Health & Healing

How Food Labels Can Deceive

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Food labels should help the consumer make an intelligent decision about the safety of the product and its nutritional value. Unfortunately they don’t always do so. Now that many countries are adopting some form of consumer labeling, we should examine the uses and abuses of food labeling. To be truly helpful the label must include: 1) serving size; 2) percentage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins listed in an understandable reference standard; 3) percentage of the total calories per serving from each of these; 4) percentages of saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats; 5) total amount of salt per serving; 6) amount of cholesterol, if present; 7) amount of potassium present as well as the vitamins contained; and 8) all the other contents of the product, especially such hazardous additives as nitrites, or proteins that may be allergenic to some people. Unfortunately many labeling laws do not provide for this degree of candor. If irradiation has been used to prolong the shelf life of the product, this must be prominently displayed on the label. I advise no one to buy any irradiated food. The present labeling regulations in America allow for many deceptive practices. For example, labels that say “97% fat free” should be immediately suspected. Banners over frozen-dessert counters that state “96% fat-free” should also be suspect. This is a clever but deceitful marketing technique. It has no meaning without stating- which isn’t-how the percentage was obtained. Usually this means that the substance contains 3 or 4 percent fat by weight, that is, 3 or 4 grams per 100 grams of the product. One product that advertises “97% fat free” gives the following information on the label: serving size 1 slice, 6 servings per container, 30 calories, 1 gram fat. If we calculate the calories per one gram of fat, we see that the 9 calories from fat is 30% of the total calories. That is a 27% difference from the implied 3% fat on the label. Another example is the calculation for milk, 53% of the calories in whole milk are from fat, 2% skim milk is 38% calories from fat and the 1% milk has 18% of its calories from fat. Another marketing strategy is to label a product “Contains no cholesterol.” This gives a false security, unless we further read the label to determine what kind of fats and how much the product contains. No vegetable fats contain cholesterol, however, coconut, palm, palm kernel oil as well as other highly saturated fats may be present. All of these highly saturated fats may be cholesterol producers after they get into the body. Often a product may be labeled “lite,” “light” or “diet,” terms which have no legal definitions but set up ideas in the consumers mind that suggest they are better than other products. Always note well on the nutritional label the amount that is considered a serving size and servings per container. Verify that the serving size is what you will be consuming. A common practice amongst some frozen dessert products is to list the calories per ounce, implying that an ounce is what you will consume; however, you are more likely to consume eight ounces -8 times the listed calories. My favorite popcorn lists the serving size as 1/2oz (14g); 8 servings per container, 80 calories, 2 grams protein, 6 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fats, 150 mgm sodium, no cholesterol. What does this actually mean when we consider that a popcorn lover would probably eat the entire bag? He would have consumed 640 calories, 56.25% from fat and 1,200 mgms of salt (almost a total day’s recommend intake!). In order for us to meet our goals of a proper diet (see my April, 1989, column) consisting of 10-25% of calories from fat, with a preponderance of monounsaturated fats, low in salt and high in dietary fiber, we must both read the labels and do some simple calculations. §

How to Keep Your Nose Clean

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One way to assure ourselves of a clean nose is by the use of a neti pot. This is a small ceramic or metallic container with a narrow opening about the size of a nostril. Long a part of yoga health practices, it is said that those who use a neti pot daily will have healthy noses, better breathing and can overcome some of the effects of allergies and colds. The nose is one of the main organs of the respiratory system. It cleans the air we breath of particulate matter, such as dust and pollen, and warms (or cools) the air to the optimum temperature. The nose and surrounding sinuses add volume and vibrations to the voice. And our sense of smell is located here, particularly in the inner nose. Smelling is made possible by small nerve endings of the olfactory nerve that “drop” through a bony plate which covers the floor of the brain cavity or roof of the nose. This direct connection to the brain may produce problems if one is not careful in blowing the nose. There are bony ridges, turbinates, that warm or cool the air by swirling it into contact with the mucous membrane. The nose is lined with many hairs and small blood vessels that modulate the temperature and aid in filtration. It also secretes a sticky substance called mucus that aids in its function. The sinuses are similarly equipped. There are very small openings from the large sinus cavities to the interior of the nose. This often makes drainage of the sinuses very difficult. Drainage is necessary because the mucus may be trapped under pressure thus producing pain. The nose opens into a large chamber, the pharynx, that is connected with the trachea, mouth and ears, throat and esophagus. There is a small valve that helps to direct the food and air into the correct channels. Since the interior of the nose is mostly hidden, we are not always aware of what its condition is. If we have a cold, we know that excess mucus forms and tends to run out of the nose and back into the throat. X-rays are necessary to reveal the contents of the sinuses. We can surmise that there is always mucus present, as well as the “dirt” filtered out of the air. If we do not cleanse the nose of this dirt we may end up with infections, irritations and other abnormal conditions. The fact that the nose is in direct communication with the brain cavity and the inner ears means we must be careful not to exert too much pressure when blowing the nose. If there is any obstruction, we must be extremely careful. A neti pot cleanses the membranes of the nose and sinuses of excess mucus and particulate matter. To use the pot, first fill with a mild salt solution. Then with the head turned 45 degrees bending over the wash basin, pour half of the contents through one nostril. Rotate the head, allowing the water from the first nostril to drain into the sink, and pour the remaining solution through the other nostril. Then, with the mouth closed, forcefully blow out the total contents of the nose. This should be done daily, and sometimes twice a day. There are times that we must invert or lower the head to allow the sinuses to drain without forcing the water out. This is a good cleansing of the sinuses, and it is known that polyps in the sinuses have been cured by the use of the pot. Some people suck water up from their cupped hand into the nose for cleansing. This is hazardous as the force is so great that the water may go into the inner ear which can not happen with the use of the neti pot. Add a neti pot to your daily cleansing routine and soon you will notice many benefits from the better respiration and increased absorption of prana. Neti pots may be purchased from Himalayan Publishers, RR1, Box 405, Honesdale, PA 18431. Price is US$7.95 plus $1.50 shipping ($2.00 foreign). §

