Knowing that modern treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy...) have limited impact on cancer treatment, many people are also practising alternative medications.
Nutritional therapy: more research is needed and funded by the government.
Qigong therapy: has the ability to assist those who are suffering from cancer by inhaling lots of oxygen.
Spiritual healing: has the ability to calm down the mind and cancer cells to prevent them from spreading.
These alternative treatments are often labelled as “unscientific”.
The fact remains: all these alternative treatments lengthened my father-in-law’s life (diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996 and survived till 2009 vs doctor's prediction of maximum 3 years survival) for 10 years.
Yes, we are not talking about science here. The focus is about how to save and lengthen the lives of millions of cancer patients worldwide.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Diary 260: Colon cancer
The following insights provided by Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, past president of the Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology and hepatology (MSGH) are taken from Fit4Life (The Star) dated 12 December 2010.
Based on the National Cancer Registry 2005 report, colon cancer ranks as the third commonest cancer in Malaysia.
It is most frequently occuring cancer among Malaysian men.
The majoirty if colon cancer in Malaysia occur in those aged above 50 but there seems to be a rising incidence of this cancer among younger adults.
By ethnic group, the Chinese account for 60% of all cases, followed by Malay (34%) and Indian (6%).
High risks of colon cancer?
Sporadic colon cancer (i.e. not related to genetic or family history) make up about 70% while the remaining occurs in people with risk factors, for example, those with a family history of the disease.
Causes: diseases of the digestive system (such as inflammatory bowel disease), unhealthy diet and lifestyle (high-fat and high-calorie meals, low dietary fibre intake.
Detection methods: Colon cancer screening (eg. Colonscopy); faecal occult blood test.
Modern treatments: Surgical resection (i.e. removal of tumour through surgery) for colon cancer that has not spread; chemotherapy; radiotherapy; immunotherapy.
What else can we do, especially after modern treatment?
Adjust our diet by reversing unhealthy diet and lifestyle (high-fat and high-calorie meals, low dietary fibre intake).
Based on the National Cancer Registry 2005 report, colon cancer ranks as the third commonest cancer in Malaysia.
It is most frequently occuring cancer among Malaysian men.
The majoirty if colon cancer in Malaysia occur in those aged above 50 but there seems to be a rising incidence of this cancer among younger adults.
By ethnic group, the Chinese account for 60% of all cases, followed by Malay (34%) and Indian (6%).
High risks of colon cancer?
Sporadic colon cancer (i.e. not related to genetic or family history) make up about 70% while the remaining occurs in people with risk factors, for example, those with a family history of the disease.
Causes: diseases of the digestive system (such as inflammatory bowel disease), unhealthy diet and lifestyle (high-fat and high-calorie meals, low dietary fibre intake.
Detection methods: Colon cancer screening (eg. Colonscopy); faecal occult blood test.
Modern treatments: Surgical resection (i.e. removal of tumour through surgery) for colon cancer that has not spread; chemotherapy; radiotherapy; immunotherapy.
What else can we do, especially after modern treatment?
Adjust our diet by reversing unhealthy diet and lifestyle (high-fat and high-calorie meals, low dietary fibre intake).
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Diary 259: Stages of breast cancer and modern treatments
Stage 0: abnormal cells found in the milk ducks or milk-producing glands. These cells have not spread beyond the ducts or glands.
Treatments: Lumpectomy (removal of lump) if localised; Mastectomy (removal of breast) if found in multiple sites; Radiotherapy.
Stage 1: cancer has formed, with a tumor not larger than 2cm but has not spread outside the breast or clusters of cancer calls are found in lymph nodes inside the breast.
Treatments: Mastectomy; Lumpectomy+raditherapy; Lumpectomy alone; Hormonal therapy (for people with hormone-receptor-positive cancer)
Stage 2: the tumor is between 2cm and 5cm, with or without spread to the axillary nodes (under the arm); clusters of cancer cells are found in the axillary nodes.
Tratments: Radical mastectomy with or without radiotherapy;Lumpectomy +radiotheray; Chemotherapy; Hormonal therapy; Targeted therapy (e.g. for cancers with too many HER2 protein receptors).
Stage 3: the tumor is larger than 2cm and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; cancer cells are found in lymph nodes near the breast bone, the chest wall or the skin of the breast.
Treatments: Radical mastectomy with or without radiotherapy;Lumpectomy +radiotheray; Chemotherapy; Hormonal therapy; Targeted therapy
Stage 4: the cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or the brain.
Treatments: Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, treatments to relieve pain and vomiting, palliative care.
Having learned the above,what is your thought?
To me, prevention is better than cure. Take less meat produced from modern farming where growth hormone is applied.
Treatments: Lumpectomy (removal of lump) if localised; Mastectomy (removal of breast) if found in multiple sites; Radiotherapy.
Stage 1: cancer has formed, with a tumor not larger than 2cm but has not spread outside the breast or clusters of cancer calls are found in lymph nodes inside the breast.
Treatments: Mastectomy; Lumpectomy+raditherapy; Lumpectomy alone; Hormonal therapy (for people with hormone-receptor-positive cancer)
Stage 2: the tumor is between 2cm and 5cm, with or without spread to the axillary nodes (under the arm); clusters of cancer cells are found in the axillary nodes.
Tratments: Radical mastectomy with or without radiotherapy;Lumpectomy +radiotheray; Chemotherapy; Hormonal therapy; Targeted therapy (e.g. for cancers with too many HER2 protein receptors).
Stage 3: the tumor is larger than 2cm and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; cancer cells are found in lymph nodes near the breast bone, the chest wall or the skin of the breast.
Treatments: Radical mastectomy with or without radiotherapy;Lumpectomy +radiotheray; Chemotherapy; Hormonal therapy; Targeted therapy
Stage 4: the cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or the brain.
Treatments: Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, treatments to relieve pain and vomiting, palliative care.
Having learned the above,what is your thought?
To me, prevention is better than cure. Take less meat produced from modern farming where growth hormone is applied.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Diary 258: Gary Gach
Majorie Chiew wrote about this man in Starmag (SM18) in an article entitled “it’s simple” on 12 December 2010.
The 63-year old American shared something which is very useful for our long term health.
1. When we understand how our mind, attitude and lack of awareness can create seeds of suffering, we can liberate ourselves and generate peace and joy.
2. When life gets difficult and emotions threathen negativity, he advises “We should hold onto the trunk of mindfulness while the storm of emotions blow our leaves, knowing that we have firm root”s.
3. Live life fully and do unto others as you would do unto yourself.
Who is Gary Gach?
He is an author, translator, poet, Jewish and a Buddhist.
The 63-year old American shared something which is very useful for our long term health.
1. When we understand how our mind, attitude and lack of awareness can create seeds of suffering, we can liberate ourselves and generate peace and joy.
2. When life gets difficult and emotions threathen negativity, he advises “We should hold onto the trunk of mindfulness while the storm of emotions blow our leaves, knowing that we have firm root”s.
3. Live life fully and do unto others as you would do unto yourself.
Who is Gary Gach?
He is an author, translator, poet, Jewish and a Buddhist.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Diary 257: Signal from the body
We met and had a wonderful dinner at a vegetarian restaurant in Kepong on 9 December 2010.
We talked about how mind-set affects every aspect of our life.
As host, I was supposed to pay for the bill but he made the first move.
After the dinner, I quietly asked him whether he has received the signal given by his body.
Yes, that is why is coming back from Australia to seek various treatments for his left leg.
I am sure he is worried that his poor health may bring the worst cirsumstances.
At 66, he now has carry a walking stick when going out door.
I commented that he should seriously consider adjusting his diet to reclaim his health.
He will reduce meat consumption.
Hopefully, it works for him.
If he is serious about helping himself, he probably do not have to carry the walking stick in next 12 months.
We talked about how mind-set affects every aspect of our life.
As host, I was supposed to pay for the bill but he made the first move.
After the dinner, I quietly asked him whether he has received the signal given by his body.
Yes, that is why is coming back from Australia to seek various treatments for his left leg.
I am sure he is worried that his poor health may bring the worst cirsumstances.
At 66, he now has carry a walking stick when going out door.
I commented that he should seriously consider adjusting his diet to reclaim his health.
He will reduce meat consumption.
Hopefully, it works for him.
If he is serious about helping himself, he probably do not have to carry the walking stick in next 12 months.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Diary 256: Bleached mushroom
Sin Chew Daily reported this interesting case on 7 December 2010.
A 11-year old in China likes to consume mushrooms.
Having learned from the media, his mother suspected the safety of mushrooms.
This prompted the boy to collaborate with with a university graduate assistant to investigate the matter using microscope and other lab facilities.
It was found that most of the mushrooms examined contain some form of chemical.
The Chinese media later explained that bleaching materials can cause health problems such as damanging the lung, sensitive skin, asthma and breathing related problems.
The local government then clarified that 97.7% of the mushrooms was not contaiminated.
Which version of the explanation does the public believe?
It was reported that in an internet survey regarding the issue, 1,100 interviewees believed the boy’s research results compared to 8 persons stood by local government’s clarification.
Take care, avoid taking bleached foods.
A 11-year old in China likes to consume mushrooms.
Having learned from the media, his mother suspected the safety of mushrooms.
This prompted the boy to collaborate with with a university graduate assistant to investigate the matter using microscope and other lab facilities.
It was found that most of the mushrooms examined contain some form of chemical.
The Chinese media later explained that bleaching materials can cause health problems such as damanging the lung, sensitive skin, asthma and breathing related problems.
The local government then clarified that 97.7% of the mushrooms was not contaiminated.
Which version of the explanation does the public believe?
It was reported that in an internet survey regarding the issue, 1,100 interviewees believed the boy’s research results compared to 8 persons stood by local government’s clarification.
Take care, avoid taking bleached foods.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Diary 255: Vaccination against cancer
One of the questions raised during my health talks was whether to go for vaccination against cancer or not.
Take the case of cervical cancer, a disease whereby abnormal cells are formed in the cervical wall and the third most most common cancer among Malaysian women.
The authority encourages the public to have their daughters protected against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by getting them vaccinated.
The rationale is cervical infection by HPV is one of the main causes of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination can prevent HPV type 16 and 18 infections and reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia is currently providing FREE HPV vaccination to all girls in Form 1 and 13-year-old Malaysian girls.
A total of 3 doses of HPV vaccination will be given within 6 months.
I understand that parents have to give the consent for their daugthers to get vaccinated.
Since you have the choice, you decide yourself.
Is vaccination really good for health in the long run?
Cancer cells form in an acidic enviroment where there is a lack of oxygen.
Isn’t it better not to produce the acidic enviroment (by taking less foods that are acidic in nature) and at the same time do more exercise to inhale fresh oxygen to maintain good health?
Think.
You are responsibible for your daughters’ health too.
Take the case of cervical cancer, a disease whereby abnormal cells are formed in the cervical wall and the third most most common cancer among Malaysian women.
The authority encourages the public to have their daughters protected against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by getting them vaccinated.
The rationale is cervical infection by HPV is one of the main causes of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination can prevent HPV type 16 and 18 infections and reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia is currently providing FREE HPV vaccination to all girls in Form 1 and 13-year-old Malaysian girls.
A total of 3 doses of HPV vaccination will be given within 6 months.
I understand that parents have to give the consent for their daugthers to get vaccinated.
Since you have the choice, you decide yourself.
Is vaccination really good for health in the long run?
Cancer cells form in an acidic enviroment where there is a lack of oxygen.
Isn’t it better not to produce the acidic enviroment (by taking less foods that are acidic in nature) and at the same time do more exercise to inhale fresh oxygen to maintain good health?
Think.
You are responsibible for your daughters’ health too.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Diary 254: Earning our health
Many people are health concious now.
They want to lead a healthy and happy life.
It involves healthy living.
It cannot be achived by taking too much tasty and nice acidic food.
It cannot be achieved by taking vitamin and mineral supplements alone.
It cannot be purchased in bottles of soft and hard drinks.
It cannot be achieved by leaving health matters to the doctors.
Healthy living has to be earned.
One the best ways to achieve good health is by taking healthy food and drink.
Save your enery and your money by taking healthy food from today.
They want to lead a healthy and happy life.
It involves healthy living.
It cannot be achived by taking too much tasty and nice acidic food.
It cannot be achieved by taking vitamin and mineral supplements alone.
It cannot be purchased in bottles of soft and hard drinks.
It cannot be achieved by leaving health matters to the doctors.
Healthy living has to be earned.
One the best ways to achieve good health is by taking healthy food and drink.
Save your enery and your money by taking healthy food from today.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Diary 253: The value of vitamin and mineral supplements
First of all, vitamin and mineral supplements are man-made.
Making of these supplement goes through the process of extracting and fractionating elements.
Once removed and isolated, the vitamin loses its value.
Grains of wheat taken from the tombs that are thousands or hundreds of years old would prout when placed on the ground.
This important ingredient is absence in synthesized wheat: life force.
The same ingredient is also missing in synthesized minerals and vitamins.
Dr Robert McCarter and Dr Elizabeth (1984) found that vitamin supplement becomes toxic in the body. It means the body has to work hard to remove the toxic waste.
Source of information: Diamond, H. & Diamond, M. (1985). Fit for Life. New York: Warner Books.
Making of these supplement goes through the process of extracting and fractionating elements.
Once removed and isolated, the vitamin loses its value.
Grains of wheat taken from the tombs that are thousands or hundreds of years old would prout when placed on the ground.
This important ingredient is absence in synthesized wheat: life force.
The same ingredient is also missing in synthesized minerals and vitamins.
Dr Robert McCarter and Dr Elizabeth (1984) found that vitamin supplement becomes toxic in the body. It means the body has to work hard to remove the toxic waste.
Source of information: Diamond, H. & Diamond, M. (1985). Fit for Life. New York: Warner Books.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Diary 252: Taking vitamin and mineral supplements
We find vitamin and mineral supplements in many homes.
There are for various members of the family, children to the elders.
Do we really need them?
People seldom tell you this: Every mineral and vitamin required by our body can be found in abundance in fruits and vegetables.
Our body only needs a small amount of mineral and vitamin every day. Daily consumption of a little fresh fruits and vegetables would meet the body’s requirements.
Some advertisements claim that their vitamin and mineral supplement products are 100% natural.
Being 100% natural means it was created by nature.
Have you ever seen a mineral or vitamin pill tree?
There are for various members of the family, children to the elders.
Do we really need them?
People seldom tell you this: Every mineral and vitamin required by our body can be found in abundance in fruits and vegetables.
Our body only needs a small amount of mineral and vitamin every day. Daily consumption of a little fresh fruits and vegetables would meet the body’s requirements.
Some advertisements claim that their vitamin and mineral supplement products are 100% natural.
Being 100% natural means it was created by nature.
Have you ever seen a mineral or vitamin pill tree?
Monday, December 20, 2010
Diary 251: Drinking a little wine
It is believed that drinking a little wine helps digestion of food.
During social functions, some people drink a little wine.
In fact, wine slows down the digestion of food, just as our motors slow down under the influence of alcohol.
All alcohol places a heavy burden on the kidneys and liver.
Drinking too much alcohol is certainly bad to our health.
Give up drinking wine before it causes you medical problems.
During social functions, some people drink a little wine.
In fact, wine slows down the digestion of food, just as our motors slow down under the influence of alcohol.
All alcohol places a heavy burden on the kidneys and liver.
Drinking too much alcohol is certainly bad to our health.
Give up drinking wine before it causes you medical problems.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Diary 250: Eating chocolates
Many children and adults like to each chocolates.
Chocolates are now presented as gifts during festive seasons, especially during Christmas.
Taking chocolate once in a while may be Ok.
However,it is good to know a couple of ingredients in chocolates are not positive contributors to good health.
Theobromine (caffeine-related substance): gives power to certain carcinogens in human cells that damage DNA.
Refined white sugar: all the fibre, vitamins, minerals are removed. It makes people fat because it supplies only empty, low quality calories and excessive carbohydrates that are converted to fat. When we eat foods high in sugars, the body must have additional food to get the nutrients it needs. This causes us to overeat. This tends to add weight. More over, refined sugar in food, drink and candy ferments in the bidy system, causing the formation of acetic acid, carbonate acid and alcohol.
Children taking chocolates are likely to quarrel after some times.
What can we do?
The eating habit that helps to eliminate the craving for sweets more than anything else is the consumption of fruits.
Chocolates are now presented as gifts during festive seasons, especially during Christmas.
Taking chocolate once in a while may be Ok.
However,it is good to know a couple of ingredients in chocolates are not positive contributors to good health.
Theobromine (caffeine-related substance): gives power to certain carcinogens in human cells that damage DNA.
Refined white sugar: all the fibre, vitamins, minerals are removed. It makes people fat because it supplies only empty, low quality calories and excessive carbohydrates that are converted to fat. When we eat foods high in sugars, the body must have additional food to get the nutrients it needs. This causes us to overeat. This tends to add weight. More over, refined sugar in food, drink and candy ferments in the bidy system, causing the formation of acetic acid, carbonate acid and alcohol.
Children taking chocolates are likely to quarrel after some times.
What can we do?
The eating habit that helps to eliminate the craving for sweets more than anything else is the consumption of fruits.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Diary 249: Drinking coffee and tea
When we are at the restaurants or on flights, the waiters and waitresses normally ask if we like to have coffee or tea after meal.
Most people would not hink of their morning coffee or afternoon tea as a drug.
The true is these drinks contain doses of drug caffeine, which is addictive, causing withdrawal symptoms when discontinued and inducing both psychological and physical dependence.
Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system.
It has been linked to a host of maladies such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, gastric ulcers, cancer of the pancreas, ringing in the ears,restlessness, disturbed sleep, trembling of the muscles and gastrointestinal irritation.
It takes one cup of tea or coffee 24 hours to pass through the kidneys and urinary tract.
More than one cup of tea or coffee within 24 hours would place extreme burden to these body organs.
Take care of these body organs. Reduce or better even avoid taking tea and coffee.
Most people would not hink of their morning coffee or afternoon tea as a drug.
The true is these drinks contain doses of drug caffeine, which is addictive, causing withdrawal symptoms when discontinued and inducing both psychological and physical dependence.
Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system.
It has been linked to a host of maladies such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, gastric ulcers, cancer of the pancreas, ringing in the ears,restlessness, disturbed sleep, trembling of the muscles and gastrointestinal irritation.
It takes one cup of tea or coffee 24 hours to pass through the kidneys and urinary tract.
More than one cup of tea or coffee within 24 hours would place extreme burden to these body organs.
Take care of these body organs. Reduce or better even avoid taking tea and coffee.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Diary 248: Emotional health
Emotional health is just as important to your well-being as the physical aspects.
Anger, disappointment, frustration, bitterness, bad feelings and vengeance are all negative emotions that affect our psychological well being.
The above could even trigger anxiety attacks, depression and substance abuse (such as alcohol or drugs).
Physically, these negative emotions can also lead to hypertension, body aches and chronic pain.
The best solution for all these negative emotions is to forgive.
When we forgive the people who hurt us in our life for whatever problems, we will find ourselves much happier and healthier.
The benefits of forgiveness: reduces stress, good for the heart and body organs, reduces pain, improve relationship and makes us happier.
Anger, disappointment, frustration, bitterness, bad feelings and vengeance are all negative emotions that affect our psychological well being.
The above could even trigger anxiety attacks, depression and substance abuse (such as alcohol or drugs).
Physically, these negative emotions can also lead to hypertension, body aches and chronic pain.
The best solution for all these negative emotions is to forgive.
When we forgive the people who hurt us in our life for whatever problems, we will find ourselves much happier and healthier.
The benefits of forgiveness: reduces stress, good for the heart and body organs, reduces pain, improve relationship and makes us happier.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Diary 247: Reducing body weight naturally
Yes, we can reduce body weight naturally.
You do not have to take pills.
You do not have to undergo a fat cutting surgery.
How?
Adjusting your diet: consuming less sugar foods (chocolates, ice-creams, teh tarik...); take more vegetables and fruits.
Exercising or walking about 30 minutes daily.
Avoid consuming alcohol.
Stop smoking.
Have a good night sleep.
We started a weight lose program in October 2010 for those over weight and obese at Forest Research Institute Malaysia recently. We advise the staffs to lose weight naturally, mainly through good eating habit and exercising.
The results?
I met a participant on December 2010 and was informed that he has lost 6 kg of weight.
If he can, you too!
You do not have to take pills.
You do not have to undergo a fat cutting surgery.
How?
Adjusting your diet: consuming less sugar foods (chocolates, ice-creams, teh tarik...); take more vegetables and fruits.
Exercising or walking about 30 minutes daily.
Avoid consuming alcohol.
Stop smoking.
Have a good night sleep.
We started a weight lose program in October 2010 for those over weight and obese at Forest Research Institute Malaysia recently. We advise the staffs to lose weight naturally, mainly through good eating habit and exercising.
The results?
I met a participant on December 2010 and was informed that he has lost 6 kg of weight.
If he can, you too!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Diary 246: Cutting fat to lose weight
For many developed and developing countries, obesity and over-weight is becoming a serious problem for both adults and children.
A person is regarded obese if the body mass index (BMI) is more than 30. According to WHO, one is morbidly obese if BMI is more than 40 or BMI is more than 35 with presesence of medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension and osteoarthritis.
The obese persons have tried many methods to reduce body weigt.
Diet.
Medicine.
Food supplement.
Exercise.
There is now this thing known as weight loss surgery. It started in the mid-1960s and became popular in the late 1990s with the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, i.e. the laparoscopic gastric bypass (GYB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Weight loss surgery involves risk. The risk of dying from an operation could be as high as one in 200.
It is best to reduce weight naturally: by adjusting your diet,exercising, avoid consuming alcohol, stop smoking, walking about 30 minutes everday.
Yes, reduce weight naturally.
A person is regarded obese if the body mass index (BMI) is more than 30. According to WHO, one is morbidly obese if BMI is more than 40 or BMI is more than 35 with presesence of medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension and osteoarthritis.
The obese persons have tried many methods to reduce body weigt.
Diet.
Medicine.
Food supplement.
Exercise.
There is now this thing known as weight loss surgery. It started in the mid-1960s and became popular in the late 1990s with the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, i.e. the laparoscopic gastric bypass (GYB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Weight loss surgery involves risk. The risk of dying from an operation could be as high as one in 200.
It is best to reduce weight naturally: by adjusting your diet,exercising, avoid consuming alcohol, stop smoking, walking about 30 minutes everday.
Yes, reduce weight naturally.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Diary 245: You are what you think you are
Diary 245: You are what you think you are
Many generally thought there is no connection between the body and the mind.
Many are beginning to realise that we actually assist the body’s quest for health with our thoughts.
