Paavo Airola - Nutrition Forum - Let's Live - September 1977 Index

Lactose Intolerance

Q. Could you give me any suggestions regarding the treatment of lactose intolerance? I cannot tolerate most milk products, with the exception of ripened cheeses. Should I be able to tolerate yogurt? My digestion has improved by eliminating refined foods and taking some vitamin supplements but I still have a coated tongue most of the time, and occasional constipation. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated. - W.M., St. College, PA.

A. Lactose intolerance means that your body is lacking the digestive enzyme, lactase, which makes the digestion of milk (actually the digestion of lactose, the milk sugar) and milk products possible. The treatment is very simple: you must completely eliminate milk and milk products (except butter) from your diet. This is the logical and sensible solution of the problem. Yet, I constantly am amazed at the number of people who, knowing they are intolerant to milk, are insisting on using it, while searching for some magic treatment or pill that will assure trouble-free milk eating. The Optimum Diet, based on grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits, can be nutritionally adequate without milk. Some of the healthiest people in the world, especially in the far east countries, Africa, and Central America, obtain a high level of health, long life, and freedom from disease on a totally milk-and meat-free diet. Milk is an excellent food for those who can tolerate it, but if you can't, you'll be wise to leave it alone.

Distilled Water

Q. Recently, I purchased a heme water distiller after the contaminated water controversy aroused my concern. Since much of our water is from the Missouri River, this seemed to be the safest and least expensive method of assuring pure drinking water. After further reading on the subject, I am doubtful if my family is getting the proper amount of minerals. We try to follow nutritional eating habits and take natural vitamin/mineral supplements. I use four teaspoons of sea water to every half gallon of distilled water. but would very much appreciate any help, comments. or suggestions you may have on this matter. - P.H., Columbia, Missouri

A. There is much scientific research that shows that natural minerals in water are important for our health. It has been shown by actual statistics in the US. and England that the persons who live in areas where drinking water is naturally hard (with plenty of minerals) have less heart disease, less hardening of the arteries, and less tooth decay, as compared to those who live in soft water areas. Based on all available scientific information, the best drinking water, therefore, would be pure, naturally mineralized spring or well water. The notion, promulgated mostly by those who sell water distillers, that natural "inorganic" minerals in water are harmful, is totally, unsubstantiated by scientific evidence. Water minerals are, actually, very beneficial and necessary to our health. Through millions of years of genetic adaptation, our bodies are now dependent on water as an important source of mineral nutrition. The polluted water, which contains man-made chemicals and toxic material, is an altogether different matter. I agree that such water is unfit for human consumption. The solution seems to be: if your water is polluted, as obviously Missouri River water would be, buy bottled spring or mineral water, which is now sold in most health food stores nationwide. If such water is not available in your area, distilled water will be the next best, but distilled water must be re-mineralized if it is to be used for any length of time. One or two tablespoons of pure sea water (or one teaspoon of sea water concentrate) per each half-gallon of distilled water will help restore the minerals removed in distillation. Although pure distilled water has its therapeutic uses in the treatment of certain diseases, the prolonged drinking of distilled water by healthy individuals may lead to a severe demineralization of the body and contribute to the development of such conditions as osteoporosis, tooth decay, periodontal disease, diabetes, and heart disease.

Reader Helps on Sea Salt

Q. Dear Dr. Airola:

Regarding your July 1976 Forum, and the question asked by a reader about whole sea salt, I have found the kind that is sun-dried on the coast of Brittany in France. It is imported and distributed by Erewhon, Inc. Their address is: 342 Newbury St., Boston, Mass.02115. The Los Angeles address is: Erewhon, Inc., 8454 Steller Drive, Culver City, CA 90230. I hope this will be of help to your readers. I looked long and hard for a whole sea salt, and finally tracked it down. - Miss Karin Lidh, Boston, Mass.

A. Thank you, Karin! I am passing this helpful information on to my readers.

Brewer's Yeast

Q. Brewer's yeast seems to be the most popular supplement these days. Your writings must be, to a great degree, responsible for its popularity. However, my problem is this:

  1. I tried brewer's yeast with calcium lactate added, to balance the phosphorus-calcium ratio, one teaspoon in a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, one hour before dinner. I slept all night, but the next day I did not feel rested.

    After several days, having had the same result, I stopped the brewer's yeast and my night's sleep returned as before the yeast - not great, but enough to make me alert the next day.

  2. I tried brewer's yeast without calcium - one teaspoon in a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the evening. Result: I couldn't sleep all night. Then I tried having it in the morning. Result: great the first day - I had a lot of physical energy, and mentally I was very alert and stimulated, almost like having a brilliant mind for a day. The problem is the extra energy didn't wear off by night time, resulting in poor sleep and a lesser than average feeling of well-being the next day. I have tried lesser amounts of yeast - as low as a third of teaspoon in the morning, with the same results.

