Patrick McCarty has written 5 books on shiatsu and macrobiotics and has consulted with tens of thousands of clients. His books are translated into seven languages (including Hungarian and Croatian) and he has consulted with United States and Cuban government officials on diet and preventive health issues. Over the years he has organized 28 major educational conferences in the U.S. and the Bahamas. He is a senior instructor in the AOBTA (American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia) and is a Diplomate in Oriental Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM). He brings 29 years of experience to these classes.
Patrick writes an regular article in our newsletter called "Ask Patrick". In it readers are invited to ask a question of our resident macrobiotic counselor about macrobiotic, healing and health related issues. Here are a few of the recent questions and answers.
I'm wondering if hypoglycemia is responsible for how I feel. I try to avoid sugar but I must admit that I like the taste. How bad is sugar?
A
You're not alone in your taste for sweetness. In the U.S. the annual average consumption of sugar is over 120 pounds per person. Fifty years ago the sugar came directly from the bag. Today this high amount is mostly hidden in convenience and prepared foods. Many canned vegetables, salad dressings, breakfast cereals, mayonnaise, and even baby foods all contain sugar. The single major source in the American diet is soft drinks. A 12-ounce can of the average sugar-sweetened soft drink has 7 1/2 to 8 teaspoons of sucrose or equivalent sugar. The average consumption was nearly 500 12-ounce cans per person in 1976. This is over 30 pounds of sugar.
Many people refer to themselves as suffering from the disease hypoglycemia. In fact hypoglycemia is not a disease but rather a symptom of a metabolic effect. Actually low blood sugar is caused by overproduction of hormones which cause a reduction in the blood sugar level, such as insulin, or an underproduction of those hormones, which tend to cause an elevation of blood sugar, such as glucagon. In medicine these conditions are usually caused by tumors of the pancreas, liver disease, or insulin overdose. Now don't you hope that you don't really have the true medical definition of hypoglycemia!
What you have can be better termed "reactive hypoglycemia." This form of low blood sugar shows itself some time after eating a meal. Many foods including table sugar, refined white flour, honey, potato, and alcohol are some examples that dramatically lower blood sugar levels.
You should assume that the reactive form of hypoglycemia is the result of general nutritional and lifestyle imbalances.
To answer your question with specific detail, sugar has been linked to the following symptoms: depression, fatigue, anguish of unknown origin, shakiness, weakness, light-headedness, dizziness, rapid perspiration, and headaches. I won't go into more detail but you can imagine what happens to blood vessels (hardening) and organs (blindness, kidney and pancreatic failure) when proper blood sugar levels are not maintained.
The best indicator of food-induced blood sugar problems is the organ that is most dependent on blood sugar - the brain. Changes in perception, energy level, mood, balance, and equilibrium, are subtle and sometimes not so subtle indications of imbalance.
It comes down to this, a condition of high sugar, low fiber, low vitamin, and mineral diets negatively affect the functions of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and pancreas glands. You can guess what your next step should be if you have reactive hypoglycemia- include organic whole cereal grains and vegetables (sources of complex carbohydrates and vitamins), seaweed (minerals), and plenty of exercise in your life. These dietary and lifestyle changes will make a tremendous difference. And don't forget to look to friends and family for that sweetness that you seek.
Oh, one last note, don't be misled by "sugarless" products. If the product contains fructose, corn syrup, cane or beet sugar, dextrose, maltose, or sucrose, you can be sure that it contains simple refined sugars.
Q
I've heard you have taught macrobiotics and shiatsu in Cuba. What is their health care system like?
A
If you can imagine a medical system that allows the patient numerous treatment options from allopathic to natural and wholistic, you can begin to understand what already exists in Cuba. There are four levels of care with the first being a visit to your neighborhood clinic doctor who may offer acupuncture, herbs, massage, chiropractic, homeopathy, and Bach flower remedies. The final level is surgery and hospitalization.
