The other day, I wrote on imparting to children the knowledge of food and its nutrients. In it, I mentioned the importance of fat to our body.
Perhaps, some may wonder about this importance as many are advised to cut down on fat, eating more lean meat. That is not wrong. However, it does not mean that fat is not necessary to our health. (Later, in another post I would like to pass on further information in which I would like to point out that it is not fat which is the cause of obesity; in fact, the culprit is too much carbohydrates.)
Take for example such nutrients as vitamins. With out fat in our diet, Vitamin A,D,E and K would not have been able to be absorbed into the blood stream from the food intestines.
So, without fats, vitamin A cannot be absorbed. What a great loss that would be. It can result in vitamin A deficiency such as night-blindness and keratomalacia.
Those with night-blindness, unable to see well at night, ought to understand that taking vitamin A supplement without it being accompanied by a meal with fats will not help.
Keratomalacia is an eye disorder. this disorder leads to a dry cornea. Vitamin A deficiency is a cause.
Without fats to help in its absorption into the bloodstream, Vitamin D is lost. Of course, we are fortunate to have our body manufacture its own vitamin D with the assistance from sunlight. So, people in the tropics are able to obtain sufficient vitamin D. But, in other countries, with the few hours of very mild sun, people ought to be more careful as vitamin D is so important to our health.
Deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets which is a softening of the bones, especially in children, which can cause fractures and deformity. Rickets can also be caused by a lack of calcium.
Vitamin E, the important antioxidant, is another vitamin which is fat soluble. It is rare to find deficiency problems but mild hemolytic anemia which is due to the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells may occur in newborn infants.
Vitamin K is important for its blood clotting properties. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding diathesis which is an unusual susceptibility to bleeding as a result of an inabilty for the blood to coagulate or clot. Vitamin K is available in food such as Brussels sprouts and spinach. So, have some oil or fat in your meals so that vitamin K in food can be absorbed into the body.
As further information on vitamin K, babies are given vitamin K injections to prevent a bleeding disorder known as VDBD.
Thus, fats do have their roles to play in our health.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Teeth care must start early.
A set of good teeth does not merely concern health, it also leads to good proper pronunciation and confidence.
Proper pronunciation and speech is definitely essential to clear communication which is necessary for success in anyone’s life.
Babies need toys to be put into their mouths when teething. The right toys ought to be given. So, the question here is, “Are those toys dangerous or poisonous to the baby?”
Certainly, small toys which can be easily or accidentally swallowed must not be given. A choke due to swallowing such a toy could be fatal. Thus, parents should look for suitable , washable soft toys which can never be accidentally swallowed, hurt the gums or an emerging tooth.
When we think of poison it could come from the material or the paint used. I have read some time ago about a child swallowing one of those materials which can increase in size when it comes into contact with liquids. When it swells up, the possibility of blockage of the food canal or throat can be disastrous. Paint with lead content can lead to lead poisoning.
Although there would be a second set of teeth, it is important to look after the first set well as gaps in the teeth can be ugly and invite ridicule. Should a child suffer from such cruel acts, you can be assured it would be difficult to get the victim to open his mouth to read loudly, give verbal answers and speak up on any topic in class, effectively preventing any practice in oral communication. Opportunities to perform and participate well in class will be lost. Lost is the chance for much development. So is the child’s self-esteem, lost due to his pronunciation being corrected too often and his words being unclear and thus difficult to catch or comprehend what he/she might have said.
So, a set of good teeth is important. So, ask the dentists and their nurses what is the latest on care of a child’s teeth.
Sometimes, when a child’s teeth are too well looked after, the second new tooth may want to appear before the tooth occupying its place has decayed or dropped out. Usually, in such circumstances, the child would feel discomfort and pain. Attention to your child’s complaint will alert you to this problem. So, parents must be aware of this possibility and take the child to the dentist to have the existing tooth pulled out so that the new emerging tooth have space to grow. Otherwise, it might just push its way out bending slightly to the sides, the front or the back. The tooth will not be straight.
Possibly, you have seen people whose teeth need to be straighten with wires for a fairly long period of time. Is that painful? Well, painful or not, it certainly is, initially at least, uncomfortable.So, what should be done to prevent this. The emerging second set of teeth must be given appropriate attention to ensure that there is sufficient space for them to grow in order to grow straight and well-positioned.
