The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health

by Scott A. Johnson

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.

Genres: Health, Lds, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2013

About the author

Scott A. Johnson spent most of his childhood in Utah, where he gained a love for creative writing. His passion and talent for the written word was readily apparent during his early childhood. Recognizing his potential at a young age, his teachers and family encouraged him to explore his developing writing talents. Scott continued to craft imaginative and original stories through his teenage years, including original short stories that are beloved by his family.

Being diagnosed with a chronic auto-inflammatory condition changed his life and career direction. After painstaking research to discover natural remedies to help with his condition Scott gained a passion for natural health and a great desire to help others find greater wellness naturally. He changed his educational direction from business management to natural health and continues acquiring knowledge through meticulous study today.

He graduated from college with a doctorate in naturopathy and is a Board-certified Alternative Medical Practitioner (AMP), Certified Elite Essential Oil Specialist (CEEOS), Certified Clinical Master Aromatherapist (CCMA), and Certified Professional Coach (CPC). His evidence-based approach to natural healing and experience conducting medical research make him one of the world’s leading experts on the therapeutic application of essential oils.

He is the bestselling author of more than twenty evidence-based books that have helped thousands of people realize greater wellness naturally. He is the creator of the Waterfall Technique. Dr. Johnson pioneered evidence-based essential oil therapy, which combines the art of ancient healing with modern science to maximize the benefits of essential oils. One of his research focuses is the safety of essential oils, and he has published internationally on the subject.

He is an acclaimed international speaker and has delivered keynote presentations across North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Dr. Johnson draws on his wealth of experience and diverse educational background as he travels the globe to share the secrets of natural healing with those who seek greater wellness.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books on health, nutrition, diet, natural healing, etc. I totally believe a mainly plant based whole foods diet is the best way to go. I'm a believer in moderation and not going to extremes. I believe herbs are the best medicines available. And of course I believe that the Word of Wisdom should be the foundation upon which all decisions concerning nutrition should made from.

I completely agreed with this author's take on the Word of Wisdom. His view on teas, meat, fruits, vegetable and herbs where right on in my opinion. I don't always eat the way he outlined in this book but I know if I didn't I'd enjoy even better health.






Rating: 4 Star - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: Review Copy

Genre/Age Level: Non-fiction Health & Nutrition appropriate for all ages

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Johnson writes about how "we live in a world where convenience food reigns supreme and where chronic illnesses and degenerative diseases are rampant. We have let convenience outweighs nutrition. We have been conditioned to believe food must come in a box, can, or bag and be easy and quick to prepare. We eat processed and empty calories as the bulk of our diet because they are more convenient than making the efforts to eat healthily... (And then when) we do not wish to change our lifestyles and diets in order to maintain or improve our health we ask for the newest surgery or pill to save us from our poor choices."

That statement alone made me want to read this book. I know that I am one of those people. I need this book!

I LOVED that Dr. Johnson not only writes about the "Do Not's" found in the Word of Wisdom, but he also writes about the Do's :)

Clear information, personal stories, and lots of encouragement are found within these pages....just what I needed!


Dr. Johnson’s Top Ten Healthy Foods:

1. Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.) – Provides beneficial DHA and EPA, which support brain, eye, joint and cardiovascular health and balance mood.

2. Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, goji, acai, etc.) – Full of anti-aging and disease-fighting phytonutrients, including anthocyanins; support and protect brain health.

3. Oatmeal – Provides a unique fiber called beta glucan that acts as a sponge to help eliminate bad cholesterol; helps stabilize blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of diabetes; contains lignans that are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer. Be careful with instant oatmeal that can be loaded with sugar.

4. Broccoli – Provides sulforaphane a disease- and cancer-fighting compound; contains excellent quantities of vitamins K and C; provides about 21 mg of calcium per half cup serving.
5. Sweet Potato – High in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A has been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers and supports a healthy aging process.

6. Dark chocolate – Provides significant quantities of antioxidant flavonoids that support cardiovascular health and overall well-being; stimulates the production of endorphins to balance mood. Eat in moderation as chocolate is high in calories and fat.

7. Avocado – Provides health fats and high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that supports healthy cholesterol levels; contains compounds that may inhibit cancer and tumor progression.

8. Almonds and Walnuts – Almonds are nutrient-packed supplying good quantities of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium and healthy fats; reduces after meal spikes in blood sugar, which helps protect against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Walnuts contain anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds; support cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome; rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

9. Garlic – Helps combat the growth of bacteria and contains allicin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound; supports a healthy cardiovascular system.

10. Spinach – Contains more than a dozen anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory compounds, including the powerful antioxidants lutein, beta carotene and zeaxanthin; rich in vitamin K, which supports healthy bones; high in vitamins A and C and folate.

[Shanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Review originally published on www.ldswomensbookreview.com

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I like the most about this book is the emphasis on the natural world and using what God has provided to keep ourselves as healthy as possible. I also appreciated that the author didn't discount the value that modern medicine does provide, but I agreed with his assessment of the U.S. health care system as being too focused on reactive care and not enough on preventive care. The book does focus on a revelation given to Joseph Smith about taking care of our bodies. So the focus is on LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) or Mormon beliefs about taking care of our bodies, so there are a lot of references to God and the Bible/Book of Mormon. But a lot of the information is about wisdom that God imparts about being healthy.

