Sara,
Here are some excerpts from:
The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health:A Complete Guide to Preventing and Relieving More Than 200 Chronic Conditions and Disorders Naturally
Written by Michio Kushi and Alex Jack:
"
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The endocrine system consists of specialized glands that release hormones that influence the functioning of the organs and aid in the digestion of food. These include the pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and specialized cells in the pancreas, duodenum, kidneys, and gonads. Conventional medicine treats endocrine disorders with a wide variety of medications, surgery, radiation, and other invasive treatments. They are viewed largely as biochemical imbalances that can be corrected with drugs rather than as dietary and energetic imbalances that can be corrected with proper nutrition and other lifestyle changes. The macrobiotic approach to endocrine disorders emphasizes an integrated approach in which the daily way of eating and mental and physical activities playa central role. See also "Diabetes" and "Hypoglycemia" in "Pancreatic Problems," and "High Blood Pressure" and "Low Blood Pressure" in "Heart Disease and Circulatory Problems."
SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms may accompany endocrine disorders:
I. Rapid weight loss or gain
2. Increased or decreased metabolism, including heart rate, blood pressure, nervous sensitivity, perspiration, sensitivity to temperature and pressure
3. Muscle weakness
4. Tingling, numbness, or tremors
5. Rapid growth or cessation of growth
6. Tenderness in the glands of the neck
7. Bulging eyes
8. Thickened skin
9. Abnormal blood pressure
10. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels II. Abnormal sexual development, appetite, or change in orientation
12. Abnormal sexual characteristics including hair quality, muscle development, skin texture and thickness, and voice quality
CAUSES
I. Overall, the endocrine glands are small, dense, and compact-yang. They therefore are easily damaged by overintake of meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, and other animal foods, as well as too much salt, hard baked flour, and other strong yang items. The endocrine glands also attract extreme yin in the form of metabolic energy from consumption of sugar, chocolate, honey, and other refined sweeteners; polished grains; fruits and juices; tropical foods; spices; stimulants; alcohol; and especially drugs and medications.
2. The more yang hormones of the endocrine system are related to the functioning of the sympathetic nerves, while the more yin hormones are related to the parasympathetic nerves.
3. In general, there are two major types of endocrine disorders: (I) hyposecretion, in which not enough of a particular hormone is secreted, and (2) hypersecretion, in which too much of a hormone is secreted.
4. Hyposecretion of a yin hormone produces an overly yang condition, while hyposecretion of a yang hormone produces an overly yin condition..."
You might want to look at the two pages called "How to regain weight!" in
The Self-Healing Cookbook: A Macrobiotic Primer for Healing Body, Mind and Moods With Whole Natural Foods by Kristina Turner
The following are some excerpts:
CAUSES OF LOW WEIGHT CAN INCLUDE:
allergies (to foods or environment)
dehydration
eating disorders
endocrine imbalance
genetic body type
parasites
serious illness toxins
UNDERLYING MISTAKEN BELIEFS MAY INCLUDE:
"I'm a failure."
"I have to be in control." "
I'm not enough."
"I'm not lovable."
"Fed up with people telling you that you are too thin? Feeling helpless to know how to gain back your comfort zone?
I can empathize. I have a fast-burning metabolism and a tall, light build-and in times of stress and illness I can lose weight too quickly! I know what it takes to recover from debilitating weight loss--a full plate of nourishing resources for the body, mind and spirit..."
"..In your search for nourishing food choices, ask your body for clues about what it needs. For example, read the sidebar and notice how your body responds. When do you feel your mouth water, take a deeper breath, or lick your lips? Watch for these body cues when you open the fridge, or stroll the grocery aisle.
Next, take a moment to imagine how each potential food choice will feel in your belly a few hours after you eat. Do some foods promise excitement, but leave you cold or dry?.... "
"TO REGAIN WEIGHT*
Listen to your body and consider these choices:
Feel cold or vulnerable?
Oatmeal
Pressure-cooked grains-rice, sweet rice, millet
Buckwheat soba noodles
Mochi
Quinoa
Aduki or black beans, lentil garbanzo or pinto beans
Baked casseroles
Tempeh
Seitan (wheat gluten)
Hearty soups
Sturdy veggies: carrot, onion parsnip, turnip, broccoli collards, burdock, rutabaga
Sweet squashes
Hijiki, arame, kombu, wakame
Fish or seafood
Naturally-raised fowl
Whole grain breads
Toasted seeds or nuts
Cooked local fruits
Grain-sweetened desserts
Feel tense or dry?
Rice cream
Bulghar or couscous
Fresh corn
Brown basmati rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Noodles
Tofu
Hummus
Fish
Lentils, split peas
Uplifting veggies: steamed leafy greens peas, green beans cauliflower, sprouts summer squash, cukes scallions, watercress
Nori sushi
Sensuous fruit desserts
Fresh local fruit
*Invite your intuition to guide you to more options "
Please look at both of those books to see if they can help.
Thank you, very much.
Bruce Paine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sara123
I posted this on the "Introduce Yourself" board... but I haven't gotten any replies... so I will try again here!
I am new to the forum, and (sort of) new to macrobiotics. I have been eating STRICT macro for just about a month now... (no fish, no eggs, either). It has been a challenge... but I feel GREAT... so I know it is worth it.
I know macrobiotics can heal many conditions... but will it help with hormonal issues? I feel like these would be more difficult to correct. I would appreciate any info.
One more question... I am petite (5'2") and normally weighed 125lbs. In the past month of macro, I have lost about 10 pounds. I feel like I keep losing weight... even though I am eating a LOT!! My clothes don't fit... and I need to stop this weightloss. Any suggestions? I have been eating for a certain condition... so there are quite a few limits on WHAT I can eat right now until the condition is corrected. That means a limit on oils, nutbutters, etc... things that at some point I could add to help this situation.
Thanks, and I look forward to getting to know all of you!
Sara  |