Needless to say, a good set set of dazzling white teeth is a great asset to any individual.
Proper pronunciation and speech is definitely essential to clear communication which is necessary for success in anyone’s life.
Babies need toys to be put into their mouths when teething. The right toys ought to be given. So, the question here is, “Are those toys dangerous or poisonous to the baby?”
Certainly, small toys which can be easily or accidentally swallowed must not be given. A choke due to swallowing such a toy could be fatal. Thus, parents should look for suitable , washable soft toys which can never be accidentally swallowed, hurt the gums or an emerging tooth.
When we think of poison it could come from the material or the paint used. I have read some time ago about a child swallowing one of those materials which can increase in size when it comes into contact with liquids. When it swells up, the possibility of blockage of the food canal or throat can be disastrous. Paint with lead content can lead to lead poisoning.
Although there would be a second set of teeth, it is important to look after the first set well as gaps in the teeth can be ugly and invite ridicule. Should a child suffer from such cruel acts, you can be assured it would be difficult to get the victim to open his mouth to read loudly, give verbal answers and speak up on any topic in class, effectively preventing any practice in oral communication. Opportunities to perform and participate well in class will be lost. Lost is the chance for much development. So is the child’s self-esteem, lost due to his pronunciation being corrected too often and his words being unclear and thus difficult to catch or comprehend what he/she might have said.
So, a set of good teeth is important. So, ask the dentists and their nurses what is the latest on care of a child’s teeth.
Sometimes, when a child’s teeth are too well looked after, the second new tooth may want to appear before the tooth occupying its place has decayed or dropped out. Usually, in such circumstances, the child would feel discomfort and pain. Attention to your child’s complaint will alert you to this problem. So, parents must be aware of this possibility and take the child to the dentist to have the existing tooth pulled out so that the new emerging tooth have space to grow. Otherwise, it might just push its way out bending slightly to the sides, the front or the back. The tooth will not be straight.
Possibly, you have seen people whose teeth need to be straighten with wires for a fairly long period of time. Is that painful? Well, painful or not, it certainly is, initially at least, uncomfortable.So, what should be done to prevent this. The emerging second set of teeth must be given appropriate attention to ensure that there is sufficient space for them to grow in order to grow straight and well-positioned.
Needless to say, a good set set of dazzling white teeth is a great asset to any individual.
Feed essential knowledge to the young.
A few days ago I wrote on how the imagination of children could be easily stimulated through stories their parents told them.
This morning, on my trek up the Sungai Paisr hill, I met this friend, Ah Ju, who told me his story when I told him how the minds of children can be affected by whatever is told them. He totally agreed with me.
Minds of children absorb whatever adults tell them with such ease that we ought to be careful with what we tell them. We ought to make use of this knowledge of our children's mind to teach them things essential to their lives.
Ah Ju told me how he was so frightened of policemen when he was young just because an adult friend told him that the police would catch a small little boy like him. He was nine years old then, very naive and what he heard had such an effect on him that he would run and hide whenever a policeman happened along.
Somehow, in his mind was this idea that a policeman would apprehend any boy who is not accompanied by a parent or adult. This fear of policeman took some years of knowledge to remove. It is unnecessary fear and may even deter him from approaching a policeman for help, should such a need arises.
Of course, fear does have its use for dangers that we do not want our children to learn through experience.
Instead of such nonsense, adults should use this belief of children in adults to teach them good manners and habits.
Tell them, perhaps, how people with good manners are always respected and well-recieved by others wherever they go. Point out to them the people who practice good manners in the neighbourhood and how popular they are.
Teach children to observe good habits and show, explain or tell them how such good habits can bring better health, better growth and greater wealth.
Have the children exercise through walks or runs in the parks as well as in your enjoyable activities. Tell and show them how strong and healthy are the people who do such exercises. Compare these healthy ones with people who are weak through having a sedentary life.
