The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health

Author: Dr. Scott A. Johnson

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: February 12, 2013

Softcover/Kindle; 128 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction/Health & Lifestyle

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1160-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: I received a digital copy (PDF) in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Improve your health today! The Word of Wisdom will teach you principles to help you eat better, feel better, and change your life. Dr. Scott A. Johnson draws from the Doctrine and Covenants to help you make correct dietary choices in a world where convenience food reigns supreme and where chronic illnesses and degenerative diseases are rampant.

Review

The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health is a good reference for people who are new to the Church or seeking clarification on the “Dos” as well as the “Don’ts” of the Word of Wisdom. Dr. Johnson addresses each major point and explains the particulars of why mankind can benefit from refraining from certain substances and consuming others.

Some of the subjects Dr. Johnson doesn’t shy away from and briefly discusses include:

• alkaline and acidic foods

• being wary of sources of studies that make health statements and researching how these studies were funded

• questioning why the FDA goes to great lengths to protect people from herbs yet approves manmade drugs with horrific side effects

• questioning why the government passes regulation on air pollution but won’t risk the tax dollars from tobacco companies despite evidence of the negative effects of smoking on both smokers and non-smokers

• the benefits of both organic and locally grown produce (it might not look as pretty but usually tastes better and is better for you)

• the failure of modern medicine and the US healthcare system in helping Americans become healthier people

• how the actions of man have “adulterated” food by processing it in a way that reduces nutritional benefits (ie- white bread, etc.)

The first part of the book discusses the dangers of addiction and how the harmful substances in these addictive chemicals affect the body. The last part focuses on the Lord’s instructions regarding herbs and food.

I agree with Dr. Johnson’s statements that food and nutrition are integral to our health. I have experienced this personally. I have spent years modifying my family’s diet away from processed foods and toward wholesome choices. We have seen the health benefits of this manifest in many ways.

An issue that I feel should have been covered considering how much page real estate is dedicated to discussing grains and their benefits is the fact that a large number of people cannot tolerate some grains and/or the gluten found in many of them. As one who is gluten-intolerant as well as carbohydrate-sensitive, this is a subject that is of interest to me. There is so much emphasis placed on wheat and grains in the traditional presentation of the Word of Wisdom that I actually experienced guilt and feelings of unworthiness when I first learned that I could no longer include many of them in my diet. Though there is a paragraph about seeking personal revelation regarding what is beneficial for each individual, I do wish Dr. Johnson had spoken to GMO, mankind’s modification of grains, and people who are grain- and gluten-intolerant.

I do think that The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health is an excellent overview of the Word of Wisdom. It’s a great resource for new members and non-members who want to understand what the Word of Wisdom is all about and why those who follow it experience better overall health.

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