Edgar Cayce strongly emphasized the role of diet and nutrition in achieving and maintaining one’s health. As a rule, his recommendations in this area are consistent with current health trends, which focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and decreased meat intake. However, his perspective contains additional information on less well-known concepts, such as food combining, acid/alkaline balance, and the therapeutic use of food.

For example, Cayce often recommended specific diets for persons with particular problems. People with psoriasis were told to avoid tomatoes and other foods in the nightshades family. He recommended figs and dates and the avoidance of carbonated drinks and alcohol to those with arthritis. Those with diabetes were told to eat Jerusalem artichokes. He even said that raw almonds could keep cancer away!

His diet recommendations usually accompanied other types of therapies, such as spinal adjustments, massage, exercises, specific remedies–and even prayer, meditation, and one’s attitude–as he looked at health from a holistic point of view.

Amongst all the recommendations for various conditions and diseases were the essential diet recommendations for everyone. Cayce was an advocate of eating whole, preservative-free foods, with an emphasis on whole grains rather than processed ones; more fish, fowl, and lamb rather than beef or pork; more leafy green vegetables than starchy ones; and a daily diet composed of 80 percent alkaline-producing foods to 20 percent acid-producing foods. In general, most vegetables and fruits are alkaline-producing, and most grains, starches, meats, and sweets are acid-producing.

But have rather a percentage of eighty percent alkaline-producing to twenty percent acid-producing foods.

— Edgar Cayce reading 1568-2

Cayce had no idea how forward-thinking he was when he spoke of the importance of eating locally grown and seasonal foods. Nowadays, people are becoming more and more aware of the health benefits found in an organic diet created with fresh, local ingredients. While Cayce wasn’t opposed to the use of supplements and did prescribe them in some cases, his general recommendation was to eat a diet of whole foods that would supply all of the nutrients the body needed. The foods most often recommended were in line with what is considered to be the Mediterranean Diet today.

At least three times each week have almost a full meal of raw vegetables. These should be included at various times; carrots grated, chopped or cut, lettuce, celery, and especially water cress. Such things should be taken three to four times each week.

— Edgar Cayce reading 3484-1

The following summary describes the Basic Cayce Diet recommended for healing and health maintenance for most people. These diet concepts provide a framework for meal planning. The A.R.E. has published a handy Edgar Cayce Basic Diet Chart magnet, which can be placed on your refrigerator as a handy reminder.

Acid-Alkaline Balance

Edgar Cayce frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance by eating mostly alkaline-forming foods. The following summary will give you a quick overview of acid- and alkaline-forming foods.

Alkaline-Forming Foods (80% of the daily diet should contain these foods):

All vegetables except dried beans, lentils, asparagus tips, and garbanzos.
All fresh fruits except cranberries, plums, olives, prunes, and blueberries (preserves and canned fruits are usually acid-forming).
Almonds, chestnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts.

Acid-Forming Foods (20% of the daily diet should contain these foods):

All meats except beef juice and bone meal.
All grains, cereals, and bakery products except for soybeans.
All dairy except buttermilk, yogurt, raw milk, and whey.
Peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.

View a full list of Acid-Forming & Alkaline-Forming foods.

Food Combinations to Avoid

Certain food combinations are difficult to digest and may cause problems in the digestive system. Here is a brief list of food combinations to avoid:

• Two or more starchy foods at the same meal.
• Sugary foods and starchy foods.
• Milk and citrus fruit or juice.
• Cereals and citrus fruit or juice.
• Large quantities of starchy foods with meat or cheese.
• Coffee with milk or cream.
• Raw apples with other foods.

Do not take citrus fruit juices and cereals at the same meal. Do not take milk or cream in coffee or in tea. Do not eat fried foods of any kind. Do not combine white bread, potatoes, spaghetti—or any two foods of such natures in the same meal.

— Edgar Cayce reading 1568-2

Food Preparation

Proper food preparation is important to preserve nutrients and avoid toxicity. Here are some suggestions:

• Steam vegetables in their own juices (i.e., use patapar paper).
• Never fry foods.
• Use organic, fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits whenever possible.
• Avoid aluminum cookware.

Attitudes and Emotions

Edgar Cayce stated that even the most nutritious foods can turn to poison in the system if eaten while a person is in a negative frame of mind. Never eat when angry, worried, or extremely tired.

Note: As this information is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, your use of this database of information indicates that you are aware of our recommendation that you consult with a professional healthcare provider before taking any action.