In his book, Beyond Relaxation Response, Dr Herbert Benson, a profession of cardiology, put up a strong case for the mind’s power to change the body physically.
There is a tremendous role of beliefs play in our life.
If we truly believe we can do something to improve our health, we can.
Every cell in our body is like a soldier, ready to act to maintain and reclaim good health.
The cells are waiting for our instructions.
To lose weight and overcome diseases, start by believing that we can and will!
Will this work?
Try and see if this works for you.
You are likely to be pleasantly surprised.
Many generally thought there is no connection between the body and the mind.
Many are beginning to realise that we actually assist the body’s quest for health with our thoughts.
In his book, Beyond Relaxation Response, Dr Herbert Benson, a profession of cardiology, put up a strong case for the mind’s power to change the body physically.
There is a tremendous role of beliefs play in our life.
If we truly believe we can do something to improve our health, we can.
Every cell in our body is like a soldier, ready to act to maintain and reclaim good health.
The cells are waiting for our instructions.
To lose weight and overcome diseases, start by believing that we can and will!
Will this work?
Try and see if this works for you.
You are likely to be pleasantly surprised.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Diary 244: Forgiveness brings peace of mind
Diary 244: Forgiveness brings peace of mind
Mr X came to my office one morning to borrow some money about 8 years ago.
I gave him the money on condition that he was to return the it by monthly installment. He agreed.
Since then, he did not come to my office any more.
In fact, he avoided meeting me in the workplace.
It must have been a torture by avoiding people like me.
In the morning of 3 December 2010, I approached him during our monthly staff gathering.
“Kes anda dengan saya telah selesai dan dihalalkan. Tak perlu elakkan saya lagi.”, I sincerely told him.
“Betul?”, he asked.
Sure.
He smiled happily.
I learn this in life. When we loan out some money, we have to prepare that borrower will not return it. Just treat it as a donation.
Forgiveness brings peace of mind and good health to both parties.
Mr X came to my office one morning to borrow some money about 8 years ago.
I gave him the money on condition that he was to return the it by monthly installment. He agreed.
Since then, he did not come to my office any more.
In fact, he avoided meeting me in the workplace.
It must have been a torture by avoiding people like me.
In the morning of 3 December 2010, I approached him during our monthly staff gathering.
“Kes anda dengan saya telah selesai dan dihalalkan. Tak perlu elakkan saya lagi.”, I sincerely told him.
“Betul?”, he asked.
Sure.
He smiled happily.
I learn this in life. When we loan out some money, we have to prepare that borrower will not return it. Just treat it as a donation.
Forgiveness brings peace of mind and good health to both parties.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Diary 243: Good deed brings good health
Diary 243: Good deed brings good health
I believe that doing good deeds can bring good health to a certain extent.
Good health is not achieved by taking care of our daily diet alone.
It is about our whole way of life.
If one does more good deeds in daily living, one can expect to enjoy a pretty good health. Even if one is faced with certain illness, one may be able to overcome it.
You may say there is no scientific proof on this perception.
In life, we do not have to wait for scientific proof to confirm that good deeds bring good health, good deeds avoid unfortunate event, .....
I just do good deeds everyday.
How to do them?
Just take have good thoughts, speech and action.
True enough, there is peace of mind and I have a good sleep every night.
I believe that doing good deeds can bring good health to a certain extent.
Good health is not achieved by taking care of our daily diet alone.
It is about our whole way of life.
If one does more good deeds in daily living, one can expect to enjoy a pretty good health. Even if one is faced with certain illness, one may be able to overcome it.
You may say there is no scientific proof on this perception.
In life, we do not have to wait for scientific proof to confirm that good deeds bring good health, good deeds avoid unfortunate event, .....
I just do good deeds everyday.
How to do them?
Just take have good thoughts, speech and action.
True enough, there is peace of mind and I have a good sleep every night.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Diary 242: Protect our health and those we love
For the more affluent parents of today, there is a concious effort to provide the best for their children.
This now includes some form of funds for their education and insurance for their health.
Health insurance can assist to cover part of the medical bill.
However, it does not protect our children’s health.
Protecting our children’s health starts with the right eating habits.
If the children are not in good health due to unproper eating habits, it is going to be a burden to the parents.
Wise parents protect their health and that of their children by taking foods that keep diseases at bay.
This now includes some form of funds for their education and insurance for their health.
Health insurance can assist to cover part of the medical bill.
However, it does not protect our children’s health.
Protecting our children’s health starts with the right eating habits.
If the children are not in good health due to unproper eating habits, it is going to be a burden to the parents.
Wise parents protect their health and that of their children by taking foods that keep diseases at bay.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Diary 241: Retirement plan for health
If you read the newspapers you find write-ups on retirement plan.
The plan normally touches on financial retirement plan.
It advises you how to invest wisely on fixed deposits, unit trusts, bonds, equities or pay for insurance premiums.
Very seldom, the plan advises us to take care of our health.
To me, taking care of our health is very important if we want to live a healthier and happier life at the last golden years of our life.
It such is the case, we have to start as early as possible.
We cannot afford to wait till retirement to take care of our health.
For me, taking care of our health means minimum dependence on medicines.
It means taking natural and organic foods to maintain health.
It means exercising regularly.
It means keeping the mind calm.
The plan normally touches on financial retirement plan.
It advises you how to invest wisely on fixed deposits, unit trusts, bonds, equities or pay for insurance premiums.
Very seldom, the plan advises us to take care of our health.
To me, taking care of our health is very important if we want to live a healthier and happier life at the last golden years of our life.
It such is the case, we have to start as early as possible.
We cannot afford to wait till retirement to take care of our health.
For me, taking care of our health means minimum dependence on medicines.
It means taking natural and organic foods to maintain health.
It means exercising regularly.
It means keeping the mind calm.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Diary 240: High medical cost
A lecturer at a local university complained about the high medical cost charged by private hospitals.
Many people also complain that medical insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the bill of the private hospitals.
You cannot blame the hospitals as their bottom line is making profit.
You cannot expect them to charge a minimum fee.
Others cannot help you.
What can you do now?
But, you can help yourself by maintaining good health.
The best way to achieve this is taking health food, exercise regularly, have enough daily rest and manage life wisely.
If you have good health, the issue of high medical cost does not arise.
Are you ready to adjust your daily life to achieve this?
Many people also complain that medical insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the bill of the private hospitals.
You cannot blame the hospitals as their bottom line is making profit.
You cannot expect them to charge a minimum fee.
Others cannot help you.
What can you do now?
But, you can help yourself by maintaining good health.
The best way to achieve this is taking health food, exercise regularly, have enough daily rest and manage life wisely.
If you have good health, the issue of high medical cost does not arise.
Are you ready to adjust your daily life to achieve this?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Diary 239: Looking for health wealth
Looking for material wealth is part of our life.
Many people spend all their life looking for material wealth, perceived to bring them happiness and sensual plessures.
After the age of 40, I soon realised that looking for material wealth may not be the most important thing in life.
I belong to the middle class now.
I have the basic materials – food, house, car and some money that enables my nuclear family to lead a simple life.
I longer look for all these material wealth.
More concern is placed on looking for health wealth.
With health wealth, we can lead a happier life.
We do not need to have too much material wealth.
We cannot bring these material wealth once we leave this world.
I am looking for health wealth, not only for myself but for all of us.
May all be healthy and well.
Many people spend all their life looking for material wealth, perceived to bring them happiness and sensual plessures.
After the age of 40, I soon realised that looking for material wealth may not be the most important thing in life.
I belong to the middle class now.
I have the basic materials – food, house, car and some money that enables my nuclear family to lead a simple life.
I longer look for all these material wealth.
More concern is placed on looking for health wealth.
With health wealth, we can lead a happier life.
We do not need to have too much material wealth.
We cannot bring these material wealth once we leave this world.
I am looking for health wealth, not only for myself but for all of us.
May all be healthy and well.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Diary 238: Government support for cancer suspect
The Malaysian government provides a special support to those suspect with breast cancer.
It simply means early check-up.
One of the early symptoms of breast cancer is slight pain in the chest and persistent back pain.
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development nows provide a subsidy for women to go for mammograms with below details.
1. Amount of subsidy is RM50.
2. The mammogram is to be done in private clinics and hospitals registered with The National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia (LPPKN)
3. Only for those between the age of 40 and 69
4. Monthly income of RM5,000 or less
5. Fulfils certian criteria, such as in the high risk group.
My view: take healthy food to maintain good health so that all women do not need to go for mammogram and to face breast cancer later.
It simply means early check-up.
One of the early symptoms of breast cancer is slight pain in the chest and persistent back pain.
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development nows provide a subsidy for women to go for mammograms with below details.
1. Amount of subsidy is RM50.
2. The mammogram is to be done in private clinics and hospitals registered with The National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia (LPPKN)
3. Only for those between the age of 40 and 69
4. Monthly income of RM5,000 or less
5. Fulfils certian criteria, such as in the high risk group.
My view: take healthy food to maintain good health so that all women do not need to go for mammogram and to face breast cancer later.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Diary 237: Cancer treatments
Cancer has become a scary word for many people.
It is a disease that seems insurmountable despites billions spent on medical research.
There are basically 2 types of cancer treatment.
Modern medicine is guided by evidence-based findings where only proven methods are used.
Complementary methods are based on testimonies, case reports and studies that do not comply with evidence-based medicine standards (such as adequate sample size, representative, randomised, controlled, double-blind and cross over studies). It does mean that the method does not work. The lack of evidence simply means it remains to be proven.
Both methods are used by most cancer patients.
Both methods have yet to achive significant results.
My view to cancer patients and family members coming to see me: understand the situation holistically (physical, environmental, mental, and spiritual) and respect the decision of the patient to decide the treatment method.
As more Malaysians and asians adopting the an unhealthy fast-food diet, the future scenario is likely to be more cases of cancer with longer survival.
Take care, my friends.
It is a disease that seems insurmountable despites billions spent on medical research.
There are basically 2 types of cancer treatment.
Modern medicine is guided by evidence-based findings where only proven methods are used.
Complementary methods are based on testimonies, case reports and studies that do not comply with evidence-based medicine standards (such as adequate sample size, representative, randomised, controlled, double-blind and cross over studies). It does mean that the method does not work. The lack of evidence simply means it remains to be proven.
Both methods are used by most cancer patients.
Both methods have yet to achive significant results.
My view to cancer patients and family members coming to see me: understand the situation holistically (physical, environmental, mental, and spiritual) and respect the decision of the patient to decide the treatment method.
As more Malaysians and asians adopting the an unhealthy fast-food diet, the future scenario is likely to be more cases of cancer with longer survival.
Take care, my friends.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Diary 236: Take care of our body
We have to take care of many things in life.
Most of the time, we take care of things outside outside our body.
We meet the needs of maintenance our car, house, family members....
We also take care of our jobs that provide daily livelhood of our families.
But, many people spend only little time to care of their body.
They have little time to take care of their health.
We need to love our body as it is the greatest asset that enables us to care care of other things in life.
When you wake up in the morning, look at the mirror, just smile and say “Good morning” and “Thank you starting a wonderful day together”.
The next step is probably not to poison the body with all kinds of acidic food in your daily meals.
Do it a step at a time.
All of us can lead a healthier and happier life, especially when we are getting old.
Most of the time, we take care of things outside outside our body.
We meet the needs of maintenance our car, house, family members....
We also take care of our jobs that provide daily livelhood of our families.
But, many people spend only little time to care of their body.
They have little time to take care of their health.
We need to love our body as it is the greatest asset that enables us to care care of other things in life.
When you wake up in the morning, look at the mirror, just smile and say “Good morning” and “Thank you starting a wonderful day together”.
The next step is probably not to poison the body with all kinds of acidic food in your daily meals.
Do it a step at a time.
All of us can lead a healthier and happier life, especially when we are getting old.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Diary 235: What cancer patients need
This write-up is taken from coverage in Fit4Life, Sunday Star, 28 November 2010 where three advanced cancer survivors were interviewed.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2001, Raja Azizatul (63) went through chemotherapy and an operation to remove one of her breasts. Her cancer recurred in 2008.
Hajah Haziah (72), diagnosed in 1998 and had undergone a surgery to remove one of her breasts. The cancer returned in September 2010, this time in her lungs and bones.
Lang Yum Khai (68) had survived breast and lung cancer after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1992.
They provided views on what cancer patients need.
1. A support environment, especially from family and friends.
2. Want to hear positive and encouraging words.
3. Their need to know their own condition, espedcially the positive part of it.
4. Respect from others, especially on treatment decision.
What they do not need.
1. Too much advice from the experts, formal and informal.
2. People asking about their cancer in public.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2001, Raja Azizatul (63) went through chemotherapy and an operation to remove one of her breasts. Her cancer recurred in 2008.
Hajah Haziah (72), diagnosed in 1998 and had undergone a surgery to remove one of her breasts. The cancer returned in September 2010, this time in her lungs and bones.
Lang Yum Khai (68) had survived breast and lung cancer after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1992.
They provided views on what cancer patients need.
1. A support environment, especially from family and friends.
2. Want to hear positive and encouraging words.
3. Their need to know their own condition, espedcially the positive part of it.
4. Respect from others, especially on treatment decision.
What they do not need.
1. Too much advice from the experts, formal and informal.
2. People asking about their cancer in public.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Diary 234: Probiotic
In 1960, the term ‘probiotic’ means ‘for life’ was coined for bacteria associated with beneficial effects for humans and animals.
Currently, probiotics are recognised as live cultures of bacteria which confer health beneficial.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.
Due to the development of science and technology, probiotic micronisms (mainly from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) are used to make probiotic foods (especially in fermented milk, powder preparation and drinks) for consumers.
These probiotics are perceived to play an important role in immunological, digestive, and respiratory functions as well as alleviating infectious disease in children.
Are these processed probiotics really beneficial to human body in the long run?
Time will tell. More research is needed in this area.
What ever it is, it is better to take natural probiotic than those processed ones.
What are these natural probiotics?
A good example is gut bacteria.
If you consume more health food, there will be more gut bacteria.
Currently, probiotics are recognised as live cultures of bacteria which confer health beneficial.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.
Due to the development of science and technology, probiotic micronisms (mainly from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) are used to make probiotic foods (especially in fermented milk, powder preparation and drinks) for consumers.
These probiotics are perceived to play an important role in immunological, digestive, and respiratory functions as well as alleviating infectious disease in children.
Are these processed probiotics really beneficial to human body in the long run?
Time will tell. More research is needed in this area.
What ever it is, it is better to take natural probiotic than those processed ones.
What are these natural probiotics?
A good example is gut bacteria.
If you consume more health food, there will be more gut bacteria.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Diary 235: Cartagena Protocol
It is Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Malaysia ractified this Protocol.
It is an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.
It seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by these modified organisms.
It affects our health as biological diversity resources are used in many medicinal and herbal as well as food supplements.
Malaysia ractified this Protocol.
It is an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.
It seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by these modified organisms.
It affects our health as biological diversity resources are used in many medicinal and herbal as well as food supplements.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Diary 233: Good and bad bacteria
Bacteria can be divided into the good and the bad.
We have these bacteria in our body.
Some of these bacteria help our body to function better.
Basically, good bacteria help our body to resist invasion by other foreign, potentially harmful microorganisms, regulate the immune system, and perform metabolic activities.
It is these functions that are the basis behind probiotics.
There are many brands of probiotics in the market these days.
We have these bacteria in our body.
Some of these bacteria help our body to function better.
Basically, good bacteria help our body to resist invasion by other foreign, potentially harmful microorganisms, regulate the immune system, and perform metabolic activities.
It is these functions that are the basis behind probiotics.
There are many brands of probiotics in the market these days.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Diary 231: Fibre and illnesses
Fibre is found in the cell walls of plants.
A lack of fibre in daily diet can cause ill health.
Among the diseases due to a lack of fibre in foods are:
Digestive: bowel cancer (cancer of the large intestine, colon & rectum), constipation and diverticulosis.
Heart and circulatory: linked with high consumption of saturated fats, artherosclerosis, atheroma, varicose veins.
Others: obesity, kidney stones, gallstones and diabetes.
What are best sources of fibre?
Wholewheat bran, wholemeal flour and bread, wholemeal pasta and brown rice.
Other forms fibres include the followings.
Pectins found in fruits, vegetables.
Hemicelluloses found in oat brans, seeds, peas, beans, grains, vegetable and fruits.
A lack of fibre in daily diet can cause ill health.
Among the diseases due to a lack of fibre in foods are:
Digestive: bowel cancer (cancer of the large intestine, colon & rectum), constipation and diverticulosis.
Heart and circulatory: linked with high consumption of saturated fats, artherosclerosis, atheroma, varicose veins.
Others: obesity, kidney stones, gallstones and diabetes.
What are best sources of fibre?
Wholewheat bran, wholemeal flour and bread, wholemeal pasta and brown rice.
Other forms fibres include the followings.
Pectins found in fruits, vegetables.
Hemicelluloses found in oat brans, seeds, peas, beans, grains, vegetable and fruits.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Diary 230: Water of life
Water is very essential to sustain our life.
We may be able to survive a few weeks without food, we will die within a few days without water.
Our body is made up of about 60% water that must be replenished as it is constantly being lost.
An average adult needs about 3 litres of water a day, depending on body size and weight.
If we do not drink enough water, our body will be dehydrated.
Dehydration causes headache, irritability and forgetfulness.
It also puts a strain on the kidneys.
Elders’ sensation of feeling thirsty does not work as effectively as in youths.
Drinking plenty of plain water helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
It is important to drink clean and healthy water.
We may be able to survive a few weeks without food, we will die within a few days without water.
Our body is made up of about 60% water that must be replenished as it is constantly being lost.
An average adult needs about 3 litres of water a day, depending on body size and weight.
If we do not drink enough water, our body will be dehydrated.
Dehydration causes headache, irritability and forgetfulness.
It also puts a strain on the kidneys.
Elders’ sensation of feeling thirsty does not work as effectively as in youths.
Drinking plenty of plain water helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
It is important to drink clean and healthy water.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Diary 229: Cataract
Cataract is an ocular opacity, partial or complete, of one or both eyes, on or in the lens or capsule, especially an opacity impairing vision or causing blindness.
The subsequent cloudy appearance of the eye resulted in the origin of the name cataract.
Causes of cataract:
1. Age-related cataract: Most cataracts are related to aging.
2. Congenital cataracts: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes.
3. Secondary cataract: Development in people who have certain other health issues, such as diabetes or steroid use
4. Traumatic cataract: cataracts which develop after an eye injury
How to prevent cataract?
Intake of dietary antioxidants prevents cataract formation by blocking the oxidative modification of the lens.
Vitamins A, C and E are known to prevent cataract. Take these from the natural sources. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits provides the best sources.
The subsequent cloudy appearance of the eye resulted in the origin of the name cataract.
Causes of cataract:
1. Age-related cataract: Most cataracts are related to aging.
2. Congenital cataracts: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes.
3. Secondary cataract: Development in people who have certain other health issues, such as diabetes or steroid use
4. Traumatic cataract: cataracts which develop after an eye injury
How to prevent cataract?
Intake of dietary antioxidants prevents cataract formation by blocking the oxidative modification of the lens.
Vitamins A, C and E are known to prevent cataract. Take these from the natural sources. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits provides the best sources.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Diary 228: Kidney stone flush formula
All of us have some kidney stones although its seriousness may vary from one person to another.
The below formula may be helpful to those who wish to remove kidney stone naturally to attain good health.
I have done this twice over the last 15 years and find it helpful.
Duration: 10 days.
Method:
1. Every day take 6 fresh lemons made into juices.
2. It can be diluted with water or sweetened with honey.
3. Divide and consume the lemon juice several times within a day.
4. Consume consistently for 10 days.
Reminder:
1. Citric acid in lemon juice will slowly dissolve the calcium deposit (kidney stones).
2. After some time, the stones that come out will be like sand through urinary tract.
3. When experiencing the passing of the stones in stool, it could be quite painful, especially for those having a lot of stones. Hence, it is important to observe how your body respond to this.
I have done this twice in the last 15 years and feeling great about it.
The below formula may be helpful to those who wish to remove kidney stone naturally to attain good health.
I have done this twice over the last 15 years and find it helpful.
Duration: 10 days.
Method:
1. Every day take 6 fresh lemons made into juices.
2. It can be diluted with water or sweetened with honey.
3. Divide and consume the lemon juice several times within a day.
4. Consume consistently for 10 days.
Reminder:
1. Citric acid in lemon juice will slowly dissolve the calcium deposit (kidney stones).
2. After some time, the stones that come out will be like sand through urinary tract.
3. When experiencing the passing of the stones in stool, it could be quite painful, especially for those having a lot of stones. Hence, it is important to observe how your body respond to this.
I have done this twice in the last 15 years and feeling great about it.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Diary 227: Talk and discussion
I was invited by Dr Peter Yee of Innova Technology to share health information and experience with a group of participants on 31 October 2010.
Some of them have high awareness on healthy living.
This is good as those knowledgeable are able to share health information with the group.
For example, someone raised the question of whether taufu and soy products are healthy.
Another raised the issue of the effectiveness of herbs.
All these are useful for all of us to think.
I would not eat something if the source or content is unknown.
The talk and discussion was a good learning process for all of us.
Some of them have high awareness on healthy living.
This is good as those knowledgeable are able to share health information with the group.
For example, someone raised the question of whether taufu and soy products are healthy.
Another raised the issue of the effectiveness of herbs.
All these are useful for all of us to think.
I would not eat something if the source or content is unknown.
The talk and discussion was a good learning process for all of us.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Diary 226: Thin but healthy
Some new and old friends have commented that I am too thin.
To them, I should put on more weight so that I look healthy and strong.
Yes, there is no denial that I am thin. I have lost 20 kg from 78 kg since 1996.
Yes, if one is thin, one becomes an alien in the eyes of others.
When I stand among the obese, it becomes very obvious that I am thin indeed.
I always tell them that I am thin but healthy.
Being healthy has been the dream of many but it is hard to achieve.
Because of good health, I have not taken any medicine for the last 15 years.
Medicine, MC and food supplement is not part of my life.
This is admired by many, including those feeling that I am thin.
Welcome to the world of healthy living!
Do something to transform your life so that you too are healthy.
To them, I should put on more weight so that I look healthy and strong.
Yes, there is no denial that I am thin. I have lost 20 kg from 78 kg since 1996.
Yes, if one is thin, one becomes an alien in the eyes of others.
When I stand among the obese, it becomes very obvious that I am thin indeed.
I always tell them that I am thin but healthy.
Being healthy has been the dream of many but it is hard to achieve.