Healing Emotions with Flowers

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Disease is, in essence, the result of conflict between Soul and Mind, and will never be eradicated except by spiritual and mental effort. No effort directed to the body alone can do more than superficially repair damage, and in this there is no cure, since the cause is still operative.” Is this the statement of a New Age practitioner? No, these are the words of Edward Bach, who was a highly successful bacteriologist and homeopathic physician with a lucrative practice in Harley Street, London. In 1930 he retired to devote his time to find a therapy that would reach to the true source of disease. Through a sensitive intuition and much research, Dr. Bach determined that the essence of flowers was the vibratory agent that could influence this conflict between the soul and the mind. He was able to extract the flower essence with pure spring water and used a small amount of brandy as a preservative. He formulated 38 remedies grouped into seven headings: For Fear, For Uncertainty, For Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances, For Loneliness, For Those Oversensitive to Influence and Ideas, For Despondency or Despair and For Overcare for Welfare of Others. In his 1933 book, “Twelve Healers and Other Remedies” he stated, “There should be no difficulty either for oneself, or for another, to find the state or mixture of states which are present, and be able to give the required remedies to effect a cure.” A practitioner in this methodology is well trained in observation and self-analysis and has gained experience understanding the various essences. The usual dosage of the selected essence is 3-4 drops in a cup of water four times a day. The effect of the treatment does not occur rapidly. There may even be an occasional increase in symptoms in the first few days, but in three to four weeks a definite change in the emotional state is noted. These essences can not do any harm, they can not be antidoted by any substance known and they can be given along with other therapies. The usual precaution of not taking another strong energetic substance for at least one half hour before or after is usually suggested. There is a special remedy called the “Rescue Remedy,” that we recommend should be in the emergency kit of all readers. It is a combination of five different remedies for Trauma and Numbness, Terror and Panic, Irritability and Tension, Fear of Losing Control, and the Tendency to Pass Out (the sensation of being ’far away’ that often precedes unconsciousness). In the case of an accident or sudden illness, Rescue Remedy not only helps the “victim” but also the witnesses by calming them and giving them confidence in a quick recovery. Four drops in a cup of water are ordinarily given to the patient in frequent sips until the condition changes. It is also available as an ointment for external application. It is said by those that are well accustomed to the use of the Bach Remedies, that they are applicable (especially the Rescue Remedy) for the conditions of animals and plants that are in the state of shock. There are also floral essences that are more attuned to the stresses and conditions of the modern urban environment. Seventy two of these have been identified. These have been researched and prepared by the Flower Essence Society, P.O. Box 459, Nevada City, CA 95959. The Bach Remedies and books are available from Ellon Bach USA, P.O. Box 320 Woodmere, N.Y. 11598, phone 516-593-2206, and in most Health Food Stores and Homeopathic pharmacies. Recommended books are: “Heal Thyself", Dr. Edward Bach 1931; “The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies", Dr. Edward Bach 1933; “The Bach Remedies Repertory", F.J.Wheeler 1952: “The Illustrated Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies", Phillip Chancellor 1971: “Bach Flower Therapy, Theory and Practice", M. Scheffer 1987. §

