THE G.I. FACTOR: ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Is the G.I. factor able to predict the effect of a mixed meal containing foods with very different G.I. factors?
Yes, the G.I. factor can predict the relative effects of different mixed meals containing foods with very different G.I. factors. Over fifteen studies have looked at the G.I. factors of mixed meals. Twelve of these studies showed an excellent correlation between what was expected and what was actually found. You can predict the G.I. of a mixed meal by making a few simple calculation.
The other three studies which did not show the expected correlation came from a particular group of researchers who were not using standardised methodology for working out the G.I. factor from the area under the curve. In addition, their meals were high in fat instead of carbohydrate, and this tends to reduce the impact of any one carbohydrate food.
Won’t the areas under the curve become equal (despite the different curves for a high and low G.I. food) if the testing is continued long enough?
Some people have assumed that the total area under the curve (for high and low G.I. food) will be the same if the blood sugar is simply measured for long enough. However, this is not the case because the body is able to restore normal blood sugar levels more quickly after a slowly digested food than a quickly digested one. An analogy is turning on a tap full force above a bucket with a small hole in the bottom of it. The bucket will fill up fast and empty slowly. In contrast, the same amount of water delivered as a slow trickle will empty with minimal accumulation (viz area under the curve) in the bucket.
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FAT LOSS: FIXED FACTORS
Gender. There are major differences between males and females in fat loss responses to exercise. Female fat cells are predominantly less lipolytic than those stored around the abdomen of males, and are hence less responsive to exercise. Most researchers now agree that this has a biological function in providing females with an energy reserve for reproduction. There is some suggestion that female gluteal-type fat cells may even be resistant to some types of activity, such as high intensity exercise in younger, pre-menopausal women. Studies carried out at McMaster University in Canada have also shown that, unlike males, female athletes seem to be less effective in ‘carbohydrate loading’ for long endurance events such as the marathon.4 (Carbohydrate loading is a technique whereby large amounts of carbohydrate are eaten 3-4 days before an event in order to ‘fill’ the glycogen reserves which supply immediate energy for the event. This ’suggests the capacity for glycogen storage is decreased in females and they prefer to use carbohydrate for immediate energy rather than storage.)
Differences in the hormonal environment and body composition lead to a greater fat loss response to a set exercise load in men, and a guaranteed response to almost any form of exercise in younger men. Biomechanical differences and the higher proportion of body fat in women make them more efficient at some forms of exercise, thus using significantly less energy than men for a set exercise stimulus. It has been estimated, for example, that an average-sized woman will use approximately 40 per cent less energy than an averaged-sized man in walking an equivalent distance. Swimming involves an even greater energy differential between genders because of the higher proportion of body fat and the lower centre of gravity in females (enabling them to float more effectively and maintain a more efficient body position). Research at Leeds University in England suggests that females may also eat more after exercise than men, thus making up for the extra energy used during the activity.
All of this has led Dr Gilbert Gleim, a US exercise scientist, to conclude that: . . As an isolated weight loss modality . . . Exercise should not be counted on to produce desired weight reductions (in women) unless the woman is committed to many hours of exercise a day’.
Exercise prescriptions then need to take account of the greater lipolytic resistance which occurs with reduced energy balance, greater compensatory eating and the reduced muscular response
To resistance training. All of this suggests a need for a significantly greater total amount of exercise in females in order to achieve the same fat loss benefits from exercise as a man. On the more positive side, any amount of exercise in women (as well as men) has been shown to improve health profiles such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars and feelings of well being, even if it doesn’t have a major impact on body fat. Older females, with a higher proportion of upper body fat, might be expected to respond more like a man, at least in the reduction of their upper body fat to a given exercise load.
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WHAT IS FAT?