Inform the children of the food that is consumed. Let them understand about proteins and how essential it is for muscular and body development. Educate them on the carbodhydrates from plants, fruits, grains and cereals. Tell them about the vitamins and minerals their body needs. Do not forget about fats and its importance to our body. (Of course, too much, especially saturated fat from animals, is not good for us. However, fat has its role to play.) Make sure they know about the cleanliness of the air they breathe and the water they drink. Finally, tell them that the amount of all those nutrients which ought tobe consumed depends upon the needs of the individual; the weight-lifter will need more protein and food than others, the labourer will need more carbohydrates and fat than other people, and we should also tell them about the healthy oils which are also fats. Let us give our children the knowledge some of us took so long to realise. Of course, all these are disseminated as and when it is opportune to do so.
Tell them about the habit of saving. Explain to them how wealth can multiply through savings. Show them how, a little at a time, for the next ten to fifteen years, when they reach their early twenties, can yield at lot.
You know, I had parents who could not find the time to talk to me about all those things. Fortunately, I had always had this thirst for knowledge and at approximately the age of nine, I went along the book shelves of the USIS (United States Information Service) building in Beach Street in Penang, in search of the above knowledge.
And I must add that my health is this good today because of the knowledge learned since then till now; knowledge which I put into practice every single day.
Through this, I hope parents as well as their children can achieve better health.
Of course, there are always people who have even better knowledge and practices than this writer at improving health. Therefore, comments and further knowledge will always be welcome.
This morning, on my trek up the Sungai Paisr hill, I met this friend, Ah Ju, who told me his story when I told him how the minds of children can be affected by whatever is told them. He totally agreed with me.
Minds of children absorb whatever adults tell them with such ease that we ought to be careful with what we tell them. We ought to make use of this knowledge of our children's mind to teach them things essential to their lives.
Ah Ju told me how he was so frightened of policemen when he was young just because an adult friend told him that the police would catch a small little boy like him. He was nine years old then, very naive and what he heard had such an effect on him that he would run and hide whenever a policeman happened along.
Somehow, in his mind was this idea that a policeman would apprehend any boy who is not accompanied by a parent or adult. This fear of policeman took some years of knowledge to remove. It is unnecessary fear and may even deter him from approaching a policeman for help, should such a need arises.
Of course, fear does have its use for dangers that we do not want our children to learn through experience.
Instead of such nonsense, adults should use this belief of children in adults to teach them good manners and habits.
Tell them, perhaps, how people with good manners are always respected and well-recieved by others wherever they go. Point out to them the people who practice good manners in the neighbourhood and how popular they are.
Teach children to observe good habits and show, explain or tell them how such good habits can bring better health, better growth and greater wealth.
Have the children exercise through walks or runs in the parks as well as in your enjoyable activities. Tell and show them how strong and healthy are the people who do such exercises. Compare these healthy ones with people who are weak through having a sedentary life.
Inform the children of the food that is consumed. Let them understand about proteins and how essential it is for muscular and body development. Educate them on the carbodhydrates from plants, fruits, grains and cereals. Tell them about the vitamins and minerals their body needs. Do not forget about fats and its importance to our body. (Of course, too much, especially saturated fat from animals, is not good for us. However, fat has its role to play.) Make sure they know about the cleanliness of the air they breathe and the water they drink. Finally, tell them that the amount of all those nutrients which ought tobe consumed depends upon the needs of the individual; the weight-lifter will need more protein and food than others, the labourer will need more carbohydrates and fat than other people, and we should also tell them about the healthy oils which are also fats. Let us give our children the knowledge some of us took so long to realise. Of course, all these are disseminated as and when it is opportune to do so.
Tell them about the habit of saving. Explain to them how wealth can multiply through savings. Show them how, a little at a time, for the next ten to fifteen years, when they reach their early twenties, can yield at lot.
You know, I had parents who could not find the time to talk to me about all those things. Fortunately, I had always had this thirst for knowledge and at approximately the age of nine, I went along the book shelves of the USIS (United States Information Service) building in Beach Street in Penang, in search of the above knowledge.
And I must add that my health is this good today because of the knowledge learned since then till now; knowledge which I put into practice every single day.
Through this, I hope parents as well as their children can achieve better health.