The author discusses the following topics: dangers of alcohol and tobacco, as well as coffee and regular tea (these are fascinating discussions, I learned an awful lot I didn't know previously), the value of fruits and vegetables, the value of appropriate use of certain herbs, etc. I liked the fact that his emphasis is on balance, taking in what are bodies need but not going to extremes. I also appreciated his pointing out the possible dangers posed by diets that do encourage such extremes, and that many such diets are intended to sell certain products which may or may not be healthy. Keep in mind that he does talk a lot about the chemical and biological characteristics that make various foods/drinks healthy/unhealthy, these discussions can be a bit confusing for those with no background in chemistry or biology, but I think that he makes it as clear as it can be.

I can highly recommend this book for those interested in a more natural, God-inspired way to take care of one's body. That does NOT by any means encourage readers to forgo medical care when needed.

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to start reading this book. Then I read the first few pages, and started skimming. The entire first chapter could have been far more productive if it were taken down to only the last few paragraphs. I know my educational background is in health and wellness, but I felt this was all pretty basic, common knowledge about the subjects. I also felt it was quite biased, and didn't really discuss certain aspects well. The science background is nice, and important, but it's easy to get bogged down in. It had a far more emphasis on the science and why certain things are good or bad for your body. I was hoping to find a more spiritually based book, instead I found a book that could have easily been an overall health and nutrition book. I just did not love how this book was written and the aspects of the word of wisdom that were chosen to be discussed. At the beginning he states we often forget the do's of the word of wisdom, yet over half the book is covering the don'ts. I definitely didn't feel any more educated about the word of wisdom. Not my favorite.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several books recently that are down on wheat, and I gave them positive reviews. But they differ from my understanding of the value of wheat, and thus I read this book. It confirmed the importance of wholesome fruits, vegetables, and wheat. This book has a quite a bit on healthy eating and some of current knowledge about beneficial compounds within various foods. I expect you will find it to be a useful perspective.

"The Lord tells us all grains are provided for the use of man and beasts, but He further states that wheat is for man. ... It appears from the Lord's counsel that we gain more nutritional value and benefit from wheat than any other grain. ... President Ezra Taft Benson stated, '...But what needs additional emphasis are the positive aspects - the need for vegetables, fruits, and grain, particularly wheat.'" (Page 73)

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is not anything new in this short book but basic information for everyone. The way we should all live. I have been interested for many years in the Word of Wisdom, the breakdown by verse. I wished for years that someone would write a book just on this subject and not all the other books on diet and losing weight. There are a plethora of books out there on this subject and I have become confused. I felt inside myself I needed to start living what was contained in section 89, but I needed help to understand more of what it contained. When I saw this, I knew I found what I was looking for. I bought it quickly. I wasn't disappointed. I need to get back to the basics and live "The Word of Wisdom."

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was more interested in the dietary part of the book rather than the coffee/tea/smoking sections. Made me look differently at the foods I choose to put in my body - especially meat, dairy, and fruits and veggies. I try to eat less meat and more veggies especially. Sad that a huge portion of our country's population debilitate their own health by their diet. So many diseases are, for the most part, preventable, and could be prevented if the Word of Wisdom was used as their guide.

[Lacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the scientific research of the book, I found it very interesting and clarifying. I don't like when he goes on tangents, e.g. the health care system. It has nothing to do with the word of wisdom, and I found it annoying. I have already recommended it to others.

[Cami · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information on the Word of Wisdom but I did not like the presentation. The first three chapters seem very negative and say positive things only as an afterthought at the end of the chapters. There are some tangents and opinions that aren't relative to the Word of Wisdom.

[Mom Rocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great reference for healthy eating. The cost of the book is $12.99.

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book perfectly aligns with my interpretation of the Word of Wisdom- such as eat meat sparingly with an emphasis on real plant food. The author uses scientific research and studies to prove why the Word of Wisdom works. I think it is a must read for anyone who wants to feed their families the way God intended.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have taken something simple, like eating, and made it very complicated. Back to basics, moderation and all things in order. Lots of "food for thought". I feel like I understand the word of wisdom better.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has great info about how to interpret the word of wisdom and has great reminders of what we should be eating and why. I loved the info on herbs and the reminder that we should be relying in them for ailments.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked what the book had to say. With so many different diets out there giving such different advice it's nice to turn to what the Lord has revealed to us about health. I didn't love the presentation hence the 3 stars.

[Carma Farrar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and makes a lot of sense.

[Pam Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good balanced look at the Word of Wisdom.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't so much of a "diet book" as it is an explanation of foods in general. It analyzes, in detail, the foods that are healthy and meant for consumption.

[Stefanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked his take on the lifestyle change of going WFPB. Not nearly as extreme as others I've seen.

[Brooklyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I've been working on this book pretty much since I got my kindle for Christmas. The info is great! I learned a ton. But it was kinda boring. It took me a long time to get through but I think the info was worth it

[Daisy Dandelion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a brief and easy-to-understand overview of what to consume and not to consume, in relation to research and the Word of Wisdom. A valuable resource.

[Samantha Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tad dry but full of good information.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been criticized because I will not consume cow's milk and I don't let my toddler have cow's milk. We also limit our consumption of eggs, cheese, and red meats. We don't eat pork hardly at all. We especially limit our refined sugar intake. We eat mostly vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and lean meats like chicken, seafood, and turkey. I was so happy to find an LDS book that supports and defends, both scientifically and spiritually, my lifestyle choices for me and my family.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good information that has helped me decide to follow the health code better than I have. It was amazing to me to learn about all the things natural, unaltered food can do. How it helps out bodies operate better. I got lots of good info that I'm looking forward to putting into practice.