HOLISTIC NUTRITION

T NUTRITION
H
E Lesson 9 - Diet Theory

S As nutrition has been studied as a formal science for many years, various
C theories of diet have evolved. Some of these appear to work satisfactorily
H whereas others work sporadically or hardly at all. How has this come about?
O
Human diet has evolved from life as hunter-gatherers in small population
O
groups, to life in an industrial society, living in what can only be described as
L mega-cities. In the primitive hunter-gatherer society human nutrition was
obtained by the consumption of seasonal fruits, vegetables and from the
O seasonal migration of edible fish and animals. Foodstuffs existed naturally and
F were completely unadulterated and unpolluted by chemicals. The use of growth
enhancing chemicals and preservatives was completely unknown. Unlike to day,
N there was not the enormous pressure of high population density necessitating the
A industrial production of foodstuffs and the production of foods containing
unnatural substances and processed to a level, in some cases, at which real
T
nutritional value almost ceases to exist. The result of this is that many modern
U illnesses and diseases are, directly or indirectly, the result of poor nutrition. If a
R person’s nutrition is poor during the years leading to adulthood then it is
A extremely likely that the person will be prey to a large number of diseases. Far
L more, in fact, than would a person whose nutrition, from childhood to
adulthood, was maintained at satisfactory level.
H
E The study of naturopathy, which includes the study of nutrition, teaches us that
A the human body is capable of maintaining immunity from disease by the
application of certain rules, namely, right diet, right exercise, and right mental
L attitude. Unfortunately, with the need to feed more people necessitating an
T increase in food production, our basic foods have become contaminated – hence
H the growing desire for the produce from so-called organic farming. Couple with
this a change in lifestyle since World War II, that has led to time being
S perceived as the most important commodity that we possess, and the result is a
C demand for instant food in the form of pre-prepared, pre-packaged meals and
I “fast food” takeaways. As people try to cram more and more activities into their
E lives the most important activity of all – consuming healthy and health-
maintaining foods – which often means preparing varied meals from basic
N
foodstuffs, is barely considered.
C
E I do not indict the industries involved in these preparations. They are
S responding to market demand. Furthermore, they take a responsible attitude
their products, notwithstanding the fact that chemicals are added in order to
preserve shelf life, provide colour, or the products have been subjected to added
salt and sugar.
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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T None of these additives are illegal; all are approved by the government of the
H countries that produce them.
E
The problem is that the nutritional value of these foods is significantly reduced,
S and in many cases the food may be described as “dead”, inasmuch as it lacks the
C vital quality that promotes correct nutrition, and therefore health in the human
H body. The human body cannot be healthy without the correct balance of dietary
O ingredients. The result of a lifetime of ingesting what can only be described as
contaminated food (and drink) is that the human immune system is weakened.
O
Coupling the consequential weakening of the immune system with the time-
L pressured stressful lives that people lead today, it can be seen that a further
weakening is taking place, probably accelerated by the initial weakening. The
O net result of this is a rapid growth of disease by external invasion and by
F internal imbalance.

N [NOTE: The term “vital force” is of interest as it refers to a force within all
A living tissue, be it plant, or animal. It is a term used in homeopathy and implies
that there exists a property known as vital force which is of necessity inherent in
T
all life. Thus to ingest food with no vital force, because it has been lost in
U processing, is to consume food of no nutritional value.]
R
A The human immune system is a very complex system with a high degree of
L organisation. However, despite its complexity, the immune system has a very
simple mission. It exists to seek out and destroy invading entities such as
H viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasitical bodies. A severely defective immune
E system will lead to death by infection from these organisms. In severe combined
A immunodeficiency, lack of an enzyme means that toxic wastes build up inside
the body and damage the immune system further. (You will remember from
L earlier lessons that an enzyme is a protein formed by the body. It acts as a
T catalyst to cause a certain desired reaction.)
H
Generally speaking, immune system disorders result from either an excessive
S immune response or an “autoimmune attack”. Diseases such as asthma and IBS
C (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) result from the over-reaction of the immune
I system. Some facets of diabetes mellitus are due to the immune system
E attacking 'self' cells and molecules.
N
C It is important to understand that a key role of the immune system is to
E differentiate between invaders and the body’s own cells. If the immune system
fails to make this distinction, then there will be a reaction against the 'self' cells
S
and molecules. The result of this is the development of an autoimmune disease.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T Significant support to the immune system can be given by correct diet, but, as
H we have already pointed out, there are difficulties in doing this in modern
E society.

