•
Scientists have been studying what makes one food high and another low for more than fifteen years. There is a wealth of information that can easily confuse. We have summarised the results of their research in the following table which looks at the factors which influence the G.I. factor of a food.
The key message is that the physical state of the starch in the food is by far the most important factor influencing the G.I. value. That’s why the advances in food processing over the past two hundred years have had such a profound effect on the overall G.I. factor of the food we eat.
Particle size. Another factor that influences starch gelatinisation is the particle size of the food. Grinding or milling of cereals reduces the particle size and makes it easier for water to be absorbed and enzymes to attack. That is why cereal foods made from fine flours tend to have high G.I. factors. One of the most significant alterations to our food supply came with the introduction of steel roller mills in the mid-nineteenth century. Not only did they make it easier to remove the fibre from cereal grains, the particle size of the starch was smaller than ever before. Prior to the nineteenth century, stone grinding produced quite coarse flours that resulted in lower rates of digestion and absorption.
When starch is consumed in its natural packaging—whole intact grains that have been softened by soaking and cooking—the food will have a low G.I. factor. For example, cooked barley has a G.I. factor of only 25. Most cooked legumes have a G.I. factor between 30 and 40. Cooked whole wheat has a G.I. factor of 41.
The only whole (intact) grain food with a high G.I. factor is rice, specifically low amylose rice, such as Calrose rice at 83. These varieties of rice have starch which is very easily gelatinised during cooking and therefore easily broken down by digestive enzymes. This may help explain why we sometimes feel hungry not long after rice-based meals. However, some varieties of rice (Basmati, a long grain fragrant rice, and Doongara, a new Australian variety of rice) have lower G.I. factors because they have a higher amylose content than normal rice. Their G.I. factors are in the range of 54 to 64.
*79\33\4*
•
The implications of all this are that someone who is unfit is less efficient at using fat in the fuel mix for exercise than someone who is fit, and that this difference increases with the intensity and duration of the exercise. Fat utilisation in an unfit person would therefore only be optimal at an exercise intensity much lower than that required for a fit person—in both absolute and relative terms. This then, gives a totally different outlook to the approach often promoted by the fitness industry based on the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy.
There have also been suggestions that the majority of the energy deficit resulting from physical activity is supplied by fat after the activity, or in ‘excess post-exercise oxygen consumption’ (EPOC), and hence the amount of fat oxidised during the exercise is only part of the story. If this were the case, the total energy use during exercise is again likely to be the biggest factor influencing fat use. However, if we look at this suggestion closely, we see that it is likely to be true first only if the exercise is sustained long enough to significantly deplete glycogen stores, thus diminishing their function as the primary energy source and second, if no carbohydrate is eaten post-exercise, in which case this would take priority as the energy source and fat would once again be ’saved’, and deposited into fat stores. This proposal also doesn’t explain the increased high rate of re-esterification of fat that occurs in EPOC, particularly in women, probably in defence of their reproductively important energy sources. This is opposed to the approach of re-loading carbohydrate stores for energy after exercise in athletes that is commonly agreed to by exercise physiologists. It does suggest that the issue of type of food intake relating to exercise is more complicated than may first seem.
*142\186\4*
•
People working in the obesity area use the term weight control, and the measure of weight as their surrogate measurement of body fatness. Yet degree of fatness only partially contributes to body weight. Muscle tissue is almost two-and-a half times as dense as fat tissue and therefore a muscular person is likely to weigh more than a fat person of the same overall body size. Hence a fit, exercising person with a high muscle density is likely to weigh more, but have a much lower fat level than an unfit, fat person.
Weight is the combination of a range of things; bones, organs, muscle, even the length you grow your hair; whereas fat, if measured properly, is just fat. The difficulty, of course, is in accurate measurement. There are no simple, accurate measurements for body fat. So far, there are only reasonable estimates. Still, these existing measurements are likely to give a better estimate of fatness level than the more general measure of body weight. A change in body weight, however, usually reflects changes in fat mass and lean mass (particularly in women), and hence the terms weight and weight control, while not technically correct, are still used as a form of convenience.
