Publications

Dunn Trop, J. (1954, December). Whither, Natural Hygiene? Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N4), 3, 19, 20.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N4-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• The growth of Natural Hygiene has been slow but steady. Initially, there was little infrastructure, but over time, a national organization, conventions, magazines, and local societies have emerged. Even in a world filled with unhealthy practices, the ideas of Natural Hygiene are slowly permeating society. Practices like physical culture, open windows for sleep, and healthier diets were once promoted by Natural Hygienists and are now becoming more common.
• Despite its modest visibility, the fundamental principles of Natural Hygiene—like proper diet, rest, exercise, and cleanliness—will inevitably gain more recognition. These principles align with nature and the interdependence of life. Eventually, they will become mainstream, and civilization must embrace them for survival.
• However, there are challenges. Some groups or individuals may exploit certain aspects of Natural Hygiene while distorting or adding practices that do not align with its core philosophy. To overcome this, it is crucial to adhere strictly to the true tenets of Natural Hygiene and work collectively with like-minded individuals.
• The future of Natural Hygiene will depend on the dedication of its current practitioners to live exemplary lives, teach others through their actions, and continue their studies. The movement will progress as long as individuals are willing to rise to the challenge and spread the truth about natural hygiene across the globe.

Dunn Trop, J. (1957, Feb). How Can I Get Slim? Natural Hygiene, 3(No. 2), Pg14-17.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-May-1957.pdf

• In this excerpt from Jack Dunn Trop’s book Help Yourself to Health, the author critiques the popular misconceptions around weight loss and dieting. He uses the example of Margaret, a secretary who is trying to lose weight using mental suggestion from a psychoanalyst, despite her poor eating habits. Trop humorously highlights the disconnect between her eating habits and the unrealistic belief that a mental technique alone could solve her weight issues.
• Trop criticizes the three main approaches people use to lose weight: chemical combinations (such as pills and laxatives), mechanical devices (like massage or exercise machines), and restrictive dieting. He argues that no drug or device can address the root cause of weight gain—overeating. The body responds to excess food, and the solution is simple: eat less.
• Trop advocates for a diet based on Natural Hygiene principles, emphasizing nourishing the body with whole, natural foods—primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small proportion of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. He recommends several strategies for healthy weight loss, including:
  • Reducing intake of protein, carbs, and fat to 10% or less.
  • Skipping one meal a day, preferably breakfast.
  • Fasting one day a week or avoiding concentrated foods on that day.
  • Avoiding overeating, leaving the table before feeling overly full.
  • Not snacking between meals.
  • Gradually resuming a balanced diet once a healthy weight is achieved.
  • Engaging in regular exercise to improve physical tone and strength.

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Tropp, J. D. (1958, November). Eating for Health – Part 1. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V4(No 4), pg9-11, 14.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-Nov.-1958.pdf

• This article discusses the importance of proper nutrition, advocating for a diet primarily based on raw fruits and vegetables while challenging the conventional reliance on cooked and meat-based foods. It argues that cooking diminishes the nutritional value of food and that humans are not naturally carnivorous, suggesting that many common dietary habits could lead to health issues and even extinction. The author recommends specific eating practices, such as skipping breakfast or opting for simple fruit or juice, and emphasizes that lunch and dinner should prioritize fruits or salads, with an emphasis on the freshness and quality of the food consumed. Overall, it promotes a return to natural eating habits that align with human health and well-being.

Dunn Trop, J. (1959, January). Eating for Health – Part 2. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V4(No 5), pg9-11, 14.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-Jan.-1959.pdf

• In “Eating for Health – Part 2,” Jack Dunn Trop discusses the complexity and confusion surrounding dietary rules, emphasizing the importance of understanding food combinations and listening to one’s body. He suggests avoiding mixing concentrated proteins with concentrated starches and recommends consuming fruits and vegetables separately. The author advises against mandatory meal times, advocating for eating only when hungry and allowing for occasional fasting. Hydration can often be met through the moisture in natural foods rather than enforced water consumption. Overall, Trop encourages a simple, natural approach to eating that aligns with one’s instinct and needs.