For example, a Cuban with the symptoms of a head cold or sinus condition will go to their local physician (most of the doctors have been trained in a 6 year western medical school followed by 2 to 4 years of Asian medical training) would suggest that you vigorously press acupoint Large Intestine 4 to stimulate a contraction in the mucus membranes of the sinuses. He would further suggest you add acupoint Gall Bladder 20 (on the back of the neck near the skull) to dispel the "wind" that causes cold, sinus and flu symptoms. Finally, he may suggest Yintang and Taiyang, points on the face, to relieve headache and that swollen, stuffy feeling.
The Cuban people have eagerly accepted these traditional Asian medical techniques since 1990. There is now a Ministry of Traditional and Bioenergetic Medicine that oversees this blend of natural and western techniques. Last year over 12 million consultations were done with an astonishing 8,500 surgical procedures using acupuncture as the pain killer. Cubans refer to the combination of modern and traditional as "the medicine of the future."
Q
The macrobiotic diet is supposed to be good for many problems. As I don't have any real problems, can I wait and start the diet later if I need it?
A
Sure, wait as long as you like. Macrobiotics is essentially about freedom. Freedom to choose the life that you want. But let me ask a question: Is it prudent to start saving for retirement when you arrive at retirement age? Well, your health is even more vital then retirement savings. Half of all adults, that's 100 million Americans, suffer form one or more chronic diseases such as heart, liver and kidney diseases, cancer, stroke, arthritis, diabetes and senility. Two of three adults between 45 and 64, and nine of 10 elderly have one or more of these health problems. By the year 2030, according to U.S. government estimates, one of five Americans will be 65 or older, and 150 million of them will suffer from chronic diseases. Seven of ten will need long-term assisted care. What are you doing to prepare or prevent these things?
Making dietary and lifestyle changes are not always easy nor convenient yet what of the alternatives? A little thought today may just prepare you to really enjoy yourself later. I once heard a senior citizen say, "if I had known I would have lived this long, I would have taken care of myself!"
I've recently started macrobiotics because of a health concern. There seems to be so many things to do. I'm trying to change what I eat, how I cook, adding exercises, looking into types of clothing I wear, breathing more deeply and I'm still looking for the elusive spirit within. I'm even concerned about the arrangement of my house furniture (someone told me this too affected my energy!). I'm overwhelmed! What part is the most important? What should I do?
A
While it usually never hurts to attend cooking classes, receive individualized consultations, and read health-related books, for many of us excessive "doing" is the element that most contributes to our sense of overwhelm and therefore our problems. Let's not take that attitude into our macrobiotic practice. If you perceive macrobiotics as another insurmountable task you will quit. I've talked to people who quit macrobiotics say that they were happier without it. It was just too much! Herman Aihara once commented that happiness does not come from brown rice.
George Ohsawa, the father of macrobiotics wrote that "biology precedes psychology." In other words blood quality and chemistry determine emotion and perception. I'm uncertain which comes first but I do know that they are intimately linked. Body and Mind are not separate. Being overwhelmed is a sign of too many unwanted choices. The inability to decide slows the liver's function of adequately spreading energy throughout the body which negatively affects blood quality. If you are a spirit-oriented person (mind type) then information and discovery that satisfies the emotion is of first benefit. If this benefit is to be sustained it must lead to practical application which means attention to what you choose to eat, cook and so forth. If you are a material-oriented person (body type) then food, exercise and other tangibles will first interest you and keep you motivated. Ultimately to be complete one will lead to the other as they are linked like two sides of the same coin.
The most important thing is to find a way not to worry so much. Worry causes tension which diminishes blood flow. This causes a buildup of toxins which makes you acid. Exactly the process that caused the problem to begin with. So to change the problem we really have to take another approach. An approach that begins in feeling good can only lead to more of the same. So, the most important thing is to be happy. As you find moments of happiness, success, intuition, and power are also present. The precise details of what to do next will reveal themselves and you will know what to do.