We tried to use the terms fat and overfatness where this is a more accurate representation of the situation, except where referring to weight as such, or where this is used to describe other work more specifically directed at weight. Despite their awkwardness, the terms overfatness and fat control are used where possible in an effort to get those working in this area to use the appropriate terminology. However, most studies, especially in larger populations, have to rely on some form of weight measurement as a surrogate for fatness.
Myth-Information. Rapid weight less, as advertised in many ‘diet-style’ programs, has been found to be not only potentially dangerous, but to increase the speed with which weight is put back on. Weight loss greater than 1.5kg per week dramatically increases the risk of disease.
*3\186\4*
•
Since time immemorial man has regarded honey and pollen as ambrosia—the food of the gods. Honey is mentioned in the Bible as a specially blessed food. In cave paintings from the Neolithic age (about 15,000 years ago) are illustrations of honey combs being gathered for food. Honey has been found in 3,000-year-old Egyptian pyramids. Pythagoras, a great Greek scientist (600 B.C.), recommended honey for health and long life. Throughout the ages honey has been regarded as a divine food with age-retarding and rejuvenating properties.
The miraculous powers of pollen were also recognized by man in the early ages. Ancient texts from Egypt, Persia and China refer to it. Greek philosophers claimed that pollen held the secret of eternal youth. Pollen was revered as nature’s own propagator of life. Raw, unstrained honey, with large proportions of pollen, was used by the original Olympic athletes for extra energy and vitality.
*117\58\2*
•
In studying Misdiagnosis, we need first to learn the topography, that is, the divisions of the iris.
Nearly every iris researcher has tried to evolve something special for himself, with the result that varying perceptions and interpretations are current. With goodwill, all might be reconciled.
These differences are inevitable, for one investigator had no academic training, and presented his observations in the language that was familiar to him, while others had already studied medicine and made use of scientific qualifications. Some considered the colour changes more (Liljequist), while others were chiefly concerned with the location of signs (Peczely). It should also not be forgotten that many signs may appear according to the locality, and in consequence of nutritional and climatic influences.
This article will endeavour to present the best, the most useful, and generally considered most important information from all systems. What is the most important?
If one wishes to commence something it is usual to make a plan, either on paper or at least in the head. We shall also do so. For the purpose, the iris is divided radially and circularly.
Radial division: The pupil is surrounded by a circular formation—the iris. We will begin with the radial division of this circle.
The figure shows three possibilities—division of the iris into minutes, hours and degrees. The division into degrees 1-360 is too small for the purpose. The hourly division 1-12 is indeed familiar to everyone, but is rather crude for the precise location of iris signs, whereas the radial division into minutes 1-60 is suitable for all purposes. For those who wish to keep to the degree or hourly division it will suffice, but in this book, the 1-60 division will be followed.
Circular division: Now note the second most important aspect of iris topography, namely, the circular division. From the pupil to the outer border of the iris the area is divided by concentric rings. Each of these divisions is called a Zone.
In comparing the available literature in this respect we find considerable differences. Not only are many zones specified, but their names are very different. Peczely names three zones—a stomach, an intestine and an outer zone. He speaks, however, of regions. This division, with slight differences, is also given by Felke, Hense, Anderschou, Collins, Kronen-berger, Baumhauer and Maubach. Vannier, Wirz and Kritzer specify only two regions. Schnabel mentions three zones. However, he names as the first zone the one he calls the ‘Neurasthenic ring’, as the second the stomach, and as the third the intestinal zone. Frau Pastor Madaus, Frau Eva Flink and Struck divide the iris into three large zones or six small regions—or as we would now say—zones. Dr. Bernard Jensen of California also names six regions, not including the pupillary margin. Thiel is a particular exception, he has specified several narrow and wide rings in his system. In connection with this, there are also various interpretations.
