Alimentación adecuada para mejorar la salud y evitar enfermedades crónicas / An appropriate feeding to improve the health and to avoid chronic diseases

La alimentación adecuada constituye un reto para muchas personas que prefieren disfrutar de los alimentos agradables pero riesgosos para la salud antes que cambiar sus hábitos erróneos y con ello mejorar su estado. Los antecedentes de la alimentación adecuada se encuentran en la Macrobiótica que se considera un arte y una ciencia de la salud y la longevidad. La educación nutricional es muy importante para lograr transformar la conducta alimentaria indebida, de ahí la intención de proporcionar conocimientos sobre la alimentación adecuada, sus características y relación con diferentes enfermedades crónicas. Se enfatiza el valor nutricional del arroz integral, la importancia del equilibrio entre los alimentos ácidos y alcalinos, con una mayor proporción de estos últimos y las formas de cocción de estos alimentos. Es recomendable que las personas ingieran alimentos que contengan fibra dietética como cereales integrales, legumbres, vegetales y frutas, con lo que pueden contribuir a reducir el riesgo de desarrollar el síndrome metabólico y enfermedades crónicas como el cáncer, las enfermedades cardiovasculares y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2

The appropriate feeding is a challenge for many people who prefer to enjoy of pleasant foods but riskier for health instead of to change its mistaken habits and thus to improve its status. The backgrounds of the appropriate feeding are in Macrobiotic feeding considered an art and a science of health and old age. The nutritional education is very important to achieve the transformation of a improper feeding behavior, thus, the intention to offer the necessary knowledges on a appropriate feeding, its features and relation to different chronic diseases. Authors emphasize the nutritional value of integral rice, the significance of balance among acid and alkaline foods with a greater proportion of this latter and the cooking ways of these foods. It is advisable that persons consume foods containing dietetic fibers as integral cereals, pod vegetables and fruits thus contributing to reduce the risk of to develop the metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases including the cancer, the cardiovascular diseases and the type 2 diabetes mellitus

Caracterización y evaluación nutricional de las dietas macrobióticas Ma-Pi / Characterization and nutritional evaluation of the Ma-Pi macrobiotic diets

Existe desconocimiento y confusión general sobre la alimentación macrobiótica. En el Instituto Finlay se están realizando, desde hace siete años, diferentes ensayos clínicos con las dietas macrobióticas Ma-Pi, desarrolladas por Mario Pianesi, fundador y presidente de "Un Punto Macrobiótico", Italia, con el objetivo de comprobar su seguridad nutricional y los efectos terapéuticos atribuidos. Estas dietas se basan en el consumo de alimentos naturales, integrales y ecológicos. Predominan los cereales integrales, los vegetales y las leguminosas. Este trabajo ofrece información sobre estas dietas, su caracterización, principios básicos, contenido y evaluación nutricional. Se determinó el contenido nutricional de cinco ejemplos de patrones alimentarios correspondientes al mismo número de dietas Ma-Pi y se comparó con las recomendaciones propuestas por grupos de expertos. Las dietas se destacaron por ser bajas en grasas, proteínas de origen animal y carbohidratos simples y altas en carbohidratos complejos, fibra dietética y antioxidantes. Las dietas Ma-Pi evaluadas fueron seguras nutricionalmente. Sus principios tienen un fuerte aval científico, por lo que pueden ser utilizadas para promover salud, prevenir y tratar enfermedades crónicas, ya que están compuestas por una gran cantidad de alimentos funcionales con poder terapéutico reconocido. Las investigaciones sobre su potencialidad terapéutica están en desarrollo.

There exist lack of knowledge and general confusion on macrobiotic feeding. During 7 years, different clinical tests have been made at the "Finlay" Institute with the Ma-pi macrobiotic diets, developed by Mario Pianesi, founder and president of "A Macrobiotic Point", Italy, in order to check its nutritional safety and the therapeutic effects attributed to it. These diets are based on the consumption of natural, integral and ecological foods, with a predominance of the integral cereals, vegetables and legumes. This work offers information on these diets, their characterization, basic principles, content and nutritional evaluation. The nutritional content of 5 examples of alimentary patterns corresponding to the same number of Ma-pi diets was determined and compared with the recommendations proposed by experts' groups. The diets proved to have a low fat content, proteins of animal origin, simple carbohydrates, a high content of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and antioxidants. The evaluated Ma-pi diets were nutritionally safe. Their principles have a strong scientific support; therefore, they can be used to promote health and to prevent and treat chronic diseases, since they are composed of a great number of functional foods with recognized therapeutic power. The investigations about their therapeutic potentiality are under development.

