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Benefits of
Good Nutrition
by Catherine Sutton
It is important to become aware
of the effect on the body of what we eat, and how foods affect how we feel.-?
The most beneficial change is to
cut out ?extreme foods?, foods that seem to have the most dramatic effect on
the body. These often are, unfortunately, eaten in large quantities. The extreme
effect of such foods is no longer acknowledged by the body since it becomes an
accepted way of feeling for many people. An example is that of drinking strong
coffee. This creates a stress-like response in the body ? shaking hands, heart
palpitations, dilated pupils, poor digestion, and sweating. These symptoms are
often accepted as ?normal?, because they are continuously present in some
people to a greater or lesser degree.
These symptoms may be a
background discomfort that can be tolerated, but stimulants create a strain on
the body. It is not healthy to have a system that is constantly on the alert and
under stress. By taking regular stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol,
drugs, and cigarettes, the body cannot relax properly. This can be a contributory
factor in many stress related disorders such as ulcers, migraines, irritable
bowel syndrome, psoriasis, and asthma. Too many stimulants alter the mind state,
thus preventing real clarity.
There are also foods that have
the opposite effect, that of depressing the system. These are mainly animal
foods, particularly red meat, heavy dairy foods (butter, cheese, mayonnaise, ice
cream, cream), and salt. They appear to slow down the digestive system, taking a
long time to pass through it. This sluggishness gives rise to constipation,
bowel disorders, and other symptoms such as acne, low energy, low motivation, and
depression. A lot of red meat slows down the body and mind. Dairy foods are also
often a contributory factor in the build up of mucus in the body, particularly
in the respiratory tract, the sinuses, the ears, and the female reproductive
organs.
In most spiritual disciplines
originating from the East, there is little emphasis on animal foods, with a
tendency toward vegetarianism instead.
Basic recommendations for a more
balanced and nutritious diet are as follows:
| Foods to Cut Down
red meat-?
dairy foods-?
sugar/cookies/cakes
oils (except olive oil)-?
tea, coffee, and alcohol-?
refined foods
cigarettes-?
|
-?
Foods to
Increase
vegetable protein-?
(lentils, beans and
nuts)
whole grains
(brown
rice,
barley, millet, oats)
fresh vegetables
fresh fruits
homemade soups
soy-based products
|
When some dietary changes are
made there can be a reaction in the body that may seem negative. If caffeine has
been taken in large quantities over a number of years, the body will experience
withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and nausea. These will pass within a
couple of days ? be patient! If you have been used to eating a lot of animal
products, and either cut them down or give them up, you may get symptoms of
detoxification. Your skin may temporarily become blotchy or spotty, and you may
feel tired. It is worth persevering.
If you give up animal food
altogether, you will have to find your protein from vegetable sources such as
beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Soybean products are a fine way to get protein,
and include tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy sausages, and burgers. You may wish just
to cut down consumption of red meat to start with, and still eat chicken and
fish. Take care not to overdose on chicken unless it is free range; there can be
toxic residues in it. Fish is a good source of fatty acids, calcium, and protein,
but do not eat it too often since it may be contaminated.
To give up all sugar can be very
difficult because there are hidden sugars in so many refined products ? even
salty ones. Beware of foods that say they are sugar free; their manufacturers
often have a different way of presenting sugar, such as sucrose, maltose,
dextrose, saccharin, or aspartame. Some people think that honey is a good
substitute for sugar, but it contains a high percentage of sugar, only some of
which is naturally occurring.
Eat in moderation, and chew your
food well. Try not to eat when stressed. If you are anxious about something,
take a few long slow breaths before you start your meal. If you do this, you will
eat in a more relaxed way and your digestive system will function better. See
how much of your eating is done consciously and how much is done mindlessly,
anxiously, and out of a need for comfort. Food should be used to
nourish the physical body, not as an emotional crutch.
 This article was excerpted
with permission from "Discover Shiatsu" published by
Ulysses Press. Ulysses Press/Seastone Books are available at bookstores
throughout the US, Canada, and the UK, or can be ordered directly from
Ulysses Press by calling 800-377-2542, faxing 510-601-8307, or writing
to Ulysses Press, PO Box 3440, Berkeley, CA 94703, email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
-?
Their website is http://hiddenguides.com.
Info/Order this book
.
This
article was
excerpted from-?
"Discover Shiatsu"
by
Catherine Sutton
Info/Order this book
About The
Author
Catherine Sutton runs a
private shiatsu clinic in Dublin, Ireland.
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