In this article the division of the iris according to Frau Eva Flink will be adopted, using the designation Zone. Passing to the consideration of the iris structure, we note immediately around the pupil a fine dark-to-light brown border which is quite narrow, and which we designate: Pupillary margin. The real objective of observation is the ‘edge’ around the pupil. The alternative term—Neurasthenic ring—was coined by Rudolph Schnabel. Colour changes and organic lesions of this ring indicate disturbances of the central nervous system.
The iris itself is divided into three major, or six minor equal zones. On examination of the iris a particularly striking change in the course of the iris fibres is noticed. This interruption in the course of the fibres, which normally includes about one-third of the iris, is called the Iris-wreath. On close examination we find this first one-third division, i.e. the first major zone, normally subdivided, and including the first and second minor zones. This part of the iris is also known as the pupillary zone. If the iris-wreath is not visible, then one has to reckon with pathological disturbances.
The further division of the outer two-thirds of the iris, also called the ciliary zone, is less striking in terms of change in the iris fibres. However, this area is arbitrarily divided into two major, i.e. four minor equal zones. That it is important to examine the iris according to this division will be seen later from the study of the positions of the organ and disease signs.
This scheme of division was first introduced by Frau Pastor Madaus in her system. Frau Eva Flink and Colleague Struck also made use of the same schema. If we bear in mind the three major and six minor zones, as seen in a normal iris, there will be less likelihood of misinterpretation. The First Major Zone contains the organs of food preparation and resorption:
First minor zone—stomach.
Second minor zone—intestines.
The Second Major Zone contains the organs of transport and utilisation, with elimination through the kidneys:
Third minor zone—blood and lymph vessels.
Fourth minor zone—muscular system.
In this zone we also have the positions for the organs: heart, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas and gall-bladder.
The Third Major Zone contains the organs for body support and ultimate utilisation, including detoxication and elimination:
Fifth minor zone—skeletal system.
Sixth minor zone—skin.
Detoxication: liver and spleen. Elimination: through nose, mouth, urethra, anus and total skin.
Sectoral division: Besides the division into zones, it is necessary to define the exact position of individual organs. For this purpose, the iris is divided into sections by drawing lines from the outer border to the pupil. Frau Madaus writes in her article on this method:
The division of the iris into one-half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth, including the
‘change-over’ and insertions, establishes the mathematical structure and harmonic relations of Misdiagnosis in general. Each division shows a front and back or sideview of the body. Furthermore, it establishes as lying diametrically opposite each other, that which naturally belongs and functions together.
In these words, the so-called ‘change-over’ is explained.
If a diagram of the iris is divided into four equal quadrants by a vertical line drawn from top to bottom, and a horizontal line drawn from right to left, the body divisions belonging together will not be under one another, but opposite each other.
Thus, in the iris, the areas for face and neck lie in the upper nasal quadrant, chest and abdomen in the lower temporal quadrant. Occiput and clavicle lie in the upper temporal, and the back in the lower nasal quadrant. In other words: by ‘change-over’ one understands that the front view of the body lies in the upper half of the iris nasalwards, and in the lower half of the iris temporal wards. Correspondingly, the posterior body lies in the upper half of the iris temporalwards (laterally) and in the lower half of the iris nasalwards (medially).
The above will have clarified the concept of ‘change-over’, so let us pass on to consider the above-mentioned dividing lines and their interpretation.
*2\78\2*
•
Any woman who has suffered for any length of time from the sharp pain of the cramps or the prolonged difficulty of the aching miseries, will tell you that she’s had to organize her life round her periods. Whether we like it or not, the majority of us aren’t such free agents as men are. There are lots of times when a woman can live and work as she pleases, but for anything from a couple of days a month to nearly half of her life, she has to plan ahead, restrict her activities and make choices. There are also choices to be made when it comes to treating the symptoms, as you may have noticed already.
