OVERVIEW OF OBESITY Physiological Considerations The problem of obes

[Guest guest]

I do consider this topic to be of vast importance for most of Americans

especially since 2/3's of the American populace is considered overweight, and of

the total population 1/3 approximately is obese.

 

Why is it important?

 

More fat on your body means the immune system is NOT working as it should.

 

When the immune system falters, then all sorts of illnesses seem to spring forth

from the area that the body is genetically predisposed to have weaknesses.

 

I was talking with one of my friends this last week end.

 

He mentioned that at his age " life had gone to shit " .

 

I asked " why he thought that? "

 

His answer, " my entire retirement is going to pay medical bills, and I ain't

getting better " .

 

He is obese.

 

He's in his late 70's.

 

To be healthy, that's a bad combination to have. Now he'll not read the

following, but many people here, will.

 

Enjoy.

 

John La Tourrette, PhD

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OVERVIEW OF OBESITY

 

I. Physiological Considerations

 

The problem of obesity in the practice of medicine has remained a puzzle

without adequate solution, in spite of the apparent simplicity found in the

production of excess fat in the body from excess eating. The obese patient is

usually dismissed with the advice to eat less food and he will lose weight.

Endocrine abnormalities - notably thyroid and pituitary malfunctions - are

currently recognized as etiologic agents in some cases of obesity, but this is

understood to constitute a very small percentage of the total cases of excess

body weight.

 

Clarity concerning this problem does not come readily from the Cayce

readings, perhaps because of the fact that few readings were given only for the

problem of obesity. Usually obesity was concomitant with other conditions and

thus treatment and etiology were intermixed. It would probably be an accurate

observation to state that the readings saw obesity as a side-product of other

body changes that were in the process of causing what we know as disease.

 

In the cases reviewed in this Circulating File there are four major factors

of a physiological nature which contribute in the greatest degree to the obesity

for which corrective suggestions were offered.

 

The first and probably most important etiologic factor is what Cayce calls

an " excess of starches in the diet, " which we probably relate to the general

problem of overeating. When these starches are in excess quantity they create

drosses in the system, and these " make for a hardening upon the activity of the

glandular system as related to the glands of the body. " (1268-2) Apparently

these changes in the glandular activity are not just in the endocrine glands of

the body but also in those tissues in the small intestinal wall - probably

Peyer's patches and other tissues which are active in the assimilatory process.

 

Each of these has glandular tissue as part of its structure which directs

and controls the reproduction and continuity of cellular structure unique to

that tissue. Thus changes in the glands themselves might well alter the

structure and nature of those cells which absorb and metabolize carbohydrates.

 

Then we might find that " there has been produced in the glands - where the

changes take place in the digestive system, just below the duodenum, that

condition wherein most things turn to sugars, and these increase the avoirdupois

of the system, especially about these portions of the body - the torso proper. "

(56031)

 

We might say, then, that overeating starches is a prime cause of obesity and

might create an abnormality in the assimilatory cells of the intestinal tract.

 

Improper or inadequate eliminations are the second cause of obesity. In

[2455]'s case, lack and imbalance of eliminations were probably one of the prime

causes of the woman's psoriasis as well as her obesity. In order to correct

either, the eliminations had to be improved and the balance among the liver,

kidneys, lung, and skin had to be restored.

 

Glandular imbalance was mentioned several times in those cases reviewed, and

thus appears as a third major causative factor. The adrenals and the pineal

particularly were mentioned as being faultyin performance, but we also see the

production of obesity in an individual after [5240] had a thyroidectomy; almost

immediately after [4030] had her tonsils out (obesity which existed 11 years

after a reading was obtained); and almost immediately after [3386] had her

uterus surgically removed.

 

All of these are glandular tissues although the tonsils are not included among

major glandular structures. In any event, glandular function or malfunction

must be given its proper place in the etiology of obesity.

 

Incoordination between the cerebrospinal and the autonomic nervous systems

apparently plays a fairly important role in creating conditions conducive to the

production of excess body weight.

 

As a fourth etiologic factor, these incoordinations arise from other causes and

are not primary in themselves, but are found frequently enough to be considered

as a physiological malfunction in understanding the process of obesity.

 

It is important to be aware that obesity accompanies the development of

other diseases and thus we must question the theory that obesity causes other

diseases.

 

Perhaps it may be only that the changes in the physical body which occasion that

which we call obesity might also bring about other disease processes as a matter

of natural activity in a body that had adjusted itself to improper function.