S It is because of the observed human condition that various naturopaths, and

C nutritionists have evolved their own dietary theories. Let us examine some of
H these diets.
O
The Alkaline Diet
O
Almost all foods that we eat, after being digested, absorbed and metabolised,
L release either an acid or an alkaline base (bicarbonate) into blood. Grains, fish,
meat, poultry, shellfish, cheese, milk, and salt, all produce acid, so the
O introduction, and dramatic rise in our consumption, of these foods meant that
F the typical Western diet became more acid-producing. Consumption of fresh
fruit and vegetables decreased, which further made the Western diet acid-
N producing.
A
Our blood is, normally, slightly alkaline, with a normal pH level of between
T
7.35 and 7.45. The theory behind the alkaline diet is that our diet should reflect
U this pH level (as it did in the past) and be slightly alkaline. The proponents of
R alkaline diets believe that a diet high in acid-producing foods disrupts this
A balance and promotes the loss of essential minerals such as potassium,
L magnesium, calcium, and sodium, as the body tries to restore equilibrium. This
imbalance is thought to make people prone to illness.
H
E According to the diet’s proponents, the shift to an acid –producing diet is the
A cause of a number of chronic diseases, and practicing nutritionists recommend
the alkaline diet if the patient has the following symptoms, and other illnesses
L with these symptoms have been ruled out.
T
H • lack of energy
• excessive mucus production
S • nasal congestion
C • frequent colds and influenza
I • anxiety, nervousness, irritability
E • ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries, benign breast cysts
N • headaches
C
E Although this diet theory has been in existence since the 1920’s, large well-
S designed clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of the alkaline diet have
not been carried out. The effectiveness of the diet therefore remains
predominantly in the realm of opinion, and not absolute scientific fact.

