‘I heard that the earlier you start your periods the earlier they finish.’

‘Oh, I thought it was just the opposite, that the earlier you started the later you finish.’

When used by doctors, the term ‘menopause’ means, literally, ‘last menstrual period’, but women use it to mean that whole period of their lives between first starting to experience menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, and the end of their periods and the troublesome symptoms. Doctors use the word ‘climacteric’ to describe this period (from the Greek klimakier, meaning a critical period’), and they divide it loosely into three phases:

Pre-menopause. When periods are still regular, but the first symptoms may appear – usually hot flushes and mood changes.

Peri-menopause. When the ovaries’ function declines, periods become irregular, and symptoms either start or become troublesome. This leads up to the time of the last menstrual period.

Post-menopause From the time of a woman’s last period until the end of her days.

The problem with the concept of a ‘last menstrual period’ is that a woman doesn’t know she has had her last period until quite a long time afterwards. Was that last period the last one, or will you get another one in several months’ time? It’s not until about a year has passed without a period that it is safe to say you have finished. Consequently, the period of time we call the menopause (and doctors call the climacteric) has no clear beginning or end. For some women it will last only a year, for most about two to three years, but about one quarter of all women will still be experiencing ‘short-term’ menopausal symptoms five or more years after they began.

It isn’t known exactly what determines the age at which a woman reaches the menopause. Nutrition is important; poor nutrition brings it on earner. Women who have never borne children tend to have an earlier menopause than women who have had several children, and those whose last pregnancy occurred before their late twenties reputedly have an earlier menopause than those whose last pregnancy was in their thirties. Smokers reach the menopause up to five years earlier than non-smokers, probably because smoking lowers oestrogen levels, and ‘passive smokers’ (non-smokers who live or work amongst smokers) also tend to have an earlier menopause.

As a rough guide, most women (though by no means all) will experience the menopause at about the same time as their mothers or older female relatives did. But how do you know when that was? It’s highly likely that neither your mother nor your elderly aunts ever discussed with you their experiences of the menopause; hopefully, you will feel better able to talk to your daughter about it than your mother did to you.

It is safe to say, however, that at some time in your middle years, things will start to change. It is most likely to happen around the mid to late forties, occasionally in the early fifties, and in some women it can happen as early as their thirties. Although the age at which girls start their periods has got earlier over the last few hundred years, the average age for the menopause still remains at about 50. In the third century BC, Aristode noticed that women couldn’t have children after about the age of 50. In the Middle Ages, the age was put at 50-ish, and it is still that today. We can still expect to end our reproductive days at about the same age our pre-Christian forebears did, despite the fact that our expectation of life has more than doubled since then.

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Many women in their fertile years become moody and tense and feel ‘down’ in the week before their menstrual periods. In about 2-8% of women these changes are severe. They may also feel hopeless and angry, may be easily distracted and disinterested in work, friends and hobbies. In addition, their breasts may feel swollen, their heads may ache, their abdomens may feel bloated, and their joints and muscles painful. Difficulties with sleepiness or sleeplessness may also pose problems. Within a few days of starting to menstruate, these difficulties diminish or disappear.

Women for whom these sorts of changes occur at a predictable time in most menstrual cycles may be suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle are sometimes blamed for the condition but it seems there is also a strong psychological component. Distress from other sources, such as marriage, parenthood or occupation, may interact with hormonal changes resulting in intermittent negative moods and behaviours.

Patricia, a 35-year-old mother, sought help for severe irritability, uncontrolled anger, confusion, insomnia, fatigue and low libido, which typically appeared two weeks before her period and disappeared about a week after bleeding stopped. With a thirty day menstrual cycle, this meant she experienced only about eight days when she felt well and ‘in control’ of her situation. Doctors occasionally suggest a hysterectomy in such circumstances in a bid to relieve symptoms that are disrupting relationships and generally making life a misery. There is, however, little evidence to support the value of this approach as symptoms often persist after hysterectomy.

Patricia found a coping skills program incorporating anxiety-reduction techniques and responsible assertiveness training to be extremely helpful. Within twelve weeks she was increasingly positive about her relationships in all directions and regarded her premenstrual phase as a time when she felt ‘out of sorts’ but from which she would recover her competence within a day or two.

