinking while eating — it causes fermentation and even produces alcohol in the system.

• Regular mealtimes (no more than 30 minutes off-schedule) support digestion and balance. Space meals 5–6 hours apart.

• Dress warmly in cold weather to maintain proper blood circulation. Extremities (arms and legs) should be covered.

• If needed, have a light supper (e.g., fruit and whole-grain crackers), eaten at least 3 hours before bedtime.

For deeper insights, read Ministry of Healing and Pathways to Health and Happiness, especially chapters on “Mind Cure,” “Diet and Health,” and “Prayer for the Sick.”

7. WATER – Heaven’s Healing Gift

• Water makes up over 60% of body weight and 85% of the brain.

• It hydrates skin, supports vision, and enables respiration.

• Pure water helps cleanse the system, reduce cancer risk, and relieve constipation.

Daily Water Guidance:

• 8 glasses (64 oz) per day

• 8–16 oz of warm water before breakfast

• Drink 15–30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals

• Drink until urine is pale yellow or clear

“In health and sickness, pure water is one of heaven’s choicest blessings.”

Let this be your season of transformation. When you live in harmony with these natural laws, you don’t just avoid disease—you thrive

8.Trust in God: A Healing Philosophy Rooted in Faith, Wisdom, and Nature

At the heart of our teaching is a deep and unwavering trust in God—the ultimate source of life, health, and truth. We believe that healing is a divine process that blends spiritual insight, inspired understanding, and sound scientific knowledge. Our approach rests on three harmonious pillars:

1. The Bible

God’s Word is our foundation. The Bible is His revelation to humanity, revealing His will for our lives. It guides us in all matters of faith, health, and wholeness.

2. Inspired Writings

We embrace any writings that harmonize with the Scriptures and are inspired by God’s Spirit. These writings offer wisdom, practical instruction, and spiritual clarity in times of need.

3. Good Science

True science never contradicts divine truth. We value scientific findings that are in harmony with biblical principles and inspired writings—science that supports life, healing, and well-being.

Understanding Disease from a Divine Perspective

Sickness and suffering are not without cause. Disease enters the human experience through one or more of the following:

• Violation of Natural Laws

• Violation of Spiritual Laws

• For the Glory of God

"Disease never comes without a cause." — Ministry of Healing, p. 94

What is Disease?

“Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health.” — Pathways to Health, p. 37

Disease is not merely an enemy to be fought—it is nature’s signal, calling us to examine and correct our way of life. It is an opportunity to return to the divine design.

The Laws of Health: Heaven’s Blueprint for Wellness

We promote the use of God-given, natural remedies rooted in the Eight Laws of Health:

• Pure Air

• Sunlight

• Abstemiousness (self-control)

• Rest

• Exercise

• Proper Diet

• The Use of Water

• Trust in Divine Power

These are not merely lifestyle tips—they are healing principles designed by the Creator. When followed, they lead to physical vitality and spiritual renewal.

"In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, and wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to reestablish right conditions in the system." — Ministry of Healing, p. 127

The Truth About Drugs and Disease

Modern medicine often seeks to suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause. Consider these divine insights:

• Drugs Do Not Cure Disease
  They may provide temporary relief, but true healing comes when the body, guided by divine wisdom, restores itself.

“The disease may disappear, but only to reappear in a new form... until there is a sudden breaking down in her efforts, and death follows.” — Healthful Living, p. 243

• Nature Needs No Interference, But Cooperation
  Instead of poisoning the body, we are called to cooperate with its processes through rest, nourishment, and obedience to natural law.

The Commitment Required for Natural Healing

Natural remedies demand patience, care, and dedication—qualities often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world.

“Nature’s process of healing and upbuilding is gradual... Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.” — Ministry of Healing, p. 127

We must also remember:

• It is better to prevent disease than to treat it.

• Neglecting health often results in lifelong consequences.

• Natural healing is not instant, but it is sustainable and life-giving.

Healing Through Divine Harmony

Our message is simple yet profound: God’s way is the best way. Healing is not found in man-made shortcuts, but in surrendering to divine wisdom—spiritually, mentally, and physically.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

Let us walk the path of true health together—rooted in faith, guided by truth, and sustained by nature.

