THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
46
NATURAL HEALTH
Foods that heal, Vitamins that heal (1) ryone at home for not lighting up the apartment during blackouts. These days, I keep a torch in practically every room.
“Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food” - Hippocrates, the father of medicine
Vitamin A Bakhru says Vitamin A deficiency goes beyond night blindness which he said people of old in Egypt cured by boiling liver and dropping the juice extract into the eye. Its deficiency is behind common cold, sinus problems, acne, warts, boils, rashes and carbuncles, among other problems, he says.
O
UR elders are hardly wrong when they code their experiences in sayings. And that is why proverbs are an intrinsic part of every day Yoruba life. The Yoruba say, for example, that proverbs are horses ridden by the spoken word …when the word is lost, the proverb is dispatched to fetch it. Thus, when it comes to the role of food in health "food is the friend of complexion." What they mean by that is: You are what you eat, or your diet shows in, or shines through, your complexion! How right they are! After many years of intellectually detouring, from the path of Mother Nature like into chemical drugs for medicine to fight disease, mankind is finally returning to God's Will in His Creation Plan for human health. And, thankfully, we have all around us people such as H. K. BAKHRU of India to hold us by the hand and, like babies overwhelmed by the environment, and lead us, out of the jungle. In doing so, he reminds us of the warning, long ago, of Thomas Edison to the doctors of his time: The nutritionist of today will be the doctor of tomorrow. Dr Akibu Oyelami, professor of medicine at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex at Ile-ife, echoes Edison pointedly in his book, ACHIEVING GOOD HEALTH NATURALLY. Says Prof. Akibu who has introduced herbs into his protocols: "It is becoming increasingly clear to most medical experts that more than 90% of diseases can be traced to faulty lifestyle, particularly the sufferer's diet. Unfortunately, nothing much is taught about lifestyle in the medical school. The major preoccupation in medical schools is the teaching of diseases and how they are brought about rather than their prevention through natural living. Thomas Edison, the great mind who invented the electric light bulb, once predicted that the doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in the care of the human frame, in proper diet and in the causes and prevention of diseases. It is now being touted in some circles using Thomas Edison's model that any physician who cannot articulate disease prevention measures based on the principles of health and disease does not merit the title of Doctor in the 21st century” Enter H.K Bakru of whom it is said: "H.K. Bakhru enjoys countrywide reputation as an expert naturopath and a writer on the subject. His well researched articles on Nature cure, health and nutrition appear regularly in the media. “He began his career in the Indian Railways with a first class postgraduate degree from Lucknow University. He retired in 1984, as the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Central Railways, after 35 years of distinguished services in the Public Relations Organisation of the Indian Railways and the Railways Board" Bakhru holds a Diploma in naturopathy and has written many books, including FOODS THAT HEAL, VITAMINS THAT HEAL, NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON AILMENTS, CONQUERING DIABETICS, NATURE CURE FOR CHILDREN'S DISEASES, NATURAL HEALTH FOR THE ELDERLY and COMPLETE HANDBOOK FOR NATURAL CURE.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Studies link heart disease to Vitamin B1, says Bakhru. A deficiency affects digestion, cause muscle wastage, nerve damage, lack of appetite, chronic constipation, muscular weakness, slow heartbeat and constipation. Many authorities believe Vitamin B1 and garlic help to shrink enlarged hearts.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 Bakhru doesn't just make 1234567890123456789 He backs many of 1234567890123456789claims. the benefits of whatever he 1234567890123456789 with folk beliefs 1234567890123456789discusses which have been validated 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789by scientific research in 1234567890123456789reputable universities. 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 BANANA You would probably 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789skip such uses as for con1234567890123456789stipation, allergies, anae1234567890123456789 mia, kidney disorders or 1234567890123456789 disorders if you 1234567890123456789menstrual heard Bakhru say it could 1234567890123456789 tuberculosis, a disease 1234567890123456789cure which would appear to 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789have resurfaced in Nigeria. 