*21\198\4*

The total amount of REM sleep at night occupies about 25 per cent of the total sleep time and this proportion stays relatively constant throughout life. Hence we now know that one-quarter of our sleep is spent in dreams, and dreams are part of a healthy nightly sleep.

Now what is the importance of REM sleep and dreams? Physiologically it appears that we cannot do without REM sleep; it is an important part of the sleep cycle. Dr William Dement, the leading sleep expert, performed the following experiment with his sleep subjects. On the first night, whenever he was sure that his subjects were beginning to enter REM sleep, he woke them up and then allowed them to fall back to sleep again. This deprived his subjects of any REM sleep and hence dreams. To his surprise, the subjects appeared to enter REM sleep again and again, and more and more frequently as the morning approached. As many as 30 or more awakenings were required to prevent REM sleep from starting again. In other words, the more you try to prevent someone from dreaming, the more he has to.

The next night, Dement’s subjects were allowed to have a normal sleep without any disturbance. It was observed that they now had an excessively large proportion of REM sleep and dreams. Dement suggested that there was a need to dream. After the deprivation of REM sleep, there is a rebound as if to make up for the debt of REM sleep, and this is called REM rebound. More recent studies, however, show that suppression of REM sleep does not lead to any physiological and psychological ill-effect. The real significance of REM sleep has yet to be determined.

*21\174\4*

When we examine the matter closely, we can see that most of the common causes of anxiety concern our conscience either directly or indirectly. This is clear enough in matters of sex and aggression, and it is only a little less obvious in the conflicts concerning dependence. However, very simple problems of conscience can produce tension in quite a surprising fashion.

It is common clinical experience to find that patients are tense on account of some problem of tax evasion. It is usually not so much a matter of frank dishonesty, but rather a problem of stretching the loopholes of the law to such an extent that inner conscience becomes uneasy.

Sensitive, introvert people who have something of the perfectionist in them are often tense because their life seems to lack fulfilment. They become overwhelmed by the material values that they find around them only to become aware that they themselves are lacking in any spiritual goal. They feel a sudden void; and they are anxious indeed.

It is not necessary to go to Africa as a missionary to fulfil these inner needs. But every sensitive individual, man or woman, if he is to remain free from inner tension, must make for himself some way of life which satisfies these vague needs of conscience and idealism.

*46\57\2*

Actually, there is no miracle cure for arthritis! As a matter of fact, there is no specific, singular curative therapy for arthritis. No specific treatment, no specific diet, no specific bath possesses curative properties which can cure arthritis. The cure is accomplished by the healing power inherent in the body itself. The biological treatments only release and actively support this healing power, creating the most favorable conditions for repair, rebuilding, and re-establishment of health.

As I studied the actual cases, interviewed the patients, and observed the various biological treatments used to bring about these remarkable recoveries, I could not help but think that the miracle is not in the fact that these patients are cured, but that these biological methods, which can accomplish such extraordinary results, and which are so widely used in Europe, are virtually unknown in the United States!

This to me is a real miracle: That millions of arthritis sufferers in the U.S.A., hopeless and disillusioned in their despair, have never heard that such methods exist. They are in complete ignorance of the great developments which are now taking place in biological medicine.

It is a miracle, indeed, that the biological methods described in this book are unknown to the public in this country and that 13 million American arthritis sufferers are pacified by repeated, paid commercials which say, “There is no cure for arthritis”!

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These are a type of syncope, but deserve a particular mention as the attacks are frequently misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. Reflex anoxic seizures (also called pallid syncopal attacks) usually affect young children between 12 months and 4 years of age, but can affect older children and even adults. The attacks are always provoked by either a sudden fright, or unexpected pain. This unpleasant experience then stimulates a nerve (the vagus nerve) which causes the heart to slow down or even stop for a few seconds. As a result of this the child becomes pale, then limp, and may even have a brief clonic convulsion. Almost immediately the child will recover, may cry, and then appear sleepy. Within a few minutes the child is usually back to normal. These attacks do not damage the brain or heart, do not need treatment, and usually stop by the age of 5-10 years.

