The latest approach to eating to keep the blood glucose levels stable and therefore reduce Cortisol levels – is the Glycaemic Diet: this is similar to the diet already discussed but places more of an accent on the ratio of protein to carbohydrate. The work of American Dr Elias Ilyia has proven that this eating plan reduces the stress on the body by balancing the level of insulin produced. It therefore reduces Cortisol levels. Dr Ilyia suggests eating a ratio of one part protein to seven parts carbohydrate, although Dr Andrew Wright in his leaflet ‘Glycaemic Eating’ suggests that it is more effective with a higher ratio of protein: one and half parts protein to two parts carbohydrate. His book on this diet stresses the importance of choosing ‘good’ – slowly absorbed – carbohydrates (such as whole grains) and gives recipes. This book is due to be published in 1999.Although it might seem simplistic, eating to keep the blood sugar levels stable is the first step in lowering Cortisol levels and therefore bringing DHEA levels into balance. By eating in a way which puts the pancreas under stress, you start the chain reaction which upsetsthe output of many other hormones. If you are anxious or have any stress-related symptoms you cannot afford to ignore this. You might say, ‘but I have skipped breakfast, had a sandwich for lunch and a large evening meal for years’ – exactly! You are paying the price for that now with anxiety, fatigue, mood swings and so on. These are symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Try running your car without petrol or expecting an empty ink cartridge to print out your letters. This is exactly what you are doing to your body. It won’t stand for this for ever and will complain with the symptoms mentioned. Hypoglycaemia also increases the risk of degenerative illnesses and maturity-onset diabetes.*106\326\8*