Because of good health, I have not taken any medicine for the last 15 years.
Medicine, MC and food supplement is not part of my life.
This is admired by many, including those feeling that I am thin.
Welcome to the world of healthy living!
Do something to transform your life so that you too are healthy.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Diary 225: Have a good night’s sleep
Yes, a lack of a good night’s sleep can have grave consequences on our health.
It is about both the quantity (number of hours) and quality (how sound you sleep).
One of the things that we need to do to ensure a good night’s sleep is watching our diet.
What we eat influences how well we sleep.
Consuming foods containing caffeine about 4 hours to bedtime may hinder our sleep.
Do not take solid food 2 hours before bedtime.
Eating natural diet is helpful in getting a good sleep.
Simple exercise such as stretching your legs, arms and massaging our eyes as well as body also put us into a good night’s sleep.
Let’s enjoy a good sleep every night. It is part of healthy living.
It is about both the quantity (number of hours) and quality (how sound you sleep).
One of the things that we need to do to ensure a good night’s sleep is watching our diet.
What we eat influences how well we sleep.
Consuming foods containing caffeine about 4 hours to bedtime may hinder our sleep.
Do not take solid food 2 hours before bedtime.
Eating natural diet is helpful in getting a good sleep.
Simple exercise such as stretching your legs, arms and massaging our eyes as well as body also put us into a good night’s sleep.
Let’s enjoy a good sleep every night. It is part of healthy living.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Diary 224: Promoting health books the special way
I am on leave today (19 November) to settle some personal and family matters in Kuala Lumpur city centre.
After completing the tasks, I spent some time going around promoting by health books as usual.
This time I told those interested that the ownership of the books is based on donation.
They were free to donate any amount.
Some were shocked while others could not believe this was happening in their life.
Well, I write health books to help others to lead a healthier and happier life.
The aim is not to make a profit.
I just want to help fellow Malaysians of different background.
How was the promotion?
The donation managed to cover the cost of publishing. That is good enough.
In fact, three persons (2 Malays and 1 Chinese) donated more than the book price.
It is a wonderful world to interact people in this way.
After completing the tasks, I spent some time going around promoting by health books as usual.
This time I told those interested that the ownership of the books is based on donation.
They were free to donate any amount.
Some were shocked while others could not believe this was happening in their life.
Well, I write health books to help others to lead a healthier and happier life.
The aim is not to make a profit.
I just want to help fellow Malaysians of different background.
How was the promotion?
The donation managed to cover the cost of publishing. That is good enough.
In fact, three persons (2 Malays and 1 Chinese) donated more than the book price.
It is a wonderful world to interact people in this way.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Diary 223: Phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables
Our body needs phytochemicals to maintain good health.
Phytochemicals act as antioxidants that combine with other nutrients to help protect body cells.
Among the important phytochemicals are:
Carotenoids: beta-carotene in mangroes and carrots; lycopene in tomatoes.
Polyphenols: resveratrol in grapes, quercetins and anthocyanins in red dragon fruit.
Glucosinolates/indoles: in cauliflower, brocoli, cabbage and kailan.
Phytochemicals act as antioxidants that combine with other nutrients to help protect body cells.
Among the important phytochemicals are:
Carotenoids: beta-carotene in mangroes and carrots; lycopene in tomatoes.
Polyphenols: resveratrol in grapes, quercetins and anthocyanins in red dragon fruit.
Glucosinolates/indoles: in cauliflower, brocoli, cabbage and kailan.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Diary 222: Choose wholegrain foods
Let’s take wholegrains to maintain good health.
Wholegrains retain all parts of the natural grain, including the bran and germ.
Wholegrains contain more vitamins, minerals, healthy plant compunds and fibre, compared with refined grains.
Wholegrains help improve gut health, reduce common gastrointestinal problems (such as constipation).
Wholegrains lower risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and cancers.
What are the wholegrain foods?
Unpolished rice.
Wholemeal biscuits and bread.
Whole wheat noodles.
Wholegrain breakfast cereals.
To you can afford, choose organically certified wholegrains for better health.
Wholegrains retain all parts of the natural grain, including the bran and germ.
Wholegrains contain more vitamins, minerals, healthy plant compunds and fibre, compared with refined grains.
Wholegrains help improve gut health, reduce common gastrointestinal problems (such as constipation).
Wholegrains lower risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and cancers.
What are the wholegrain foods?
Unpolished rice.
Wholemeal biscuits and bread.
Whole wheat noodles.
Wholegrain breakfast cereals.
To you can afford, choose organically certified wholegrains for better health.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Diary 221: Energise our life with food
What types of foods energise our life and enable us to live healthily?
At every main meal,
First, eat adequate amounts of brown or unpolished rice.
Second, eat other cereals (e.g. noodles, bread, oats, biscuits), preferably wholegrain, that are high in fibre and low in fat, sugar and salt.
Third, eat tubers (e.g. potato, sweet potato).
In the meantime, reduce or avoid the consumption of foods that have a negative impact on our health.
What are the main negative foods?
Meat.
Eggs.
Dairy products.
At every main meal,
First, eat adequate amounts of brown or unpolished rice.
Second, eat other cereals (e.g. noodles, bread, oats, biscuits), preferably wholegrain, that are high in fibre and low in fat, sugar and salt.
Third, eat tubers (e.g. potato, sweet potato).
In the meantime, reduce or avoid the consumption of foods that have a negative impact on our health.
What are the main negative foods?
Meat.
Eggs.
Dairy products.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Diary 220: Eating to meet our nutritional needs
Why do we eat?
Eat to live. Yes.
Eat to satisfy our taste buds. Yes.
Meeting our nutritional needs. Some people do. Many people are not aware of these nutritional needs.
Our body needs the followings to function well.
Energy from carbohydrates, protein and fats.
Our body needs different nutrients in varying amounts (e.g. more energy-giving carbohydrates, moderate levels of proteins and small quantities of vitamins and minerals).
It simply means that we do not need a lot of protein, vitamin and minerals each day.
All these can be obtained from plant based foods.
Eat to live. Yes.
Eat to satisfy our taste buds. Yes.
Meeting our nutritional needs. Some people do. Many people are not aware of these nutritional needs.
Our body needs the followings to function well.
Energy from carbohydrates, protein and fats.
Our body needs different nutrients in varying amounts (e.g. more energy-giving carbohydrates, moderate levels of proteins and small quantities of vitamins and minerals).
It simply means that we do not need a lot of protein, vitamin and minerals each day.
All these can be obtained from plant based foods.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Diary 219: Kidney strengthening food and lifestyle
Sakinah sent me an email inquiring the kidney strengthening food.
First, let’s look at the kidney weakening food: all refined foods, including salt, sugar and soft drinks, which deplete minerals from our body system.
Second, avoid coffee, alcohol and chemicals in food. It simply means taking light cooked and steam food where possible.
Third, take mineral rich, whole foods diet. These are the grains.
Fourth, kidney-strengthening foods include all beans, seaweed, root vegetables and melons. Dark-colored foods energetically support the kidneys and these include wild rice, black beans or black currants.
Fifth, in addition to diet, regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, strengthens the kidneys.
Sixth, standing for long periods of time weakens the kidneys, as does too much sitting or lying down.
Seventh, it's important to keep the lower back area, over the kidneys, warm and protected from the cold.
Finally, to strengthen our kidneys, tell them every morning that we love them and care for them.
First, let’s look at the kidney weakening food: all refined foods, including salt, sugar and soft drinks, which deplete minerals from our body system.
Second, avoid coffee, alcohol and chemicals in food. It simply means taking light cooked and steam food where possible.
Third, take mineral rich, whole foods diet. These are the grains.
Fourth, kidney-strengthening foods include all beans, seaweed, root vegetables and melons. Dark-colored foods energetically support the kidneys and these include wild rice, black beans or black currants.
Fifth, in addition to diet, regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, strengthens the kidneys.
Sixth, standing for long periods of time weakens the kidneys, as does too much sitting or lying down.
Seventh, it's important to keep the lower back area, over the kidneys, warm and protected from the cold.
Finally, to strengthen our kidneys, tell them every morning that we love them and care for them.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Diary 218: Cold and warm weather
It was cold in Vienna after spending 5 days there.
I had to wear a few later of winter clothing when going out of the building.
The day temperature was about 5 degree Celcius.
The winter has just begun.
In summer, the day temperature may reach 45 degree Celcius in Vienna.
At both temperature extremes, you may fall sick if not physically fit and strong.
I am happy to be back in Malaysia again, by the evening of 12 November 2010.
Goodbye to the cold weather in Vienna.
It is certainly not a place for me to stay for a long period.
Tropical weather suits me best.
Really happy to be home.
This is the place where I can maintain reasonably good health.
I had to wear a few later of winter clothing when going out of the building.
The day temperature was about 5 degree Celcius.
The winter has just begun.
In summer, the day temperature may reach 45 degree Celcius in Vienna.
At both temperature extremes, you may fall sick if not physically fit and strong.
I am happy to be back in Malaysia again, by the evening of 12 November 2010.
Goodbye to the cold weather in Vienna.
It is certainly not a place for me to stay for a long period.
Tropical weather suits me best.
Really happy to be home.
This is the place where I can maintain reasonably good health.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Diary 217: Organic shops in Vienna
Whenever I go, looking for organic shops becomes part of life.
Last evening (9 November 2010), I bought some organic foods from a shop located in the central train station at Karlsplatz, Vienna city centre.
It was the best dinner I had in Vienna.
I had sesame, almond and nut organic cakes.
I was trying to buy some organic food for dinner today (10 November 2010) but the organic shops close by 6pm.
I need to buy some food for my lunch tomorrow when taking my flight back to Malaysia.
The good thing is that the nearby organic shops open as early as 6.30am.
Last evening (9 November 2010), I bought some organic foods from a shop located in the central train station at Karlsplatz, Vienna city centre.
It was the best dinner I had in Vienna.
I had sesame, almond and nut organic cakes.
I was trying to buy some organic food for dinner today (10 November 2010) but the organic shops close by 6pm.
I need to buy some food for my lunch tomorrow when taking my flight back to Malaysia.
The good thing is that the nearby organic shops open as early as 6.30am.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Diary 216: Clean and healthy water in Vienna
This is the second day of our meeting in Vienna.
Last night, I learned the following interesting and important aspect of water supply in Vienna.
You can drink the water directly from the tap.
The authority in Vienna manages a wide forest area which supply clean and healthy water.
The hill water is filtered by the soil.
It is not treated with chemicals in the modern treatment plants.
The hill water is channeled to households and shops diretly.
We were at the restaurant last night (8 Nov 2010) and I asked for a glass of water.
The waiter just turned on the tap and passed me a glass of water.
The cold water from the tap is free at the restaurant.
However, if you asked for some hot water, you will be served in a pot.
Energy is used to boil the water.
The pot of hot water costs about $4 Euro at the restaurant.
Last night, I learned the following interesting and important aspect of water supply in Vienna.
You can drink the water directly from the tap.
The authority in Vienna manages a wide forest area which supply clean and healthy water.
The hill water is filtered by the soil.
It is not treated with chemicals in the modern treatment plants.
The hill water is channeled to households and shops diretly.
We were at the restaurant last night (8 Nov 2010) and I asked for a glass of water.
The waiter just turned on the tap and passed me a glass of water.
The cold water from the tap is free at the restaurant.
However, if you asked for some hot water, you will be served in a pot.
Energy is used to boil the water.
The pot of hot water costs about $4 Euro at the restaurant.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Diary 215: PS Ramakrishnan
7 November 2010, I met PS Ramakrishnan, an international well-known researcher on traditional knowledge from India, again in Vienna, Austria.
For the next 3 days, we are attending a meeting at International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) HQ to finalise a book on traditional forest-related knowledge.
He is 72 years old.
He has not visited medical clinic for the last 50 years.
Fantastic achievement.
How?
He is on vegetarian diet since young.
He does about 2 hours of yoga in the morning after waking up at 5.30am.
In the evening, he walks/runs for about 45 minutes.
He lives a disciplined life. Ho goes to bed latest at about 10.30pm.
He also practises the art of living and yoga.
For the next 3 days, we are attending a meeting at International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) HQ to finalise a book on traditional forest-related knowledge.
He is 72 years old.
He has not visited medical clinic for the last 50 years.
Fantastic achievement.
How?
He is on vegetarian diet since young.
He does about 2 hours of yoga in the morning after waking up at 5.30am.
In the evening, he walks/runs for about 45 minutes.
He lives a disciplined life. Ho goes to bed latest at about 10.30pm.
He also practises the art of living and yoga.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Diary 214: No time to eat right or exercise
While many people acknowledge that it is important to exercise and eat right to attain good health, some of them also claim that they have no time to do so.
Why do they have no time?
Too busy with work.
Do not cook at home.
Have to take care of growing children.
No matter what excuses given, it is wise to remember that we have to take charge of our own lives, which is very much related to our health condition.
Health is our own responsibility, not the doctors’.
You need to be motivated to give up your excuses.
Take action from today, do some exercise daily and choose health food when there is a choice.
Why do they have no time?
Too busy with work.
Do not cook at home.
Have to take care of growing children.
No matter what excuses given, it is wise to remember that we have to take charge of our own lives, which is very much related to our health condition.
Health is our own responsibility, not the doctors’.
You need to be motivated to give up your excuses.
Take action from today, do some exercise daily and choose health food when there is a choice.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Diary 213: Types of anaesthesia
When a patient goes for an operation, he may be placed under 3 types of anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia: the relevant part of the body is numbed.
Regional anaesthesia: numbs a larger area of the body through administering an anaesthetic drug to a cluster of nerves.
General anaesthesia (GA) refers to a state of unconsciousness (like sleep) and the lack of awareness or sensation.
GA can be induced by intravenous (IV) injection, or by breathing a volatile (a liquid that evaporates easily at normal temperatures and pressures) anaesthetic through a face mask (inhalational induction).
The onset of anaesthesia is faster with IV injection than with inhalation, taking about 10-20 seconds to induce total unconsciousness.
The IV inductions agents work in 5 to 10 minutes. Hence, anaesthesia must be prolonged or maintained for the whole process of surgery.
Local anaesthesia: the relevant part of the body is numbed.
Regional anaesthesia: numbs a larger area of the body through administering an anaesthetic drug to a cluster of nerves.
General anaesthesia (GA) refers to a state of unconsciousness (like sleep) and the lack of awareness or sensation.
GA can be induced by intravenous (IV) injection, or by breathing a volatile (a liquid that evaporates easily at normal temperatures and pressures) anaesthetic through a face mask (inhalational induction).
The onset of anaesthesia is faster with IV injection than with inhalation, taking about 10-20 seconds to induce total unconsciousness.
The IV inductions agents work in 5 to 10 minutes. Hence, anaesthesia must be prolonged or maintained for the whole process of surgery.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Diary 212: Nutrition labeling (NL)
Nutrition labelling (NL) is a declaration of the amount of energy (in cal) and nutrients (in gram or ml) in a particular product on its label.
It serves as a guide to consumers to make an informed choice when buying the particular pre-packaged food.
In Malaysia, a wide variety of pre-packaged foods are required to have nutrition labelling, and the declaration must be in per 100g or 100ml, and per serving.
Examples of nutrition labelling are as below.
A serving (5g) of X product provides sugar (0g), sodium (3mg), saturated fat (1g) and energy (27 cal).
Per serving of Y product: fat (7.5g), saturates (2.0g), sugar (40g) and salt (3g).
Product Z: 800 Cal per 100g.
Each 250ml bowl contains calories (150), sugars (3g), fat (2g), saturates (0.5g) and sodium (0.5g).
Note that the NL is for pre-packaged food.
Pre-packaged foods do not feature so prominently in the diets of Malaysians.
To benefit the consumers, NL needs to be placed on ready-to-eat meals, such as hawker foods and franchised fast foods too.
It serves as a guide to consumers to make an informed choice when buying the particular pre-packaged food.
In Malaysia, a wide variety of pre-packaged foods are required to have nutrition labelling, and the declaration must be in per 100g or 100ml, and per serving.
Examples of nutrition labelling are as below.
A serving (5g) of X product provides sugar (0g), sodium (3mg), saturated fat (1g) and energy (27 cal).
Per serving of Y product: fat (7.5g), saturates (2.0g), sugar (40g) and salt (3g).
Product Z: 800 Cal per 100g.
Each 250ml bowl contains calories (150), sugars (3g), fat (2g), saturates (0.5g) and sodium (0.5g).
Note that the NL is for pre-packaged food.
Pre-packaged foods do not feature so prominently in the diets of Malaysians.
To benefit the consumers, NL needs to be placed on ready-to-eat meals, such as hawker foods and franchised fast foods too.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Diary 211: Couple diagnosed with cancer
In the evening of 22 October 2010, I visited a couple at their home.
The wife is under chemotherapy for her breast cancer while the husband was just suspected to be diagnosed with a tumor in the brain.
They have 4 children, the eldest completed her SPM last year and currently looking for a job. The second child will be sitting for his SPM soon.
Sitting on the floor, I shared my view on health food for cancer patients with the two elder children and their untie (mother’s sister) and her husband from Kedah. I gave a copy of my health book and advised the children to go through. It may help.
It is going to be a tough time for the family. I motivated them to be mentally strong.
When the male cancer patient woke up from rest after our discussion, I told him to adjust his diet. I touched his forehead to render moral support. Tears dropped his eyes.
He is willing to take less acidic food and more alkaline food from now on.
As long as one is willing to change, there is always hope to regain health.
You must be wondering who this couple is and why I went to see them.
Malays.
We work at the same place.
The wife is under chemotherapy for her breast cancer while the husband was just suspected to be diagnosed with a tumor in the brain.
They have 4 children, the eldest completed her SPM last year and currently looking for a job. The second child will be sitting for his SPM soon.
Sitting on the floor, I shared my view on health food for cancer patients with the two elder children and their untie (mother’s sister) and her husband from Kedah. I gave a copy of my health book and advised the children to go through. It may help.
It is going to be a tough time for the family. I motivated them to be mentally strong.
When the male cancer patient woke up from rest after our discussion, I told him to adjust his diet. I touched his forehead to render moral support. Tears dropped his eyes.
He is willing to take less acidic food and more alkaline food from now on.
As long as one is willing to change, there is always hope to regain health.
You must be wondering who this couple is and why I went to see them.
Malays.
We work at the same place.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Diary 210: Metabolism and losing weight
Metabolism is the process by which our body converts calories from food consumed into energy.
To lose weight, we need to burn more calories than our consumption.
This can be achieved by the following means.
Taking smaller portions (quantity) of food.
Exercising moderately for about 30 minutes at least 4 times a week.
Detoxifying by taking fruit and vegetable juice.
To lose weight, we need to burn more calories than our consumption.
This can be achieved by the following means.
Taking smaller portions (quantity) of food.
Exercising moderately for about 30 minutes at least 4 times a week.
Detoxifying by taking fruit and vegetable juice.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Diary 209: Meeting a diebetic
He also visited my old friend at the Selayang Hospital on 19 October 2010.
He sat down immediately upon arrival.
Apparently, he cannot stand too long.
What is his age? 40+
What are his problems? High blood pressure and a diabetic.
His legs are swollen from time to time. He has to take few types of medicines daily.
Are you ready to change your diet to reduce the health problems? I asked.
Take more vegetables and fruits? Yes.
Reduce meat consumption? Very difficult. He likes “Bah Kut Teh” (pork herbal soup) very much.
Well, best wishes, my new friend.
He sat down immediately upon arrival.
Apparently, he cannot stand too long.
What is his age? 40+
What are his problems? High blood pressure and a diabetic.
His legs are swollen from time to time. He has to take few types of medicines daily.
Are you ready to change your diet to reduce the health problems? I asked.
Take more vegetables and fruits? Yes.
Reduce meat consumption? Very difficult. He likes “Bah Kut Teh” (pork herbal soup) very much.
Well, best wishes, my new friend.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Diary 208: Old friend warded
I acquinted with him 25 years ago while conducting my PhD research in a new village in Perak.
He was about 50 years then. Healthy and full of energy. He spoke freely on various topics of every day living.
In the last 25 years, we met a couple of times when I went back to the new village from time to time.
In 2009, I visited him in KL when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer . He was not well.
25 years have passed. Old friends are like the falling leaves. A few have passed away.
In early October 2010, he was admitted for treating multiple diseases.
Now, I look at this old friend at the Selayang Hospital. Dependent on oxygen, he can no longer speak. His son told me that it is a matter of time that his dear father would pass away.
In 20 years time, I will be in the 70+, just like this old friend.
How will happen to me then?
Lying in bed and dependent on oxygen?
I hope not.
That’s why I choose a healthy diet now to maintain good health.
He was about 50 years then. Healthy and full of energy. He spoke freely on various topics of every day living.
In the last 25 years, we met a couple of times when I went back to the new village from time to time.
In 2009, I visited him in KL when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer . He was not well.
25 years have passed. Old friends are like the falling leaves. A few have passed away.
In early October 2010, he was admitted for treating multiple diseases.
Now, I look at this old friend at the Selayang Hospital. Dependent on oxygen, he can no longer speak. His son told me that it is a matter of time that his dear father would pass away.
In 20 years time, I will be in the 70+, just like this old friend.
How will happen to me then?
Lying in bed and dependent on oxygen?
I hope not.
That’s why I choose a healthy diet now to maintain good health.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Diary 207: Indications of healthy nations
How do people categorise the health conditions of nations?
Conventional indications: More hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, ambulances, beds....per 100,000 people... to serve the needs of the population.
My views on per 100,000 people:
Less hospitals, clinics, doctors, phydioyhrtspidyd, nurses, ambulances, beds....
Lower incidence of modern diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and cancer.
Lower medical bills for government and individuals.
Lesser life assurance and health insurance costs.
Fewer visits to the clinics and hospitals.
Lesser MCs for workers.
Fewer number of pharmacies.
Lesser number of fast-food stores.
Conventional indications: More hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, ambulances, beds....per 100,000 people... to serve the needs of the population.
My views on per 100,000 people:
Less hospitals, clinics, doctors, phydioyhrtspidyd, nurses, ambulances, beds....
Lower incidence of modern diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and cancer.
Lower medical bills for government and individuals.
Lesser life assurance and health insurance costs.
Fewer visits to the clinics and hospitals.
Lesser MCs for workers.
Fewer number of pharmacies.
Lesser number of fast-food stores.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Diary 206: Why ‘Western’ diseases threatening developing nations
Why do developing nations are now faced with modern chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and cancer?
As these nations develop economically, the middele class is expanding. The now have bigger spending power.
As societies develop, people’s diets change.