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T In fairness however most doctors would agree that increasing one’s
H consumption of fruit and natural vegetables, while reducing one’s intake of
E meat, salt, and refined grains is beneficial to one’s overall health. There is some
evidence that the alkaline diet may prevent the formation of kidney stones,
S osteoporosis, and age related muscle wasting.
C
H The Paleolithic Diet
O This is sometimes called the “caveman diet”. This diet insists that one should
only eat foods that were available to our Paleolithic ancestors. This includes
O
meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, low-starch vegetables, root vegetables, herbs, spices
L and some fruit and nuts. It should be noted, however, that our Paleolithic
ancestors did not pollute the water supplies or add chemicals to naturally
O growing foodstuffs.
F
The theory is that our early ancestors limited themselves to this diet because that
N was what their bodies (and therefore our bodies) had evolved to need. This is of
A course not entirely true. The main reason that Paleolithic man limited himself
(apparently) to the above food types was not that their bodies had evolved to
T
need only a limited diet, but that there was nothing else available.
U
R The human being was and is an omnivore – an eater of both meats and
A vegetables - if it is there, and looks and tastes good, we will eat it. Poor old
L Paleolithic man only had what he could find and catch – and worse – even that
was seasonal. Fortunately, modern man is better organised.
H
E The Morning Banana Diet
A This diet developed as a group-developed diet program, and there are many
theories about why it has proven to be effective to many. Physicians who have
L tried the diet, or who have been consulted in connection with the books,
T magazine articles, and television reports about the diet, have also offered their
H theories. As the diet enters the Western dietary mainstream, various theories
have been put forth by researchers, and (of course) banana promoters.
S
C The Morning Banana diet was developed by Hitoshi Watanabe, who studied
I preventive medicine in Tokyo, and his pharmacist wife, Sumiko. The diet has
E since gained popularity by word of mouth, web sites, TV shows, magazine
articles, and a book written by the Watanabes.
N
C The diet plan is, in its essence, is a very simple plan. For breakfast, one has only
E bananas and room-temperature water. Then, one can eat whatever one likes for
S lunch, dinner, and snacks, so long as one does not eat after 8 p.m.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T There are some minor restrictions:
H
E • no ice cream
• no dairy products
S • no alcohol
C • no dessert after dinner
H • the only beverage you may have with meals is room-temperature water
O • only one sweet snack is allowed during the afternoon
O
L You will note that in this philosophy the number of calories is not controlled so
although it may help with digestion it may well lead to weight increase. This
diet swept through Japan as the latest dietary fad – I think that says it all.
O
F The Atkins Diet
The purpose of the Atkins Diet is to turn the body into a fat-burning
N machine. As we have already studied in earlier lessons, metabolism is the
A process that breaks down food, and converts it into either energy or the body’s
T building blocks. Eating the right foods can improve the body’s metabolism,
U particularly in the way it handles fat. When one eats fewer carbohydrate
R foods—relying mostly on vegetables rich in fibre—the body switches to
burning fat (including one’s own body fat) instead of carbohydrates as its
A
primary fuel source.
L
[NOTE: Carbohydrate: Any of a large group of organic compounds occurring
H in foods, and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose.
E Carbohydrates contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as water (2:1)
A and typically can be broken down to release energy in the animal body.
L Carbohydrates are an ideal source of energy for the body. This is because
T carbohydrates can be converted more readily into glucose than can
H proteins or fats. Glucose is the form of sugar that's transported and used by the
body. There are two types of carbohydrate: complex and simple.]
S Devised by the late Dr Robert Atkins, this is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate
C diet. Dr Atkins theory is really quite simple: when you cut out carbohydrate, the
I body is forced into burning its fat stores in order to provide it with energy.
E
N Because one consumes more calories when the body burns fat compared with
C carbohydrate, weight is lost more quickly. Also, by cutting out carbohydrates,
E the blood sugar levels remain more stable throughout the day and by doing so
reduce the appetite and thus prevent overeating.
S

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T The Atkins Diet has four phases, all of which must be adhered to rigorously.
H
E • Induction
• Ongoing Weight Loss
S • Pre-maintenance
C • Lifetime maintenance
H
O [NOTE: Detailed definitions may be found in any good book (of which there
O are many) on the diet.]
L
Unpleasant side effects can occur with the Atkins diet. To burn fat results in the
production of substances called ketones as the body enters a state called ketosis.
O This can result in bad breath, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, insomnia and
F nausea.

N [NOTE: ketones: Glucose, a form of sugar, is the body's main energy source. If
A the body is unable to use glucose for energy, it resorts to using body fat instead.
T When fats are broken down to be used for energy, chemicals called ketones
U appear in the blood and in the urine. This can occur when not enough food has
R been eaten to provide glucose for energy, or it can occur in diabetes, when the
body can't use glucose normally.]
A
L Constipation may also occur as a consequence of avoiding typically high-fibre
foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans, whole wheat pasta, brown rice,
H wholegrain breakfast cereals and jacket potatoes.
E
A When it comes to long-term side effects, many health professionals have raised
L concerns that the Atkins diet may have serious dangers. While the high intake of
T fat, particularly saturates, may increase the risk of heart disease, there are also
concerns that the unbalanced nature of the Atkins diet may lead to nutritional
H
deficiencies, which cause health problems in later life. For example, a
consistently low consumption of bone-building calcium (found in dairy
S products) may increase the risk of osteoporosis, while poor intakes of
C antioxidant nutrients (found in fruit and vegetables) have been linked with a
I plethora of health problems ranging from heart disease and cancer to premature
E ageing and cataracts. Some experts have voiced concerns that high intakes of
N protein may cause kidney problems or may weaken bones.
C
The main positive attribute of the Atkins diet is that people can lose
E
considerable amounts of weight quite quickly and this can be very motivating.
S

