Can a Healthier Diet Lead to a Gentler Soul?

The world of nutrition is a fruitful field to explore, as food plays a central role in our lives and directly impacts our health. The food industry has evolved rapidly in the last century, and supermarket shelves are overflowing with enticing products. Some are harmful to our health, leaving consumers confused. Due to misinformation, people often believe that foods like brown rice cakes or cornflakes are beneficial. However, the truth is, the more processed the food, the less healthy it is, and vice versa.

Complete health, both body and soul, is a gift from Hashem ("Since a healthy body is part of the divine path," Rambam, Hilchot Deot 4). Health embodies peace, vitality, joy, love, and other virtues inherent in us (just look at children), and poor health can negatively impact these virtues.

Consider this experiment: In the U.S., a study was conducted on violent youth in a juvenile detention facility. Their diet was changed to a healthier one that included all food groups, and miraculously, the teens ceased being violent and hyperactive, even stopping their foul language! They began behaving like human beings. What is it in food that can lead to such negative behaviors?

From personal experience and observation of my patients, I've seen that when a person eats healthy, and even more so, undergoes a detox, many toxins are released from their body, mind, and soul. Within days, they experience increased calm, focus, clarity, vitality, and joy that emerge from within (and have been there all along). Naturally, such individuals are less likely to sin. Processed foods and, unfortunately, even some natural foods today contain many non-natural substances, to which our bodies react with unease, irritability, anger, violence, and depression.

Understanding nutrition comprehensively and embracing a healthy lifestyle is crucial. It's attainable with some desire, effort, and prayer. Most importantly, clear the lens through which we view the world.

Wishing you a new year of fresh perspectives.

To book in-home workshops with naturopathic expert Ruth Liat Platz (free of charge), call 073-2221290