Breath-holding attacks-These attacks occur only in young children, aged usually between one and three years. The typical story is of a child who is frustrated, told off, or spanked. The child becomes angry or upset and will hold their breath. After a few seconds the child becomes blue (cyanosed) because of a lack of oxygen in the blood and loses consciousness, and becomes limp. Because of the reduced oxygen supply to the brain (as the child is not breathing) the child may have some clonic (jerking) movements and wet themselves. The child always starts breathing again and is back to normal within a few minutes. These breath-holding attacks usually stop by the age of 4-5 years.

*37\188\2*

This study of 48 persons afflicted with arthritis followed a model prepared by the San Diego Clinic Immunological Centre (SDC). It was not a double blind study. It would not meet the criteria of a formal medical trial conducted for publication by some premier medical journal. But then, that was not its intent.

The objectives of our study were primarily to determine if different types and severities of arthritis would require different dosages. In addition to the information gained directly at SDC, data were compiled from reports from several trusted professional sources that had no vested interest in the results. Data were also received from other medical clinics, medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other types of health care practitioners.

“Only about 15 percent of medical interventions are supported by solid scientific evidence … This is partly because only one percent of the articles in medical journals are scientifically sound …” That’s quite an admission for a man in his position.

*58\142\2*

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of lead poisoning vary with the age of the child and the amount of lead that is in the child’s body, and are difficult to identify because they may build up gradually. Symptoms may include poor appetite, vomiting, constipation, extreme irritability, slow mental and/or physical development, aggressive behavior, seizures or convulsions, personality changes, clumsiness, or symptoms of anaemia – paleness, tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, and fainting. In severe cases, the child may become unconscious.

A routine blood or urine test will not detect lead poisoning. Before the problem can be diagnosed, the doctor must suspect that lead may be causing the child’s symptoms. Specific laboratory tests are then done to measure lead content in the blood and urine.

Home care

Parents should be alert for changes in a child’s behavior. Also, watch to see if your child has a habit of putting nonfood objects in the mouth and swallowing them. This habit, which is called pica, can result in lead poisoning. Check your home and yard for sources of lead. If your house was built before 1950, the paint and plaster should be tested for lead content.

Precautions

• If you are remodeling an older home, and especially if you are burning, scraping, or sanding paint and plaster inside the house, you may be releasing lead into the air. Pregnant women, infants, and small children should live elsewhere until the work is completed and the dust is cleaned up.

• Anyone who works in an occupation that involves exposure to lead should be especially careful about bringing home lead-containing dust on work clothes. Such occupations include lead smelting; storage battery manufacture, repair, and recycling; automobile assembly; automobile body and radiator repair; and others.

Medical treatment

Treatment for lead poisoning is called chelation therapy. The doctor prescribes a drug that combines with the lead in the body and draws it out of the body tissues where it is stored. The lead passes out of the body in the urine. A special diet or a change in diet may also be prescribed. Of course, this treatment will not be effective if the child is still taking in lead. The source of lead must be identified and removed first.

*144/84/5*

This is an extremely important component of protecting yourself against heart disease. We have always known that people who eat lots of fruit and vegetables are healthier and live longer than those who don’t; now scientific research is discovering the reasons why. You may remember that cholesterol itself is not much of a problem to your health, rather it is oxidized (damaged by free radicals) cholesterol that causes all the damage to your artery walls. If you don’t get enough antioxidants in your diet, there will be a lot of free radicals in your body, causing harm to your cell membranes, DNA, artery walls, and the various fats in your bloodstream. Antioxidants help to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals in our body. Free radicals occur naturally in our body, but toxins in our environment greatly increase the amount of these damaging substances.

Antioxidants found in foods, vitamins and minerals

A large Harvard University study in the USA of men and women found that people who eat eight or more servings of vegetables and fruit per day have a 20 percent lower chance of suffering heart disease than those who eat less than three servings. This study showed that every little bit helps, because for every one serving of fruit or vegetables per day, the risk of heart disease dropped by four percent!

It is important to eat as wide a variety of fruits and vegetables as possible, as they each have their own unique benefits. Try to include as many different coloured fruits and vegetables as possible; make sure you include some leafy vegetables, some stem vegetables and some root vegetables. Consuming one raw vegetable salad each day is essential; many vital nutrients are destroyed by cooking.

