A Foundational Case For Adopting A Living Foods Diet
The Philosophy of Human Life review - Dr. Isaac Jennings
In the early 19th century, Dr. Isaac Jennings stood as a beacon of revolutionary thought in health and medicine. As one of the foremost proponents of natural hygiene, his work, The Philosophy of Human Life (1839), explored the innate wisdom of the human body and nature’s role in sustaining and restoring health. While his era was still steeped in medical practices like bloodletting and purging, Jennings offered a radically different perspective, advocating for a harmonious existence with nature – a message that aligns with modern movements emphasizing vegan living foods.
A Radical Departure from Conventional Medicine
Jennings proposed that human health was governed by adherence to natural laws. He critiqued the dominant medical paradigms of his time, which he believed disrupted the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Central to his philosophy was the concept of “self-healing,” which he referred to as “vis medicatrix naturae” or the healing power of nature. For Jennings, the body thrived when supported with clean air, pure water, sunlight, exercise, rest, and most importantly, an appropriate diet of living foods – with fresh fruit as the mainstay of the diet.
He emphasized that foods should not only nourish the body but also align with its natural requirements. This approach laid the groundwork for what we now call a plant-based, raw food diet – one that provides the highest vitality and life force to the body. Due to the era, Jennings himself did not use the modern terminology of “veganism” or “living foods,” as both these terms had not yet come into existence in the 1800’s. Still, the principles he championed were strikingly similar to those espoused by contemporary vegan living food, advocates. In simple terms, Jennings recognised “Humans As Frugivores”.
The Case for Living Foods: Jennings' Perspective
Living Foods as the Original Diet
Jennings was influenced by the idea that humanity’s original diet, as intended by nature, consisted of plant-based foods. He pointed to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds – foods consumed in their raw, unadulterated state—as the foundation for optimal health. Such foods, he argued, carried the “vital energy” required for sustaining human life, a concept that has since been scientifically validated through the understanding of enzymes, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Living foods, which are raw and minimally processed, retain their full complement of nutrients. In contrast, Jennings criticized cooked and heavily processed foods for their diminished life force and for introducing toxins into the body. He suggested that by consuming foods closest to their natural state, individuals could better support the body’s innate healing processes.
Fruits: Nature's Perfect Provision
In The Philosophy of Human Life, Jennings extolled fruits as the quintessential food for humans. He noted their appeal to the senses—bright colors, sweet aromas, and satisfying flavors—as evidence of their suitability for the human palate. Fruits, rich in water and easy to digest, provide energy while requiring minimal effort from the body’s digestive system. This aligns with modern understandings of detoxification, where raw fruits are often central to cleansing protocols.
Jennings also observed that fruits grow abundantly, symbolizing nature’s generosity. By consuming them in their raw form, individuals could align themselves with the rhythms of the earth, partaking in what he viewed as the natural order of life.
Raw Leafy Greens: Building Blocks of Health
Raw vegetables, particularly leafy greens, were another cornerstone of Jennings’ dietary protocols. He emphasized their role in maintaining the alkaline balance of the body, which he believed was essential for preventing disease. Modern science has since underscored the importance of alkalizing foods, noting their role in reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and fostering overall vitality.
Jennings highlighted the cleansing properties of greens, which aid in detoxification and fortify the blood with essential minerals. He urged individuals to eat them raw whenever possible, recognizing that cooking often destroys enzymes and diminishes their life-giving potential.
Abstaining from Animal Products
Jennings critiqued the consumption of animal products on multiple grounds, including their association with disease, their incompatibility with human physiology, and the ethical implications of killing sentient beings.
He observed that heavy, animal-based diets burden the digestive system, deplete energy, and lead to chronic illnesses. This perspective anticipated the rise of veganism as a health movement and foreshadowed the environmental and ethical concerns that would later define plant-based advocacy.
Living in Harmony with Nature
Jennings’ teachings went beyond diet, advocating for a lifestyle deeply rooted in respect for nature. He championed simplicity and moderation, encouraging people to live in a way that honored the earth’s resources. His holistic approach, which included clean air, water, rest, and movement, complemented his dietary recommendations and formed the basis of his natural hygiene system.
This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the principles of vegan living foods, which emphasize sustainability and the interconnectedness of all life forms. By choosing raw, plant-based foods, individuals nourish their bodies while also contributing to the preservation of the planet.
Legacy & Modern Relevance
For those who recognize the health and ecological benefits of a living foods diet, Dr. Isaac Jennings’ insights remain highly relevant today. As we face an epidemic of chronic diseases, environmental degradation, and ethical dilemmas surrounding food production, his call to return to nature offers a timeless solution. The vegan living foods movement, which celebrates raw, plant-based eating, echoes his vision for a healthier, more compassionate way of life.
Jennings’ work reminds us that true health is not about quick fixes or external interventions – rather nourishing health and vitality requires a commitment to embracing the wisdom of nature and making choices that sustain life in all its forms.
Let us honor his legacy by reimagining our relationship with food by using our time and attention to cultivate organic gardens teeming with fruits and greens, as a demonstration of appreciation for the health and vitality that living foods bring into our lives. In doing so, we transform our own health, while also contributing to the collective healing of humanity and the earth.