Hazards in Today’s Indian Diet

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As I have mentioned before in these articles, the traditional South Indian vegetarian diet is an excellent balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates with no emphasis on the undesirable fats. However, the diet I encountered on my recent six-week pilgrimage was something different. What is served by the Tamil Nadu tourist facilities and many of the other restaurants throughout the south of India, as well as in many homes, is truly a sad example of a good, healthy diet. The food served to the public, and increasingly common in the homes, is slowly killing the people by creating or fostering the problems of obesity, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease and other degenerative diseases. This modern makeshift diet contains too much fat and far too much sugar. There are too few vegetables and what vegetables are served have been cooked to a mush of little nutritional value. The quality of the fat used in frying and deep frying is of the worst kind-the so-called tropical fats that are highly saturated-coconut, palm and palm kernel oils. The restaurants and many private homes use and reuse these fats until they no longer remain liquid. It is common knowledge throughout the world that whenever fat is heated, the fat breaks down to harmful unknown and unnatural products. It is also common knowledge, even in India, that the use of saturated fats contributes to cardiovascular disease and other conditions. There were two newspaper articles on this subject just during my visit. In a typical restaurant meal there may be fried dosai dripping with fat, vadai and deep fried potatoes or bananas. As near as could be calculated, the amount of calories from the fat far exceeded the desirable “less than 30%.” Main meals consisted of polished rice, rasam, sambar and a small amount of salad or vegetables. The evening meal was, again, fried foods or several kinds of rice. Even in the upper class homes, I did not see a well-rounded vegetarian diet. When I asked why no one uses brown or unpolished rice for its added nutritional value, I was told, “that is feed for the animals.” Perhaps that is why some of the hogs and cattle seemed healthier than the people. The desserts were almost totally sugar and eaten excessively. Children were constantly being bribed to behave with such sweets, Some children ate practically nothing but the sugary sweets and rice, and their teeth showed the disfiguring horrors of cavities and decay. The overall body stature of children in India is less than that of comparable children fed a more appropriate vegetarian diet. Is it any wonder that many residents of India are suffering from arteriosclerosis, heart disease, obesity and malnutrition? The habits are so ingrained that it will take concentrated effort and education to correct this great source of disease. I urge our brothers and sisters not only in India, but also in Malaysia, Mauritius and Africa, or wherever the South Indian diet is the norm, to select fats that are predominantly monounsaturated-such as from olive oil, rape seed and flax oil. Do not ever reuse these fats, for even one heating will cause degeneration. Markedly reduce the amount of fats that are used, as well as reduce the amount of fried foods and rarely use deep fried foods. If cast iron is used in the cooking, a few drops of oil spread with the fingers over the bottom of the pan is sufficient even for frying dosai. I also urge the use of raw vegetables and slightly cooked vegetables with as much variety as is possible. One should consume some dark green leafy vegetables every day. The flavor of the unpolished rice is very good and the nutritional value is much greater. There are also other grains that can be used as rice substitutes. The elders and the children will benefit greatly by the reduction of the amount of sugar and sugary products. §

Reducing High Blood Pressure

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High blood pressure may be the first symptom or even the cause of many severe and sometimes fatal degenerative diseases. The accepted norms for adult blood pressure are 120/80-that is, an active or systolic pressure of 120 and a resting or diastolic pressure of 80. The systolic pressure will be elevated without danger in activity and anxiety. But if the diastolic pressure is elevated more than 10 degrees, essential hypertension may exist. Our blood pressure is the result of five factors: the pumping action of the heart, the peripheral resistance to blood flow, the amount of blood within the entire vascular system, the viscosity of the blood, and the elasticity of the arterial walls. Changes from the normal of any of these factors directly affect the pressure. The accurate evaluation of blood pressure is done with an instrument called the sphygmomanometer. Anyone can learn this procedure, and every household should have such an instrument to periodically measure the pressure of its members. There are automated machines available that simplify the process, but these must be calibrated against a mercury type at least every six months. Hypertension may result from anything that changes the resistance to blood flow such as loss of elasticity of the vessels, abnormal capillary venous junction, or increase in blood volume with its resulting distension of the vessels. This change makes the heart pump harder and possibly more frequently to maintain a nourishing blood flow. The most common causes of hypertension are being overweight and experiencing psychological tension. Extra weight increases the total extent of the vasculature and psychological tension, as a result of the “flight or fight” mechanism, narrows the caliber of the peripheral vessels, thus increasing the resistance to flow. There are many natural ways to assure normal blood pressure. The first of these is to maintain a “normal” weight. The second is to reduce the fat in the diet to prevent arteriosclerosis with its resulting decrease in blood vessel size. Exercise is very important to maintain nutrition to the tissues. Decrease of psychological tension is essential to have a normal pressure and to reduce the strain upon the heart. This is best done by being consciously aware of one’s level of consciousness, separating oneself from “problems,” and becoming aware of one’s breath. It has been shown that hypertension has been reduced to normal in those who meditate. Being a Hindu has many advantages in this realm. It is advisable to regulate one’s blood pressure by natural means rather than with drugs that often have harmful side effects. However, if one needs to regulate the pressure by the temporary use of drugs, by all means do so until such time as the natural ways can be utilized. It is dangerous to one’s well being to have hypertension. The first thing in the natural control of hypertension is to be sure that one’s diet is low in fats, especially saturated fats, low in calories, predominantly from complex carbohydrates, in order to reduce weight. The diet should be adequate in fiber from cooked and raw vegetables and grains. There must also be an adequate intake of pure water- enough to assure the production of a quart of light-colored urine a day. It is desirable to reduce the intake of salt, which tends to retain fluids within the blood, thus increasing its total volume. Usually a physician will reduce the intake of salt and give a hypertensive patient a diuretic to reduce the blood volume. There is a hazard to medical diuresis as necessary minerals are washed out of the system along with the excess water. An alternative to this is the cell salt Natrum Sulfate, 6X. This salt will act as a diuretic without washing the other minerals out of the system as its site of action is not the same. It does not paralyze the excretory function of the kidneys. To be continued. §