Fat is a highly valuable substance which exists in some form in many plants, seeds and animals. In plants and seeds, it is mainly stored in the form of oils. In humans and animals it’s stored in body tissue known as adipose tissue, which is made up of many fat cells or adipocytes. The main types of fats in plants and animals are called triglycerides. The main function of the fat cell is as a storage reserve of these triglycerides for energy, but it also has secondary functions of providing a ‘cushion’ or protection for the organs of the body and insulating against heat loss. Before it gets into the fat cell, fat in the bloodstream also acts as a transport medium for fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K.
While triglycerides are the main type of fat used by the body, two other fats, cholesterol and phospholipids, also have important functions. Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance which is used for the production of certain substances such as sex hormones, and in the structure of cell membranes (cell lining). The phospholipids make up part of the structure of every cell, particularly the cell membrane. In our diet, almost all of the fat is in the form of triglycerides with only a small amount of cholesterol and phospholipids.
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THE SECRETS OF STAYING HEALTHFULLY YOUNG: THE SCIENCE OF MACROBIOTICS
A great physician, Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland, who lived in Berlin about 150 years ago, wrote a book to which he gave the title Makrobiotik—”The art of prolonging human life.” Now, after 150 years, macrobiotics have become suddenly very popular in the United States. What are macrobiotics?
Hufeland’s definition of macrobiotics was “the art of living longer.” In the present technological and atomic age, macrobiotics means more than just “living longer.” It is the study and application of fundamental factors essential for optimum health and longer life free from disease. Due to improved sanitation, reduction in infant mortality and modern surgery, man’s average life expectancy has increased. But simultaneously, with the advance of technological and chemical sciences, the harmony between man and his natural health-giving environment has become disturbed. This disharmony has brought upon man a host of so-called degenerative diseases. Denatured, devitalized foods, a polluted and poisoned environment, the mental and physical stresses of the competitive world, have resulted in a gradual deterioration of health which has now reached catastrophic proportions.
It is hardly worthwhile to learn how to live a long life, if you have to live a life of miserable suffering from one agonizing disease after another. A long life would make sense only if it could be lived in vibrant health, enjoyed in the active productive pursuit of one’s most treasured interests. The fact is that very few people now really enjoy perfect health. Most are sick, semi-ill or “fictitiously healthy.” living in a chronic state of mesotrophy, or half-health. Therefore, the modern meaning of macrobiotics is “the art of living longer in good health” or, in other words, the art of living younger longer!
I have referred previously to the International Society for F-e-search on Nutrition and Vital Substances. The Scientific Counsel of this Society is composed of over 400 great scientists from 75 countries, representing doctors of medicine, bio-chemistry, nutrition, natural sciences, etc. A great many of these are Nobel Prize Winners. This most authoritative scientific forum conducts objective, scientific studies and research, and through its annual conventions disperses recommendations to various governments and their health organizations, as well as to the World Health Organization.
This Society has conducted a seven-year study of macrobiotics, or the fundamentals of healthier and longer life in our modem technological society. Its findings and conclusions in regard to macrobiotics were adopted at the Society’s 7th International Convention.
Note this: you may read any number of popular health books or listen to the subjective, personal opinions of this or that health lecturer—usually with each one of them offering a different road to glorious health and long life—and you are no wiser in the end. But here is the united consensus of a large body of responsible and respected scientists, based on the objective study and research of all available scientific data. It would be wise to listen to them.
The following resume is based on Resolution No. 25 of the International Society for Research on Nutrition and Vital Substances.
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WHAT CAUSES MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
Multiple sclerosis is most prevalent in the so-called highly civilized (read: chemicalized!) countries. It is rarely encountered in Italy and the South American countries. Italians and South Americans living in the United States and eating the American diet show, however, the same incidence of the disease as other Americans. Researchers feel, therefore, that there must be a relationship between diet and the incidence of multiple sclerosis. Some surveys in Europe show that the disease seems to increase in areas with a higher consumption of animal fat and milk. Diets low in fat were tried on patients at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, with encouraging results.
In England it was observed that there was an unusually high incidence of the disease in lead-mining areas, which prompted many investigations. It was also shown that the lead content of the teeth of patients with multiple sclerosis was “significantly” higher than that of the control groups.