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T The Atkins diet also encourages people to cut out most processed carbohydrate
H foods and alcohol. Because the Atkins diet allows one to eat plenty of red meat
E and high-fat butter, cream, cheese and mayo, it is a diet that’s got men talking
about the need to lose weight – a very good thing indeed.
S
C The Atkins Diet should be used advisedly. There will be many cases in which
H weight loss is of paramount importance and therefore some version of the
Atkins Diet would be appropriate.
O
O The Blood Type Diet
L The Blood Type diet was devised by Peter J D'Adamo M.D and was
popularized in the book 'Eat Right For Your Type'. The basic premise for this
O diet is that the four main blood groups each react in different ways to different
F foods. This is because humans evolved in different ways for the four different
blood groups (O, A, B, and AB).
N
A For example blood type A developed as humans domesticated animals and is
therefore, better suited to grains, whereas type O is the hunter and requires meat
T in its diet and type B is suited to dairy products.
U
R The diet is not based on any scientific facts and there are some inconsistencies
A within the book. There is no section in the book dealing with scientific peer
L review and no real conclusions.

H Weight loss might be difficult with a type A, B, or AB diet. If however one is

E type O then the diet followed would be a low carbohydrate/high protein diet,
and the diet would result in weight loss. The type O diet does have all the health
A
risks associated with a low carbohydrate diet like the Atkins diet.
L
T The Balanced Diet
H A healthy diet is one that is balanced. This means eating the right amount of
food for how active the person is, and eating a range of food from the five main
S food groups.
C
I These are:
E • carbohydrates, which contain lots of energy and nutrients and are found
in starchy foods, such as bread, pasta and potatoes
N
• protein, which helps the body to grow and repair itself, is found in meat,
C fish, beans and eggs
E • fruit and vegetables
S • milk and dairy foods
• foods that are high in fat and sugar

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T Carbohydrates should make up about one-third of the daily diet as should fruit
H and vegetables. The rest of the diet may be split between protein and milk and
E dairy. Only a small amount of what is eaten every day should come from foods
that are high in fat and sugar.
S
C Eating well is an important part of maintaining good health. The practical tips
H below cover the basics of healthy eating and can help one make healthier
O choices:
O
• Base meals on starchy foods as these provide energy.
L
• lots of fruit and vegetables to be eaten, at least five portions of different
types every day are recommended
O • two portions of fish every week to be eaten, including one portion of oily
F fish such as mackerel or sardines
• saturated fat and sugar should be avoided, these are often found in snacks
N • salt should avoided as an condiment
A • undertake active pursuits to achieve a healthy weight
T • plenty of water should be drunk, about six to eight glasses every day
U • breakfast should always be eaten as this provides the start-up energy
R needed for the day
A • Make sure that the daily calorie intake is right for the level of weight
L and activity.

Summing up on Diet Theory

H
E The whole world of diet theory and diet plans is bedevilled with publicity
A seeking celebrities and vested interests producing products to sell to those
L caught up with a particular diet plan. Publishers and booksellers have done
T remarkably well out of diet plans.
H
As we have seen, there is undoubtedly some measure of validity in all of the
S diets that are promulgated in books and on the internet. After all, I doubt if
anyone has died from them. However, like everything else in the modern world,
C diets tend be taken up by so-called celebrities who seem to have much money
I but little sense. Once this happens the diet becomes “cult” and generates a mass
E following.
N
C It is best to base the “recipe” for a diet on a sound, proven, scientific foundation.
E The first thing must be to place the diet on the sound basic laws of nutrition.
S

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T Furthermore – if you are prescribing a diet for a patient, then it would be best to
H commence with a cleansing diet. Always remember to suit the diet to the patient
E and not the patient to the diet.