Macrobiotics is a "practice". Indeed, macrobiotic practice is something that we use to master and strengthen ourselves. It is something that is never finished. As we realize the significance of a long-term, enduring activity we may grasp an essence of life that truly is health promoting. That essence is joy .
Q
I've heard that Spring Cleaning for the body actually means to cleanse the liver. Why is this so important?
A
Spring is the time of upward moving energy, just look at the multitude of color in the fresh blossoming flowers and trees. The more dormant winter energy which was being stored in the root system of plants is now on the move. Traveling upward bringing life, color and beauty to the extremities.
The human body reflects nature in its movements. While every spring we don't blossom forth with rainbows of color on our hands and face, there is an upward, lighter feeling that comes with the seasonal change. In order for this natural process to occur the physical liver must be functioning well. In Traditional Chinese Medicine they say that the liver's job is "to promote an unrestricted flow of energy throughout the body." If restriction occurs the heat or fire of the Liver adversely explodes upward, like a rocket shot from a cannon. This accounts for migraines, hot flushed faces, hot flashes, vision distortions, elevated cholesterol levels and even persistent irritability and outbursts of anger.
It is no accident that the word LIVE is part of liver. Normal liver function is essential to life. The liver is the largest organ of the body, located in the upper right section of the abdomen just under the ribs. It filters circulating blood, removing and destroying toxic substances; it secretes bile into the small intestine to help digest and absorb fats; and it is involved in many of the metabolic systems of the body.
Digested food substances are carried from the intestine directly to the liver for further processing. The liver stores vitamins; synthesizes cholesterol; metabolizes or stores sugars; processes fats; and assembles amino acids into various proteins, some for use within the liver and some for export.
The liver controls blood fluidity and regulates blood-clotting mechanisms. It also converts the products of protein metabolism into urea for excretion by the kidneys.
Over the winter months especially in cold regions people eat heavier, fat and protein ladened foods. In general a richer diet is consumed with less physical activity. Compared to Minnesota, in central Florida it's a little different. Here people tend to eat volumes of cookies, pastries, sugars and bakery goods, all of which burden the liver. These excesses are either stored directly in the liver or the liver helps to convert these calories into fat elsewhere.
Repeat this cycle year after year, add alcohol into your regimen, and you may see how these excesses may trash the liver leading to the major diseases including: hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver characterized by fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain) and cirrhosis (progressive development of scar tissue that chokes off blood vessels and distorts the normal architecture of the liver).
While cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder), appendicitis, and pancreatitis are generally considered separate from liver problems, there is a link. Are you beginning to see the power and importance of the liver?
After mention of all these horrible problems don't despair. Cleaning the liver is easy if you understand a few things.
1. The body is constructed to last a long time and has a built-in mechanism for survival. It's called the immune system. Given a little push in the right direction and it will take care of itself.
2. The energy of spring positively affects the liver.
3. There are several things you can do to influence these forces. And here they are.
There are certain dynamics that affect the liver. Eating less volume of any food is extremely important. Less volume means less work for the liver which means energy is used to cleanse and heal itself. Traditionally this time of year was used for fasting or reducing food intake for spiritual reasons. In Christian countries the time of Lent precedes Easter.
When you do eat it is best to chew very well and fill your menus with lots of spring greens such as bok choy, cabbage, mustard greens, kale, collard, dandelion greens and so forth. Also include some sour flavor as this loosens and activates the liver. Sour includes lemon, vinegar, and umeboshi (salted plum). Your cooking style should be lighter than winter with less cooking time and less salt used.
Additionally, getting your body back in shape is important. It's time to start up with your walks or recommit to the YMCA, Tai Qi and Yoga classes. Remember the liver's job is "to promote an unrestricted flow of energy" and exercise is the best way to accomplish this.