Of course, there are always people who have even better knowledge and practices than this writer at improving health. Therefore, comments and further knowledge will always be welcome.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
The Nutrients that Best Protect Your Vision
The Nutrients that Best Protect Your Vision
By Victor Marchione, MD Top
Protecting and preserving your vision as you grow older requires a bounty of nutrients that do it for you naturally. In the grocery store, head for the produce aisles. Keeping your diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables could help keep the eyes strong. Greens, oranges, reds, yellows -- the more colorful the produce is, the better it is for your eyesight.
For example, two “carotenoid” nutrients are at the top of any list for eyesight. They are lutein and zeaxanthin, found in a variety of vegetables, including dark green salad greens. Heard of carrots being good for eyesight? It’s because they are brimming with beta-carotene (providing the orange color). What does the body turn beta-carotene into? Vitamin A, which is needed by your eyes for healthy functioning. These are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the incredible antioxidant nutrients found naturally in fruits and vegetables.
That said, supplements are also a good idea for those who wish to ramp up their vision protection or for anyone who may be at greater risk for conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration (or who perhaps are already forming one of these conditions).
Here are some additional vision-aiding supplements that also work great. Topping the list are lutein and zeaxanthin, found in any health store. People who have high levels of these nutrients in their bodies have been found to have a much lower risk of cataracts and of macular degeneration.1-3 Aim for 10 mg a day of each.1-3
Both vitamin A and vitamin C are excellent supplement ideas (at daily doses of 2,000 IU and 500 mg, respectively). Bilberry is a very common supplement for vision, as it contains a flavonoid that may help protect against cataracts. Studies have mostly homed in on its ability to improve night vision.4 Take 120 mg twice a day.
Two other supplements to round out your best choices are zinc (a mineral found in each retina naturally) and pine bark extract -- 20 mg and 50 mg, respectively.
By giving your eyes the nutrients they need, you’ll go a long way in preventing the onset of age-related vision loss.
References
1. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2002;75: 540-9.
2. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1999: 70: 517-24.
3. JAMA 1994: 272: 1,413-20.
4. MediHerb Prof. Rev. 1997; 59:1-4.
[Ed. Note: Dr. Victor Marchione has been practicing medicine in New York and New Jersey for over 20 years and is a respected leader in the field of nutrition, smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has been featured on ABC News, CBS Evening News, and the NBC Today Show. He is also the chief formulator of the Red Wine Pill from Bel Marra Nutritionals.]
"This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise's Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com"
By Victor Marchione, MD Top
Protecting and preserving your vision as you grow older requires a bounty of nutrients that do it for you naturally. In the grocery store, head for the produce aisles. Keeping your diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables could help keep the eyes strong. Greens, oranges, reds, yellows -- the more colorful the produce is, the better it is for your eyesight.
For example, two “carotenoid” nutrients are at the top of any list for eyesight. They are lutein and zeaxanthin, found in a variety of vegetables, including dark green salad greens. Heard of carrots being good for eyesight? It’s because they are brimming with beta-carotene (providing the orange color). What does the body turn beta-carotene into? Vitamin A, which is needed by your eyes for healthy functioning. These are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the incredible antioxidant nutrients found naturally in fruits and vegetables.
That said, supplements are also a good idea for those who wish to ramp up their vision protection or for anyone who may be at greater risk for conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration (or who perhaps are already forming one of these conditions).
Here are some additional vision-aiding supplements that also work great. Topping the list are lutein and zeaxanthin, found in any health store. People who have high levels of these nutrients in their bodies have been found to have a much lower risk of cataracts and of macular degeneration.1-3 Aim for 10 mg a day of each.1-3
Both vitamin A and vitamin C are excellent supplement ideas (at daily doses of 2,000 IU and 500 mg, respectively). Bilberry is a very common supplement for vision, as it contains a flavonoid that may help protect against cataracts. Studies have mostly homed in on its ability to improve night vision.4 Take 120 mg twice a day.
Two other supplements to round out your best choices are zinc (a mineral found in each retina naturally) and pine bark extract -- 20 mg and 50 mg, respectively.
By giving your eyes the nutrients they need, you’ll go a long way in preventing the onset of age-related vision loss.
References
1. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2002;75: 540-9.
2. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1999: 70: 517-24.