They tend to take more high-fat and high-sugar foods, often in Western-style fast food restaurants (Pasquet 2010).
Urban life also tends to be more sedentery. Many people stay in the air-conditioned offices for too long. They hardly do any exercise.
Note: Many families are suffering financially and mentally because one or more members are not in good health.
(Pasquet, Y. 2010. ‘Western’ diseases spreading. SF8, Fit4Life, The Star, 17 October 2010).
As these nations develop economically, the middele class is expanding. The now have bigger spending power.
As societies develop, people’s diets change.
They tend to take more high-fat and high-sugar foods, often in Western-style fast food restaurants (Pasquet 2010).
Urban life also tends to be more sedentery. Many people stay in the air-conditioned offices for too long. They hardly do any exercise.
Note: Many families are suffering financially and mentally because one or more members are not in good health.
(Pasquet, Y. 2010. ‘Western’ diseases spreading. SF8, Fit4Life, The Star, 17 October 2010).
Monday, October 25, 2010
Diary 205: ‘Western’ diseases coming to the East
In the past, we used to associate chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes with the rich and developed ‘Western’ nations.
The health landscape has now changed.
Health experts met in Berlin in mid-October 2010 found that these ‘Western’ disease are making rapid inroads in the developing nations.
The diseases are not confined to the rich nations.
World Health Organisation (WHO) figures found that about 80% of new cases of cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are now being recorded in poorer parts of the world.
This is the “consequences of importing lifestyles from Western countries”, noted US National Institutes of Health head Francis Collins at Berlin’s Charite Hospital.
According to the WHO, the worst-affected areas are Southeast Asia and the western Pacific.
Take note: Malaysia is part of Southeast Asia.
(Pasquet, Y. 2010. ‘Western’ diseases spreading. SF8, Fit4Life, The Star, 17 October 2010).
The health landscape has now changed.
Health experts met in Berlin in mid-October 2010 found that these ‘Western’ disease are making rapid inroads in the developing nations.
The diseases are not confined to the rich nations.
World Health Organisation (WHO) figures found that about 80% of new cases of cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are now being recorded in poorer parts of the world.
This is the “consequences of importing lifestyles from Western countries”, noted US National Institutes of Health head Francis Collins at Berlin’s Charite Hospital.
According to the WHO, the worst-affected areas are Southeast Asia and the western Pacific.
Take note: Malaysia is part of Southeast Asia.
(Pasquet, Y. 2010. ‘Western’ diseases spreading. SF8, Fit4Life, The Star, 17 October 2010).
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Diary 197: Cleaning eyes with wheatgrass juice
As we gradually age, one of the symptom is poor eye sight.
Before we get into the complicated treatments and operations, it may be good to just clean our eyes naturally.
Normally, people clean their eyes with eye-drops purchased over the counters and pharmacies.
Commercial eye drops usually contain permissible level of preservatives.
We have another choice to clean the eyes naturally.
Use wheatgrass juice.
Purchase organic wheatgrass from your nearest organic shops.
Obtain the juice from an extractor, if you have one.
If not, just pound it to get the fresh juice.
The eyes normally feel uncomfortable initially.
You likely find some wastes coming out from the eyes the next morning.
If you are confident, do it over a few nights.
My wife and I have been cleaning our eyes with wheatgrass juice for the past 2 weeks before we go to bed.
It is good to find wastes in our eyes the next morning.
Before we get into the complicated treatments and operations, it may be good to just clean our eyes naturally.
Normally, people clean their eyes with eye-drops purchased over the counters and pharmacies.
Commercial eye drops usually contain permissible level of preservatives.
We have another choice to clean the eyes naturally.
Use wheatgrass juice.
Purchase organic wheatgrass from your nearest organic shops.
Obtain the juice from an extractor, if you have one.
If not, just pound it to get the fresh juice.
The eyes normally feel uncomfortable initially.
You likely find some wastes coming out from the eyes the next morning.
If you are confident, do it over a few nights.
My wife and I have been cleaning our eyes with wheatgrass juice for the past 2 weeks before we go to bed.
It is good to find wastes in our eyes the next morning.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Diary 203: Gout
As one is approaching 40 years of age, be careful of gout.
Gout is a condition caused by too much uric acid in the body. This causes tiny crystals of urate to form and deposit in the tissues, thereby causing inflammation, especially the joints.
The uric acid crystals can also become kidney stones and adversely affect kidney function.
Uric acid is the product of the breakdown or metabolism of purines, which are present in our cell DNA. As our body’s cells die, the chromosomes break down and release purines, which are then converted to uric acid. This uric acid is then excreted in the urine and gut.
Gout is associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and dehydration.
Arthritis is the most common way gout presents.
What are the foods rich in purine?
Animal organ: liver, kidneys, brain.
Shellfish: mussels, prawns and crabs.
Beverages: beer, hard liquor.
Soft-drinks: corn-syrup based drinks.
Gout is a condition caused by too much uric acid in the body. This causes tiny crystals of urate to form and deposit in the tissues, thereby causing inflammation, especially the joints.
The uric acid crystals can also become kidney stones and adversely affect kidney function.
Uric acid is the product of the breakdown or metabolism of purines, which are present in our cell DNA. As our body’s cells die, the chromosomes break down and release purines, which are then converted to uric acid. This uric acid is then excreted in the urine and gut.
Gout is associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and dehydration.
Arthritis is the most common way gout presents.
What are the foods rich in purine?
Animal organ: liver, kidneys, brain.
Shellfish: mussels, prawns and crabs.
Beverages: beer, hard liquor.
Soft-drinks: corn-syrup based drinks.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Diary 202: Toxic stress cycle
How does this happen?
It begins with the digestive system.
The food taken is not properly digested, it pass through the body in an undigested form, will be putrefied and produce toxins.
If one is constipated, more toxins travel and congest the liver via the blood vein at the intestinal wall.
The main function of the liver is to filter blood and neutralise toxic matters.
If the congested liver is unable to neutralise these toxins, it will store them in the liver.
Some toxins are recycled, i.e. passing to te kidneys, lung and skin to be excreted. Some are stored in the lymphatic tissue, heart and muscles.
If toxins are not eliminated and remain long in our body, they can lead to diseases.
It begins with the digestive system.
The food taken is not properly digested, it pass through the body in an undigested form, will be putrefied and produce toxins.
If one is constipated, more toxins travel and congest the liver via the blood vein at the intestinal wall.
The main function of the liver is to filter blood and neutralise toxic matters.
If the congested liver is unable to neutralise these toxins, it will store them in the liver.
Some toxins are recycled, i.e. passing to te kidneys, lung and skin to be excreted. Some are stored in the lymphatic tissue, heart and muscles.
If toxins are not eliminated and remain long in our body, they can lead to diseases.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Diary 201: Invest in Health
If you have limited or extra money, what would in invest in?
Most people would choose properties, houses, shares and children’s education.
As years pass by, we find that the above are less important any more.
We are facing declining health. We are visiting the clinics and hospitals more frequently now.
What should we do now?
We need to seriously think of investing our money in health.
It does not mean purchasing a better life assurance policy.
It does not mean purchasing a health care insurance and medical card.
It does not mean investing in keeping stem cells in the medical bank.
It simply means invest in healthy foods that can help us to reclaim our health.
Yes, take health food to keep diseases and illnesses at bay.
This type of investment ensures a happier life in the days to come.
Most people would choose properties, houses, shares and children’s education.
As years pass by, we find that the above are less important any more.
We are facing declining health. We are visiting the clinics and hospitals more frequently now.
What should we do now?
We need to seriously think of investing our money in health.
It does not mean purchasing a better life assurance policy.
It does not mean purchasing a health care insurance and medical card.
It does not mean investing in keeping stem cells in the medical bank.
It simply means invest in healthy foods that can help us to reclaim our health.
Yes, take health food to keep diseases and illnesses at bay.
This type of investment ensures a happier life in the days to come.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Diary 200: Back Pain Treatments
What are the treatments for back pains provided by the medical specialists?
Who are these specialisits?
Doctors: Medication to ease the pain.
Physiotherapists: correct your posture or teach you exercises to strenghen your back muscles.
Chiropractors: physical therapy. Chiropractic is a health care discipline and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system.
Surgeons: perform spine surgery when all the above fail.
Take note of other causes of back pain: problem with work, stress, problems with family. For these causes, the solutions are different.
Who are these specialisits?
Doctors: Medication to ease the pain.
Physiotherapists: correct your posture or teach you exercises to strenghen your back muscles.
Chiropractors: physical therapy. Chiropractic is a health care discipline and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system.
Surgeons: perform spine surgery when all the above fail.
Take note of other causes of back pain: problem with work, stress, problems with family. For these causes, the solutions are different.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Diary 199: Back Pain
Back pain is often associated with the elders.
It is often considered the hall-mark of old age.
The most common cause of back pain is muscle strain.
Other causes are problems due to the wear-and-tear of the cushions (discs) in between bones of the spine.
Disc problems in the spine include degenerated disc, bulging disc, herniated disc, thinning disc and disc degenerated with osteophyte formation.
Kindly take note that back pain is not confined to the elders.
According to Dr Stefan Hellinger, a German orthopaedic spine surgeon, the ageing of the spine starts very early, as early as 18 years old.
Problems such as degenerated and herniated (or slipped) discs often occur when one has passed 30 to 40 years of age. This is when the discs – once soft and spongy – become harder.
This is also when people slowly start to fee the pain as the discs that are out of place press on the surrounding nerve, and pieces of the nerves that break away might irritate the other nerves around them.
(Lim Wey Wen, “Spine snips”, SF10, Fit4Life, Sunday Star, 10 October 2010).
It is often considered the hall-mark of old age.
The most common cause of back pain is muscle strain.
Other causes are problems due to the wear-and-tear of the cushions (discs) in between bones of the spine.
Disc problems in the spine include degenerated disc, bulging disc, herniated disc, thinning disc and disc degenerated with osteophyte formation.
Kindly take note that back pain is not confined to the elders.
According to Dr Stefan Hellinger, a German orthopaedic spine surgeon, the ageing of the spine starts very early, as early as 18 years old.
Problems such as degenerated and herniated (or slipped) discs often occur when one has passed 30 to 40 years of age. This is when the discs – once soft and spongy – become harder.
This is also when people slowly start to fee the pain as the discs that are out of place press on the surrounding nerve, and pieces of the nerves that break away might irritate the other nerves around them.
(Lim Wey Wen, “Spine snips”, SF10, Fit4Life, Sunday Star, 10 October 2010).
Monday, October 18, 2010
Diary 198: Herbs to cure cancer
Someone asked my opinion on a special herb that claimed to cure cancer.
Can a special herb cure cancer?
It all depends on what do we mean by ‘cure’.
To different people, it may mean a few months, a year or a few years.
That is why to the medical experts, a cancer patient is regarded ‘cured’ once he/she survives the 5 years line.
In reality, many cancer patients face cancer recurrence after 5 years.
How effective is that herb in curing cancer is yet to be seen. It may be helpful for some times.
I have met this lady diagnosed with breast cancer lengthening her life with all types of herbs till year 4 before passing away.
Those researching on medicinal plants will tell us that plants have varying degree of toxicity.
What type of herbs do you recommend for cancer patients?
I am dealing with people's life, I just cannot recommend which herbs are best for cancer.
Be that as it may, I am not against herbs or modern treatments. If the patient wants to go for chemo or radio, taking herbal products, we have to respect the choice and even encourage him or her if it is best for him/her.
But, I always caution them that they should know what they are taking and the physicians recommending the herbs should be professionally trained.
In the mean time, I suggest cancer patients to adjust their diet, mental, emotional, motivation, environment and human relationship that could help lengthening their life.
Health needs a holistic approach, including herbs where appropriate but certainly not herbs alone.
Can a special herb cure cancer?
It all depends on what do we mean by ‘cure’.
To different people, it may mean a few months, a year or a few years.
That is why to the medical experts, a cancer patient is regarded ‘cured’ once he/she survives the 5 years line.
In reality, many cancer patients face cancer recurrence after 5 years.
How effective is that herb in curing cancer is yet to be seen. It may be helpful for some times.
I have met this lady diagnosed with breast cancer lengthening her life with all types of herbs till year 4 before passing away.
Those researching on medicinal plants will tell us that plants have varying degree of toxicity.
What type of herbs do you recommend for cancer patients?
I am dealing with people's life, I just cannot recommend which herbs are best for cancer.
Be that as it may, I am not against herbs or modern treatments. If the patient wants to go for chemo or radio, taking herbal products, we have to respect the choice and even encourage him or her if it is best for him/her.
But, I always caution them that they should know what they are taking and the physicians recommending the herbs should be professionally trained.
In the mean time, I suggest cancer patients to adjust their diet, mental, emotional, motivation, environment and human relationship that could help lengthening their life.
Health needs a holistic approach, including herbs where appropriate but certainly not herbs alone.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Diary 197: At the funding raising dinner
CETDEM, an environmental NGO, organised this slow food dinner on 16 October 2010.
To support the occassion, I purchased a ticket. This is the first time I paid RM200 to attend a dinner.
In the meantime, I took the opportunity to promote my health books to raise fund for CETDEM.
It was an evening where health food, based on Macrobiotic diet and planned by June Ka Lim, was served.
Many of the guests appeared to be taking non-health food normally. It was a big change for them. One of the guests told me that surprisingly the food served was nice.
The few dishes were served slowly with speeches, lucky draws, slide presentation and auction in between.
It was a great occassion to meet old and new friends.
I will network with those intested to promote healthy eating lifestyle.
Knowing that I am also a Hainanese, a lady asked whether I am taking the popular Hainan chicken rice.
No, I have given up taking chicken. I do not mind taking the rice. I am still a Hainanese.
To support the occassion, I purchased a ticket. This is the first time I paid RM200 to attend a dinner.
In the meantime, I took the opportunity to promote my health books to raise fund for CETDEM.
It was an evening where health food, based on Macrobiotic diet and planned by June Ka Lim, was served.
Many of the guests appeared to be taking non-health food normally. It was a big change for them. One of the guests told me that surprisingly the food served was nice.
The few dishes were served slowly with speeches, lucky draws, slide presentation and auction in between.
It was a great occassion to meet old and new friends.
I will network with those intested to promote healthy eating lifestyle.
Knowing that I am also a Hainanese, a lady asked whether I am taking the popular Hainan chicken rice.
No, I have given up taking chicken. I do not mind taking the rice. I am still a Hainanese.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Diary 196: Handling cancer using a holistic approach
I totally agree with this quotation that “All chronic diseases cannot be cured if the body is not detoxed first. Detoxification is the first step to take control of your health. Complete cure should encompass physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the person. This is because we all are a holistic being!”
Perhaps, the additional factors I would add are whether the cancer patient wants to live longer, his environment, and human relationship.
Yes, if cancer patients wish to live longer, he/she has to adjust their motivation, diet, physical, mental, emotional, environment and human relationship.
They may consider doing the followings.
Motivation: Strong will to live longer
: Vow to serve society
: Be a volunteer
Diet: Switch to health food, especially organic if you can afford
: Give up smoking and drinking wine/beer/carbonated drinks
: Do simple fasting by reducing food intake or fruit/vege juice fasting
Medicines/herbs: Take when necessary and when you are confident
: Know what you are taking and possible side impacts
: If you are not sure, do not take it
Physical: Detoxify body
: Inhale lots of natural oxygen, especially learning qi-gung
: Exercise daily to sweat out the accumulated toxin
Mental: Calm the mind
: Befriend with other cancer patients at Quolin qi-gung session
: Get supports from family members living together
Emotional: Reduce anger and anxiety
: Recite religious verses
: Listen to calming/religious music
Environment: Harmonious relation with others
: Stay away from polluted environment
: Help to conserve the environment
Human relationship: Resolve all conflicts
: Forgive and seek forgiveness
Perhaps, the additional factors I would add are whether the cancer patient wants to live longer, his environment, and human relationship.
Yes, if cancer patients wish to live longer, he/she has to adjust their motivation, diet, physical, mental, emotional, environment and human relationship.
They may consider doing the followings.
Motivation: Strong will to live longer
: Vow to serve society
: Be a volunteer
Diet: Switch to health food, especially organic if you can afford
: Give up smoking and drinking wine/beer/carbonated drinks
: Do simple fasting by reducing food intake or fruit/vege juice fasting
Medicines/herbs: Take when necessary and when you are confident
: Know what you are taking and possible side impacts
: If you are not sure, do not take it
Physical: Detoxify body
: Inhale lots of natural oxygen, especially learning qi-gung
: Exercise daily to sweat out the accumulated toxin
Mental: Calm the mind
: Befriend with other cancer patients at Quolin qi-gung session
: Get supports from family members living together
Emotional: Reduce anger and anxiety
: Recite religious verses
: Listen to calming/religious music
Environment: Harmonious relation with others
: Stay away from polluted environment
: Help to conserve the environment
Human relationship: Resolve all conflicts
: Forgive and seek forgiveness
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Diary 195: Helping Mother Diagnosed With Cancer
WC and her sister BY brought their 79-year old mother to visit me in the evening of 14 October 2010.
The elder looked good and in high spirit.
The sisters hesitated whether to tell their mother truth about cancer.
During the interaction with my mother-in-law, the elder came to accept that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
She needs to adjust her life.
What is her immediate wish?
She wants to visit relatives staying in Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia.
That should be given top priority.
Does she want to go for modern treatment?
No. Her decision should be respected.
She is willing to change her diet by taking more health food too.
How about canned food and over-night foods? No more.
How about her favorite chocolates? No more.
The family is willing to offer assistance to her. She decides to stay with BY to overcome her problem.
She is a brave and determined elder. With strong family support and BY’s natural healing medication, she should be able to survive the test of time.
The elder looked good and in high spirit.
The sisters hesitated whether to tell their mother truth about cancer.
During the interaction with my mother-in-law, the elder came to accept that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
She needs to adjust her life.
What is her immediate wish?
She wants to visit relatives staying in Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia.
That should be given top priority.
Does she want to go for modern treatment?
No. Her decision should be respected.
She is willing to change her diet by taking more health food too.
How about canned food and over-night foods? No more.
How about her favorite chocolates? No more.
The family is willing to offer assistance to her. She decides to stay with BY to overcome her problem.
She is a brave and determined elder. With strong family support and BY’s natural healing medication, she should be able to survive the test of time.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Diary 194: Spending time with your child
As parents, we need to create a harmonious family condition in the family that enable our children to grow healthily and happily.
No matter how busy we are, the most important thing to do daily is spending time with our children.
It is during this daily interaction that the children share their feelings with us.
This role is normally played by my wife with me as a supportive role.
My wife would inform me about the situation and solutions when necessary.
I provide my views to the children indirectly in appropriate occasion.
It is a learning process for me and my two children.
No matter how busy we are, the most important thing to do daily is spending time with our children.
It is during this daily interaction that the children share their feelings with us.
This role is normally played by my wife with me as a supportive role.
My wife would inform me about the situation and solutions when necessary.
I provide my views to the children indirectly in appropriate occasion.
It is a learning process for me and my two children.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Diary 193: Child’s health and the mind
When a child continually complains of a physical discomfort with no apparent medical reason, it is possible that the child has emotional problems that he or she is unable to cope with.
Examples of such stress among children are as follows.
Being teased or bullied at school.
Ignore by schoolmates and friends.
Do not perform well in an exam.
Unresolved family issue.
Moving to a new house or changing a new school.
Loss of a family member.
The inability to overcome stressful situations such as the above can be important causes of physical complaints.
Once the problem is identified, talked about and handled appropriately, the symptoms may abate naturally or resolve completely.
The parents play the most important role in handling such cases.
Examples of such stress among children are as follows.
Being teased or bullied at school.
Ignore by schoolmates and friends.
Do not perform well in an exam.
Unresolved family issue.
Moving to a new house or changing a new school.
Loss of a family member.
The inability to overcome stressful situations such as the above can be important causes of physical complaints.
Once the problem is identified, talked about and handled appropriately, the symptoms may abate naturally or resolve completely.
The parents play the most important role in handling such cases.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Diary 192: Body and mind connection
The body refers to the physical structure and the various organs in the body.
Modern medication is generally focussed on the physical body as the source of disease.
The other important aspect is the mind.
The mind relates to the psychological (e.g. emotion, memory, thought, perception, imagination) and intellectual aspects of our being.
“Mind” problems refer to illnesses with a psychological cause, such as anxiety and depression.
It is now increasingly realised that in treatment body and mind cannot be separated.
The body affects the mind. Constant physical discomfort or ailments such as headache can affect a person’s mood or thinking, causing him or her to become anxious or depressed.
The mind affects the body. It means feelings and emotions affect physical health. When one is under pressure, abdominal pain may increase and headache occurs. When one is afraid, the heart beats faster and body sweats profusely. This is because the state of mind signals the body to release the hormone adrenaline, which is responsible for those symptoms.
Keep the body and mind healthy, we will be healthy.
Modern medication is generally focussed on the physical body as the source of disease.
The other important aspect is the mind.
The mind relates to the psychological (e.g. emotion, memory, thought, perception, imagination) and intellectual aspects of our being.
“Mind” problems refer to illnesses with a psychological cause, such as anxiety and depression.
It is now increasingly realised that in treatment body and mind cannot be separated.
The body affects the mind. Constant physical discomfort or ailments such as headache can affect a person’s mood or thinking, causing him or her to become anxious or depressed.
The mind affects the body. It means feelings and emotions affect physical health. When one is under pressure, abdominal pain may increase and headache occurs. When one is afraid, the heart beats faster and body sweats profusely. This is because the state of mind signals the body to release the hormone adrenaline, which is responsible for those symptoms.
Keep the body and mind healthy, we will be healthy.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Diary 191:Erectile dysfunction
This is a complaint of men above 50.
In simple words, erectile dysfunction or impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain a food erection.
For men suffering from erectile dysfunction, their sexual lives are affected and they may also be depressed.
What would these men do to overcome erectile dysfunction?
To enhance their sexual lives with their partners, they take drugs while others take herbal medicines.
In the United States, 3 drugs are approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men: Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
The question to ask is whether there is any serious side effect of taking these drugs?
Is the claim that the adverse effects were found to be mild to moderate?
Time will tell.
To save and stay healthy, keep these drugs at a distance.
If you are in good health, you are unlikely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
In simple words, erectile dysfunction or impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain a food erection.
For men suffering from erectile dysfunction, their sexual lives are affected and they may also be depressed.
What would these men do to overcome erectile dysfunction?
To enhance their sexual lives with their partners, they take drugs while others take herbal medicines.
In the United States, 3 drugs are approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men: Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
The question to ask is whether there is any serious side effect of taking these drugs?