Dragging pain and fatigue-You may find that the two exercises you have been practising to ease the pain are just too exhausting when you start to lose your energy. I certainly wouldn’t recommend you even attempt dry land swimming when you’re feeling tired, because that is exhausting in the best of circumstances. But you might find that you can manage the pelvic rock providing you don’t do it for very long. Stop as soon as you are tired and rest afterwards. In fact, several short sessions will do as much good as one long one. But if your fatigue is extreme, and even getting up in the morning is too much effort, then you might decide to try to ease your pain with relaxation, hot water bottles and rest rather than activity.
*46\177\2*
•
Symptoms: runny nose; low-grade fever; severe, strangling (“whooping”) cough followed by vomiting of mucus.
Home care:
Make sure your child is adequately immunized against whooping cough.
Isolate the child from other young children.
If the vomiting is severe, feed the child small meals several times a day.
Precautions
- Whooping cough is often fatal in infants. All infants should be immunized against this disease.
- Whooping cough is more common than many parents and doctors believe, and 90 percent of cases are never diagnosed.
- A child who has been exposed to whooping cough should see a doctor.
- A mild cough may indicate mild whooping cough, which the child can spread to others.
- Any cough that is getting progressively worse after two weeks should be brought to the attention of your doctor.
- Whooping cough is highly contagious and the infected child should be kept away from other people.
- Whooping cough can be caused by several germs, and the disease caused by one type does not give immunity against the others.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract, usually caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, but sometimes by Bordetella parapertussis or Bordetella bronchiseptica. Whooping cough caused by one organism does not provide immunity against whooping cough caused by other germs, and the vaccine that’s available provides immunity only against infection from the most common organism, Bordetella pertussis. The incubation period – the time it takes for symptoms to develop once the child has been exposed to the disease – is seven to 14 days. Whooping cough can be serious in infants under one year, and as many as 50 percent of these infants die. Newborns are not immune.
*248/84/5*
•
Routine tests for a newborn baby
Certain tests are done on each new baby to check for abnormalities. Many minor problems can be taken care of before the baby leaves the hospital. Others can be treated by the parents at home. Some other problems that appear at birth must be detected early so that they can be corrected before they become serious.
One test that is required in most states is a screening test on samples of the baby’s blood and urine to check for PKU, or phenylketonuria. This rare disorder can cause brain damage and mental retardation. But, if it is detected right away, changes can be made in the baby’s diet to prevent such damage. Other routine tests may be done as well, depending on where you live. Your doctor may recommend additional tests.
Special supplies and equipment
Before you bring your baby home, you will want to have everything you need on hand.
Clothes. A newborn baby usually needs only nappies and soft nightgowns for sleeping and extra sheets or blankets. Overdressing a baby can cause heat rash. Babies spit up on and otherwise dirty their clothes, sometimes many times a day, so be sure you have plenty. You don’t want to spend all your time washing.
Skin cleaner. Many doctors recommend using just a mild soap and water to keep your baby clean. Do not use oils, lotions, or powders; clear water is best. A baby’s skin can be very sensitive, and scented products can be irritating. Some babies are allergic to certain lotions and creams.
Bed. You can use a cradle or bassinet for a new baby, but a cot will work just as well and save the investment in a smaller bed that the baby will soon outgrow. Choose a cot with one side that drops, so that you can easily reach the baby. Make sure the catch is out of the baby’s reach; it won’t be long before the child is standing up in bed. Also, be sure the rails are close enough together so that the baby’s head won’t fit through them.
Mattress. The mattress should be firm, and covered with a plastic sheet. Put a regular fitted sheet over the plastic cover. Make sure the mattress is no more than 1 centimeter from the sides of the cot, so the baby can’t get wedged into the crack.
Toys. Babies like toys that are brightly colored. Soft toys are safest in the early months. Avoid sharp edges. Remember that soon everything will go into the baby’s mouth, so be sure toys are safe and washable. Mobiles and music boxes are interesting and stimulating, but be sure they are either out of reach or safe for the baby to touch.
*2/84/5*
•
I have read some alarming things about diabetes. Are these true?
Books can be misleading. Sometimes they have been written many years ago and not been properly brought up to date. This means that they do not contain recent knowledge and there is no doubt that we know a lot more about diabetes than we did in earlier days. Many of the problems which used to be encountered can now be helped and are no longer such a worry. If you do read something which seems alarming, you should discuss it with your doctor.