3. JAMA 1994: 272: 1,413-20.
4. MediHerb Prof. Rev. 1997; 59:1-4.
[Ed. Note: Dr. Victor Marchione has been practicing medicine in New York and New Jersey for over 20 years and is a respected leader in the field of nutrition, smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has been featured on ABC News, CBS Evening News, and the NBC Today Show. He is also the chief formulator of the Red Wine Pill from Bel Marra Nutritionals.]
"This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise's Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com"
Friday, August 07, 2009
The Power of ONE
Here comes the early arrivals.
Food and drinks are prepared for those who come from afar.
The Sungai Petani volunteers have put up a screen to show Sri Sri Ravi Shanker, his vision and his work.
Waiting to start the long Kriya.
However, people keep pouring in and the numbers exceeded one thousand.
The more than a thousand people entering the hall.
The more than a thousand people focused their attention on the AOL teachers just before the 'Full Moon Meditation' 
The hall was packed with minds of one goal, meditate for peace in our world. 
After the meditation, AOL members renew their friendship before departing. 
And it was time to call it a night.
The day was Thursday, the 6th of August 2009. Volunteers gathered early to make it to the Municipal Hall of Butterworth so as to ensure the hall was ready, food for those who were hungry after having to travel long distances to reach the place, a screen and a speaker system for disseminating information on the Art of Living were ready for the evening’s ‘A Thousand People To Meditate For Peace’.
Before that evening, there had been intermittent rain for the last seventy-two hours. It was a clear evening, with the moon appearing as the evening wore on.. Obviously, God is with us in our endeavour.
When everything was ready, at a little past seven, AOL members and their friends came, welcome by the enthusiastic, smiling, clapping volunteers who had gathered at the entrance.
Members of AOL went for their long Kriya while the non-members were entertained by the Sungai Petani people to dances and songs as well as information about our founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shanker and The Art of Living Foundation.
Then, at nine o’clock, everyone gathered in the hall to do a breathing exercise and the ‘Moon Meditation’.
The gathering was a great success. People from Kangar,Alor Star, Sungai Petani, Baling, Penang Island, of course Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Taiping, Teluk Anson, and even as far as Kula Trengganu came for the gathering for peace.
Success, in fact, is inevitable when it is done with a noble cause. It was a gathering for peace, a factor so desirable in the preservation of orderliness and calm, without which there can only be chaos in the lives of all. Without peace, there can only be uncertainty, restlessness and confusion. There will be suffering, pain and death, not just for ourselves but also for the very people we know and love.
With a worthwhile universally desirable goal in mind, it is easy to get like-minded people to be committed to the purpose. With the single purpose in mind, such committed people can even be selfless in consistently performing whatever tasks are necessary to achieve success. Every person in the group or organization would certainly give of their best to reach this goal.
In this kind of group, we see the power of unity in achieving an aim. When the goal is big enough, worthwhile enough, each member of the group or organization will strive to give of his/her best. The built up energy or force would gather momentum, gathering positive action, enthusiasm and a strong desire to work towards the particular goal.
It’s one of the greatest, most wonderful experience. to be engulfed in the positive attitude, the enthusiasm and the happiness of achievement. You have to be in it to understand and appreciate the force of many united as ONE.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Play is necessary for children.
Nowadays, in pursuit of paper qualifications, parents often ignore the importance of play. Crowded environments with fewer open spaces for play exacerbate the situation as more concrete structures sprung up to replace available play space for children. Houses, unlike those of yesteryears, have hardly any room for play in small crowded homes.
Still, a child’s imagination and playfulness refuse to be suppressed by such unfavourable conditions and it starts to grow and develop from the day the child is able move around.
Actually, given the freedom to do so, the whole world is the child’s playground. This world is only limited by the adults who prevents the child from venturing to particular places, opening doors, objects and things to explore and try out everything within his/her reach.
One day, I went to some friends’ house to their child with one of the grandma’s slippers on one foot and the mother’s handphone in the other, trudging around, smiling at the worried faces of the parents.
The parents were worried about the cumbersome shoe causing the child to fall and, perhaps, wreak the expensive handphone in the process. As for the child, he was probably grandma waiting for the handphone to ring, wondering why his parents would look at grandma with such faces, finding their behavior so laughable.
