PROBLEMS OF FOOD

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 61, 9 September 1937, Page 25

PROBLEMS OF FOOD

REMAKING OURSELVES

THE POSSIBLE LIMITS

Can we make ourselves over at will? Is it possible for us to alter not only the physical contour of the-body to a considerable1 extent, but influence disposition or even character?. asks; Dr. Will S; \Cutten cln ;thfe:';"Chicagq Tribune." In a measure, yes. A heating plant will function efficiently, or poorly in accordance with the kind of fuel that is used and the manner in which it" is burned.' In the animal kingdom we have many illustrations of- how food and environment-alter structure. Many types of domestic animals; have been developed from.,. native-, wild species. - , We can understand this perfectly natural process if we will give but a moment's thoughtVto what we are. In the first place people are sons and daughters, grandsons and, granddaughters, - with' inherited traits and characteristics. In other words, we are the products of our ancestors. At the same time we can effect vital changes by varying our habits o£ life. The body cells-are nourished and sustained by the chemical materials we call foods. Modify these widely, eliminate some essential principle, and we may bring on a blood disease, bone destruction, a nervous upset, or what not. Who knows but that some day we will solve the problem of high blood pressure by finding that it is a deficiency (or over plus) of some special compound—a link inthe process of digestion. PRODUCES .DISTURBANCES. At any rate, we are all familiar with the antics,that food can play whenever too much is taken and when obesity ensues. This can- be, and frequently is, a metabolic or 'an endocrine disturbance,! and it becomes dangerous with advancing years or as the tissue deposited mounts to an excessive figure. For example, if the weight is as much as 30 per cent, above normal, wear and tear on the organs— the cost of maintaining this increased load—is likely to shorten life. The commonest cause of obesity is the ingestion of too much food. The body cannot burn it, therefore it is stored. But there are other influences which may be termed glandular in origin, for example, a deficiency in thyroid secretion, in the output of the pituitary gland, or in the hormones produced from the ovaries in women. As a rule most people desire to throw off their unwanted adipose tissue too rapidly. There is only one safe way to reduce, namely, to take it off in the same manner that it was put on. This means that if far more than a usable proportion of food has been consumed for months or years, far less must be scheduled on a "thinning" programme. Nevertheless the diet should be balanced. The minimal requirements of the body must be met, although the quantity of certain elements is lowered substantially. The amount of protein must be maintained at normal levels, but general subtractions can occur in both carbohydrates and fats. But even here we must provide enough starches and sugars to avoid the condition called acidosis.

ALL PERSONAL MATTERS

Another important factor is the j quota of fluid which the body retains, as a considerable amount of water may fill the spaces previously held by fat. Strangely enough, this water flow comes and goes and depends largely upon the. balance of minerals. This does not refer to the water we drink, but to that which is held within the tissues for the purpose of diluting the various salts. There is only one justification for the use of thyroid extract, and that is when the body is producing less of this I substance than is necessary. Physicians have observed all too many cases of serious illness which have followed the indiscriminate use of this drug. It will take off weight and hence it finds its way into certain anti-fat prescriptions, many of which are harmful. Every obesity problem is a' personal one, and the individual patient must be studied with his- or her specific needs in mind. But a basic reduction in the aggregate of food taken—in most cases—will be followed by a drop to a comfortable state without damage to the system. '