 

II. Rationale of Therapy

 

In approaching therapy, we should remember that the body has a capability of

normal function:

 

Thus, we would administer those activities which would bring a normal

reaction through these portions, stimulating them to an activity from the body

itself, rather than the body becoming dependent upon supplies that are robbing

portions of the system to produce activity in other portions, or the system

receiving elements or chemical reactions being supplied without arousing the

activity of the system itself for a more normal condition. (1968-3)

 

Any plan of therapy to produce a permanent alleviation of the condition

which we know as obesity should properly be directed at entirely removing the

causes of the excess weight. Thus, a program of fasting or strict regimentation

of diet might bring a person down to normal weight where he would stay, in a

small percentage of the cases, but most individuals following their normal diet

would again return to the body weight they had originally, which is the state of

obesity.

 

Recognizing that the body as a whole is the sum total of its functions or

activities, it is easier to understand that each activity must be coordinated

within itself, as well as with other physiological functions. We must then

recognize that individual cells and groups of cells must be treated to restore

their function to normal so that the organ or gland or system to which they

belong might then be normalized.

 

In order to have a normal body weight, one should be eating a normal diet

and should have adequate assimilations and eliminations with a balanced function

of the circulatory, glandular, and nervous systems. This description certainly

is one of good health, so correction of obesity often is producing a state of

health wherein sickness was existing prior to that time.

 

Briefly, one might view the body as a site of constant construction of new

cells to take the place of those that are dying. If assimilation is improper,

not giving the bloodstream adequate nutritional substances, the rebuilding

process becomes a disturbed, distorted, and incomplete thing.

 

Likewise, if eliminations of dead cellular substances, of used energies and

refused energies is not properly taken care of, again there is improper building

because of the excessive amount of waste in the bloodstream.

 

Lack of balance in the entire glandular system produces improper and

insufficient amounts of those hormones necessary to combine with available

energies to produce new cells.

 

The blood and lymph circulation and the nervous system are intimately related to

this whole process in such a manner that any malfunction here also produces lack

of normal rebuilding.

 

While it is understandable that the entire function of the body is not this

simple, yet these characteristics of body function are undoubtedly valid.

 

Thus when new cells are built properly, they function according to their nature

which might be as cells of the retina, the skin, the hair, or perhaps even as

cells of the adrenal cortex.

 

Proper function gives balance and health in individual cells and in the entire

body.

 

With this as a background, it seems then only reasonable to base therapy

upon a restoration to normal of the cells which are abnormal in that particular

body, keeping in mind the interdependence and the cooperation and coordination

that are necessary among all functioning parts of the body.

 

III. Suggested Therapeutic Regimen

 

A program designed to accomplish the objectives just outlined in the second

part of the commentary would necessarily begin with the most obvious point

needing correction and proceed to those rather difficult complications that are

often found in the obese patient. They might be enumerated as follows:

 

1. Rectify the diet;

 

2. Restore normal balance and efficiency of eliminations throughout the body -

lymphatics and emunctories, liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin;

 

3. Bring about changes in the cells of the intestinal tract which will reverse

the tendency of those cells to turn most things into sugar;

 

4. Balance the glandular system;

 

5. Correct other abnormalities which may be present: nervous system

incoordination, circulatory system imbalance, etc.

 

The diet must be changed rather radically in order to begin therapy, and the

major change brought about is the elimination of most starches. If starches are

eliminated, fruits and vegetables must be added to take their place. No fried

foods are allowed, and the meat intake is limited to fish, fowl, or lamb. Since

eliminations are troublesome for most obese people, a diet including the factors

just mentioned is extremely helpful. Such a diet taken from case [2096] is

found appended to this commentary.

 

In obesity complicated by psoriasis, the problem of eliminations is more

important. [24551 was advised to take occasional vapor baths with varying types

of rubs afterwards to improve skin eliminations. Coca-Cola syrup without the

carbonated water was suggested as a purifying agent for the kidneys; and as a

purifier for the intestinal tract, a teaspoonful daily of a mixture of equal

parts of sulphur, cream of tartar, and Rochelle salts was suggested. The

importance of adequate liver function and production of bile cannot be

overemphasized. Attention is directed to the Circulating File on " Constipation "

where this problem is discussed rather extensively.

 

The readings had a number of suggestions, all apparently designed to restore

the liver and the eliminations through the intestinal tract to full activity.

They suggested olive oil, one teaspoon with each meal, as one alternative.

Zilatone tablets, one three times a day until bowels were moving actively and

then cut down to twice a day or once a day over a period of 10 days, was another

regimen for the bowels. Until the eliminatory organs are balanced and

functioning adequately, the obesity problem cannot be completely overcome.