Is the claim that the adverse effects were found to be mild to moderate?
Time will tell.
To save and stay healthy, keep these drugs at a distance.
If you are in good health, you are unlikely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Diary 190:Talk at Malaysian Meteorological Department
In the morning of 29 September 2010, I delivered the health talk entitled “Hidup sihat tanpa ubat”literally meaning living healthily without medicine.
Upon request, the talk was delivered in two languages, Malay and English while the power point slides were in the Malay language.
Before the talk commenced, a participant wanted to purchase my health book at a very special discount.
I told him the book price was already discounted.
He insisted to have extra discount as he wanted to be the first purchaser.
I advised him to listen to the presentation first before asking for the special discount.
He insisted for that special discount claiming that that is how Chinese deals in business.
I gave in even though I am not in business. Promoting the books concerns life, not business.
After the health talk and question & answer session, he passed me an additional RM5 saying that he should pay the discounted price just like other people for such a wonderful talk.
It was a smiling session for all.
Upon request, the talk was delivered in two languages, Malay and English while the power point slides were in the Malay language.
Before the talk commenced, a participant wanted to purchase my health book at a very special discount.
I told him the book price was already discounted.
He insisted to have extra discount as he wanted to be the first purchaser.
I advised him to listen to the presentation first before asking for the special discount.
He insisted for that special discount claiming that that is how Chinese deals in business.
I gave in even though I am not in business. Promoting the books concerns life, not business.
After the health talk and question & answer session, he passed me an additional RM5 saying that he should pay the discounted price just like other people for such a wonderful talk.
It was a smiling session for all.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Diary 189: Program to reduce body weight
8 October 2010 is a historical day for FRIM, my work place.
As an effort to reduce body weight, about 20 staff members registered to participate in a special 3-month losing weight program organised by FRIM Club.
FRIM is probably among the few government agencies that take action to assist body weight reduction among the staff.
Within these 3 months, the focus is on 2 aspects.
First, adjust daily diet. For this purpose, I presented factors affecting obesity and how to reduce body weight in next 3 months.
Second, exercise. The participants will guided by trainers to do regular exercise of about 3 to 6 hours a week.
These are the enthusiastic peoples wishing to reduce body weight.
Their wish is likely to come true, I believe.
As an effort to reduce body weight, about 20 staff members registered to participate in a special 3-month losing weight program organised by FRIM Club.
FRIM is probably among the few government agencies that take action to assist body weight reduction among the staff.
Within these 3 months, the focus is on 2 aspects.
First, adjust daily diet. For this purpose, I presented factors affecting obesity and how to reduce body weight in next 3 months.
Second, exercise. The participants will guided by trainers to do regular exercise of about 3 to 6 hours a week.
These are the enthusiastic peoples wishing to reduce body weight.
Their wish is likely to come true, I believe.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Diary 188: Other benefits of apple cider vinegar
Yes, this apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a wonderful drink.
Helps to improve digestion and assimilation.
Remove body toxin.
Flush out stony deposits.
Fights gallstones and kidney stones.
Fights arthritis and gout.
Keeps blood in right consistency and in low alkaline.
Brings down blood pressure and blood sugar level.
Rich in enzymes and potassium.
Note: choose organically certified ACV.
Helps to improve digestion and assimilation.
Remove body toxin.
Flush out stony deposits.
Fights gallstones and kidney stones.
Fights arthritis and gout.
Keeps blood in right consistency and in low alkaline.
Brings down blood pressure and blood sugar level.
Rich in enzymes and potassium.
Note: choose organically certified ACV.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Diary 187: Taking apple cider vinegar to reduce weight
What is so special about this apple cider vinegar (ACV)?
It helps to reduce obesity.
How?
Take this drink 3 times daily.
Mix two tablespoons of ACV with one or two tablespoons of raw honey in a glass of water.
It helps to reduce obesity.
How?
Take this drink 3 times daily.
Mix two tablespoons of ACV with one or two tablespoons of raw honey in a glass of water.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Diary 186: Diet for a healthy heart
What should we take to maintain a healthy heart?
Wholegrain cereals such as brown rice, oats, wholewheat bread and pasta, millet, buckwheat, barley.
Leafy vegetables, green salads, broccoli, zucchini, onions, Chinese greens,cabbage (red and white), potato, pumpkin, sweet potato.
Sea vegetables (an excellent source of minerals) such as nori, arame, wakame
Legumes (an excellent source of fibre and protein) such as lentils, kidney beans, haricot beans, adzuki beans, chickpeas.
Fresh fruits.
When we take the above foods, not only our heart is healthy. We should be in good health.
Isn’t it wonderful?
Wholegrain cereals such as brown rice, oats, wholewheat bread and pasta, millet, buckwheat, barley.
Leafy vegetables, green salads, broccoli, zucchini, onions, Chinese greens,cabbage (red and white), potato, pumpkin, sweet potato.
Sea vegetables (an excellent source of minerals) such as nori, arame, wakame
Legumes (an excellent source of fibre and protein) such as lentils, kidney beans, haricot beans, adzuki beans, chickpeas.
Fresh fruits.
When we take the above foods, not only our heart is healthy. We should be in good health.
Isn’t it wonderful?
Monday, October 4, 2010
Diary 185: Lessons learnt from the passing away
There is a lot to learn and think about if we observe phenomena occurring in daily life.
Take the case of Mdm Kwa Geok Choo, aged 89, who passed away on 2 October 2010. She is the wife of Singapore’s first prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
A stroke in 2003 had left her frail, with weakened peripheral vision. But, she continued to be active, accompanying her husband on numerous official local and overseas functions.
She suffered another 2 strokes in 2008 which left her unable to walk and speak.
She had been bedridden for over 2 years, unable to speak or move.
It was a tough time for her and the husband. Lee said that his wife’s illness was one of the hardest things for him to face.
She was a “tower of strength” to her husband and family, emotionally and intellectually.
He loves his wife. He talked to her nightly. He told her about his day’s work, read her favourite poems. He told her that he would try and keep her company as long as he could. He also said:”I’m not sure who’s going first, whether she or me.”
All these touched my heart.
What have I learnt from this incident?
First, take care of our health.
Second, love can keep life going.
Third, our number 1 supporter in life is our spouse. Love and care for each other.
Take the case of Mdm Kwa Geok Choo, aged 89, who passed away on 2 October 2010. She is the wife of Singapore’s first prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
A stroke in 2003 had left her frail, with weakened peripheral vision. But, she continued to be active, accompanying her husband on numerous official local and overseas functions.
She suffered another 2 strokes in 2008 which left her unable to walk and speak.
She had been bedridden for over 2 years, unable to speak or move.
It was a tough time for her and the husband. Lee said that his wife’s illness was one of the hardest things for him to face.
She was a “tower of strength” to her husband and family, emotionally and intellectually.
He loves his wife. He talked to her nightly. He told her about his day’s work, read her favourite poems. He told her that he would try and keep her company as long as he could. He also said:”I’m not sure who’s going first, whether she or me.”
All these touched my heart.
What have I learnt from this incident?
First, take care of our health.
Second, love can keep life going.
Third, our number 1 supporter in life is our spouse. Love and care for each other.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Diary 184: Have a healthy heart
26 September is World Heart Day.
Is your heart healthy?
It has a lot to do with the your diet.
It is important to know the main risk factors for cardiovascular or heart disease.
What are there?
Obesity.
High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Physical inactivity.
Is your heart healthy?
It has a lot to do with the your diet.
It is important to know the main risk factors for cardiovascular or heart disease.
What are there?
Obesity.
High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Physical inactivity.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Diary 183: Interacting with cancer patient and family members
This family members brought their parents to visit me in the evening of 27 Sept 2010.
They brought a basket of fruits, a small surprise for me. Normally, I do not expect anything from visitors.
The71-year old father was dignosed with prostate cancer. He did not speak much even though I encouraged him to do so. His sons and daughter-in-law did the talking.
We exchanged views on various aspects of cancer and its treatment. My role is to exchange health informaton. The decision is theirs.
The good news is the family members are willing to assist their parents and themselves to reclaim good health.
This is a good sign.
If a cancer patient has the will power to adjust his diet and his way of life, he/she has a great chance of living a longer life.
The same thing applies to the other family members who are not in good health.
They brought a basket of fruits, a small surprise for me. Normally, I do not expect anything from visitors.
The71-year old father was dignosed with prostate cancer. He did not speak much even though I encouraged him to do so. His sons and daughter-in-law did the talking.
We exchanged views on various aspects of cancer and its treatment. My role is to exchange health informaton. The decision is theirs.
The good news is the family members are willing to assist their parents and themselves to reclaim good health.
This is a good sign.
If a cancer patient has the will power to adjust his diet and his way of life, he/she has a great chance of living a longer life.
The same thing applies to the other family members who are not in good health.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Diary 182: Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins essential for optimum metabolism.
It includes thiamine, ribofavin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, panthothenic acid, biotin and choline.
This category of vitamins ensures the proper function of many systems of the human body.
It is required to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used by the cells aa energy. This mechanism is commonly known as metabolism.
Vitamin is micro-nutrient where we just need a little daily.
What is the best source of Vitamin B complex?
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
It includes thiamine, ribofavin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, panthothenic acid, biotin and choline.
This category of vitamins ensures the proper function of many systems of the human body.
It is required to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used by the cells aa energy. This mechanism is commonly known as metabolism.
Vitamin is micro-nutrient where we just need a little daily.
What is the best source of Vitamin B complex?
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Diary 181: Health test at CETDEM Organic Path
I was promoting my health books to raise fund for CETDEM during CETDEM Organic Path held at KL’s Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on 19 Sept 2010.
A gentlemen approached me expressing his interest to share some health information.
He led me to his booth, took out a form and started asking questions on my name, height and contact number.
I did not mind that.
However, the next he did was asking me to take off my shoes and shocks to stand on a small machine.
I looked at the machine and found that it was a scanner.
Accordingly, the foot scanner has no side effects.
I politely told him that I did not mind answering a few questions but not standing on the scanner.
He got the message.
I wished him best of luck.
Was that one of the ways people wanting to share health information?
I wonder.
A gentlemen approached me expressing his interest to share some health information.
He led me to his booth, took out a form and started asking questions on my name, height and contact number.
I did not mind that.
However, the next he did was asking me to take off my shoes and shocks to stand on a small machine.
I looked at the machine and found that it was a scanner.
Accordingly, the foot scanner has no side effects.
I politely told him that I did not mind answering a few questions but not standing on the scanner.
He got the message.
I wished him best of luck.
Was that one of the ways people wanting to share health information?
I wonder.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Diary 180: Village of Long Life, Okinawa Island, Japan
The people in Okinawa Island in Japan are generally healthy.
They are not free from illness but they look youthful.
How can they achieve this?
The Okinawans consume a traditional diet consisting of plant food rich in antioxidants which are endowed with anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties.
The typical Okinawan foods are made of satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato), soy-based foods (natto, miso, tofu), vegetables and grains coupled with fish, rice and some meat.
Satsumaimo: contains natural hyaluronic acids that help to reduce wrinkles, improve complexion and bone join health.; contains natural vitamin E that helps improve brain funcation by protecting it from free radical cell damage.
Please note that hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid.
Natto & miso: help stimulate pituitary gland to produce fresh new cells to nourish the body.
Tofu: contains natural soy isoflavones that help build stronger bones; contains natural antioxidants to reduce free radical cell damage.
They are not free from illness but they look youthful.
How can they achieve this?
The Okinawans consume a traditional diet consisting of plant food rich in antioxidants which are endowed with anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties.
The typical Okinawan foods are made of satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato), soy-based foods (natto, miso, tofu), vegetables and grains coupled with fish, rice and some meat.
Satsumaimo: contains natural hyaluronic acids that help to reduce wrinkles, improve complexion and bone join health.; contains natural vitamin E that helps improve brain funcation by protecting it from free radical cell damage.
Please note that hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid.
Natto & miso: help stimulate pituitary gland to produce fresh new cells to nourish the body.
Tofu: contains natural soy isoflavones that help build stronger bones; contains natural antioxidants to reduce free radical cell damage.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Diary 179: Treating Disease or People
Have you ever wonder whether the doctors are treating disease or people?
When you have a fever, the doctors are likely to ask more on the symptoms and then prescribe medicines. That usually last at most 10 minutes.
Very rarely the doctors would spend time asking the patient his daily activities and diet which could contribute to the fever.
Time is too precious for them.
The truth is a disease is with a person.
Hence, to treat the disease, there is also a need to treat the patient.
That’s what holistic treatment is all about.
When you have a fever, the doctors are likely to ask more on the symptoms and then prescribe medicines. That usually last at most 10 minutes.
Very rarely the doctors would spend time asking the patient his daily activities and diet which could contribute to the fever.
Time is too precious for them.
The truth is a disease is with a person.
Hence, to treat the disease, there is also a need to treat the patient.
That’s what holistic treatment is all about.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Diary 178: A Special Conference
This is a very special conference I had ever attended in my life.
In most conferences, the speakers and session chair persons present themselves in certain areas of expertise.
In this conference, the speakers openly admitted that they could only share their limited knowledge and experience.
At times, they said thay did not have the answers.
At times, they raised questions.
In this conference, the speakers shared human feelings in the cases they handled.
In this conference, even the nuns and monks created jokes to make it more lively.
In this conference, we had good laughs.
In this conference, many participants dropped their tears in silence. I was of no exception.
In this conference, the sangha group and youths sang from the bottom of their hearts about various aspects of life.
This is certainly a conference to be remembered.
It was the World Buddhist Conference held at Kuala Lumpur on 25-26 September 2010.
It is good for our health as we gathered in a harmonious environment for two days.
In most conferences, the speakers and session chair persons present themselves in certain areas of expertise.
In this conference, the speakers openly admitted that they could only share their limited knowledge and experience.
At times, they said thay did not have the answers.
At times, they raised questions.
In this conference, the speakers shared human feelings in the cases they handled.
In this conference, even the nuns and monks created jokes to make it more lively.
In this conference, we had good laughs.
In this conference, many participants dropped their tears in silence. I was of no exception.
In this conference, the sangha group and youths sang from the bottom of their hearts about various aspects of life.
This is certainly a conference to be remembered.
It was the World Buddhist Conference held at Kuala Lumpur on 25-26 September 2010.
It is good for our health as we gathered in a harmonious environment for two days.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Diary 177: Use of Antibiotics
Medical experts have different views on the use of antibiotics.
Some says antibiotics should only be prescribed when very necessary. Taking antibiotics unnessarily will kill the ‘good’ bacteria in the body as antibiotics cannot distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Others are of the opinion that when antibiotics are used appropriately, it is best for your health.
There is increasing findings of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Take care when using antibiotics.
Some says antibiotics should only be prescribed when very necessary. Taking antibiotics unnessarily will kill the ‘good’ bacteria in the body as antibiotics cannot distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria.
Others are of the opinion that when antibiotics are used appropriately, it is best for your health.
There is increasing findings of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Take care when using antibiotics.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Diary 176: Healthy friends at World Buddhist Conference
I am attending this World Buddhist Conference, held at a local hotel in KL on 25-26 Sept 2010.
The most interesting observation was that the organisers, speakers, participants and volunteers (mainly youths) are generally in good health.
The world reknown 84-year old Ven Thich Nhat Hanh was in great spirit and good health. He spoke in compassinate voice full of love and care. I have the feeling that this Zen master, poet, and peace and human right activist has a high chance to live more than 100 years old.
Other speakers such as Ven Wei Wu, Dr Roshi Joan Halifax, Ven Tejadhammo Bhikkhu, Ven Thubten Chodron, Ven Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Dr David Robert Loy, Dr Tan Eng Kong and Ms Anchalee Kurutach were also in high spirit.
It was very touching and empowering listening to these experienced speakers.
At times, we laughed. At other times, some of us quietly dropped our tears.
The partipants have benefitted from all these speakers. We picked up their experience to fill the gaps in our life. We will move forward with greater confidence and motivation in serving the world community in our own ways.
Thanks to all these healthy people.
I showed my appreciation by presenting each of the speakers a copy of my health book, Eating for Good Health.
The most interesting observation was that the organisers, speakers, participants and volunteers (mainly youths) are generally in good health.
The world reknown 84-year old Ven Thich Nhat Hanh was in great spirit and good health. He spoke in compassinate voice full of love and care. I have the feeling that this Zen master, poet, and peace and human right activist has a high chance to live more than 100 years old.
Other speakers such as Ven Wei Wu, Dr Roshi Joan Halifax, Ven Tejadhammo Bhikkhu, Ven Thubten Chodron, Ven Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Dr David Robert Loy, Dr Tan Eng Kong and Ms Anchalee Kurutach were also in high spirit.
It was very touching and empowering listening to these experienced speakers.
At times, we laughed. At other times, some of us quietly dropped our tears.
The partipants have benefitted from all these speakers. We picked up their experience to fill the gaps in our life. We will move forward with greater confidence and motivation in serving the world community in our own ways.
Thanks to all these healthy people.
I showed my appreciation by presenting each of the speakers a copy of my health book, Eating for Good Health.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Diary 175: Meeting Two FRIM Retirees
I recently met these two former colleagues.
My impression was that both were not in good health.
One of them was having coffee at the stall just outside FRIM’s gate. At 72, he could not recognise me. He used to speak Mandarin while he was still in service. During this encounter, he spoke Hokkien with me.
The other, in his mid-60s, was bringing some friends to FRIM. He was less energetic. I encouraged him to read my health book.
Meeting them was a blessing.
There was a strong and clear indicator: if we do not take of our health, we will be like them when we are above 60 years old.
My impression was that both were not in good health.
One of them was having coffee at the stall just outside FRIM’s gate. At 72, he could not recognise me. He used to speak Mandarin while he was still in service. During this encounter, he spoke Hokkien with me.
The other, in his mid-60s, was bringing some friends to FRIM. He was less energetic. I encouraged him to read my health book.
Meeting them was a blessing.
There was a strong and clear indicator: if we do not take of our health, we will be like them when we are above 60 years old.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Diary 174: E-mail on Prostate Cancer
This is the email I received from CN on 21 September 2010 that I like to share with you.
“Dear Dr Lim,
Hello, this is CN from Kelang. I read your book 'Eating for Good Health' last year.
My father in law was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, Oct 2009. He is now on medication for his high blood pressure and cholesterol.
The doctor (urologist) had advised that he goes for radiotherapy to kill or stop the cancer cells from spreading.
However, we were worried about his age (71 years old) and side effect of the therapy, so instead of following the doctor's advice, we let him take Chinese medication once a week and fruit juice every morning.
I am very worried about my father in law's health and I do not know how long he could last going on like this. He used to be a very chatty and cheerful man but now he keeps to himself and seldom talk like before.
I really hope you can help us.”
My thoughts:
1. Prostate cancer is relatively easier to handle compared to other cancer.
2. It is a man’s problem. Once you are above 50 years old, your chance to get
this cancer increases if you do not take care of your health.
3. Whether a cancer patient goes for treatment or not, if he wishes to live
longer and suffer less, he has to change his diet from unhealthy food to
healthy food.
4. He has to inhale lots of natural oxygen as cancer cells cannot survive in
an oxygenated environment.
5. The next thing for him to do is to adjust his mind-set (mental) on his views
on life. Do not allow emotions to deteriorate the cancer situation. He has
to let go many things in life.
6. Spiritual development is important to keep the mind calm. Follow your own
religious practices to achieve this.
7. If the patient is willing to adjust his diet, mind-set and develop
spiritually, his chance of lengthening his life is very much higher.
8. A cancer patient can lead a happier life if he chooses to.
“Dear Dr Lim,
Hello, this is CN from Kelang. I read your book 'Eating for Good Health' last year.
My father in law was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, Oct 2009. He is now on medication for his high blood pressure and cholesterol.
The doctor (urologist) had advised that he goes for radiotherapy to kill or stop the cancer cells from spreading.
However, we were worried about his age (71 years old) and side effect of the therapy, so instead of following the doctor's advice, we let him take Chinese medication once a week and fruit juice every morning.
I am very worried about my father in law's health and I do not know how long he could last going on like this. He used to be a very chatty and cheerful man but now he keeps to himself and seldom talk like before.
I really hope you can help us.”
My thoughts:
1. Prostate cancer is relatively easier to handle compared to other cancer.
2. It is a man’s problem. Once you are above 50 years old, your chance to get
this cancer increases if you do not take care of your health.
3. Whether a cancer patient goes for treatment or not, if he wishes to live
longer and suffer less, he has to change his diet from unhealthy food to
healthy food.
4. He has to inhale lots of natural oxygen as cancer cells cannot survive in
an oxygenated environment.
5. The next thing for him to do is to adjust his mind-set (mental) on his views
on life. Do not allow emotions to deteriorate the cancer situation. He has
to let go many things in life.
6. Spiritual development is important to keep the mind calm. Follow your own
religious practices to achieve this.
7. If the patient is willing to adjust his diet, mind-set and develop
spiritually, his chance of lengthening his life is very much higher.
8. A cancer patient can lead a happier life if he chooses to.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Diary 173: Enzymes to sustain life
Before understanding enzymes, it is good to see how body cells functions.
The very existence of cells depends on complicated chemical reactions that require a constant supply of enery. Without energy, cells become disorganised, resulting in illness and even death.
Energy cannot be used or produced without enzymes.
First, enzymes make the digestive system work. They convert the 3 basic food groups (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) into materials our body can use.
Digestion is followed by absorption taking place in the small intestines.
Absorption in the small intestine is like sorting products on an assembly line in the factory. As they ppass by, individual nutrients are selected, pulled out and transported into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestines.
Enzymes play a decisive role in food absorption from the gut to the bloodstream and are essential in transport of nutrients.
Enzymes have also been used in injuries and inflammation. They assist in accelerating the healing of wounds, eliminate pain, shorten the duration of inflammation and avoid disfiguring scars.
Enzymes are also found helpful to normalise the female hormones and hormonal cycles, alleviate the symptoms of menopause and relieve premenstrual syndrome.
Important note: choose natural enzymes.
The very existence of cells depends on complicated chemical reactions that require a constant supply of enery. Without energy, cells become disorganised, resulting in illness and even death.
Energy cannot be used or produced without enzymes.
First, enzymes make the digestive system work. They convert the 3 basic food groups (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) into materials our body can use.
Digestion is followed by absorption taking place in the small intestines.
Absorption in the small intestine is like sorting products on an assembly line in the factory. As they ppass by, individual nutrients are selected, pulled out and transported into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestines.
Enzymes play a decisive role in food absorption from the gut to the bloodstream and are essential in transport of nutrients.