Health Is Spiritual: Restoring the Body, Renewing the Soul

True healing encompasses more than the physical—it begins at the heart of who we are. Health is deeply spiritual, rooted in obedience to divine principles and nourished by a connection with God. It is not only the absence of disease but the presence of harmony with God’s natural and spiritual laws.

Healing and Sin: A Matter of the Heart and Body

Many seek prayer for healing, but the Bible teaches us that before restoration comes, there must be repentance and realignment.

“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.”
— Pathways to Health, p. 72

When we disregard God’s health principles—whether through unhealthy choices, unconfessed sin, or lack of trust—we place barriers between ourselves and divine healing.

“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.”
— Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 25–26

Biblical Insights: The Spiritual Side of Sickness

Scripture clearly connects health, sickness, and spirituality. In many cases, healing follows spiritual insight, repentance, or revelation of purpose. These passages highlight the divine perspective:

• Romans 12:1–2 — Present your body as a living sacrifice

• Proverbs 26:2 — Nothing happens without a cause

• John 5:1–15 — Healing of the lame man: “Go and sin no more”

• John 9:1–7 — The blind man: Not sin, but for God’s glory

• John 11:1–14 — Lazarus: A sickness allowed for a greater miracle

• Numbers 12:1–15 — Slander and its consequence on Miriam’s health

• Luke 5:12–25 — The paralytic: Forgiveness of sin precedes healing

• Job 42:7 — Restoration follows repentance and reconciliation

• 2 Samuel 11 & 12 — David’s sin, loss, and ultimate restoration

These stories remind us: physical healing often begins with spiritual restoration.

Recommended Reading for Deeper Insight

For those seeking a practical and spiritual foundation in health, we recommend the following resources:

• 365 Total Wellness – James Luke & Natalie Nash

• Health Power: Health by Choice, Not by Chance

• Ministry of Healing

• Counsels on Diet and Foods, Temperance, Counsels on Health

• It’s All Good, Seven Secrets, Ten Talents

• Of These Ye May Freely Eat, Give Them Something Better

• The Optimal Diet, Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power

The Rhythm of Health: A Sample Daily Schedule

Living in harmony with God’s design involves structure, balance, and intentional living. Here’s a simple schedule to help you align your day with principles of wellness and worship:

Activity Time

Wake-Up Tim [Your Time Here]

Morning Devotion [Your Time Here]

Exercise [Your Time Here]

Food Preparation [Your Time Here]

Breakfast [Your Time Here]

Digestive Walk (Post-Breakfast) [Your Time Here]

Lunch [Your Time Here]

Digestive Walk (Post-Lunch) [Your Time Here]

Supper [Your Time Here]

Digestive Walk (Post-Supper) [Your Time Here]

Evening Devotion [Your Time Here]

Rest (Sleep) [Your Time Here]

"Let all things be done decently and in order." — 1 Corinthians 14:40

Nourishing the Body: Sample Meals

Meal 1 – Morning Nutrition

• Fruits: 3–5 servings (variety of seasonal fruits)

• Whole Grain Cereal: 1 cup, sweetened with blended fruit

  • Add: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed & ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

• Whole Grain Bread: 1–2 slices with natural nut butter

  • (Tahini, almond, or cashew butter – healthy fats to complete the meal)

Meal 2 – Midday Wholesomeness

• Raw Salad: Fruit or vegetable side bowl

• Steamed Vegetables: ½ of the plate

• Starches/Grains: ¼ of the plate (brown rice, baked potatoes, whole grain pasta)

• Protein: ¼ of the plate (legumes, nut, or bean loaf)

• Fats: A closed handful of nuts or nut butter

Tip: End meals with healthy fats to aid absorption and satisfaction.

Healing as Worship

Health is not just about what we eat or how we move—it is about who we become. Every choice toward health is an act of worship. Every step toward healing is a step toward wholeness in Christ. When we honor God with our bodies, we align with His highest purposes for our lives.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” — 3 John 1:2

Let your health journey begin with God at the center—body, mind, and spirit in divine alignment.