 

Over and over again in the readings grape juice - diluted two parts of grape

juice with one part of water - was suggested as an additive to the diet, to be

taken one-half hour before each meal and before retiring. This was to be done

over a long period of time with persistence and consistency. Apparently this

has a function of giving a type of sugar to the body tissues which does not

promote weight gain. It was suggested that when the body was satisfied with

this type of sugar, then those cells and glands in the intestinal tract that

tend to change most foods to sugar would not be called upon to function in this

abnormal manner. Only the passage of time and the replacement of these abnormal

cells with those built in a normal manner would finally rectify the situation.

 

Glands throughout the body must be led into a normal function to rid the

body of obesity. In the case of [52,40] where the thyroid had been removed,

suggestion was made to continue the thyroid extract by mouth. Stimulating

existing glands toward normal function is often done with Atomidine given in

series - one drop a day for five days, then left off for five days, and

continued in this manner over a long period of time. It may alternately be

given starting with two drops in a half glass of water the first day, three the

second, and so on, up to a dosage of ten drops on the ninth day. At that point

the dosage is decreased one drop per day until the original dose of two drops is

achieved. Then there is a rest period of five to ten days and another series is

begun.

 

In the difficult cases of obesity, the so-called radio-active appliance

(which has been renamed the impedance device) is suggested for use. When it is

used with the solution jar, in the case of obesity, Atomidine is used in the

solution. In 5603-1 the impedance device was to be used every other day.

Specifics can be seen in the individual readings. [4030) was a young woman who

developed obesity after a tonsillectomy and who also was advised to use the

impedance device. Apparently this battery brings into the body a therapy not

readily obtained in other manners.

 

It would be proper to correct other abnormalities in function which may be

present. Osteopathic treatments are frequently suggested in series of four or

five up to 20 to 28 and also static electricity through the use of the violet

ray bulb hand applicator for incoordination between the cerebrospinal and the

autonomic nervous system. The use of this appliance is described in case

3386-1.

 

Disproportion of Body Parts

 

Eliminations seem to be a major factor in many disease processes. Obesity

is no exception. In [2096]'s instance, the glandular function was not

particularly a major factor in her obesity. It had begun to have an effect but,

according to the reading, the eliminations were producing conditions in the body

which would bring about trouble to the heart, principally through malfunction in

the kidneys and through the sugars created in the system.

 

Perhaps more interesting to those who suffer with an overweight problem is

that for [2096] faulty eliminations are the principal etiologic agent in

producing disproportions of the body itself or the depositing of fat where one

does not particularly want fat.

 

Corrections were suggested (in addition to the diet which was primary) for

[2096] to take colonic irrigations once every ten days until four or five were

taken, and sweat cabinet baths with massages afterwards. The following extract

is interesting:

 

... eliminations are those that cause the disorders in the lower portions of

the system; feet, ankles and limbs, as well as those that produce a tendency for

portions of the body, especially, to be out of proportion to the body as a

whole.

 

The conditions ... may be aided the most were the body to be more mindful of

the diet; not as an extremist, no - but as one that would have the corrections

made in the general eliminating system...

 

... this would be ... an outline for the corrections of the physical

conditions, that may later produce hindrances in the general physical health of

the body.

 

We would begin first with those colonic irrigations - one every ten days

until four or five are taken, which will overcome this tendency of constipation

through the system...

 

We would also, at least twice each week, have those sweat cabinet baths,

with a thorough rubdown afterwards with any of the eliminants - or prepare as

this: Take Russian white oil, one pint; alcohol, one pint; witch hazel, one-half

pint. Mix these together and massage the body with same following the baths,

see? Well to occasionally leave off the oil rub and use the salt glow (that is,

rub the body with salt). (2096-1)

 

Since each individual case of obesity is different from the next, a routine

of therapy must be designed for each person. Patience, persistence, and

consistency certainly are necessities in bringing about a successful conclusion

in this difficult physical condition. When one gets a bit discouraged, it might

be well to keep in mind the following quotation:

 

Keep up what we have given. Be a little patient, but know that there is

being brought about those conditions that will correct the disturbance in this

body, and that the body's strength - the body-physical and the body-mental - is

gaining. Set before self, mentally, that the body would attain.

 

Make it high, and keep the mental lifted in that direction; for to heal the

physical alone, and to have the mental still distorted - would only be the

return of the conditions when activities would be renewed physically.

 

But make the body physically fit, that the body-mental may act through same and

make the efforts to bring about that as is desired, in a mental and physical

body - but make it high! Don't be satisfied with less! (5545-2)

 

[Note: The preceding overview was written by William A. McGarey, M.D. and is

excerpted from the Physician's Reference Notebook, 1968 by the Edgar

Cayce Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA.]

 

http://www.edgarcayce.org/health/database/chdata/data/probes3.html