Consuming plenty of plant foods will lower your blood C-reactive protein level. People who are fit, not overweight and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables have lower blood levels of this substance.

The power of juicing

One easy way to include more fruit and vegetables in your diet is through raw vegetable juicing. You will need to use a juice extractor and consume the juice as soon after making it as possible, as valuable nutrients are lost quickly once the juice has been made. Store bought vegetable juices in glass bottles or cartons are not a substitute because they are not raw juices. Fruit juices should be avoided, as they are far too high in sugar. You should be predominantly juicing vegetables, with a little fruit thrown in to improve the taste. Juicing vegetables breaks down the fibrous components and makes the nutrients present much easier to digest and more available to the body. There is very little effort required by your body to obtain the goodness in the vegetables. Unfortunately, with all the chemicals and stress we are exposed to these days, an average intake of fruits and vegetables is not enough to protect us from disease; juicing is essential! Juices are rich in so many essential nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid, Â vitamins, vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. There really is no excuse not to consume them regularly.

Blueberries fight cholesterol

Researchers have discovered that the compound pterostilbene, found in blueberries works as effectively for lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol as the cholesterol lowering drug ciprofibrate. Ciprofibrate is in the class of cholesterol lowering drugs called fibrates; it is effective for lowering cholesterol but causes muscle pain and nausea in some people. Pterostilbene stimulates a receptor protein in liver cells which is responsible for lowering cholesterol and other blood fats. Blueberries do not cause any side effects, are delicious, high in fibre and help to protect your heart.

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Soya

Soya is a very versatile, natural vegetable protein which can make a useful alternative to cow’s milk if you are animal milk intolerant or find that it causes skin problems or sinus trouble. Buy organic to make sure it is not genetically modified and make sure the milk is sugar-free. Soya milk can be used in cooking in the same way as you would use cow’s milk and you will find you then cannot taste the difference between the two.

Tofu which is soya bean curd can be used in stir-fries, soups and also desserts and again buy organic to make sure it is GM free. It is available in most supermarkets and health food shops. Avoid TVP (textured vegetable protein) because of the amount of processing needed to make it into a meat substitute.

Dairy Produce

Buy organic dairy produce, available from most supermarkets, to avoid the harmful effects of growth hormones, antibiotics and chemicals that may have been absorbed from the animal’s foodstuffs. If you have a milk allergy or intolerance, try sheep’s or goat’s milk or a non-animal drink like soya milk or rice milk. Buy live yogurt containing the culture Lactobacillus acidophilus — organic if possible.

Oil/Fat

Use butter (organic if possible) and unhydrogenated margarines (available from health food shops). Look for cold-pressed, unrefined vegetable oils like sesame, sunflower and safflower, and use extra-virgin olive oil for light cooking.

Hot Drinks

As a substitute for coffee, try Caro and Caro Extra, Bambu orYannoh which are grain ‘coffees’ and contain various combinations of ingredients like barley, rye, chicory and acorns. Good alternatives to tea include herb teas, fruit teas, Rooibos (caffeine-free South African tea), decaffeinated tea, or Japanese bancha (twig) tea.

Cold Drinks

Use real unsweetened fruit juice. Watch out for cartons or bottles with ‘fruit drink’ on the label because this means that something else has been added. A recent analysis of fruit drinks showed that many contained only 5 per cent fruit, while the rest was made up with water, sugar and additives.

Also be cautious of the flavoured spring waters. They appear healthy enough but many contain sugar.

Water is the simplest and most natural drink of all. Our bodies are made up of approximately 70 per cent water which is essential for every bodily process. We can survive without food for about five weeks but we can’t go without water for longer than five days.

Try to drink around six glasses of water a day. Use these glasses of water to replace other less healthy drinks you might normally choose. For instance, you could start the day with a cup of hot water and a slice of lemon, a wonderfully refreshing drink and excellent for the liver.

Convenience Foods

Most pre-packaged convenience foods contain high levels of additives and preservatives so they are best avoided. However, even with the best will in the world, I know this is not always possible. So, when you do feel you have to buy convenience foods, check the labels carefully, go for organic options where available, and keep your consumption of such foods to a minimum.

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