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 LIME 1234567890123456789 When people tell me it 1234567890123456789 sperm "watery" or 1234567890123456789makes makes women infertile, I 1234567890123456789always ask them about the 1234567890123456789source of their informa1234567890123456789 tion. Here's a versalitle 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789fruit Bakhru recommends 1234567890123456789 as eye drop (please read 1234567890123456789 the formula) for the treat1234567890123456789 of even cataract, ton1234567890123456789ment sillitis, bleeding piles and 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789high blood uric acid 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 PAWPAW 1234567890123456789 We take it for granted, 1234567890123456789 yet it helps the eyes, diges1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789tion, enlarged spleen, the 1234567890123456789skin, worms and cirhrosis 1234567890123456789 of the liver. 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 BITTER GOURD 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 The Indians call it 1234567890123456789KARELA, the Yoruba 1234567890123456789EJINRIN. Bakhru names it 1234567890123456789 for diabetes, piles, blood 1234567890123456789 including itch1234567890123456789disorders, 1234567890123456789ing, scabies and boils. 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789 CABBAGE 1234567890123456789 A young girl, Stella 1234567890123456789 Jackson, of Abbeydguru 1234567890123456789 1234567890123456789C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , 1234567890123456789Ilupeju Model Market, 1234567890123456789who came to me last
Linked to glaucoma, Vitamin B2 deficiency easily shows in the mucous membrane lining of the mouth, lips and tongue. Bloodshot eyes are another deficiency signal. When the eyes cannot stand sunlight, itches, burns and waters, the body is calling for vitamin B2. The same goes for dull hair, oily skin, and premature wrinkling. In the eye, Vitamin A and Vitamin B2 work together. Vitamin A promotes vision by nourishing the light sensitive retina. Vitamin B2 strengthens the eye muscles and eye nerves.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Here's another B vitamin important for the nerves. Its deficiency shows in the coating of the tongue, and as Bakhru adds, in "sores in the mouth, irritability, nervousness, skin lesions, diarhoea, forgetfulness, insomnia, chronic headache, digestive disorders and anaemia." So crucial is niacin that "… prolonged deficiency may cause neurasthenia (weakness of nerves, mental disturbances, depression, mental dullness, and disorientation."
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Anyone whose adrenal glands have buckled under stress will find Vitamin B5 useful. Not only does it help digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats and make amino acids, for repair and growth, it takes away the impact of physical and mental stress and the poisons they generate. Because it helps overcome the ravages of stress, pantothenic acid (sold as calcium petonthanate) prevents premature ageing. This condition shows easily in the premature graying of hair which this vitamin does not permit. Two other substances which also reverse graying hair are INOSITOL and PABA - Para Amino Benzoic Acid.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Women who bloat up before their periods, with or without sore and painful breasts, will find it helpful, as it helps eliminate excess fluid load in the body. Also, people who suffer from Carpal, Tunnel Syndrome, an inflammatory condition of the wrist and hand, do well on this vitamin. Cracks at the corners of the lips (the Ijebus of Yorubaland call it Ibe, are a deficiency sign. So are halitosis), "foul smell in the mouth, nervousness, eczema, kidney stones, inflammation of the colon, damage to the pancreas, insomnia, tooth decay and irritability." Bakhru links a deficiency of this vitamin to "convulsions in FOODS THAT HEAL children and pregnant women" He explains the link with epiThis book discusses the healing powers of no fewer than 18 lepsy in children: fruits and 20 vegetables. In the fruits category are Apple, Apri"It has also been found that during pregnancy, undernourcot, Avocado, Banana, Bagel, Date, Fig, Grapes, Grapefruit, Inished women usually lack in vitamin B6 due to an excessive dian Gooseberry, Jamul fruit, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Orange, demand by the fetus. This deficiency affects the development Papaya (Pawpaw), Pomegranate Raisins. Bakhru discusses, as of the central nervous system of the fetus. This causes well, the curative powers of Barley, Maize, Rice and Wheat. Nut demylination (uncovering of the nerve fibers of the