Many other researchers have linked lead poisoning to multiple sclerosis. The Finnish researcher, Martti Salmi, believes that the incidence of multiple sclerosis is closely related to the occurrence of lead in the soil and the environment. It seems that there is a higher incidence of the disease in the northern hemisphere, with the number of cases increasing as one goes farther north. It has been shown that glacial ice distributed lead-bearing materials to the soils in the northern countries. Also, lead in the air from leaded gasoline is suspected as the cause of the disease.
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FUNDAMENTAL BASIS OF IRISDIAGNOSIS: INTERPRETATION OF THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE ORGANS IN THE THREE MAJOR ZONES
(SIX MINOR ZONES)-1ST MAJOR ZONE—STOMACH AND INTESTINAL ZONE
In considering the topography of the organs we commence with the first minor zone—the stomach zone. The stomach zone has already been indicated as the first zone in the circular division of the iris. It is now necessary to identify the parts of the stomach in the right and left iris.
If the body is divided down the middle by a perpendicular line we have: Pylorus with about one-third of the stomach in the right half of the body. Cardia and two-thirds of the stomach in the left half of the body.
All organs on the right side have their place in the right iris, and all organs on the left side have their place in the left iris, thus:
Pylorus and one-third of the stomach in the right iris. The remaining two-thirds with cardia in
the left iris.
By dividing the stomach horizontally through the middle we obtain an upper and a lower part for each iris. Considering the right upper part of the stomach, this will include an anterior and posterior view of the upper part of the pylorus with the right side of the lesser curvature. Since we have in both upper and lower halves of the iris a representation of the anterior, posterior and lateral views, we may determine precisely the different regions of the stomach from the iris. Similarly, we place the right lower part of the stomach in the right iris, and both upper and lower left regions of the stomach correspondingly in the left iris.
Pylorus is exactly in the middle, lying between the upper and lower halves of the right iris. Thus:
Upper half pylorus—Right iris nasal side—n’-is’—anterolateral aspect. —Right iris temporal side—45′-48′—posterolateral aspect. Lower half pylorus—Right iris temporal—42
‘-45′—anterolateral aspect. —Right iris nasal—15′—18′—posterolateral aspect.
Left iris nasal—45′-50′—antero-lateral aspect.
Left iris temporal—10′-I5′—postero-lateral aspect. In my view we cannot place the cardia in the lower half of the left iris.
The second small zone is designated the Intestinal zone, which includes the duodenum, small intestine, and the large intestine with sigmoid flexure. We shall again require to identify the regions of the right side intestine in the right iris, to show right upper and lower intestine with anterior, posterior and lateral views.
Of especial interest to us here is the duodenum. Since this, and that part of the stomach lying in the right side of the body is more frequently affected, there must be reserved to this area a large part of the iris. We find on considering the indications that the proximal part of the
duodenum lies over the pylorus.
For this part of the duodenum we have shown in the iris the area 10/-15′ and 45′-50′ in the upper half, corresponding to the anterior, posterior and lateral aspects. The part of the duodenum which lies below the pylorus is seen in the lower half of the iris from 15′-20′ and 40 ‘-45′.
The junction of the duodenum with the small intestine lies in the left half of the body, so the area for it is found in the lower half of the left iris from 40′-45′. That part of the small intestine lying in the right half of the body is found in the right iris from 5 ‘-35′ with an intermediate position for a part of the duodenum.
At 35′ in the right iris, the ascending colon commences with the caecum, and extends to 50′, allowing for the insertion of a part of the duodenum. Here the right flexure indicates the commencement of the transverse colon which extends to 5′. Where there is a diseased appendix (it possesses much lymphatic tissue as is well known) the signs are to be seen outside the intestinal zone at 35′.
In the left iris, the area for small intestine extends from 35′-55′, with inclusion of that part of the duodenum which lies on the left side of the body—as already referred to above under Duodenum.