There were times I have seen that child wander into one of the rooms to open drawers and cupboards to see what they contain. He would reach in and grab any object available, sat down and examine the objects. However, more often than not, the objects were snatched away out of his fingers, fearful that they could end up spoiled or broken.
I am not saying that parents ought not to prevent unnecessary problems but parents should take the opportunity to tell the child what it is and how it could be used perhaps. If the object is easily breakable, the parent could join in to hold the object as the child examines it. Then, tell the child that it has to be kept carefully in the drawer as it could be broken easily.
So, to a child, most objects in a house are playthings, things amuse himself or herself with, things to hold, to feel their texture and weight and to know.
When it comes to play outside the home with friends in the neighbourhood, it is the opportunity to know and understand the various types of people, to socialise properly, to share things and to cooperate with others. In the process, the child gets to realise the joy and happiness of living; the joy and happiness which is the essence of life.
It is in fact this very essence of life that makes living worthwhile. Without it, no matter the amount of money or property one has amassed, life is mere drudgery, leading some to early death.
Therefore, play is important as it leads to understanding and realising the essence of life. Play leads the child to exploration and exploration leads to interests which gives us the motivation to success in life; all of which brings us great satisfaction and happiness in life.
Finally, I wish to end this with an archaic saying: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Truth is found in those words.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Should You Eat Like A Caveman? By Laura LaValle, RD, LD Top
As a dietitian I am often asked, “What is the best diet?” Is there one perfect diet that all humans should follow? A film that is expected out later this summer also asked that question. The film, called “In Search of the Perfect Human Diet” was made by C.J. Hunt, who nearly died at age 24.
As a result of his health issues, he set out to find the secrets of optimal health and became a broadcast journalist in the process. Though I haven’t seen his film yet, I can tell by the list of people it interviewed as experts, it is likely to advocate what is called the Paleolithic Diet.
The concept of this diet is to eat as our ancient ancestors, the hunter-gatherers did: plants (greens, tubers, fruits, nuts), wild-caught meats, fish and eggs. No grains. No dairy.
In short — eat like a caveman.
Several THB contributors believe there is something to this diet. And at the LaValle Metabolic Institute, we have been using a modified version of this diet in our practice for years. (Our exception is that we do allow some use of goat's milk foods, like the milk itself or yogurts or cheeses made from it.)
The primary tenet of the diet is that cavemen did not eat grains at all, much less refined flours, because these foods hadn’t been cultivated yet. In our experience, since grains are high in starches, which break down to glucose, cutting out grains (even whole grains) does seem to be very helpful.
In fact it’s necessary for some people who are severely insulin resistant. This is evidenced by waists that are larger than hips and blood sugars that are trending high and difficult to get down.
Whole grains can also be problematic due to their high lectin content, as Jim’s article discusses.
The caveman diet has other healthful properties beyond helping obesity and insulin resistance. One study that I love examines how the diet relates to another common and completely modern health problem: chronic acidosis, which is linked with osteoporosis, muscle wasting, kidney stone formation, and damage to the kidneys.1
If you read a lot of bloggers and their hastily flung opinions, you will find that they typically recommend you stop eating meat to combat acidosis. But the scientists who analyzed this issue state clearly that our ancestors had alkaline bodies, not because they didn't eat meat, but because they didn't eat cereal grains and modern, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (refined sugars and vegetable oils).
The study authors write that the change that switched human diets from net-base (alkaline) to net-acid production was “entirely” from “the displacement of base-rich plant-food groups (roots, tubers, leafy green vegetables, vegetable fruit, and fruit) by cereal grains and [foods such as] refined sugars and separated fats.”
They recommend that to more closely mimic the caveman diet and return our bodies to an alkaline state we need to:
• Remove refined, processed foods from our diet, especially sugars and flours.
• Add plant foods back into our diet, especially greens and vegetables.
• Include animal proteins.
To mimic the animal proteins that would have been eaten then, choose meat cuts from animals that eat their natural foods. That means no grain-fed fish, cows, chickens or hogs. Cows should graze on grass. Fish should eat their natural foods (smaller fish and algae or plankton). Chickens should eat insects, grass, insect larvae and worms. Hogs should feed on acorns and roots.