Enzymes have also been used in injuries and inflammation. They assist in accelerating the healing of wounds, eliminate pain, shorten the duration of inflammation and avoid disfiguring scars.
Enzymes are also found helpful to normalise the female hormones and hormonal cycles, alleviate the symptoms of menopause and relieve premenstrual syndrome.
Important note: choose natural enzymes.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Diary 172: Losing 6 kg during fasting month
I met Mohd Faiz Azman, aged 27, of Johor National Park Corporation before the fasting month (10 August – 9 Sept 2010) while attending a meeting in Kelantan.
While on flight, I encouraged him to take the opportunity during the fasting month to shake off some kilos.
He took up the challenge.
His body weight reduced from 72 kg to 66 kg within the fasting month. His BMI dropped from 26 to 24.
This is a great achievement for him as he faced problem reducing weight in the past. It was difficult to reduce weight to below 70 kg. In the last 4 years, his weight was always above 70 kg.
What did he do during fasting month?
Instead of eating a lot after daily breaking fast, he ate moderately. More importantly, he increased his vegetable and fruit intake and reduced meat consumption. He did not over eat during the Hari Raya.
In addition, he did not take egg yoke and chicken skin since early 2010. This helped to reduce his cholesterol level. He also gradually gave up carbonated soft drinks since 4 years ago. His current favorable drink is sky juice.
I was so glad to see him in better shape when we met again during a meeting at FRIM today, 21 Sept 2010.
He looks energetic and happier.
While on flight, I encouraged him to take the opportunity during the fasting month to shake off some kilos.
He took up the challenge.
His body weight reduced from 72 kg to 66 kg within the fasting month. His BMI dropped from 26 to 24.
This is a great achievement for him as he faced problem reducing weight in the past. It was difficult to reduce weight to below 70 kg. In the last 4 years, his weight was always above 70 kg.
What did he do during fasting month?
Instead of eating a lot after daily breaking fast, he ate moderately. More importantly, he increased his vegetable and fruit intake and reduced meat consumption. He did not over eat during the Hari Raya.
In addition, he did not take egg yoke and chicken skin since early 2010. This helped to reduce his cholesterol level. He also gradually gave up carbonated soft drinks since 4 years ago. His current favorable drink is sky juice.
I was so glad to see him in better shape when we met again during a meeting at FRIM today, 21 Sept 2010.
He looks energetic and happier.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Diary 171: Staying healthy after retirement
For those who have retired and going to retire, the question of good health after retirement is a big challenge in life.
87-year old Lee Kuan Yew shared this view: “I can feel the gradual decline energy and vitality...I mean generally, every year, when you know you are not on the same level as last year.” (Seth Mydans, “87 and counting”, Startwo, T9, 14 September 2010).
It was reported that his life has been darkened by the illness of his 89-year old wife and companion of 61 years, bedridden and mute after a series of strokes.
What does he do to face the decline of age?
Swimming, cycling, massage, an hour-by-hour daily schedule of meetings, speeches and conferences, meditation.
Although the leave are falling from the tree with the passing of time, every one should maintain a good health to enjoy a happier life.
One of the means to achieve this is taking health food.
87-year old Lee Kuan Yew shared this view: “I can feel the gradual decline energy and vitality...I mean generally, every year, when you know you are not on the same level as last year.” (Seth Mydans, “87 and counting”, Startwo, T9, 14 September 2010).
It was reported that his life has been darkened by the illness of his 89-year old wife and companion of 61 years, bedridden and mute after a series of strokes.
What does he do to face the decline of age?
Swimming, cycling, massage, an hour-by-hour daily schedule of meetings, speeches and conferences, meditation.
Although the leave are falling from the tree with the passing of time, every one should maintain a good health to enjoy a happier life.
One of the means to achieve this is taking health food.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Diary 170: Joint replacement surgery
Many middle-aged persons and elders are having need pain that may need joint replacment surgery in latter part of their life.
This surgery becomes necessary when the cartilage that protects the hips, knee and other joints wears out.
Cartilage cushions the bone in the joint, absorbing shock and aiding movement.
When the cartilage wears out, the joint becomes inflammed and painful. This condition is commonly known as arthritis.
Common causes of arthritis: injuries (sports or trauma), increased body weight, ageing and hereditary.
When pain is unbearable, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
The surgery is regarded a major operation. That is why the doctor usually ask the patient “the last words for the family” just before the opearation.
But, take care of the post-surgery health care. It is the begining of a complicated process.
This surgery becomes necessary when the cartilage that protects the hips, knee and other joints wears out.
Cartilage cushions the bone in the joint, absorbing shock and aiding movement.
When the cartilage wears out, the joint becomes inflammed and painful. This condition is commonly known as arthritis.
Common causes of arthritis: injuries (sports or trauma), increased body weight, ageing and hereditary.
When pain is unbearable, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
The surgery is regarded a major operation. That is why the doctor usually ask the patient “the last words for the family” just before the opearation.
But, take care of the post-surgery health care. It is the begining of a complicated process.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Diary 169: Our health depends on plant health
Many of us may not realise that human and animal health depend much on the health of plants on earth.
Through photosynthesis, plants provide the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat.
There is no doubt that plants are the foundations of most life.
Plants are the backbones of ecosystems and the base of food chain.
Herbal plants are used by not rural folks but also urbanites as well.
What if plants are gradually headed for extinction?
Take care of plants on earth.
Do not over-exploit the harvesting of these plants.
Through photosynthesis, plants provide the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat.
There is no doubt that plants are the foundations of most life.
Plants are the backbones of ecosystems and the base of food chain.
Herbal plants are used by not rural folks but also urbanites as well.
What if plants are gradually headed for extinction?
Take care of plants on earth.
Do not over-exploit the harvesting of these plants.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Diary 168: Magnesium-rich food
We need minerals to sustain the body functions.
Magnesium assists in the production of enzymes that metablolize protein and carbohydrates for energy.
Due to the aggressive advertisement in the media, many people choose magnesium tablets as food supplement.
You do not have to spend money by taking food supplement.
Alternative is found in the original foods.
Foods rich in mangesium include bananas, dried figs, oat bran, almonds, beans and lentils.
Choose these foods if you need to supplement magnesium.
Magnesium assists in the production of enzymes that metablolize protein and carbohydrates for energy.
Due to the aggressive advertisement in the media, many people choose magnesium tablets as food supplement.
You do not have to spend money by taking food supplement.
Alternative is found in the original foods.
Foods rich in mangesium include bananas, dried figs, oat bran, almonds, beans and lentils.
Choose these foods if you need to supplement magnesium.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Diary 167: Buying insurance up to age 100
Paying for medical insurance is part of financial burden for many families.
Health is so uncertain that we now find people taking up multiple health insuranc e policies, with some even extending their cover up to the age of 100 (The Sunday Star 5 September 2010).
Why?
Most employers do not provide post-retirement medical coverage. Hence, more and more working adults between 25 and 50 are taking up private medical insurance policies to avoid exhausting their savings should they be stricken with a major illness.
How much will it cost?
It was reported that a 70-year-old pays about RM480 a month as premium (for cover expiring at age 80) or RM611 for cover expiring at the age 100.
The above is too high a cost for many people.
What is the alternative?
The best insurance is ensure one is leading a healthy lifestyle.
If one is healthy, one does not need to worry about medical insurance cost. It is not an issue at all.
For this simple practise of taking health food to ensure long term health, my family does not take up any medical insurance.
Health is so uncertain that we now find people taking up multiple health insuranc e policies, with some even extending their cover up to the age of 100 (The Sunday Star 5 September 2010).
Why?
Most employers do not provide post-retirement medical coverage. Hence, more and more working adults between 25 and 50 are taking up private medical insurance policies to avoid exhausting their savings should they be stricken with a major illness.
How much will it cost?
It was reported that a 70-year-old pays about RM480 a month as premium (for cover expiring at age 80) or RM611 for cover expiring at the age 100.
The above is too high a cost for many people.
What is the alternative?
The best insurance is ensure one is leading a healthy lifestyle.
If one is healthy, one does not need to worry about medical insurance cost. It is not an issue at all.
For this simple practise of taking health food to ensure long term health, my family does not take up any medical insurance.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Diary 166: Critical health problems and special causes
When one is having a critical health problem and the reason cannot be identified, it is best to look beyond the normal reasons.
One special reason is to examine the relationships with others.
It is normal to link cancers with conflicts with other people.
For example, if you have breast cancer, you have to resolve the conflicts with you family members, especially your spouses and children.
Similarly, if one suffers kidney damage and has to go for dialysis 3 times a week, look at our family relationship.
Does one treat her/his parents well?
Does one has extra marital affairs?
If one has, such conflict has to be resolved if one wishes to recover from the critical health problems.
Seek forgiveness.
One special reason is to examine the relationships with others.
It is normal to link cancers with conflicts with other people.
For example, if you have breast cancer, you have to resolve the conflicts with you family members, especially your spouses and children.
Similarly, if one suffers kidney damage and has to go for dialysis 3 times a week, look at our family relationship.
Does one treat her/his parents well?
Does one has extra marital affairs?
If one has, such conflict has to be resolved if one wishes to recover from the critical health problems.
Seek forgiveness.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Diary 165: Leg pain and chicken legs
At the age of 70+, she recently went for a need replacement surgery to overcome her leg pain.
After the operation, her daughter massaged her mother’s operated legs to ensure smooth blood circulation and quick recovery.
During the massage, the daughter suddenly remembered that her mother ate a lot of chicken legs in the past.
Could her mother’s leg pain be related to preparation and taking of chicken legs in the past?
She wonders.
I wonder too after listening to her story.
I regret taking chicken legs before the age of 41.
Since then, no more chicken legs for me.
Will I suffer too leg pain at the latter stage of my life?
Time will tell.
After the operation, her daughter massaged her mother’s operated legs to ensure smooth blood circulation and quick recovery.
During the massage, the daughter suddenly remembered that her mother ate a lot of chicken legs in the past.
Could her mother’s leg pain be related to preparation and taking of chicken legs in the past?
She wonders.
I wonder too after listening to her story.
I regret taking chicken legs before the age of 41.
Since then, no more chicken legs for me.
Will I suffer too leg pain at the latter stage of my life?
Time will tell.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Diary 164: What is wholegrain?
We often hear of taking wholegrains to maintain good health and to reclaim health.
What are they?
Wholegrains are cereals in which all the natural grain, uncluding the outer bran layer, germ and endosperm layers are retained.
1. The outer layer bran protects the seed and it is rich in fibre, B vitamins and minerals.
2. The germ is the nourishment for the seed as it contains B vitamins. Vitamin E, minerals and phytochemicals.
3. The endosperm layer provides energy for the seed as it contains carbohydrates, some protein and some B vitamins.
What happen after the grains are refined?
The bran and germ are removed when wholegrains are refined.
The common wholegrains are:
1. Whole wheat, including wholemeal
2. Brown rice
3. Corn (even popcorn)
4. Oats
(Source: Utusan Konsumer, July-August 2010).
What are they?
Wholegrains are cereals in which all the natural grain, uncluding the outer bran layer, germ and endosperm layers are retained.
1. The outer layer bran protects the seed and it is rich in fibre, B vitamins and minerals.
2. The germ is the nourishment for the seed as it contains B vitamins. Vitamin E, minerals and phytochemicals.
3. The endosperm layer provides energy for the seed as it contains carbohydrates, some protein and some B vitamins.
What happen after the grains are refined?
The bran and germ are removed when wholegrains are refined.
The common wholegrains are:
1. Whole wheat, including wholemeal
2. Brown rice
3. Corn (even popcorn)
4. Oats
(Source: Utusan Konsumer, July-August 2010).
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Diary 164: Reasons to take wholegrain
Heart health: Large studies have found that eating plenting of wholegrains reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Reduce cancer risk: There is evidence that eating wholegrains reduces the risk of some cancer, particularly of the digestive tract, but possibly breast and prostate cancer as well.
Reduce risk of type 2 diabetes: Wholegrains can improve blood sugar and insulin levels.
Weight control: There is evidence that wholegrains can help people control their weight and reduce the risk of faining weight in later life.
Digestive health: The insoluble fibre in wholegrains is essential to keep things moving in the bowel – which means less constipation and risk of diverticular dieases.
Protect form health problems: Wholegrains are high in many phytochemicals (plant substances) protect us from a wide range of health problems.
Reduce cholesterol level: Wholegrains contain sterols, saponins, squalene, oryanol and tocotrienols as well as fibre that can reduce cholestrol levels.
(Source: “5 very good reasons to eat wholegrains”, Utusan Konsumer, July-August 2010).
Reduce cancer risk: There is evidence that eating wholegrains reduces the risk of some cancer, particularly of the digestive tract, but possibly breast and prostate cancer as well.
Reduce risk of type 2 diabetes: Wholegrains can improve blood sugar and insulin levels.
Weight control: There is evidence that wholegrains can help people control their weight and reduce the risk of faining weight in later life.
Digestive health: The insoluble fibre in wholegrains is essential to keep things moving in the bowel – which means less constipation and risk of diverticular dieases.
Protect form health problems: Wholegrains are high in many phytochemicals (plant substances) protect us from a wide range of health problems.
Reduce cholesterol level: Wholegrains contain sterols, saponins, squalene, oryanol and tocotrienols as well as fibre that can reduce cholestrol levels.
(Source: “5 very good reasons to eat wholegrains”, Utusan Konsumer, July-August 2010).
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Diary 163: Feedback and interaction with AC
“Hi Dr Lim, sorry to disturb you as I could not reach you by phone. My name is AC, a member of Subang Jaya Buddhist Association. I also attended your talk and have a copy of your book, Eating for Good Health. I appreciate if I can get a Mandarin version of the book for my father to read. He had just finished his operation on colon rectum cancer and was of course asked by the doctor to go for chemotherapy for 30 shots. I am very worried if he can even last a few shots as he is already 80 years old. I am thinking if there is an alternative method to prolong it in an easier way for him to on his life. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks. Cheers.”
“Thanks so much for your kindness in spending an hour with my father. For your precious sharing, I indeed m so grateful to your kind effort. Will update you on my father’s progress later. Meantime, would appreciate your feedback on on Dr Chan’s method on his website. Wishing you a great week ahead. With metta.”
“Thank you very much for your encouragement. We certainly respect his decision as he is quite a wise person to me. I have forgiven him. Thank you again for your kindness. May you and your familybe always blessed with love, joy, health and abundance of wealth. With metta.”
“Thank you Dr Lim for your kind advice and appreciate your personal view sharing. It is certainly worth considering, am already doing it slowly cutting down meat especially pork at least for my dinner. Yes, you are right, perhaps its my wake up call.
"It was such a blessing that I met Swee Aun again at the temple on last Sunday Dhamma talk. As usual, he is so kind to print me some good articles on the spot on consuming natural plants and soup for cancer patients and have also sharing with me some little good information on cooking barley for my father during his radiotherapy session to reduce toxin and cooling the body. I seriously feel that we have so many kind hearted and wonderful people around in this beautiful Universe, people are so opened enough to just share their knowledge and experience to help one another. I just find this is an Awesome world to live in!
A Maha Sadhu to you, Dr Lim for your continuous sharing and guidance.
(AC, e-mails dated 21, 22 & 31August 2010)
“Thanks so much for your kindness in spending an hour with my father. For your precious sharing, I indeed m so grateful to your kind effort. Will update you on my father’s progress later. Meantime, would appreciate your feedback on on Dr Chan’s method on his website. Wishing you a great week ahead. With metta.”
“Thank you very much for your encouragement. We certainly respect his decision as he is quite a wise person to me. I have forgiven him. Thank you again for your kindness. May you and your familybe always blessed with love, joy, health and abundance of wealth. With metta.”
“Thank you Dr Lim for your kind advice and appreciate your personal view sharing. It is certainly worth considering, am already doing it slowly cutting down meat especially pork at least for my dinner. Yes, you are right, perhaps its my wake up call.
"It was such a blessing that I met Swee Aun again at the temple on last Sunday Dhamma talk. As usual, he is so kind to print me some good articles on the spot on consuming natural plants and soup for cancer patients and have also sharing with me some little good information on cooking barley for my father during his radiotherapy session to reduce toxin and cooling the body. I seriously feel that we have so many kind hearted and wonderful people around in this beautiful Universe, people are so opened enough to just share their knowledge and experience to help one another. I just find this is an Awesome world to live in!
A Maha Sadhu to you, Dr Lim for your continuous sharing and guidance.
(AC, e-mails dated 21, 22 & 31August 2010)
Friday, September 10, 2010
PRAKATA BUKU
MAKANAN SIHAT SEBAGAI UBAT (2010)ISBN 978-983-42313-2-3
Selepas penerbitan buku yang berjudul “Eating for Good Health” pada tahun 2007, galakan dan inspirasi rakan-rakan telah membawa kepada penulisan buku ini.
Rakyat Malaysia yang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum dan latar belakang mempunyai budaya pemakanan yang tersendiri. Namun begitu, setiap warganegara Malaysia mempunyai satu aspirasi yang sama iaitu mempunyai kesihatan jasmani dan rohani.
Pemakanan yang mengandungi semua nutrien seperti protein, karbohidrat, lemak, serat, vitamin dan galian diperlukan oleh individu untuk menjamin kesihatan dan tumbesaran yang sempurna. Ini dikenali sebagai makanan seimbang atau piramid makanan. Ramai orang mengamalkan pemakanan ini dan yakin bahawa ini adalah pemakanan yang sihat.
Akan tetapi, kesihatan rakyat Malaysia pada masa kini diancam oleh pelbagai penyakit. Generasi kini lebih mengutamakan makanan yang sedap dan beraneka cara masakan. Keadaan ini, secara langsung dan tidak langsung telah mengabaikan makanan sihat yang boleh mengekalkan dan memelihara kesihatan.
Salah satu faktor kenyataan yang benar ialah kesihatan seseorang amat bergantung kepada amalan pemakanan harian. Amalan pemakanan harian yang kurang sihat akan mengundang pelbagai penyakit. Sebaliknya, amalan pemakanan yang sihat akan mencegah penyakit.
Secara keseluruhan, buku ini memberikan maklumat mengenai hubungkait di antara makanan dan penyakit. Pengalaman keluarga dengan pegangan teguh kepada mengenal pasti, memilih makanan sihat dan seterusnya mempraktikkannya dalam kehidupan seharian diterangkan. Di samping itu, buku ini menyatakan bagaimana bapa mentua menghadapi penyakit kanser prostat sejak 1996. Tanpa rawatan konvensyenal seperti radioterapi dan kemoterapi, beliau telah dapat hidup 10 tahun lebih lama dengan mengamalkan cara hidup sihat secara holistik. Buku ini juga menceritakan pengalaman tindak balas kepada badan ahli keluarga terhadap makanan sihat.
Usaha dan sumbangan buku ini ialah meningkatkan kesedaran orang ramai tentang kepentingan kesihatan diri dan keluarga. Kesihatan diri tidak terletak semata-mata dalam tangan pakar perubatan. Setiap individu bertanggungjawab menjaga kesihatan diri.
Mudah-mudahan anda juga mengambil makanan sihat dan hidup sihat selepas membaca buku ini.
Amalan pemakanan sihat adalah amalan yang bijaksana.
Lim Hin Fui, PhD
1 Januari 2010
MAKANAN SIHAT SEBAGAI UBAT (2010)ISBN 978-983-42313-2-3
Selepas penerbitan buku yang berjudul “Eating for Good Health” pada tahun 2007, galakan dan inspirasi rakan-rakan telah membawa kepada penulisan buku ini.
Rakyat Malaysia yang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum dan latar belakang mempunyai budaya pemakanan yang tersendiri. Namun begitu, setiap warganegara Malaysia mempunyai satu aspirasi yang sama iaitu mempunyai kesihatan jasmani dan rohani.
Pemakanan yang mengandungi semua nutrien seperti protein, karbohidrat, lemak, serat, vitamin dan galian diperlukan oleh individu untuk menjamin kesihatan dan tumbesaran yang sempurna. Ini dikenali sebagai makanan seimbang atau piramid makanan. Ramai orang mengamalkan pemakanan ini dan yakin bahawa ini adalah pemakanan yang sihat.
Akan tetapi, kesihatan rakyat Malaysia pada masa kini diancam oleh pelbagai penyakit. Generasi kini lebih mengutamakan makanan yang sedap dan beraneka cara masakan. Keadaan ini, secara langsung dan tidak langsung telah mengabaikan makanan sihat yang boleh mengekalkan dan memelihara kesihatan.
Salah satu faktor kenyataan yang benar ialah kesihatan seseorang amat bergantung kepada amalan pemakanan harian. Amalan pemakanan harian yang kurang sihat akan mengundang pelbagai penyakit. Sebaliknya, amalan pemakanan yang sihat akan mencegah penyakit.
Secara keseluruhan, buku ini memberikan maklumat mengenai hubungkait di antara makanan dan penyakit. Pengalaman keluarga dengan pegangan teguh kepada mengenal pasti, memilih makanan sihat dan seterusnya mempraktikkannya dalam kehidupan seharian diterangkan. Di samping itu, buku ini menyatakan bagaimana bapa mentua menghadapi penyakit kanser prostat sejak 1996. Tanpa rawatan konvensyenal seperti radioterapi dan kemoterapi, beliau telah dapat hidup 10 tahun lebih lama dengan mengamalkan cara hidup sihat secara holistik. Buku ini juga menceritakan pengalaman tindak balas kepada badan ahli keluarga terhadap makanan sihat.
Usaha dan sumbangan buku ini ialah meningkatkan kesedaran orang ramai tentang kepentingan kesihatan diri dan keluarga. Kesihatan diri tidak terletak semata-mata dalam tangan pakar perubatan. Setiap individu bertanggungjawab menjaga kesihatan diri.
Mudah-mudahan anda juga mengambil makanan sihat dan hidup sihat selepas membaca buku ini.
Amalan pemakanan sihat adalah amalan yang bijaksana.
Lim Hin Fui, PhD
1 Januari 2010
BAB 1: KESIHATAN KELUARGA SAYA
Bab 1.1: Pengenalan
Mengapakah seorang ahli sains sosial berminat menceburi diri dalam penulisan buku kesihatan? Semenjak buku kesihatan pertama saya, Eating for Good Health, yang diterbitkan pada Mac 2007, saya telah terpanggil untuk menulis buku tersebut dalam versi Bahasa Malaysia. Usaha ini merupakan satu cabaran kerana makanan sihat yang berasaskan sumber sayur-sayuran, bijirin dan buah-buahan merupakan konsep yang baru untuk masyarakat generasi muda. Sungguhpun demikian, usaha ini perlu dilakukan memandangkan pemakanan sihat mungkin merupakan jawapan kepada orang-orang yang ingin hidup sihat dan bebas daripada pengambilan ubat.
