寻找健康

寻找健康
免费阅读本书的内容, 请看 2011年3月26日部落的整本书. 此书非商业方式出版,不在商业书店售卖。想得到此书的朋友,请联络作者林廷辉博士 drlimhf@gmail.com 012-3615905

Makanan Sihat Sebagai Ubat (2011)

Makanan Sihat Sebagai Ubat (2011)
Ini adalah buku kesihatan saya. Kandungannya telah dimuatkan dalam blog ini pada 10 Sept 2010 sempena Hari Raya Puasa. Buku ini bukan diterbitkan untuk tujuan komersial dan tidak dipasarkan melalui kedai-kedai buku terkenal. Jika anda ingin memperolehi satu naskah, sila hubungi pengarang di drlimhf@gmail.com atau 012-3615905

Eating for Good Health (2010)

Eating for Good Health (2010)
3nd Edition 2010. The contents of this book are in this blog (subheadings in Blog Archive from October 2009 till January 2010) for free reading. This is a non-commercial book and is not available in major commercial book stores. If you wish to own a hard copy, kindly contact the author at: drlimhf@gmail.com or 012-3615905

Friday, December 31, 2010

Diary 261: Alternative cancer treatment – unscientific?

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.