S Cleansing Diet
C If one is going to use a diet then it is wise to prepare for it in advance with
H cleansing.
O When applied correctly, cleansing diets are just that – they are diets to clean
toxic elements and waste matter from the body. As such, they create an
O
excellent foundation for good health. One can only build on a sound foundation.
L Sick and/or overweight people will usually be emotionally ready to tackle a
cleansing diet and such an opportunity should not be wasted. The simplest form
O of cleansing diet (or detoxifying diet) is fasting. However, to carry this out
F properly is not always practical.

N Fasting
A Fasting is the most profound cleansing process one can undertake. The
cleansing diet offers a gentle alternative to fasting and is the next most effective
T
option. For most individuals, the calm and relaxed environment, so necessary
U for effective fasting, is just not available owing to their hectic lifestyle. As such,
R fasting does not present a safe and viable option for most people. The
A detoxifying and emotional upheaval can be too severe and the fast can become
L potentially more damaging than valuable. The cleansing diet provides a more
practical and effective approach.
H
E The Diet
A This is very simple and involves eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking
only distilled, or filtered water, herb teas and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
L Tea or coffee may be drunk in moderation. It is important to work towards a set
T goal. Work with the patient to choose either 5, 7 or 10 days with the option of
H extending for a little longer when the target is achieved.

S Contra-Indications
C You need to be aware that this dietary approach is not suitable for people who
I are severely anaemic or severely nutritionally deficient or “run down”. In such
E cases it is always better to build them up first with a quality diet of whole foods
and supplements. After 4 to 6 weeks, depending upon how the patient responds,
N
you could then advise the patient to consider a 'cleanse'.
C
E Remember that fasting and cleansing should never be applied during pregnancy
S and lactation. These diets are ideal to form a healthy foundation well before
pregnancy, but they provide almost no protein and very few B Vitamins, Iron,
Calcium or the other nutrients required in abundance during pregnancy.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T Extreme caution must be taken with elderly people. Experience has shown that
H major dietary upheaval is not in their best interest. With the elderly you should
E work more gently and carefully removing excessive fats, salt and sugar and
changing shopping habits and choosing whole bread instead of white.
S
C In all dealings with diet, common sense must prevail. One should not fast or
H cleanse severely 'run down' people or pregnant women. Both of these conditions
O require maximum nutrition and 'building up'. Fasting should be considered as a
tool for cleansing the body, congestion, toxicity and overweight or obesity.
O
L Most people improve very quickly on this cleansing regime. The majority will
also lose weight. In most cases there will be a 1 pound weight loss for every day
O of the diet. One pound per day loss is to be considered a very high weight loss
F and should be very noticeable. When this does not occur, further consideration
must be given to specific nutritional and metabolic requirements. Bowel
N cleansing should be considered as a priority.
A
A fruit, vegetable and juice cleansing diet is the most effective and is quite
T
suitable and safe for most people. However experience has shown that a few
U extra food types can be added to the diet making the process much more
R comfortable without sacrificing any of the benefits.
A
L Sensible, basic, cleansing programmes would include:

H
E
A
L
T
H

S
C Figure 9.1
I
E • brown rice
N • almonds
C • avocado in limited proportion
E Brown rice .... up to one cooked cup per day
S Almonds .... up to twenty per day
Avocado .... up to half a small avocado per day

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T It is to be noted that the great advantage of brown rice is that it is neither acid
H forming nor alkalizing: it is neutral. Almonds are the only alkalising nuts.
E Avocados provide essential oils and, because of this they, become a source of
essential fatty acids which assist with weight loss.
S
C Cleansing Reactions
H Quite obviously this type of cleansing diet will do exactly that ... cleanse. That
O is its entire purpose. Most people will experience symptoms of detoxifying by
O day 2, especially if having come off stimulants like coffee and tea. Remember
L the value of distilled or filtered water in minimising such reactions in addition to
1-2 teaspoons of sodium ascorbate daily as a detoxifier.
O
Juice Fasts
F Juice fasts are invigorating and cleansing and can be safely undertaken by most
people. Before commencing a juice fast the duration of the fast (usually between
N 3 and 10 days), must be decided on with the patient, and a suitable week chosen
A so that will allow for a minimum of pressure and commitment in the patient’s
T daily life.
U
R As a therapist you should remember that any fast is a healing time for the body,
and the idea is that all energy should be made available for the processes of
A
cleansing and renewal. With juice fasting the rules are very simple. Decide on
L the length of the fast and instruct the patient to take only salads, juices and
distilled water for the two days prior to the fast.
H
E On the morning of Day 1 of the fast the patient should take a small glass of
A either freshly squeezed fruit juice or vegetable juice, mix this 50/50 with
L distilled water, and sip it slowly. For the duration of the fast, the patient should
T take a glass of juice every two hours. The patient may alternate between fruit
H and vegetable juices, if so desired, but the two should not be mixed together.

