The Science and Fine Art of Fasting

Herbert M. Shelton was born on October 6, 1895, two months premature and weighing only 3 pounds. He grew up on his family’s farm in Wylie, Texas, where his observations of farm animals led him to note their natural dietary tendencies, including fasting. During high school, he discovered the theory of drugless healing through Physical Culture magazine, which inspired him to explore alternative medicine.

Shelton attended Macfadden’s College of Physcultopathy and interned at Crane’s Sanitorium in Illinois. He pursued post-graduate work at Lindlahr’s and Sahler’s Sanatoriums, and also studied at Peerless College of Chiropractic Medicine and Crandall Health School. In 1921, while studying at the American School of Chiropractic Medicine, he married Ida Pape. He later received a Doctorate of Naturopathy from the American School of Naturopathy.

Shelton self-published his first book, Fundamentals of Nature Cure, in 1922. After becoming familiar with The Hygienic Movement, founded by Dr. Isaac Jennings and Sylvester Graham, he retitled his book An Introduction to Natural Hygiene. In 1924, he and his wife welcomed a son.

In 1925, Shelton joined the staff of Physical Culture. He later co-founded his own magazine, How to Life, and wrote a daily column for the New York Evening Graphic, often provoking controversy with his criticism of modern medical treatments. His views on fasting as an alternative medical treatment and the benefits of raw food drew criticism. In 1942, he faced charges of negligent homicide after a patient allegedly starved to death, but the charges were dropped.

Shelton continued to gain prominence in the alternative health movement. In 1956, the American Vegetarian Party nominated him as their presidential candidate. He died in 1985 at the age of 77, after a prolonged battle with a degenerative neuromuscular disorder.

Despite his illness, Shelton remained involved in advocating alternative medicine through his own academy, Dr. Shelton’s Health School. During its 53 years of operation, over 400,000 patients were treated, with many recovering through Shelton’s theories. Herbert M. Shelton’s work remains influential in the alternative medicine community, particularly in the areas of fasting and restorative care.