Paleolithic diets can be a challenge if you are a stickler and never eat grains. However, our patients do get good results with them. We find that even if you give in and eat grains occasionally, the drastic reduction in grains and refined sugars does wonders for waistlines, blood sugar, blood pressure and healthy lipid profiles.
If you have any of these issues, I recommend you try it, and watch for Hunt’s film if you are interested in an informative exploration of the “perfect diet” for health.
Reference
1. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002:76(6): 1308-1316.
[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute. Laura and her husband, Jim LaValle, R.Ph, CCN, ND have developed the powerful and life-changing Metabolic Code Diet – containing step-by-step, easy to follow recommendations for harnessing optimal metabolic energy and turning your body’s chemical make up into a fat-burning furnace. To learn more click here now.]
"This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise's Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com”
As a result of his health issues, he set out to find the secrets of optimal health and became a broadcast journalist in the process. Though I haven’t seen his film yet, I can tell by the list of people it interviewed as experts, it is likely to advocate what is called the Paleolithic Diet.
The concept of this diet is to eat as our ancient ancestors, the hunter-gatherers did: plants (greens, tubers, fruits, nuts), wild-caught meats, fish and eggs. No grains. No dairy.
In short — eat like a caveman.
Several THB contributors believe there is something to this diet. And at the LaValle Metabolic Institute, we have been using a modified version of this diet in our practice for years. (Our exception is that we do allow some use of goat's milk foods, like the milk itself or yogurts or cheeses made from it.)
The primary tenet of the diet is that cavemen did not eat grains at all, much less refined flours, because these foods hadn’t been cultivated yet. In our experience, since grains are high in starches, which break down to glucose, cutting out grains (even whole grains) does seem to be very helpful.
In fact it’s necessary for some people who are severely insulin resistant. This is evidenced by waists that are larger than hips and blood sugars that are trending high and difficult to get down.
Whole grains can also be problematic due to their high lectin content, as Jim’s article discusses.
The caveman diet has other healthful properties beyond helping obesity and insulin resistance. One study that I love examines how the diet relates to another common and completely modern health problem: chronic acidosis, which is linked with osteoporosis, muscle wasting, kidney stone formation, and damage to the kidneys.1
If you read a lot of bloggers and their hastily flung opinions, you will find that they typically recommend you stop eating meat to combat acidosis. But the scientists who analyzed this issue state clearly that our ancestors had alkaline bodies, not because they didn't eat meat, but because they didn't eat cereal grains and modern, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (refined sugars and vegetable oils).
The study authors write that the change that switched human diets from net-base (alkaline) to net-acid production was “entirely” from “the displacement of base-rich plant-food groups (roots, tubers, leafy green vegetables, vegetable fruit, and fruit) by cereal grains and [foods such as] refined sugars and separated fats.”
They recommend that to more closely mimic the caveman diet and return our bodies to an alkaline state we need to:
• Remove refined, processed foods from our diet, especially sugars and flours.
• Add plant foods back into our diet, especially greens and vegetables.
• Include animal proteins.
To mimic the animal proteins that would have been eaten then, choose meat cuts from animals that eat their natural foods. That means no grain-fed fish, cows, chickens or hogs. Cows should graze on grass. Fish should eat their natural foods (smaller fish and algae or plankton). Chickens should eat insects, grass, insect larvae and worms. Hogs should feed on acorns and roots.
Paleolithic diets can be a challenge if you are a stickler and never eat grains. However, our patients do get good results with them. We find that even if you give in and eat grains occasionally, the drastic reduction in grains and refined sugars does wonders for waistlines, blood sugar, blood pressure and healthy lipid profiles.
If you have any of these issues, I recommend you try it, and watch for Hunt’s film if you are interested in an informative exploration of the “perfect diet” for health.
Reference
1. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002:76(6): 1308-1316.
[Ed. Note: Laura B. LaValle, RD, LD is presently the director of dietetics nutrition at LaValle Metabolic Institute. Laura and her husband, Jim LaValle, R.Ph, CCN, ND have developed the powerful and life-changing Metabolic Code Diet – containing step-by-step, easy to follow recommendations for harnessing optimal metabolic energy and turning your body’s chemical make up into a fat-burning furnace. To learn more click here now.]
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