During the period of the fast one must not take on too much mental of physical
S activity. This will only tax the body's resources and leave less energy for the job
C of cleansing. The fast should be broken gently with a simple salad, and by
I continuing to eat light vegetable, fruit and salad meals for the next two days
E before moving on to anything more solid.
N
C Detoxifying
By fasting, one causes cleansing and detoxifying. Day two and three are usually
E
the most difficult. As well as feeling hungry, one may experience nausea or
S headaches.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T These are normal signs, and indicate that the body is having a good clean out.
H These symptoms rarely last more than 48 hours. In the next stage the fasting
E patient will start to feel much better– the hunger will have gone, and they will
feel light and refreshed - even a little euphoric. The patient’s energy levels will
S be high.
C
H Elimination
O You need to be aware that elimination from the bladder and bowel is usually
minimal during a fast and you should ensure that the patient is aware of this.
O
Some people become quite concerned when they do not have their regular
L bowel movements. This reduction in bowel movement is quite normal during a
fast and that regularity will return when the fast is broken.
O
F It is also important to note that elimination is much more likely to occur from
the other bodily orifices, like the nose, mouth and ears. Increased elimination
N may also be noticed from the skin. Skin brushing with a dry bristle brush can be
A of great assistance in aiding elimination at this time. Remember that the skin is
the largest eliminatory organ, and is occasionally referred to as the “third
T
kidney”.
U
R
A When to break a Fast
When to 'break a fast' is really up to the individual patient. During a fast one
L will notice that the tongue becomes very 'furry'. This is further proof of the
detoxifying taking place. Some people choose to break their fast when this
H furriness begins to disappear. Others believe that one should break a fast when
E the appetite returns. As mentioned above, after the first few days of fasting,
A there is almost no appetite for food at all. Whatever is decided, fasts of between
L 5 and 10 days, on juices, are perfectly safe, and can be undertaken by anybody
T who has knowledge or guidance with the process. However, as in all things
H therapeutic, good planning and good patient direction is of the essence.

Enemas and colonic irrigations will multiply the effectiveness of a body

S cleanse, and are to be recommended. The body cannot efficiently remove wastes
C if the channels of elimination are not clear. This practice will further reduce
I detoxifying symptoms. If there is any reason to suspect a toxic colon, or if
E constipation is present, then colonic irrigation becomes a neccessity.
N
C If a seven day body cleanse is to be recommended then a colonic irrigation the
E day before starting, and on two other days early in the body cleanse, would be
S very helpful and supportive of the overall diet effect. This would be enough to
make a profound difference to the effectiveness of the treatment, more would be
better.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T If possible, take an enema on alternate days. It can be quite a process
H convincing people about bowel cleansing, however, once the immense benefits
E are experienced there will be no looking back – bowel cleansing is one of the
most powerful healing tools available.
S
C Further Dietary Advice
H During the cleansing diet period a wide variety of fruits and vegetables should
O be consumed, with as few combinations as possible at each meal. One important
rule must apply here:
O
L • Don't mix fruit and vegetables at the same meal.

O Fruit doesn't combine well with any other foods. The same rule applies to
F juices. Either drink fruit juice or vegetable juice, but don't mix the two together.