I have heard that diabetes can have ‘complications’. What are these?
A. These are seldom a worry in childhood, but it is true that some people, as they grow older, develop other problems of health due to their diabetes. Some of these could have been prevented, or would have been less troublesome, if the diabetes had been more carefully looked after. On the other hand, some problems may develop despite every care. Not everyone has these complications, and it is probable that as a result of the enormous amount of research in progress, we may one day be able to prevent them completely. The important complications that you may hear about are as follows:
1. Poor circulation in the legs with slow healing sores
You may also have heard of old people developing ‘gangrene’ of the feet. This can be a problem in old age but trouble can be avoided by proper care of the feet. This means keeping feet clean and dry and treating minor cuts and sores promptly and properly.
It is important to cut toe-nails correctly and have ingrowing toe-nails looked after properly. Always be sure shoes are a good fit. With these measures, and careful control of the diabetes, there is no reason why gangrene should ever develop.
2. Impaired vision or blindness
It is true that some persons with diabetes develop poor vision as they get older. We think that good diabetic control may help minimize this, and only a small number of people are likely to be seriously affected. There are some forms of treatment available for those with diabetes who show signs of eye complications, and sometimes these are very effective in preventing blindness. There is a lot of research work being done at present to study the way the blood vessels of the eye are affected by diabetes and how we can maintain good vision. The very early signs of eye problems can be detected by tests that photograph the back of the eye.
3. Kidney trouble
Once again, as with visual disorders, some people do get kidney disorders later in life as a result of diabetes. It would be surprising if modern research does not point the way in the next few years to the prevention of this.
*86/54/5*
•
Cancer is bad cells, pure and simple. Something goes wrong with the DNA, and eventually, a fast-growing collection of toxin-spewing, energy-absorbing, organ-destroying cells have begun to take over some part of your body. It can start just about anywhere, from your brain to your testicles, and end up just about anywhere else. Once cancer starts to migrate from its place of birth (a process known as metastasis), it’s hard to treat.
Your mission is to keep all that stuff from happening. Some of the risk factors, such as heredity and age, are out of your hands. But- and hear this well-most are not. Nearly two-thirds of cancer deaths in the United States are caused by factors entirely within your control. And guess what? Those controllable factors are none other than the usual suspects-smoking, a lousy diet, and a lack of exercise.
Studies have shown fairly clearly that obese men run a higher risk of at least colorectal and prostate cancer. Know that about 31 percent of American men are overweight (that is, 20 or more percent above their ideal weight) and you start to get the picture. What’s more, the extra pounds may affect men more than women, probably because men tend to carry the fat in their abdomen, where it’s more biologically active.
One way you get fat is by eating fat, especially animal fat. Not only does fat intake put you on the fast track to obesity but also there are strong indications that foods high in animal fat, such as dairy foods and red meat, increase your risk for a number of cancers, including prostate, colorectal, and even non-melanoma skin cancer.
Another way you get fat is through inactivity. It’s also another way you get cancer, especially colorectal cancer
Now to smoking. What don’t you already know about smoking’s sinister deeds? How about this: Smoking causes a whopping 30 percent of all cancer mortality, but not only because it’s responsible for more than 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. If you smoke, you also increase your risk for oral, esophagus, pancreas, larynx, bladder, and kidney cancers. And there’s newer evidence linking it to prostate and colon cancer, the latter in a special way. “Smoking seems to be an ‘early’ risk factor for colon cancer,” says Dr. Edward Giovannucci of Harvard Medical School. “If you’re smoking at age 20, that may not show up as a risk factor for colon cancer until age 60 or 70, whether you quit or not.”
So smoking, eating junk food, getting fat, and being lazy aren’t merely abstractions that are “bad for your health,” whatever that means. They can cause cancer. Put another way, not smoking, eating well, staying trim, and exercising are real things you can do to help prevent cancer.
*2/36/5*