peripheral and seeds. Seed lovers may wish to find out the health promotnerves)" resulting in epileptic-like seizures. In all such condiing benefits of Almond, Coconut, Groundnut, Mustard seed, tions where there is no other apparent known cause of convulSafflower seeds, Sesame seeds and Sunflower seeds. The list insions, administering cludes Curd, Honey, Milk and Sugarcane as for vegetables, Bakhru 50mg of vitamin B6, three times daily is found to be a very mentions [Asparagus (which Nigerian naturopaths now preeffective treatment" scribe for immune boosting). The B vitamins are in a world of their own. I'd have liked to Beet root, an ingredient in Nigerian salads which cleanses the close the B vitamins with mentions of B8, B9, B12, B-prevention bloat, dissolves gall stones and builds blood count), of hair loss and support to make the liver healthily but B6 is Bitter gourd (Yorubas called it Ejinrin and take it for uterine still child one. I know of a childhood friend who has bleed fibroids, high blood sugar, high blood pressure etc.). [Cabbage vaginally for over four months now. Pap smear and scans of (taken as juice to heal peptic ulcer, according to a Stanfford Unithe uterus have ruled out any fibroid or cancerous troubles. I versity Study, and to slow hypertine thyroid gland; used as poulhave suggested she check for endometriosis and check her horweek with a painful swoltice to treat inflammation and arthritis). mones just in case menopausal symptoms are catching up with Carrot, Cucumber, Drumstick, Garlic, Ginger, Lettuce, Mint, len knee with two skin breaks oozing pus didn't believe me her. She has managed to reduce the severity from four pad for two days when all I told her all she has to do was buy Onion, Potato, Soyabeans, Radish, Spinach, and Tomato charges to one daily with Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitex and These fruits and vegetables are such potent health protectors cabbage, beat some leaves to pulp till they bleed juice, wrap Yarrow tea. Shepherd's Purse, a good astringent, was not readand life extenders, as revealed by Bakhru, that it is no wonder them around the knee and hold them there overnight with a ily available. Now, here is Bakhru saying "longstanding irthat people who count among usually sick people also count bandage. regular vaginal bleeding in young girls can be successfully On the third day, she compiled. The next day, she came to among people who consume the least serving of fruits and vegthank me. treated with vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 controls the bleeding by etables every day. The swelling, virtually gone, she was able to walk freely inhibiting the activity of estrogen and the ripening of the folliI will randomly rush through this book because of space limicles." tation, hoping the little said of it would be enough to recom- again. Bakhru says it protects blood vessel walls, slows the aging process, prevents formation of kidney stones and keeps Some of us are lucky. I take a B-75mg supplement everyday mend it as a book worthy to have in the home health library. and top it up before bed with calcium petonthanate (Vitamin Books are featuring more in this column these days because constipation at bay. many readers, their interest in their health grown, often ask me B5). I hope Bakhru has helped many people appreciate why a VITAMINS THAT HEAL about which books they may read to expand their knowledge of 50mg or 75mg prescription, along with vitamin C 1000mg, is Natural Health in this Information Age in which health has often made in respect of major health disturbances. Above all, Like all things else, we often take vitamins for granted. I've become personal responsibility. I hope he has persuaded us all to appreciate why our libraries seen many drivers run into the concrete median of the roads at night. Most probably, they suffer from night blindness, A litmus must have copies of his books on the shelf. So, for the readers APPLE test for Vitamin A deficiency, which is a cause of night blindness who wants something to read to empower his or her capacity Try it for stomach disorders, anaemia, dysentery, constipation is the failure or ability to see the black and white road markings to take primary responsibility for his or her health, here's yet or diarrhea, headache, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, at night. I, too, suffered from night blindness for many years. I another opportunity to get started. Remember the words of dry cough, kidney store, eye disorders, dental disorders and doubt if I have fully recovered from it. In those days when it was Hippocrates many decades ago: "Let your food be your medistrength. most serious, I would bump into walls or doors and blame evecine, and let medicine be your food". e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303