The transverse and descending colon is to be found in the area 55′-25′. The sigmoid and rectum then extend from 25′-35′. The last part of the rectum with ampulla and anus lies at 32-34′ in the muscle, bone and skin zones.
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MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS: HOW TO COPE-IN VARIOUS SITUATIONSC-AT WORK:
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
If you suffer from fatigue at period time, your body will be letting you know how much rest you need and, if you’re extremely tired, insisting that you take it. The trouble is that so many women feel compelled to make the effort to go on working even when they are tired. We shop in the lunch hour, or work through the tea break to oblige somebody. It may seem noble, but it isn’t sensible. I have a sneaking feeling that this willingness to sacrifice ourselves goes right back to the attitudes we imbibed when young. Little boys are usually told to ’stand up for themselves’ and ‘be a man’. Little girls are usually expected to help with the housework and told not to ‘make a fuss’. Standing up for your rights may seem unfeminine if you have grown up feeling that a woman’s role is to serve and be unselfish. You are lucky if you’ve grown up in a household where boys and girls both help with the housework, because you’ll be more likely to insist on your rights at work. A woman needs her rest breaks just as much as a man does, and at period time she needs them even more. So take all the rest you’re entitled to, sit down whenever you can and make sure you eat a meal in your lunch break. And if you are one of those girls who usually spend the lunch hour window shopping, give it a miss for those few crucial days when you’re low — however tempting the windows maybe.
Lack of balance may make you inaccurate, which can be a great nuisance whether you’re a supervisor, managing director or a typist; indeed in any job that requires detailed and painstaking acuracy. You can help yourself by making sure that you aren’t tense when you’re working and that you deliberately do everything more slowly. Take a few minutes to relax before you begin work and breath in a lower gear. If you feel yourself rushing, check that you haven’t tensed up again. Your neck, shoulders and hands are often the first parts of your body to show stress in this way, particularly if your work involves a lot of writing. And if you notice your mistakes and start to panic because you’re doing so badly, don’t forget what a help relaxation and breathing in a lower gear can be if you’re in a flap. If you are the boss, it’s simpler to do; but if you work for someone else it might be a good idea to let him or her know what you’re doing, and why, so that he or she will realize that you’re not slacking, merely sacrificing speed for efficiency, just for a few days.
Many women find that an approaching period makes them very forgetful. Their minds ‘go woolly’. If that’s your problem, take a fellow sufferer’s advice and get into the habit of writing yourself a list of all the jobs you have to attend to, and pin it up where it will catch your eye.
People like telephonists, actresses or teachers, who use their voices a lot during their work, are more liable to suffer from throat infections or laryngitis during the run up to their periods. Obviously it makes good sense to ensure that you’re eating well and getting enough rest when you’re vulnerable, because that will give you more of a chance to fight off infection. But it also helps if you can pitch your voice a little lower than normal. We tend to speak up, in every sense of the word, when we want to be heard and if you have pitched your voice too high, that will put your throat and vocal chords under unnecessary strain. If your face, neck or throat are tense, that’s another source of strain, so don’t forget to relax them, and to keep checking that they stay relaxed.
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CHILDREN HEALTH: MEDICINE CHEST
Although most of the medications your child will take will be on a doctor’s prescription, there are certain items every parent ought to have on hand at home. Some of these are nonprescription medications that you can buy over the counter at your drugstore. These are usually called OTC medications. Other items, like a thermometer, are basics of a home health care kit. You’ll also need antiseptics, ointments, gauze pads, and bandages in preparation for the inevitable bangs, bruises, scrapes, cuts, and other minor crises of childhood.
When you’re assembling this kit, however, remember a few safety rules:
• Do not buy or administer any but the most basic drugs without the advice of a doctor.
• Only buy medications in containers that have child-proof caps. Keep all medications in their original, clearly-labeled containers.
• Unless your child takes a prescription medication on a regular basis, do not keep leftover medicines. Flush liquids and pills or capsules down the toilet and throw out the containers.
• Keep all medications locked away from children. If you and your young child are visiting friends who do not have children, make sure that no dangerous substances are within reach of the child.