Dunn Trop, J. (1964, July). The Crowning Wonder of Creation. 1961 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 26-27.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1964.-New-York-City.pdf

• The author reflects with deep admiration on the life and legacy of Herbert M. Shelton, describing him as a man of true greatness whose contributions to Natural Hygiene are unparalleled. Shelton is praised not only for his vast achievements—as a doctor, writer, historian, and teacher—but also for his humility and dedication to preserving and building upon the work of his hygienic forebears. Though he revived and compiled long-forgotten principles, Shelton’s greatness lies in his ability to interpret, expand, and modernize them with his own insights and experiences. His work gave rise to the modern resurgence of Natural Hygiene, beginning alone in 1920 and gradually inspiring a movement that others would join. The author places Shelton’s legacy above even the combined efforts of past pioneers, crediting him with breathing life into a forgotten philosophy. Quoting great thinkers like Emerson, Gladstone, and Shakespeare, the piece concludes with a reverent tribute: Shelton exemplifies the noblest qualities of man, both in intellect and moral stature.

Dunn Trop, J. (1978, August). Reflections – Vaccines vs. Vegetarianism. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., V1(No 5), pg20-23.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V1-N5-Health-Science-august-1978.pdf

• The focus of this article is on the relationship between vegetarianism and the use of vaccines, triggered by a report by Prime Minister Morarji Desai on the export ban of rhesus monkeys from India. Trop critiques the media’s dismissal of Desai’s assertion that “the life of an animal is no less important than the life of a human being,” suggesting that Western culture often ridicules this viewpoint. The piece argues for a serious examination of Desai’s claim that a vegetarian diet, rather than vaccines, leads to better health. It highlights that humans and rhesus monkeys share similar dietary habits, implying that humans are inherently suited to a vegetarian diet, like other primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees. Furthermore, it questions the reliance on pharmaceutical interventions, suggesting that a more natural diet and peaceful thinking might benefit health, alluding to a potential wisdom in Desai’s alternative perspective. The author encourages readers to engage in deeper, unbiased thinking about the implications of these ideas.

Dunn Trop, J. (1960, May). Movie Couple Experiences “The Greatest Adventure’. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V5(No 7), Pg1, 6-8.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-May-1960.pdf

• “The Greatest Adventure” is a film that chronicles the true story of Sheldon and Rose Standoff, a couple who, after ten years of marriage and unsuccessful attempts to have children, embraced Natural Hygiene practices under the guidance of the filmmaker. The documentary showcases their transformation as they adopt a healthier lifestyle, ultimately leading to the birth of their daughter, Doree Lynn Staniloff, on September 27, 1957. The film highlights the power of Natural Hygiene, depicting not only Sheldon and Rose’s journey but also various individuals recovering from chronic health issues, illustrating that achieving health is a simple yet often overlooked endeavor.

Trop, J. (1967). You Don’t Have to Be Sick. National Health Association.
https://www.healthscience.org/product/you-dont-have-be-sick/