N One will need a reliable source of distilled water or at very least purchase
A a water filter (recommended). This is a sound ongoing investment as clean
T water is a basic requirement for good health and 6 to 8 glasses must be taken
during every day of the body cleanse. Another useful investment for the patient
U
is a juicer. Simple models are available relatively cheaply.
R
A Drugs
L One must proceed cautiously if a lot of medical, that is to say, prescription
drugs are being taken. The body's metabolism will alter considerably during any
H dietary changes. Please note that it is not the Natural Therapist’s position to
E advise the discontinuance of prescribed medication. This is the task of the
A patient’s medical practitioner who is providing the prescription. In the case
prescription drugs being taken, the therapist should advise the doctor of the
L
intention and seek his or her help in monitoring the progress and the medication
T accordingly. This ought not to be a problem if the physician has a good
H understanding of nutrition because the potential benefits of such dietary
improvements will be recognised.
S
C Reactions can occur during any body cleansing programme as the body rids
I itself of drug residues that may have accumulated in the liver and tissues. This
E can be from prescribed drugs or recreational drugs (including tobacco and
N alcoholic drinks). These reactions are not usually a problem. The severity of any
reactions will depend on each person’s past history of use or abuse.
C
E There are certain prescription drugs that must be treated with great
S circumspection, and one should never go against the prescription of the patient’s
medical practitioner without direct discussion and agreement.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T For example, one should never cause a patient to go off cortisone abruptly. This
H is because, if there is a long history of use, as can be the case with severe
E asthmatics, they will be quite dependent on it. Abrupt cessation could possibly
result in death, so a weaning off period is required. Again, this should be
S thoroughly approved by the patient’s doctor.
C
H In practice, many people will start to reduce their drug intake naturally. Most
O are also quite sensible about this, but there must be a direct dialogue with the
doctor who was responsible for prescribing the medication.
O
L Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes breakdown (digest) proteins, carbohydrates, starches, and
O fats.
F

N
A
T
U
R
A
L

H
E
A
L Figure 9.2
T
H It is often valuable to use digestive enzymes with a cleansing diet. These can be
bought as a supplement, such as the product supplied by The Healthy Bowels
Company Figure 9.2. (www.healthybowels.com). Digestive enzymes become
S
especially important when introducing a high fibre diet to a stomach that may
C have had only bacon and sausage for breakfast for the last 50 years. Digestive
I enzymes will reduce flatulence and bloating and ensure that maximum nutrients
E are absorbed from the foods taken.
N
C The Benefits
E A cleansing diet leaves the patient feeling cleansed and refreshed. There is often
S great relief from pain and previous symptoms. The body is now well prepared
for coping with further therapies like vitamins, herbal medication or
homoeopathy.

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 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T The patient’s diet can now be relaxed to include a programme that is more in
H line with the basic dietary requirements, incorporating individual considerations
E because no two patients are the same.

S Benefits of cleansing include....

C
H • People recognise their inappropriate eating habits
O • The burden of stimulants is eliminated
O • Toxins are eliminated
L • Weight is lost
• The mind clears
• The body is vitalised and refreshed
O
F

N
A
T
U
R
A
L

H
E
A
L
T
H

S
C
I
E
N
C
E
S

15
 HOLISTIC NUTRITION
T
H QUESTIONS ON LESSON 9
E
Q1 What is the problem with foods containing added preservatives and
colouring?
S
C Q2 What is the Atkins Diet?
H
O Q3 Describe the fasting diet.
O
L Q4 Describe a balanced or healthy diet.

O Q5 What are the benefits of a cleansing diet?

F

N Return your answers to either

A
T selfstudy@naturalhealthcourses.com
U or
tutored@naturalhealthcourses.com
R
A whichever applies?
L Do not send any attachments, just type your answers
into the body of the email, plain text, no formatting.
H Please complete the subject box of every email exactly as follows
E (this has to be machine read and Is Case Sensitive):
A
L Your Name – Nutrition (tutored) – Lesson Number
or
T
Your Name – Nutrition (self study) – Part Number
H
Leave at least one blank line between each answer.
S Don’t forget to keep a copy for your own records
C
I
E
N
C
E
S

16