May I please have your advice or explanation as to what I may be doing wrong? Thank you. - N.T., Philadelphia, PA.

A. You are doing several things wrong. Apparently you have not read my long and detailed article on brewer's yeast in the September 1976 issue of Let's LIVE. I suggest you study it carefully.

First, I would never recommend drinking that much orange juice, period - with or without yeast. Orange juice contains too much sugar, which is a very bad combination with the protein-rich yeast. Yeast should be taken mixed with grapefruit or lemon juice: 1 tablespoon yeast in 1/2 glass of grapefruit juice, or mixed with the juice of 1/2 lemon in 1/2 glass of water.

Secondly, yeast in juice should never be taken at night, but one hour before a meal, on an empty stomach. When you take a glass of orange juice just before going to bed, the sugar from the juice raises your blood sugar level too high, which interferes with your sleep. Also, orange juice contains lots of vitamin C, which can also keep you awake.

You might wish to begin with 1 teaspoonful and increase to 2-3 tablespoons a day, and you will see that your body will respond better. The best time for taking yeast is at 11:00 a.m. Those who wish to take yeast in the evening or before going to bed, should mix it not with fruit juice, but with kefir or yogurt. This will help to assure a very good sleep.

Safe Cooking Oils

Q. What heated oils, if any, are safe to cook with? I understand vegetable oils become carcinogenic when heated. -K.K., Sacramento, CA

A. Vegetable oils should never be used for frying or cooking, although they are beneficial in the natural, raw unheated state, as for salad dressing, for example. If you insist on frying your food, or need some fat for cooking, use butter. While unsaturated essential fatty acids in vegetable oils are damaged by high temperatures, saturated (animal) fats seem to tolerate heating better.

Loose Bowels

Q. I've had trouble for a number of years with my bowels being loose. I use Colon Cleanse and Bentonite. I wonder if I am doing the right thing? Would you recommend a high colonic treatment and how often? I live on a vegetarian diet, lots of fruits, and a large liquified salad every night, and supplement with natural vitamins. I eat about 5-6 eggs a week, and perhaps some cheese once weekly. I don't eat too many grains, only have beans and rice occasionally. I eat nuts and mostly raw food. Can you advise me nutritionally? - Mrs. K.A.H., Brooklyn, New York.

A. Now, let's talk some common sense: Constipated people should eat foods that would be laxative - foods that facilitate more frequent bowel movements and prevent constipation; on the other hand, those with loose bowels should eat constipating foods - foods that would prevent too frequent evacuation, such as cooked grains, cheese, milk, carob, cooked vegetables. You are doing just the opposite. Yet you take bowel loosening and cleansing medication (albeit natural), and even contemplate taking high colonic treatments. Your diet is not only highly laxative, but also lacks sufficient grains. Grains, seeds, and nuts are very important foods for optimum health. Cooked grains, especially as in cooked cereals and bread, help to normalize bowel movements.

Here are a few nutritional tips applicable to a condition such as yours:

Since I am so often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misquoted, I must stress that Bentonite and other bowel cleansers are okay for those who need cleansing and who are chronically constipated.

Preparing For Pregnancy

Q. I would like to become pregnant in the future, but would first like to prepare for the pregnancy. What advice, in terms of nutrition, vitamins, etc., would you give to future mothers? Do you recommend any current publications or literature on the subject? Do you feel preparing for a pregnancy assures its successful outcome, i.e., a healthy baby? - K.I.F., Los Angeles, CA.

A. I must commend you for your attitude, understanding, and a sense of responsibility in regard to motherhood. Yes, preparing for a pregnancy will definitely improve the chances of delivering a healthy baby, although it would of course, not guarantee it - so many other factors are involved.

To prepare yourself for pregnancy, nutritionally speaking, make sure your body obtains the Optimum Nutrition. Follow the nutritional program - the Airola Diet - as outlined in my book, How To Get Well. Avoid smoking (including grass), alcohol, and all drugs. Not knowing your age, I find it difficult to advise you regarding vitamins and supplements, but even if you are young, you should take such supplements as brewer's yeast, kelp, fish liver oil, and natural vitamin C and B in addition to your diet of high quality organically grown foods. Also, do not ignore exercise - you need plenty of exercise in fresh air to build a strong body and good resistance to disease and to produce a healthy baby - nutrition alone will not do it. Relaxation, peace of mind, exercise, and optimum nutrition work wonders together.

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