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ANIMAL BITES IN CHILDREN
Animal bites that break the skin are cuts, puncture wounds, or scrapes. However, animal bites may result in serious complications. First, animal bites often become infected by the bacteria in the animal’s mouth. Second, animal bites may cause tetanus (lockjaw) or rabies.
Tetanus (lockjaw) is a serious disease caused by a germ that lives in soil, dust, and the intestines and intestinal wastes of animals and humans. It can easily enter the body through puncture wounds or scratches caused by animal bites and claw wounds. A vaccine to prevent tetanus is available.
Rabies is unknown in Australia. It is a fatal disease of the central nervous system that may affect any mammal. It is caused by a virus that can be identified within the brain of an affected animal. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of the sick animal.
Signs and symptoms
Even in younger children, an animal bite is usually obvious from its appearance. It is sometimes difficult to tell a bite from a claw wound; however, claw wounds should be treated in the same way as bites because a claw wound can also contain bacteria from the animal’s saliva. U the bite has caused a bruise, but there is no break in the skin, you do not need to worry about tetanus.
Home care
Scrub the wound with soap and water for five to ten minutes and flush with water. Apply antiseptic to minor wounds. Report the wound to your doctor immediately for advice concerning tetanus, and repair of the wound. Let your doctor know when your child was most recently vaccinated against tetanus.
The chance of an animal bite becoming infected is very high. If redness begins spreading out from the wound, or if the wound becomes more tender, call your doctor.
Precautions
• Be sure your child has regular tetanus boosters.
• Always contact your doctor about treatment in the case of animal bites.
Medical treatment
Because of the high possibility of infection, your doctor may decide not to stitch the wound. However, if the wound is located where scarring is not desirable (such as on the face), the doctor may choose to stitch the wound. Before stitching, treatment first includes removing the injured tissue and a thorough cleansing. Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed. If necessary, your doctor may give the child a tetanus booster or antitoxin (a substance that counteracts the poisonous effects of the tetanus germ).
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DIABETES: QUESTIONS ASKED BY CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Can I join scouts or guides or a youth club?
Certainly there is no reason at all why you should not join any youth club or group. Make sure that the leader knows that you have diabetes and is told what to do if you should have an insulin reaction.
Can I go camping with my youth club?
Yes, as soon as you are able to do your own injections, measure your own insulin dose, do your blood tests, and know how to measure your diet. Most children can do all these things by the time they are 12 or 13 (and some younger) and if you cannot, you should only go if there is some adult with the group who is prepared to take responsibility and can do these things for you. One of the important objectives of learning about diabetes is to make you self-reliant so you can
Who should you tell that you have diabetes?
Your parents of course will tell your close relatives and perhaps your adult friends who have a lot to do with you. They would need to know about your diabetes if you have meals with them or so they could help if you should have a hypo when they are responsible for you. Clearly your schoolteacher ought to know and so should any youth club leader or sports instructor or coach. They will want to know so that they can allow you to have extra sugar to cover extra physical exertion and so that they will know what to do if you should by any chance have a hypo.
The major problem may be to decide which of your own friends and acquaintances should be told and how to tell them. Sometimes this problem is very easily resolved and certainly any boy or girl who is a good friend should be told that you have diabetes.
Perhaps your friends will ask you where you have been when you go back to school after developing diabetes. Then it is easy to say, ‘Well I got sick and had to go to hospital where they found I had diabetes. I have had treatment and I am perfectly all right now.’ Perhaps your friends will want to know a little more about it and you can tell them that you have insulin injections each day and that you have to restrict certain foods. If your friends are interested in a sensible way then, there can be no harm in discussing it with them and giving them as much information as they want.
There is really no need for other people who are not particular friends and who are not responsible for your care to know about your diabetes. You might tell your friends that although you are not ashamed about having diabetes you see no point in having it generally discussed around. In general, it is better to adopt the attitude that diabetes is not particularly important, it is just something you have got; it does not affect you in any way.
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