Natural Control of Hypertension

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Last month we discussed the dangers of high blood pressure for one’s health, and explained how t can be reduced by natural means such as weight loss, low-fat diet and reducing the impact of salt. This month we continue with dietary advice as well as explore stress reduction. When reducing sodium in the diet, remember that Vitamin C is often given as sodium ascorbate. It is wise to take Vitamin c either as ascorbic acid or in calcium ascorbate forms. The hidden sources of sodium in the diet can seem to make salt restriction useless in the control of hypertension. Consumption of alcohol contributes to hypertension by damaging the kidneys. No more than an ounce a day of alcohol in any form is to be permitted for one suffering hypertension. Recent studies show that this small amount of of alcohol may increase the HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol) of the blood. So in select patients it may be not necessary to eliminate alcohol. Smoking must be stopped. as it produces increased peripheral resistance due to its vasconstricting action. This can easily be demonstrated by the change in warmth of the finger tips after just one cigarette. Licorice is often found in various forms of tobacco, and it is known that it accentuates water retention (leading to weight gain) as well as the washing out of minerals when diuretics are used. Caffeine increases the blood pressure, whether in the form of tea, coffee, chocolate or herbal teas. Caffeine can also increase blood cholesterol levels. On the other side, consumption of garlic is known also to reduce blood pressure and total cholesterol levels. To help eliminate “offensive breath” there are both odorless forms that dissolve in the intestine instead of the stomach. Stress reduction-both physical and psychological-is very important to manifest healthy blood pressures. Physical stress can often be eliminated by an on-going program of physical exercise and relaxation. During work, for example, a period of 3-4 minutes every hour should be set aside for changing the focus of the eyes and consciously stretching the muscles, followed by a conscious relaxation of the same muscles. It is natural for the musculature to relax after a concerted effort at stretching. This simple procedure will do wonders to increase your physical well-being. Psychological stress is often subtle but can be recognized through certain physical and behavioral changes. Frequent colds. allergies. headaches, body aches and pains or muscle cramps can be a sign. Overeating and an erratic appetite, drug or alcohol abuse, excessive smoking, boredom or “being glued to the television screen” are signs of stress. Emotional changes such as frequent crying, insomnia, inability to concentrate, memory loss, outbursts of anger, impotence, frequent accidents and others indicate stress that has not been coped with. Since stress is a normal occurrence of living in the world, we must find ways to handle it and prevent the dreaded hypertension. Professional help may sometimes be necessary. However, as Hindus we have various techniques that will help us to adjust. Breath awareness is the most excellent technique we know, for it may be used at anytime and anyplace. When we become aware of our breath, the pressures of the stress are alleviated. In order to be aware of our breath, we need to bring our consciousness to the bridge of the nose between the two nostrils. At the same time we must feel the subtle coolness. as we inhale, and the warmth as we exhale. Keep the attention focused in the feeling if the coolness and warmth experiences for a few minutes or as long as is possible. When the attention wanders bring it back to the sensations. A regimen of nutrition for weight control, exercise, frequent relaxation breaks, breath awareness, meditation and prayer will control the high blood pressure, which may well be the most serious health problem of this age. §