The Bitter Price of Sugar

Last week, we discussed Maimonides' approach to the importance of preventive medicine. In this context, let's share a case that serves as an example. A few days ago, a person called complaining of itching all over his body and feeling weak and lethargic for a long time. He came for a diagnosis, and I told him that these symptoms likely represent a state with a lot of waste being expelled through the skin, which causes the itching. I added that it's likely the body's struggle to handle this waste is causing great effort, which explains his fatigue.

He asked if it's possible to check what the waste materials are. I replied that the first step is to see if the answer lies in his diet. Perhaps something in his food is causing the symptoms he feels. One simple tool to identify which foods aren't suitable is to check which type of food is recurring in his daily menu. It turned out that the food repeatedly appearing in different forms throughout the complainant's daily routine is sugar. He ends every meal with a cake, every chance he has to drink coffee he adds at least one croissant or a bourekas. Eating pizza is routine. Eating chocolate with cola is something he enjoys greatly... and so on.

The central axis running through all his foods is sugar. Even when he underwent a diagnosis through iridology, it was clear that his body has difficulty coping with sugar. I suggested he part ways with the various sugars. Upon hearing my words, he looked dismayed: "What, to part with all the tasty things that bring me joy?" I responded that it would be advisable, although gradually, to ensure the transition isn't too drastic. I added that it's likely once he reduces his intake of sweet foods, he will feel better and the itching will diminish.

Indeed, he followed my advice and gradually decreased the sweet foods he was accustomed to eating, and the results were quick to follow. Within a few days, he felt his body itching less and noticed another interesting thing: suddenly his head wasn't hurting. I asked him, "Why didn't you tell me you suffer from headaches?" "I didn't think the two were related," he replied.

Next week, with Hashem's help, we will explore the effects of sugar on our bodies.

Eliyahu Schechter, Iridologist and Natural Medicine Practitioner.