Bagi kaum keluarga dan rakan-rakan yang tidak bertemu dengan saya semenjak 1996, mereka akan terperanjat melihat perubahan saiz dan berat badan saya. Memang benar, kini saya adalah lebih kurus berbanding dengan keadaan 12 tahun yang lalu. Berat badan saya telah menurun dari 78 kg pada tahun 1996 kepada 58 kg pada tahun 2006 dan tidak banyak berubah selepas 2006.
Lumrahnya, apabila seseorang itu kelihatan kurus orang akan kaitkannya dengan penyakit-penyakit tertentu. ”Adakah anda sakit?” Ini merupakan soalan yang selalu saya terima. Kadang- kala, soalan ini diikuti dengan nasihat “jika sakit, baik jumpa doktor”.
Sebenarnya, kesihatan saya dianggap baik berbanding dengan saudara-mara dan rakan-rakan dalam lingkungan umur antara 50 dan 60. Kebanyakan dari mereka sedang menghidap satu atau lebih dari satu jenis penyakit. Mereka terpaksa berjumpa dengan doktor dari masa ke masa untuk pemeriksaan kesihatan dan mengambil ubat untuk mengawal darah tinggi, kencing manis atau kolesterol. Bagaimana pula dengan saya? Saya dianggap bernasib baik kerana pengambilan ubat tidak lagi menjadi sebahagian daripada hidup saya. Begitu juga dengan isteri dan anak-anak saya. Rakan-rakan sekerja isteri saya yang berumur 30 tahun ke atas mengadu tentang kesakitan badan dari masa ke masa. Isteri saya pula jarang menghidap ketidakselesaan badan yang berkait dengan pelbagai penyakit. Begitu juga dengan anak saya, mereka jarang berjumpa doktor disebabkan oleh masalah kesihatan.
Bab 1.2: Sebelum Bertukar Kepada Pemakanan Sihat
Amalan pemakanan yang sihat adalah amalah yang bijaksana. Kita perlu mengalami perubahan gaya hidup secara perlahan, khasnya dari segi pemakanan.
Sebelum tahun 1996, keluarga kami mendapat rawatan dan mengambil ubat-ubatan moden dan kadang-kala ubat-ubatan tradisional Cina dalam penjagaan kesihatan. Kami percaya bahawa mereka adalah pakar perubatan yang bertauliah dan paling mengenali kesihatan serta pelbagai penyakit. Kami percaya dan yakin kemudahan sains dan teknologi dalam perubatan dapat membantu menyelamatkan nyawa dan menyelesaikan masalah kesihatan manusia. Dalam setahun, saya ke klinik lebih kurang dua atau tiga kali bagi merawat penyakit seperti demam, batuk dan sakit badan.
Dalam setiap rawatan, doktor memberikan saya ubat demam, batuk dan antibiotik. Setiap kali saya diingatkan bahawa semua ubat, khasnya antibiotik perlu dihabiskan. Ia mengambil masa lebih kurang seminggu untuk pulih sepenuhnya. Pada masa yang sama, kami juga membeli makanan tambahan untuk meningkatkan tahap kesihatan. Semua ini bukanlah cara penyelesaian kesihatan untuk jangka masa panjang. Saya perlu berjumpa dengan doktor apabila demam ini berulang selepas beberapa bulan. Begitu juga dengan isteri saya.
Saya berfikir dengan terperinci dan mempertimbangkan kesan dan akibat tindakan ini. Penyelesaian masalah kesihatan jati mestilah mempunyai alternatif lain.
Pada masa yang sama, gaya hidup kami seperti kebanyakan orang lain dalam masyarakat. Kami menikmati pelbagai jenis makanan di mana-mana sahaja. Makanan harian kami mengandungi daging, ayam, ikan, telur, susu, nasi putih dan sayur-sayuran. Untuk menambahkan selera, kami gunakan garam putih, gula, monosodium glutamat (MSG) dan pelbagai sos. Tidak terlintas dalam fikiran kami bahawa semua makanan ini boleh membawa penyakit dan menjejaskan kesihatan kami.
Bab 1.3: Bertukar Kepada Pemakanan Sihat
Perubahan besar berlaku pada tahun 1996 apabila bapa mentua saya disahkan menghidap penyakit kanser prostat. Kami bertukar daripada pemakanan kurang sihat kepada pemakanan sihat. Perubahan radikal ini telah melanjutkan usianya. Beliau masih hidup sehingga hari ini. Apa yang menarik ialah beliau tidak mengambil apa-apa ubat dalam rawatan kanser. Makanan sihat memainkan peranan utama dalam proses pemulihan kesihatan. Kami percaya sistem badan kita berupaya memperbaiki kerosakan sel jika kita meningkatklan antibodi.
Memilih pemakanan sihat untuk meningkatkan kualiti penjagaan kesihatan merupakan satu tindakan yang berani. Kami sanggup mengambil risiko kerana kami yakin pada diri sendiri dan pemakanan sihat.
Amalan pemakanan secara sihat juga telah memberikan kesihatan kepada keluarga saya (isteri dan dua orang anak). Ini dapat dilihat dari pengurangan pergantungan kami kepada ubat. Pada beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, ahli-ahli keluarga tidak mengambil ubat lagi. Saya tidak mengambil ubat sejak tahun 1997 kerana tidak lagi mengalami penyakit seperti demam dan sakit badan. Begitu juga dengan isteri dan anak-anak saya. Kesan positif dari amalan pemakanan sihat memberi motivasi untuk meneruskan amalan ini. Anak-anak kami membesar dan diasuh dengan baik tanpa menghadapi masalah kesihatan seperti kegemukan.
Amalan pemakanan sihat dapat menjamin kesihatan yang baik. Walaupun begitu, ia tidak bermakna kami bebas daripada sebarang kesakitan. Kadang-kala, kami juga menghadapi tindak balas detoksifikasi seperti sakit badan dan batuk.
Pengambilan pemakanan sihat merupakan cabaran kepada kami. Tanpa mengenal penat, kami meneruskan usaha pengambilan pemakanan sihat. Hasilnya ahli keluarga tidak perlu lagi bergantung pada ubat. Kami akan mendapatkan rawatan doktor sekiranya perlu sahaja. Ini menunjukkan usaha untuk mencegah dan menangani kesakitan secara semula jadi tanpa bergantung kepada perkhidmatan kesihatan moden berbaloi. Kami sedar bahawa kebanyakan sakit badan yang timbul dari masa ke masa disebabkan tindak balas detoksifikasi. Tidak perlu bagi kami untuk menahan proses detoksifikasi ini dengan makan ubat. Cara yang paling baik ialah memberi peluang proses detoksifikasi ini berlangsung dan meneruskan amalan pemakananan sihat. Apabila badan kita berjaya mengeluarkan toksin, semua kesakitan dan ketidakselesaan badan akan hilang. Proses ini akan meningkatkan daya tahan dan tenaga kita. Akibatnya, badan kita akan menjadi lebih sihat dan bersemangat. Pelbagai penyakit juga akan menjauhi kita.
Bab 1.4: Nasihat dan Ceramah Kesihatan
Sejak tahun 1997, saya telah mula memberi nasihat kesihatan kepada pesakit-pesakit kanser secara percuma. Mereka ini berasal dari pelbagai latar belakang pendidikan dan ekonomi, dari golongan kurang pendapatan ke golongan kaya. Memandangkan keluarga saya mempunyai kesihatan yang baik, adalah menjadi tanggungjawab kami untuk menghulurkan bantuan kepada mereka yang memerlukan. Pada masa yang sama, saya juga mengumpul maklumat dan pengetahuan terkini mengenai kesihatan dan makanan. Semua maklumat ini disusun atur dengan teliti dan dimasukkan ke dalam komputer untuk disebarkan kepada mereka yang memerlukan.
Mulai tahun 2002, saya telah menyampaikan ceramah kesihatan kepada orang ramai dalam Bahasa Malaysia, bahasa Cina dan bahasa Inggeris. Diharapkan usaha ini dapat membantu lebih ramai orang hidup dalam keadaan sihat tanpa gangguan penyakit.
Dalam proses ini terdapat rakan-rakan yang tertanya-tanya tentang ceramah kesihatan saya kerana saya bukan dilatih dalam bidang perubatan atau bidang khasiat makanan. Bagi diri saya, pakar-pakar perubatan memang memainkan peranan utama dalam memberi rawatan yang cepat dan tepat terhadap penyakit. Akan tetapi, kita tidak perlu biarkan semua soal kesihatan di dalam tangan mereka. Para saintis masih belum dapat menemui ubat dan kaedah rawatan yang dapat memberi penyelesaian jangka panjang kepada penyakit seperti sakit jantung, kencing manis, darah tinggi dan kanser. Sementara itu, semakin banyak kes menunjukkan bahawa jawapannya mungkin berkait rapat dengan makanan harian kita. Maklumat jenis ini masih belum dapat disebarkan secara meluas, khasnya di kalangan masyarakat kita kerana kurang diberi perhatian oleh media massa.
Kita tidak harus menunggu kajian saintifik untuk membuktikan teori bahawa pemakanan yang sihat dapat memberi kesihatan yang baik. Oleh yang demikian, saya lebih cenderong dalam penelitian hubungan di antara makanan dan kesihatan. Saya sanggup berkorban masa dan tenaga untuk memainkan peranan yang kecil dalam menyebarkan maklumat kesihatan dan pengalaman keluarga saya ini melalui ceramah.
Dengan adanya alternatif untuk mencapai kesihatan yang baik, diharapkan lebih ramai orang akan menyertai revolusi makanan yang boleh mencegah pelbagai penyakit dan meningkatkan kualiti kesihatan ke satu tahap yang lebih tinggi di sejagat dunia ini.
Bagi keluarga saya, kesihatan adalah kekayaan. Kesihatan badan telah memperkaya hidup kami dan juga membolehkan kami memperkaya kehidupan orang lain.
Keluarga saya berpendapat bahawa salah satu jalan yang penting ke arah kesihatan adalah melalui tabiat pemakanan sihat. Badan yang sihat akan membawa kepada daya fakir/ minda yang sihat. Kita dapat mengelakkan kesengsaraan jasmani dan rohani apabila kita mengamalkan pemakanan sihat dalam kehidupan.
Makanan sihat bukanlah satu bidang pengetahuan yang kompleks. Sekiranya kita berinitiatif belajar dan mengenali makanan dengan lebih mendalam, sanggup meninggalkan makanan toksin dan digantikan dengan sayur-sayuran, buah-buahan, kita semua berpeluang tinggi menjauhi pelbagai penyakit dan meningkatkan tahap kesihatan diri sendiri.
Bab 1.5: Penulisan Buku Kesihatan
Sebelum tahun 2002, saya tidak pernah terfikir untuk menulis buku kesihatan. Sebabnya, kini terdapat banyak buku kesihatan di pasaran. Jika ingin menulis, mestilah hasil penulisan tersebut mempunyai nilai tertentu.
Penulisan buku ini ialah hasil dorongan dan sokongan moral daripada mereka yang menghadiri ceramah kesihatan saya. Semenjak tahun 2002, ceramah saya telah menarik perhatian mereka yang ingin memulihkan kesihatan secara semula jadi. Ada yang dapat memulihkan kesihatan dalam beberapa bulan setelah perubahan tabiat pemakanan. Ceramah saya menerangkan pelbagai perkara yang menyentuh soal-soal yang berkaitan dengan tabiat pemakanan dan kesan-kesannya. Malangnya, ramai peserta sukar mempraktikkan pemakanan sihat kerana tidak dapat mengingati isi kandungan dan maklumat yang disampaikan dalam ceramah. Oleh yang demikian, mereka telah mencadangkan supaya ceramah saya disampaikan dalam bentuk penulisan.
Saya mula menulis sebuah buku kesihatan dalam bahasa Inggeris pada tahun 2005. Penulisan buku ini memang mencabar. Mengapakah pembaca perlu baca buku kesihatan yang ditulis oleh seorang ahli sains sosial? Setelah perbincangan panjang lebar dengan isteri saya, kami mendapat rumusan bahawa tarikan buku ini ialah pengalaman keluarga kami dalam pemulihan kesihatan ahli-ahli keluarga. Selain itu, penerangan tentang jenis makanan, kesannya, tindak balas amalan pemakanan sihat dan cara kami menanganinya merupakan maklumat yang boleh dikongsi dengan pembaca.
Penulisan buku kesihatan saya telah diketahui oleh sebuah syarikat yang sedang merakamkan rancangan TV mengenai potensi pertanian di negara kita. Siri program TV ini ditaja oleh kumpulan CIMB dengan sokongan Sime Darby Sdn Bhd. Setelah mengetahui makanan sihat membolehkan pemulihan kesihatan pesakit kanser, pihak syarikat penggambaran telah datang berbincang dan seterusnya memasukkan pengalaman pesakit kanser dalam siri program TV kedua dalam rancangan bertema “Seeds”. Siri program ini telah ditayangkan menerusi NTV7 pada pukul 5.00 petang hingga 5.30 petang, 27 Mei 2007.
Perkembangan ini menggalakkan dan memberi motivasi kepada saya terus menyiapkan buku setelah dinilai oleh Dr. Kodi Isparan Kandasamy (pakar bioteknologi, Malaysia), Sri Harminda Hartantyo (ahli sains makanan, Filipina) dan Dr. Jean-Marc Roda, (ahli ekonomi, Perancis). Dengan itu, lahirlah buku kesihatan saya yang pertama, iaitu Eating for Good Health pada bulan Mac 2007. Buku ini telah menerima sambutan yang baik. Pada 2010, edisi ketiga buku ini berjaya diterbitkan.
Rakan-rakan yang kurang fasih dalam bahasa Inggeris pula berpendapat bahawa buku kesihatan ini harus ditulis dalam pelbagai bahasa untuk manfaat rakyat Malaysia. Saya berjanji kepada rakan-rakan bahawa buku kesihatan dalam Bahasa Malaysia akan diterbitkan selewat-lewatnya pada tahun 2009. Saya akan menulis buku itu dengan usaha sendiri dan bukan meminta bantuan orang lain menterjemahkan buku bahasa Inggeris.
Dengan itu, pada tahun 2007 dan 2008, saya gunakan masa lapang pada hujung minggu dan waktu cuti untuk menulis buku ini dalam Bahasa Malaysia. Kini, buku tersebut telah berjaya diterbitkan. Diharapkan buku ini akan membantu semua pembaca dalam mengembali dan mengekalkan kesihatan melalui amalan pemakanan sihat.
Bagaimanakah sambutan masyarakat terhadap buku ini? Secara umumnya, saya mempromosikan buku-buku ini bersendirian. Dengan ikhlas, saya menerangkan kandungan dan keistimewaan buku ini kepada sesiapa yang berminat. Penerbitan buku ini bukan bertujuan untuk menjana keuntungan tetapi untuk membantu rakan-rakan dalam menikmati kehidupan yang sihat tanpa ubat. Cara ini amat berkesan dan menggalakan. Harga buku ini juga berpatutan dan agak rendah, berbanding dengan buku-buku lain, dan mampu dibeli oleh majoriti rakyat Malaysia.
Bab 1.6: Perlukah Menjadi Vegetarian Penuh Masa?
Adakah buku ini berkaitan dengan amalan pemakanan cara vegetarian? Soalan ini biasanya ditanya oleh kawan-kawan yang mengetahui bahawa saya ialah seorang vegetarian. Buku ini menerangkan kepentingan untuk seseorang mengenali jenis makanan yang diambil setiap hari dan kesannya ke atas kesihatan diri. Apabila seseorang telah membuat pertimbangan yang wajar dan menilai secara terperinci pilihan, dengan itu dia boleh membuat keputusan yang bijak untuk memilih pemakanan sihat yang sesuai.
Konsep vegetarian bukanlah sesuatu yang baru bagi masyarakat Malaysia atau masyarakat sejagat dunia. Terdapat penganut agama Hindu dan agama Buddha yang menjadi vegetarian sejak dilahirkan. Tidak kurang juga orang yang mengamalkan vegetarian dari masa ke masa.
Bagi masyarakat Melayu, konsep vegetarian ini dianggap konsep yang unik. Berbanding dengan bangsa-bangsa lain di Malaysia, hanya sebilangan kecil orang Melayu yang menjadi vegetarian. Terdapat juga generasi muda sekarang yang menganggap amalan vegetarian berkaitan dengan soal kepercayaan. Memang benar. Masyarakat Hindu dalam kasta Brahmin menjadi vegetarian sejak dilahirkan. Sebahagian daripada sami dan penganut agama Buddha juga adalah vegetarian seumur hidup.
Soalnya, isu amalan vegetarian bukan lagi terhad kepada sebab-sebab keagamaan. Di kalangan masyarakat negara-negara maju, ada yang menjadi vegetarian kerana ingin melindungi haiwan yang terancam daripada pupus. Misalnya, di Amerika Syarikat, terdapat satu pertubuhan bukan kerajaan yang bernama People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals (PETA). Ditubuhkan pada tahun 1980, PETA kini mempunyai lebih daripada 2 juta ahli dan penyokong (www.peta.org bertarikh 24 Disember 2009). PETA merupakan pertubuhan yang paling aktif dalam menjalankan kempen perlindungan binatang di peringkat antarabangsa. PETA beroperasi atas prinsip bahawa binatang bukan untuk kita makan, pakai, uji atau hiburan.
Sebab utama bagi ramai orang menjadi vegetarian, sama ada sepenuh masa atau separuh masa, ialah ingin memulihkan kesihatan. Pada biasanya tabiat vegetarian diamalkan kerana seorang pesakit dan ahli-ahli keluarga mereka ingin memulihkan kesihatan. Atas landasan ini juga, ahli-ahli keluarga saya telah menjadi vegetarian sepenuh masa.
Pada pendapat saya, amalan pemakanan sihat dapat menjimatkan wang negara dan pada masa yang sama memberi kesihatan kepada rakyat Malaysia. Perbelanjaan ke atas perubatan makin meningkat bagi kebanyakan negara di dunia. Pada tahun 1983, kerajaan Malaysia telah menyediakan subsidi perubatan sebanyak RM1 bilion atau 3.6% dari belanjawan tahunan. Menjelang tahun 2003, jumlah ini bertambah kepada RM7.6 bilion atau 7.1% dari belanjawan tahunan. Dari segi subsidi perubatan setiap orang, jumlah wang telah bertambah daripada RM191 pada tahun 1993 kepada RM302 dalam tahun 2003. Ini merupakan satu beban besar kepada kerajaan. Salah satu cara untuk mengurangkan tanggungan kerajaan ini ialah mengubah gaya hidup pemakanan rakyat Malaysia supaya pelbagai penyakit dapat dielakkan.
Sebagai contoh, di tempat kerja (Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia) saya terdapat 690 orang pekerja. Andaikan pada tahun 2007 setiap pekerja mengambil cuti sakit selama empat hari setahun kerana demam. Kehilangan masa produktiviti pekerja berjumlah 2760 hari setahun. Pada tahun 2007, purata tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan keluarga seorang pekerja (termasuk suami/isteri, anak-anak bawah 21 tahun yang masih belajar atau anak-anak bawah 18 tahun) ialah sebanyak RM374 setahun untuk bayaran rawatan doktor dan membeli ubat. Jumlah tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan semua pekerja pada tahun 2007 ialah RM298,409. Sekiranya semua kakitangan berusaha memperbaiki kesihatan melalui amalan pemakanan sihat pada tahun 2009, jumlah cuti sakit boleh dikurangkan kepada dua hari setahun dan purata tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan keluarga seorang pekerja ialah RM187 setahun. Ini bermakna kehilangan hari bekerja cuma 1380 hari dan jumlah tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan kakitangan adalah RM149,205 setahun. Terdapat sekurang-kurangnya dua implikasi daripada penambahbaikan kesihatan pekerja. Pertama, kos perbelanjaan perubatan pekerja dapat dikurangkan dan beban kerajaan untuk subsidi perubatan turut diringankan. Kedua, apabila pekerja kurang mengambil cuti sakit, pekerja dapat bekerja dengan lebih produktif, progresif dan bersemangat tinggi untuk melaksanakan tugas dengan sempurna.
Bab 1.7: Transformasi Kehidupan
Makanan sihat telah mengubah gaya kehidupan keluarga saya secara positif. Kami sedar bahawa kesihatan adalah sesuatu yang menyeluruh—iaitu kombinasi makanan, cara hidup, mental dan alam sekitar. Kami anggap kesihatan adalah kunci kejayaan atau nombor satu dalam kehidupan. Tanpa kesihatan, banyak perkara tidak dapat disempurnakan.
Badan yang sihat akan membawa kepada pemikiran yang sihat. Seterusnya mempengaruhi gaya hidup dan cara kita berinteraksi dengan alam sekitar (semula jadi dan sosial). Seseorang yang sihat tidak mempunyai banyak sungutan dalam hidup. Pada masa yang sama, kesihatan jasmani dan rohani membolehkan mereka memanjangkan kasih sayang terhadap insan yang lain. Oleh yang demikian, kami menggalak rakan-rakan, sanak saudara dan generasi muda bertukar kepada pemakanan sihat. Golongan muda perlu menjaga kesihatan kerana mereka merupakan aset negara yang penting. Kami sedar bahawa dalam keadaan tertentu pemakanan sihat dapat mengatasi kanser dan memberi harapan baru kepada pesakit.
Setelah 12 tahun mengamalkan tabiat pemakanan sihat, kami kini lebih menghargai kata-kata Dr. Henry Bieler (1965), seorang doktor perubatan yang menyatakan bahawa
“…semakin saya mengkaji secara mendalam mengenai kimia makanan, saya telah membuat kesimpulan bahawa saya perlu meninggalkan penggunaan ubat dan bergantung kepada makanan sebagai ubat”.
Nasihat beliau telah menjadi pedoman hidup keluarga saya. Selepas kami mengamalkan tabiat pemakanan sihat, kami makin sedar bahawa pergantungan kepada ubat moden boleh dielakkan. Oleh yang demikian, kami lebih bergantung kepada gaya hidup sihat (seperti pemakanan sihat, bersenam dan berehat) untuk mengelakkan penyakit. Anda akan lebih memahami pesanan yang disampaikan dalam bab-bab yang berikutnya.