Efecto terapéutico de la dieta macrobiótica Ma-Pi 2 en 25 adultos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Therapeutical effect of Ma-Pi2 macrobiotic diet on adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Se realizó un ensayo clínico, durante 6 meses, en 25 adultos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, tratados con antihiperglicemiantes, para estudiar el efecto terapéutico de la dieta macrobiótica vegetariana Ma-Pi 2. Se evaluaron datos de encuesta dietética, evolución clínica, estado nutricional, indicadores bioquímicos de rutina y del metabolismo glucídico y lipídico, consumo de medicamentos y eventos adversos. La dieta tuvo presencia mayoritaria de cereales integrales, verduras y hortalizas, leguminosas y té verde; fue suficiente en energía, baja en grasa y adecuada en proteínas; elevada en carbohidratos complejos, fibra dietética, ß caroteno, manganeso y magnesio. Al final del estudio la glicemia disminuyó en 53 por ciento, hemoglobina glucosilada 32 por ciento, colesterol 21 por ciento, triglicéridos 43 por ciento y la relación colesterol-LDL/colesterol-HDL 61 por ciento. El peso corporal y las circunferencias de cintura y cadera disminuyeron significativamente. Se normalizaron los valores de hemoglobina, creatinina, ácido úrico, urea, transaminasa glutámico pirúvica, frecuencia cardíaca y tensión arterial. Los niveles séricos de vitaminas A, E, C, B1, B12 y folatos resultaron adecuados. Del total de los pacientes, 88 por suprimió totalmente el tratamiento antihiperglicemiante. No se registraron eventos adversos. Mejoraron de manera notable los síntomas asociados, el bienestar y la calidad de vida. Se concluyó que la dieta Ma-Pi 2 resultó una alternativa terapéutica muy apropiada en los 25 pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 evaluados.

A clinical assay of 25 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were treated with anti-hyperglycemic drugs was conducted for six months in order to study the therapeutical effect of vegetarian macrobiotic diet Ma-Pi2. Data from dietetic surveys, clinical evolution, nutritional status, biochemical indicators, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators, drug consumption and adverse effects were evaluated. The diet mostly comprised whole grains, vegetables, leguminosae and green tea; sufficient energy, low fat and adequate protein contents, high amount of complex carbohydrates, dietetic fiber, ß carotene, manganese and magnesium. At the end of the study, glycemic levels lowered by 53 percent, glycosylated hemoglobin by 32 percent, cholesterol by 21 percent, triglycerides by 43 percent and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio by 61 percent. Body weight, and waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced. Hemoglobin, creatinine, uric acid, urea, piruvic glutamic transaminase, heart rate and blood pressure values stabilized. Vitamin A, E, C, B1, B12 and folates serum levels were satisfactory. Of the total number of patients, 88 percent totally ceased their antihyperglycemic treatment. No adverse effects were observed. Improvement in associated symptoms, well-being and quality of life was remarkable. It was concluded that the Ma-pi2 diet proved to be a very suitable therapeutical alternative in the 25 studied patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The self-reliant system for alternative care of diabetes mellitus patients--experience macrobiotic management in Trad Province.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is a costly and growing health issue for the individual as well as the nation with much concern needed to change the way of life globally, Thailand included. Conventional medical care comprises of lifestyle modifications and the use of diabetic drugs but even with the development of new drugs, little achievement has been noted in relation to reducing the disease's complications. Macrobiotic is a holistic, alternative health care method. In macrobiotic principle, humans should live, drink and eat in conjunction with the laws of nature that will lead to good health, freedom and wisdom in understanding the laws of nature. The macrobiotic way of living is therefore the caring of body, mind, spirit and the environment in an independent manner based on adequacy and symbiotic support. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study consists of forty-four type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from the DM clinic, Trad Provincial Hospital. 4 subjects were insulin treated, observing the macrobiotic ways of living together at the Wanakaset Research Facility of Kasetsart University, Trad Province which lies in a natural forest area approximately 45 kilometers away from the city for a period of between 2 to 14 weeks. The volunteers were required to refrain from using all kind of drugs or chemicals and eating Formula 2 food as set forth by the International Un Punto Macrobiotico Foundation, Italy while participating in all camp activities. RESULTS: The findings at the end of the program together with QOL assessment questionnaires noted a statistically significant reduction in blood sugar levels, weight, blood pressure and heart beat ratios. Subjects were in significantly better health, more vibrant, more peaceful, and more energetic. The 4 insulin treated volunteers managed to maintain their blood sugar level within the range of 110-171 mg% without any insulin injection and all volunteers are free of any adverse events. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study can be a guideline in the modification of health care policies that can lead to the development of effective, and alternative care of diabetes mellitus patients.