• You Don’t Have to Be Sick by Jack Dunn Trop is a health and wellness book that offers practical advice on how individuals can improve their health and vitality through lifestyle changes. The book is primarily centered around the idea that many diseases and ailments are preventable and, in many cases, reversible through conscious choices regarding diet, exercise, and mental well-being.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Self-Responsibility for Health: The book’s central premise is that individuals should take responsibility for their health rather than rely solely on doctors or medications to treat illness. Dunn Trop emphasizes that people have the power to control their health through the choices they make every day, particularly when it comes to diet, exercise, and stress management.
2. The Impact of Diet on Health: The author stresses that many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, are directly linked to poor dietary habits. The book advocates for a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, while minimizing processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Dunn Trop presents the idea that by eating nourishing foods, individuals can not only prevent illness but also optimize their energy levels and overall well-being.
3. Preventing Illness Through Lifestyle Changes: Dunn Trop argues that most modern diseases are preventable if individuals make conscious choices to live healthily. This includes managing stress, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol. The book provides actionable steps to incorporate these habits into their daily routines to improve their long-term health.
4. The Role of the Mind in Health: Mental and emotional well-being are integral to the health equation. Dunn Trop highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, managing stress effectively, and fostering healthy relationships as essential components of a healthy life. He suggests that mental stress and negative emotions can have a detrimental impact on physical health, leading to conditions like hypertension and weakened immune function.
5. Holistic Approach to Health: The book advocates for a holistic view of health, where physical, mental, and emotional health are interconnected. Dunn Trop emphasizes that true wellness comes from balancing all aspects of life, not just focusing on one area, such as diet or exercise.
6. The Power of Prevention: A key message in You Don’t Have to Be Sick is that preventing illness is much easier and more effective than treating it after it has developed. Dunn Trop offers practical tips for prevention, such as regular check-ups, staying active, avoiding toxic habits, and eating nutrient-dense foods.

Trop, J. (1969, July). What Our Conventions Mean to Me. 1969 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 14-15.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/conference-program-new-york-1969/

• Dunn Trop expresses a deep personal attachment to the annual conventions of the American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS), having missed only one since its inception in 1949. Recalling the first gathering at the Hotel Diplomat in New York with vivid clarity, they highlight the foundational role played by key figures such as Dr. Herbert Shelton—who personally financed early conventions—alongside Drs. Cursio, Benesh, Esser, and organizer Symon Gould. The conventions are likened to a perennial spring, offering a vital source of inspiration, education, and community for those dedicated to Natural Hygiene. These events serve not only as a time to reconnect and share knowledge but also as a platform to address the Society’s progress and challenges. A significant milestone was reached in 1968 when conventions moved from city venues to college campuses, providing a healthier and more fitting environment. The author envisions an even greater future, where Natural Hygiene conventions might one day attract tens of thousands. They note the Society’s impressive achievements, including a publishing arm and a headquarters in Chicago, and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of past and present members—especially current organizers such as Oscar Floyd, Stanley Prorok, and Dolores Burns. With enthusiasm and gratitude, the author encourages others not to miss the upcoming 1969 convention.

Trop, J. (1971). A Gift of Love: The Hopewood Story. West Pub. Corp.
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL22473477W/A_gift_of_love?edition=key%3A/books/OL5338403M

• Documents, narrative, and personal letters reveal how L.O. Bailey and Florence Madge lovingly undertook the raising and hygienic care of Australian orphans. The proven fact that the Hopewood children had outstanding health is still ignored. This book should be required reading by every man, woman, and child in our society, particularly those contemplating parenthood.

Trop, J. (1976). Please Don’t Smoke in Our House. Natural Hygiene Press.
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL19137161W/Please_don%
27t_smoke_in_our_house?edition=key%3A/books/OL5213703M

• Please Don’t Smoke in Our House is a candid and insightful exploration of the harmful effects of smoking, both on an individual’s health and within the family dynamic. Written by Jack Dunn Trop, the book offers a compelling argument for the dangers of tobacco use, blending personal anecdotes, medical research, and practical advice for quitting.
• Through a combination of personal reflections and factual information, Trop addresses the widespread addiction to smoking and the environmental impact it has on those who don’t smoke, particularly family members. He emphasizes how secondhand smoke can negatively affect the health of others in the home, including children, spouses, and pets.
• Trop uses his own experiences and observations to highlight the destructive nature of smoking, not only as a health hazard but as a pervasive habit that can influence family life and relationships. He also addresses the psychological and physical struggles that smokers face when trying to quit, offering a gentle but firm approach to overcoming the addiction.

Trop, J.  Help Yourself to Health.

The Greatest Adventure, early Natural Hygiene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AePT3Ik_Xg

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The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.