The Great Physician’s Rx: Seven Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential, by Jordan Rubin, with David Remedios, M.D. Nelson Books. Copyright 2005


Jordan Rubin is the New York Times best-selling author of The Maker’s Diet and has earned doctoral degrees in naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and natural therapies.

The book's Introduction comprises 36 pages and tells the author's story of living as a desperately sick college student without the benefit of either a diagnosis or cure. Ultimately, he is to undergo a surgical colonoscopy and realizes at this point he must place himself and his future in God’s hands and stand on the “hope and future” promise. He even has his mother make a photo of him, emaciated, in his boxer shorts, because he wants a “before and after” testimony to the miracle he foresees.

Jordan’s healing begins when a man named Bud tells him, “Jordan you’re still sick because you’re not following the health plan in the Bible.”

Uncovering the roots of his illness, Jordan discovers his cure and his purpose. He unfolds the seven keys to an abundant, peaceful, long life, and wants to share this with everyone.

The seven keys, which comprise a chapter each, offer a "prescription" for the week which includes the entire seven-day meal plan, a total of 49 meal plans in the combined chapters. Each week also gives spiritual insights, lifestyle activities, and nutritional supplement guidelines.

The biblical food "commandments" make sense as the author gives logical reasons why God said to avoid certain foods. Of Course, the New Testament recalls Peter being told by God that all food was permissible and good. I don't think it's necessarily the foods themselves that are bad for us, but the way they're prepared--or not prepared. We don't eat enough raw foods; that's a fact. And too much of our diet is greasy, fried stuff. But we're told here that animal fats and cholesterol are vital factors in the human diet. Good news for some of us!

But back to the rules God lays down, the author explains, for example, the commandment against shellfish is because they are the oceans' bottom feeders, scavengers that eat the waste of all other sea life. So, even though I love shrimp and lobster, they may not be as good for me as salmon, which I also dearly love and eat often.

The chapter, or key, on "Living a Life of Prayer and Purpose" really made sense to me. I do believe that when we find our life purpose and live it, we are more at peace, less stressed, and thereby healthier.

The Recipe section at the back, Appendix A, is excellent, containing recipes from various restaurants and from Sally Fallon, author of the groundbreaking book, Nourishing Traditions. So many mouth-watering recipes, so little time!

The Resource Guide is packed with the best sources available for a healthy lifestyle including cleaning supplies, paper products, purifiers, bedding, and so much more. You'll get a lot out of this book.

Both this book and Sally Fallon's book are available from Amazon.