Marasmus and Kwashiorkor by Nutritional Ignorance Related to Vegetarian Diet and Infants with Atopic Dermatitis in South Korea

Infants and children with food related Atopic Dermatitis (AD) need extra dietary efforts to maintain optimal nutrition due to food restriction to prevent allergy reactions. However, nutrition ignorance and food faddism make patients even more confused and practice desirable diet more difficult. The objective of this study was to report the AD patients' malnutrition cases in Korea. We report on 2 cases of severe nutritional deficiency caused by consuming macrobiotic diets which avoid processed foods and most animal foods, i.e. one of vegetarian diet. Case 1, a 12-month-old male child, was admitted with severe marasmus. Because of a history of AD, he was started on mixed grain porridge at 3 months without any breast milk or formula feeding. His caloric intake was 66% and protein intake was 69% of the recommended dietary allowance. Patient's height and weight was under 3th percentile. On admission the patient was unable to crawl or roll over. Case 2, a 9-month-old AD female patient, was diagnosed with kwashiorkor and rickets. She was also started on mixed grain porridge at 100 days due to AD. Her caloric intake has been satisfied recommended dietary allowance until 7 months, however, she conducted sauna bath therapy and reduced both energy and protein intake at 8 months. The amount of protein intake for case 2 was higher than recommended dietary allowance, but, sauna therapy and severe AD with intakes of low guality protein may increase patient's protein requirement resulting in kwashiorkor. Case 2 patient's height and weight was on 3th percentile. Both cases showed low intake of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E and especially very low intake of vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Allergy tests for certain foods had not done prior to admission for both cases. They followed the dietary advise operated by macrobiotic diet internet site. In conclusion, AD infants' parents and caregivers should contact a pediatrician trained as a specialist in allergy for accurate diagnosis. For infant patients, breast or formula feeding including hypoallergenic formula should be continued until their one year of age. When certain foods need to be restricted or to follow special diets such as vegetarian diet, consultation with pediatrician and dietitian is needed.

Los hábitos alimentarios del hombre y la patología colónica / Human food habits and the colonic pathology

La cualidad y calidad de los alimentos con que el hombre se nutre han sido siempre motivo de atención. En este trabajo se efectúa una revisión histórica del tipo de alimentación humana, sus formas de obtención y preparación y su influencia en diversas patologías. Se pone énfasis en la relación de la dieta y el colon destacándose el rol de la fibra en el cáncer y en la enfermedad diverticular colónica.

Efecto de la adición de Saccharomyces cerevisiae y melaza-urea sobre la digestibilidad in vivo e in situ en dietas para ovinos basadas en paja de cártamo / Effect of the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and urea-molasses on in vivo and in situ digestibility in diets for sheep based on sesame straw

Se realizaron dos experimentos para evaluar los cambios en la digestibilidad de paja de cártamo (PAC) usando un suplemento melaza-urea (MU) y un probiótico (PRO; Saccharomyces cerevisiae). En el experimento 1, se determinó la degradabilidad in situ de fibra (FDN) con cánula ruminal en 12 ovinos (45 ñ 5.8 kg). Se incubaron in situ 4 g de muestra en base seca por periodos de 0, 6, 24, 48, 72 y 96 h, y se muestreó líquido ruminal a 0, 2, 4 y 6 h pospandrial para determinar pH y concentración de N amoniacal. Los resultados se analizaron usando un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial de tratamiento (2 x 2 x 3), donde los factores fueron dos niveles de PRO (o vs .5 g/d intrarruminal), MU (0 vs 10 por ciento) y tres niveles de PAC (50, 60 y 70). La digestibilidad de FDN se incrementó (P< .05) por PRO (3.2 por ciento promedio) y MU (3 por ciento promedio) en todos los tiempos de incubación; también hubo diferencias (P< .05) en la digestión de FDN para 50 por ciento de PAC (35.9 por ciento) con respeco a 60 y 70 por ciento (31.82 y 30.75 por ciento, respectivamente). En el experimento 2 se midió la digestibilidad in vivo (DIV) usando 70 por ciento de PAC, dos niveles de pro (0 vs .05 g/animal/d) y MU (0 vs .10 por ciento) y una ración testigo (T5:40 por ciento PAC, 30 por ciento heno de alfalfa y 30 por ciento concentrado) en un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial (2 x 2 + 1). Los tratamientos fueron: T1, MU 0 por ciento + PRO 0 por ciento; T2, MU 0 por ciento + PRO .5 por ciento; T3, MU 10 por ciento + PRO 0 por ciento y T4, MU 10 por ciento + PRO .5 por ciento. La DIVFDN (por ciento) fue diferente (P< .05) entre tratamientos: 66.8a (T4), 61.9ab (T5),52.2bc (T3),52.1bc (T2) y 41.5c (T1). No hubo cambios en comsumo y pH ruminal (P>.05). El número de protozoarios/ml x 10 3 fue diferente (P< .05) entre tratamientos: 1128a (T4), 950ab (T5), 900ab (T3), 764b (T2) y 771b (T1). Los resultados indican que el probiótico y el suplemento melaza-urea incrementaron la digestibilidad de la fibra y la población de protozoarios, los cuales pudieran haber influido en la digestibilidad de la fibra