Dealing with irritability, anger or being overwhelmed and short of time (emotions of the liver) is easily accomplished when biology (food) is balanced. Yet, setting your own tone to one of compassion and patience and focusing on those parts of your life that uplift you especially as you help and share yourself with others, goes a long way to complete a balanced approach to the spring season's adjustment.
Spring is a time to smell the roses and be light. Enjoy yourself, your liver will thank you.
What can I expect when I change my diet to healthier eating? Are there any side effects?
A
There are always two sides to every story.When positive lifestyle changes are made the body and mind are going to seek a new and hopefully more comfortable equilibrium. But, as you might expect, there are several stages along the way which often serve as points of information to learn more clearly about yourself. In other words, you may have to learn to appreciate some discomfort.
The first transitional stage lasts about 3-10 days while in some cases it can last as long as 4 months. (Four months is the life span of a red blood cell.) If our native constitution is strong and the internal organs work well, these reactions are usually negligible. On the other hand, if earlier in life you ate moderate to large amounts of sugar, refined foods, and meat; have taken many drugs or medications; or had abortions, this transition period may take even longer & may have pronounced discharges associated with it. No matter what the case you shouldn't worry too much about it as this is part of the natural healing process and signify that our systems are regenerating themselves, dislodging and throwing off the excess that has accumulated over many years.
Generally, the more common reactions or discharges are: Fatigue; aches and pains; fever chills, and coughing; abnormal sweating and frequent urination; skin discharge and unusual body odors; diarrhea or constipation; decrease of sexual desire; and temporary cessation of menstruation. Of course not all these symptoms affect every person but these are the most common.
The most important thing to remember is that the natural response of the body is at work here and that to be healthier we have to clean house. To make this transition time go more smoothly, enjoy your new dietary and lifestyle choices, get enough sleep, do some exercise, and chew well.
After years of hearing how good soy is for you, now I’m hearing frightening information that says we shouldn’t eat it, especially if you are a woman. Should I avoid all soy products?
A
It is always troublesome when conflicting information comes out about diet and lifestyle. Take a deep breath, let your fear dissipate, and read on. Here is a list of the possible problems that critics attribute to soy consumption: Allergies, thyroid problems (goiter and hypothyroidism), infertility, osteoporosis, inability to absorb calcium, vitamin D deficiencies, ineffective against hot flashes, liver disease, as well as constipation, fatigue and lethargy. This list makes you want to get as far away from soy as possible! But before you move to some area where they have never heard of the soybean consider this.
How much soy do Asians really eat? A 1998 survey found that the average daily amount of soy consumed in Japan was about 8 grams for men and 7 for women—less than two teaspoons. The Cornell China Study, conducted by Colin T. Campbell, found that legume consumption in China varied. The high average consumption is about 40 grams or less than 3 tablespoons per day, with a lower average consumption of about 9 grams, less than two teaspoons.
These amounts apparently have protective influence against breast and reproductive cancers (Japanese women are the lowest in the world) and heart disease. In short all the good things you have read so much about.
Compare these modest amounts with the average American consumer who is taking soy drinks, powders, pills, energy bars, and added soy in breads, meat substitutes, and morning cereals.
When you industrially refine products instead of using natural methods of preparation (such as fermentation) there is usually a major difference in the effect. Asians eat naturally processed whole soybeans in the form of miso, natto, soy milk, tofu etc. not refined chemical agents such as isoflavones and isolated soy protein or powdered or de-fatted soybeans. Whole cooked soybeans were never eaten as a main dish because they contain potent enzyme inhibitors that block the action of enzymes needed for protein digestion.
Bottom line: Soy can and should be part of a whole foods or macrobiotic diet. Don’t regularly eat soy shakes, bars, and powders that are actually glamorized junk food. Remember that the essentials: whole grains, land and sea vegetables, nuts, and seeds are important aspects of a well-rounded, balanced diet. Follow the example of long-time tradition and enjoy.