Mengapakah seorang ahli sains sosial berminat menceburi diri dalam penulisan buku kesihatan? Semenjak buku kesihatan pertama saya, Eating for Good Health, yang diterbitkan pada Mac 2007, saya telah terpanggil untuk menulis buku tersebut dalam versi Bahasa Malaysia. Usaha ini merupakan satu cabaran kerana makanan sihat yang berasaskan sumber sayur-sayuran, bijirin dan buah-buahan merupakan konsep yang baru untuk masyarakat generasi muda. Sungguhpun demikian, usaha ini perlu dilakukan memandangkan pemakanan sihat mungkin merupakan jawapan kepada orang-orang yang ingin hidup sihat dan bebas daripada pengambilan ubat.
Bagi kaum keluarga dan rakan-rakan yang tidak bertemu dengan saya semenjak 1996, mereka akan terperanjat melihat perubahan saiz dan berat badan saya. Memang benar, kini saya adalah lebih kurus berbanding dengan keadaan 12 tahun yang lalu. Berat badan saya telah menurun dari 78 kg pada tahun 1996 kepada 58 kg pada tahun 2006 dan tidak banyak berubah selepas 2006.
Lumrahnya, apabila seseorang itu kelihatan kurus orang akan kaitkannya dengan penyakit-penyakit tertentu. ”Adakah anda sakit?” Ini merupakan soalan yang selalu saya terima. Kadang- kala, soalan ini diikuti dengan nasihat “jika sakit, baik jumpa doktor”.
Sebenarnya, kesihatan saya dianggap baik berbanding dengan saudara-mara dan rakan-rakan dalam lingkungan umur antara 50 dan 60. Kebanyakan dari mereka sedang menghidap satu atau lebih dari satu jenis penyakit. Mereka terpaksa berjumpa dengan doktor dari masa ke masa untuk pemeriksaan kesihatan dan mengambil ubat untuk mengawal darah tinggi, kencing manis atau kolesterol. Bagaimana pula dengan saya? Saya dianggap bernasib baik kerana pengambilan ubat tidak lagi menjadi sebahagian daripada hidup saya. Begitu juga dengan isteri dan anak-anak saya. Rakan-rakan sekerja isteri saya yang berumur 30 tahun ke atas mengadu tentang kesakitan badan dari masa ke masa. Isteri saya pula jarang menghidap ketidakselesaan badan yang berkait dengan pelbagai penyakit. Begitu juga dengan anak saya, mereka jarang berjumpa doktor disebabkan oleh masalah kesihatan.
Bab 1.2: Sebelum Bertukar Kepada Pemakanan Sihat
Amalan pemakanan yang sihat adalah amalah yang bijaksana. Kita perlu mengalami perubahan gaya hidup secara perlahan, khasnya dari segi pemakanan.
Sebelum tahun 1996, keluarga kami mendapat rawatan dan mengambil ubat-ubatan moden dan kadang-kala ubat-ubatan tradisional Cina dalam penjagaan kesihatan. Kami percaya bahawa mereka adalah pakar perubatan yang bertauliah dan paling mengenali kesihatan serta pelbagai penyakit. Kami percaya dan yakin kemudahan sains dan teknologi dalam perubatan dapat membantu menyelamatkan nyawa dan menyelesaikan masalah kesihatan manusia. Dalam setahun, saya ke klinik lebih kurang dua atau tiga kali bagi merawat penyakit seperti demam, batuk dan sakit badan.
Dalam setiap rawatan, doktor memberikan saya ubat demam, batuk dan antibiotik. Setiap kali saya diingatkan bahawa semua ubat, khasnya antibiotik perlu dihabiskan. Ia mengambil masa lebih kurang seminggu untuk pulih sepenuhnya. Pada masa yang sama, kami juga membeli makanan tambahan untuk meningkatkan tahap kesihatan. Semua ini bukanlah cara penyelesaian kesihatan untuk jangka masa panjang. Saya perlu berjumpa dengan doktor apabila demam ini berulang selepas beberapa bulan. Begitu juga dengan isteri saya.
Saya berfikir dengan terperinci dan mempertimbangkan kesan dan akibat tindakan ini. Penyelesaian masalah kesihatan jati mestilah mempunyai alternatif lain.
Pada masa yang sama, gaya hidup kami seperti kebanyakan orang lain dalam masyarakat. Kami menikmati pelbagai jenis makanan di mana-mana sahaja. Makanan harian kami mengandungi daging, ayam, ikan, telur, susu, nasi putih dan sayur-sayuran. Untuk menambahkan selera, kami gunakan garam putih, gula, monosodium glutamat (MSG) dan pelbagai sos. Tidak terlintas dalam fikiran kami bahawa semua makanan ini boleh membawa penyakit dan menjejaskan kesihatan kami.
Bab 1.3: Bertukar Kepada Pemakanan Sihat
Perubahan besar berlaku pada tahun 1996 apabila bapa mentua saya disahkan menghidap penyakit kanser prostat. Kami bertukar daripada pemakanan kurang sihat kepada pemakanan sihat. Perubahan radikal ini telah melanjutkan usianya. Beliau masih hidup sehingga hari ini. Apa yang menarik ialah beliau tidak mengambil apa-apa ubat dalam rawatan kanser. Makanan sihat memainkan peranan utama dalam proses pemulihan kesihatan. Kami percaya sistem badan kita berupaya memperbaiki kerosakan sel jika kita meningkatklan antibodi.
Memilih pemakanan sihat untuk meningkatkan kualiti penjagaan kesihatan merupakan satu tindakan yang berani. Kami sanggup mengambil risiko kerana kami yakin pada diri sendiri dan pemakanan sihat.
Amalan pemakanan secara sihat juga telah memberikan kesihatan kepada keluarga saya (isteri dan dua orang anak). Ini dapat dilihat dari pengurangan pergantungan kami kepada ubat. Pada beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, ahli-ahli keluarga tidak mengambil ubat lagi. Saya tidak mengambil ubat sejak tahun 1997 kerana tidak lagi mengalami penyakit seperti demam dan sakit badan. Begitu juga dengan isteri dan anak-anak saya. Kesan positif dari amalan pemakanan sihat memberi motivasi untuk meneruskan amalan ini. Anak-anak kami membesar dan diasuh dengan baik tanpa menghadapi masalah kesihatan seperti kegemukan.
Amalan pemakanan sihat dapat menjamin kesihatan yang baik. Walaupun begitu, ia tidak bermakna kami bebas daripada sebarang kesakitan. Kadang-kala, kami juga menghadapi tindak balas detoksifikasi seperti sakit badan dan batuk.
Pengambilan pemakanan sihat merupakan cabaran kepada kami. Tanpa mengenal penat, kami meneruskan usaha pengambilan pemakanan sihat. Hasilnya ahli keluarga tidak perlu lagi bergantung pada ubat. Kami akan mendapatkan rawatan doktor sekiranya perlu sahaja. Ini menunjukkan usaha untuk mencegah dan menangani kesakitan secara semula jadi tanpa bergantung kepada perkhidmatan kesihatan moden berbaloi. Kami sedar bahawa kebanyakan sakit badan yang timbul dari masa ke masa disebabkan tindak balas detoksifikasi. Tidak perlu bagi kami untuk menahan proses detoksifikasi ini dengan makan ubat. Cara yang paling baik ialah memberi peluang proses detoksifikasi ini berlangsung dan meneruskan amalan pemakananan sihat. Apabila badan kita berjaya mengeluarkan toksin, semua kesakitan dan ketidakselesaan badan akan hilang. Proses ini akan meningkatkan daya tahan dan tenaga kita. Akibatnya, badan kita akan menjadi lebih sihat dan bersemangat. Pelbagai penyakit juga akan menjauhi kita.
Bab 1.4: Nasihat dan Ceramah Kesihatan
Sejak tahun 1997, saya telah mula memberi nasihat kesihatan kepada pesakit-pesakit kanser secara percuma. Mereka ini berasal dari pelbagai latar belakang pendidikan dan ekonomi, dari golongan kurang pendapatan ke golongan kaya. Memandangkan keluarga saya mempunyai kesihatan yang baik, adalah menjadi tanggungjawab kami untuk menghulurkan bantuan kepada mereka yang memerlukan. Pada masa yang sama, saya juga mengumpul maklumat dan pengetahuan terkini mengenai kesihatan dan makanan. Semua maklumat ini disusun atur dengan teliti dan dimasukkan ke dalam komputer untuk disebarkan kepada mereka yang memerlukan.
Mulai tahun 2002, saya telah menyampaikan ceramah kesihatan kepada orang ramai dalam Bahasa Malaysia, bahasa Cina dan bahasa Inggeris. Diharapkan usaha ini dapat membantu lebih ramai orang hidup dalam keadaan sihat tanpa gangguan penyakit.
Dalam proses ini terdapat rakan-rakan yang tertanya-tanya tentang ceramah kesihatan saya kerana saya bukan dilatih dalam bidang perubatan atau bidang khasiat makanan. Bagi diri saya, pakar-pakar perubatan memang memainkan peranan utama dalam memberi rawatan yang cepat dan tepat terhadap penyakit. Akan tetapi, kita tidak perlu biarkan semua soal kesihatan di dalam tangan mereka. Para saintis masih belum dapat menemui ubat dan kaedah rawatan yang dapat memberi penyelesaian jangka panjang kepada penyakit seperti sakit jantung, kencing manis, darah tinggi dan kanser. Sementara itu, semakin banyak kes menunjukkan bahawa jawapannya mungkin berkait rapat dengan makanan harian kita. Maklumat jenis ini masih belum dapat disebarkan secara meluas, khasnya di kalangan masyarakat kita kerana kurang diberi perhatian oleh media massa.
Kita tidak harus menunggu kajian saintifik untuk membuktikan teori bahawa pemakanan yang sihat dapat memberi kesihatan yang baik. Oleh yang demikian, saya lebih cenderong dalam penelitian hubungan di antara makanan dan kesihatan. Saya sanggup berkorban masa dan tenaga untuk memainkan peranan yang kecil dalam menyebarkan maklumat kesihatan dan pengalaman keluarga saya ini melalui ceramah.
Dengan adanya alternatif untuk mencapai kesihatan yang baik, diharapkan lebih ramai orang akan menyertai revolusi makanan yang boleh mencegah pelbagai penyakit dan meningkatkan kualiti kesihatan ke satu tahap yang lebih tinggi di sejagat dunia ini.
Bagi keluarga saya, kesihatan adalah kekayaan. Kesihatan badan telah memperkaya hidup kami dan juga membolehkan kami memperkaya kehidupan orang lain.
Keluarga saya berpendapat bahawa salah satu jalan yang penting ke arah kesihatan adalah melalui tabiat pemakanan sihat. Badan yang sihat akan membawa kepada daya fakir/ minda yang sihat. Kita dapat mengelakkan kesengsaraan jasmani dan rohani apabila kita mengamalkan pemakanan sihat dalam kehidupan.
Makanan sihat bukanlah satu bidang pengetahuan yang kompleks. Sekiranya kita berinitiatif belajar dan mengenali makanan dengan lebih mendalam, sanggup meninggalkan makanan toksin dan digantikan dengan sayur-sayuran, buah-buahan, kita semua berpeluang tinggi menjauhi pelbagai penyakit dan meningkatkan tahap kesihatan diri sendiri.
Bab 1.5: Penulisan Buku Kesihatan
Sebelum tahun 2002, saya tidak pernah terfikir untuk menulis buku kesihatan. Sebabnya, kini terdapat banyak buku kesihatan di pasaran. Jika ingin menulis, mestilah hasil penulisan tersebut mempunyai nilai tertentu.
Penulisan buku ini ialah hasil dorongan dan sokongan moral daripada mereka yang menghadiri ceramah kesihatan saya. Semenjak tahun 2002, ceramah saya telah menarik perhatian mereka yang ingin memulihkan kesihatan secara semula jadi. Ada yang dapat memulihkan kesihatan dalam beberapa bulan setelah perubahan tabiat pemakanan. Ceramah saya menerangkan pelbagai perkara yang menyentuh soal-soal yang berkaitan dengan tabiat pemakanan dan kesan-kesannya. Malangnya, ramai peserta sukar mempraktikkan pemakanan sihat kerana tidak dapat mengingati isi kandungan dan maklumat yang disampaikan dalam ceramah. Oleh yang demikian, mereka telah mencadangkan supaya ceramah saya disampaikan dalam bentuk penulisan.
Saya mula menulis sebuah buku kesihatan dalam bahasa Inggeris pada tahun 2005. Penulisan buku ini memang mencabar. Mengapakah pembaca perlu baca buku kesihatan yang ditulis oleh seorang ahli sains sosial? Setelah perbincangan panjang lebar dengan isteri saya, kami mendapat rumusan bahawa tarikan buku ini ialah pengalaman keluarga kami dalam pemulihan kesihatan ahli-ahli keluarga. Selain itu, penerangan tentang jenis makanan, kesannya, tindak balas amalan pemakanan sihat dan cara kami menanganinya merupakan maklumat yang boleh dikongsi dengan pembaca.
Penulisan buku kesihatan saya telah diketahui oleh sebuah syarikat yang sedang merakamkan rancangan TV mengenai potensi pertanian di negara kita. Siri program TV ini ditaja oleh kumpulan CIMB dengan sokongan Sime Darby Sdn Bhd. Setelah mengetahui makanan sihat membolehkan pemulihan kesihatan pesakit kanser, pihak syarikat penggambaran telah datang berbincang dan seterusnya memasukkan pengalaman pesakit kanser dalam siri program TV kedua dalam rancangan bertema “Seeds”. Siri program ini telah ditayangkan menerusi NTV7 pada pukul 5.00 petang hingga 5.30 petang, 27 Mei 2007.
Perkembangan ini menggalakkan dan memberi motivasi kepada saya terus menyiapkan buku setelah dinilai oleh Dr. Kodi Isparan Kandasamy (pakar bioteknologi, Malaysia), Sri Harminda Hartantyo (ahli sains makanan, Filipina) dan Dr. Jean-Marc Roda, (ahli ekonomi, Perancis). Dengan itu, lahirlah buku kesihatan saya yang pertama, iaitu Eating for Good Health pada bulan Mac 2007. Buku ini telah menerima sambutan yang baik. Pada 2010, edisi ketiga buku ini berjaya diterbitkan.
Rakan-rakan yang kurang fasih dalam bahasa Inggeris pula berpendapat bahawa buku kesihatan ini harus ditulis dalam pelbagai bahasa untuk manfaat rakyat Malaysia. Saya berjanji kepada rakan-rakan bahawa buku kesihatan dalam Bahasa Malaysia akan diterbitkan selewat-lewatnya pada tahun 2009. Saya akan menulis buku itu dengan usaha sendiri dan bukan meminta bantuan orang lain menterjemahkan buku bahasa Inggeris.
Dengan itu, pada tahun 2007 dan 2008, saya gunakan masa lapang pada hujung minggu dan waktu cuti untuk menulis buku ini dalam Bahasa Malaysia. Kini, buku tersebut telah berjaya diterbitkan. Diharapkan buku ini akan membantu semua pembaca dalam mengembali dan mengekalkan kesihatan melalui amalan pemakanan sihat.
Bagaimanakah sambutan masyarakat terhadap buku ini? Secara umumnya, saya mempromosikan buku-buku ini bersendirian. Dengan ikhlas, saya menerangkan kandungan dan keistimewaan buku ini kepada sesiapa yang berminat. Penerbitan buku ini bukan bertujuan untuk menjana keuntungan tetapi untuk membantu rakan-rakan dalam menikmati kehidupan yang sihat tanpa ubat. Cara ini amat berkesan dan menggalakan. Harga buku ini juga berpatutan dan agak rendah, berbanding dengan buku-buku lain, dan mampu dibeli oleh majoriti rakyat Malaysia.
Bab 1.6: Perlukah Menjadi Vegetarian Penuh Masa?
Adakah buku ini berkaitan dengan amalan pemakanan cara vegetarian? Soalan ini biasanya ditanya oleh kawan-kawan yang mengetahui bahawa saya ialah seorang vegetarian. Buku ini menerangkan kepentingan untuk seseorang mengenali jenis makanan yang diambil setiap hari dan kesannya ke atas kesihatan diri. Apabila seseorang telah membuat pertimbangan yang wajar dan menilai secara terperinci pilihan, dengan itu dia boleh membuat keputusan yang bijak untuk memilih pemakanan sihat yang sesuai.
Konsep vegetarian bukanlah sesuatu yang baru bagi masyarakat Malaysia atau masyarakat sejagat dunia. Terdapat penganut agama Hindu dan agama Buddha yang menjadi vegetarian sejak dilahirkan. Tidak kurang juga orang yang mengamalkan vegetarian dari masa ke masa.
Bagi masyarakat Melayu, konsep vegetarian ini dianggap konsep yang unik. Berbanding dengan bangsa-bangsa lain di Malaysia, hanya sebilangan kecil orang Melayu yang menjadi vegetarian. Terdapat juga generasi muda sekarang yang menganggap amalan vegetarian berkaitan dengan soal kepercayaan. Memang benar. Masyarakat Hindu dalam kasta Brahmin menjadi vegetarian sejak dilahirkan. Sebahagian daripada sami dan penganut agama Buddha juga adalah vegetarian seumur hidup.
Soalnya, isu amalan vegetarian bukan lagi terhad kepada sebab-sebab keagamaan. Di kalangan masyarakat negara-negara maju, ada yang menjadi vegetarian kerana ingin melindungi haiwan yang terancam daripada pupus. Misalnya, di Amerika Syarikat, terdapat satu pertubuhan bukan kerajaan yang bernama People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals (PETA). Ditubuhkan pada tahun 1980, PETA kini mempunyai lebih daripada 2 juta ahli dan penyokong (www.peta.org bertarikh 24 Disember 2009). PETA merupakan pertubuhan yang paling aktif dalam menjalankan kempen perlindungan binatang di peringkat antarabangsa. PETA beroperasi atas prinsip bahawa binatang bukan untuk kita makan, pakai, uji atau hiburan.
Sebab utama bagi ramai orang menjadi vegetarian, sama ada sepenuh masa atau separuh masa, ialah ingin memulihkan kesihatan. Pada biasanya tabiat vegetarian diamalkan kerana seorang pesakit dan ahli-ahli keluarga mereka ingin memulihkan kesihatan. Atas landasan ini juga, ahli-ahli keluarga saya telah menjadi vegetarian sepenuh masa.
Pada pendapat saya, amalan pemakanan sihat dapat menjimatkan wang negara dan pada masa yang sama memberi kesihatan kepada rakyat Malaysia. Perbelanjaan ke atas perubatan makin meningkat bagi kebanyakan negara di dunia. Pada tahun 1983, kerajaan Malaysia telah menyediakan subsidi perubatan sebanyak RM1 bilion atau 3.6% dari belanjawan tahunan. Menjelang tahun 2003, jumlah ini bertambah kepada RM7.6 bilion atau 7.1% dari belanjawan tahunan. Dari segi subsidi perubatan setiap orang, jumlah wang telah bertambah daripada RM191 pada tahun 1993 kepada RM302 dalam tahun 2003. Ini merupakan satu beban besar kepada kerajaan. Salah satu cara untuk mengurangkan tanggungan kerajaan ini ialah mengubah gaya hidup pemakanan rakyat Malaysia supaya pelbagai penyakit dapat dielakkan.
Sebagai contoh, di tempat kerja (Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia) saya terdapat 690 orang pekerja. Andaikan pada tahun 2007 setiap pekerja mengambil cuti sakit selama empat hari setahun kerana demam. Kehilangan masa produktiviti pekerja berjumlah 2760 hari setahun. Pada tahun 2007, purata tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan keluarga seorang pekerja (termasuk suami/isteri, anak-anak bawah 21 tahun yang masih belajar atau anak-anak bawah 18 tahun) ialah sebanyak RM374 setahun untuk bayaran rawatan doktor dan membeli ubat. Jumlah tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan semua pekerja pada tahun 2007 ialah RM298,409. Sekiranya semua kakitangan berusaha memperbaiki kesihatan melalui amalan pemakanan sihat pada tahun 2009, jumlah cuti sakit boleh dikurangkan kepada dua hari setahun dan purata tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan keluarga seorang pekerja ialah RM187 setahun. Ini bermakna kehilangan hari bekerja cuma 1380 hari dan jumlah tuntutan perbelanjaan perubatan kakitangan adalah RM149,205 setahun. Terdapat sekurang-kurangnya dua implikasi daripada penambahbaikan kesihatan pekerja. Pertama, kos perbelanjaan perubatan pekerja dapat dikurangkan dan beban kerajaan untuk subsidi perubatan turut diringankan. Kedua, apabila pekerja kurang mengambil cuti sakit, pekerja dapat bekerja dengan lebih produktif, progresif dan bersemangat tinggi untuk melaksanakan tugas dengan sempurna.
Bab 1.7: Transformasi Kehidupan
Makanan sihat telah mengubah gaya kehidupan keluarga saya secara positif. Kami sedar bahawa kesihatan adalah sesuatu yang menyeluruh—iaitu kombinasi makanan, cara hidup, mental dan alam sekitar. Kami anggap kesihatan adalah kunci kejayaan atau nombor satu dalam kehidupan. Tanpa kesihatan, banyak perkara tidak dapat disempurnakan.
Badan yang sihat akan membawa kepada pemikiran yang sihat. Seterusnya mempengaruhi gaya hidup dan cara kita berinteraksi dengan alam sekitar (semula jadi dan sosial). Seseorang yang sihat tidak mempunyai banyak sungutan dalam hidup. Pada masa yang sama, kesihatan jasmani dan rohani membolehkan mereka memanjangkan kasih sayang terhadap insan yang lain. Oleh yang demikian, kami menggalak rakan-rakan, sanak saudara dan generasi muda bertukar kepada pemakanan sihat. Golongan muda perlu menjaga kesihatan kerana mereka merupakan aset negara yang penting. Kami sedar bahawa dalam keadaan tertentu pemakanan sihat dapat mengatasi kanser dan memberi harapan baru kepada pesakit.
Setelah 12 tahun mengamalkan tabiat pemakanan sihat, kami kini lebih menghargai kata-kata Dr. Henry Bieler (1965), seorang doktor perubatan yang menyatakan bahawa
“…semakin saya mengkaji secara mendalam mengenai kimia makanan, saya telah membuat kesimpulan bahawa saya perlu meninggalkan penggunaan ubat dan bergantung kepada makanan sebagai ubat”.
Nasihat beliau telah menjadi pedoman hidup keluarga saya. Selepas kami mengamalkan tabiat pemakanan sihat, kami makin sedar bahawa pergantungan kepada ubat moden boleh dielakkan. Oleh yang demikian, kami lebih bergantung kepada gaya hidup sihat (seperti pemakanan sihat, bersenam dan berehat) untuk mengelakkan penyakit. Anda akan lebih memahami pesanan yang disampaikan dalam bab-bab yang berikutnya.
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