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= Lesson 34 - The Harmfulness Of Beverages In The Diet =

= Lesson 34 - The Harmfulness Of Beverages In The Diet =

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

We live on a planet whose surface is mostly water. About 70% of the earth’s area consists of oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. Your body is also mostly wa- ter. In fact, the human body is about 70% water. If you’re an average person, you have about 45 quarts of water or fluid in you at all times.

We live on a planet whose surface is mostly water. About 70% of the earth’s area consists of oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. Your body is also mostly wa- ter. In fact, the human body is about 70% water. If you’re an average person, you have about 45 quarts of water or fluid in you at all times.

The purpose of this lesson is to inform the reader about the harmful beverages that are used, the harmful drinking practices that occur, and the correct way of obtaining flu- ids for the body.

The purpose of this lesson is to inform the reader about the harmful beverages that are used, the harmful drinking practices that occur, and the correct way of obtaining flu- ids for the body.

34.1.1 The Harmfulness of Common Beverages

=== The Harmfulness of Common Beverages ===

 

Water is the only fluid that can be used by the body. It doesn’t require coffee, tea, milk, beer or soda pop for its functions. Everything that is drunk by man that is not pure water must either be classified as a food or as a poison.

Water is the only fluid that can be used by the body. It doesn’t require coffee, tea, milk, beer or soda pop for its functions. Everything that is drunk by man that is not pure water must either be classified as a food or as a poison.

The most harmful beverages such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, and alcohol are dis- cussed first. Then the beverages that are used as food substitutes (juices, herb teas, milk, etc.) are also evaluated for their suitability in the diet.

The most harmful beverages such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, and alcohol are dis- cussed first. Then the beverages that are used as food substitutes (juices, herb teas, milk, etc.) are also evaluated for their suitability in the diet.

34.2. Harmfulness Of Common Beverages

== Harmfulness Of Common Beverages ==

 

 

 

 

Perhaps the two most popular beverages in America are coffee and tea. Less than 9% of the population drink neither coffee or tea. About half the people in the United States have two to three cups a day of these beverages, and another one-quarter of the popula- tion drinks 6 to 7 or more cups of coffee and tea every day.

Perhaps the two most popular beverages in America are coffee and tea. Less than 9% of the population drink neither coffee or tea. About half the people in the United States have two to three cups a day of these beverages, and another one-quarter of the popula- tion drinks 6 to 7 or more cups of coffee and tea every day.

These figures mean that over 200 billion doses of the drug caffeine are consumed by people in this country every year. Most people do not think that their morning cup of coffee or glass of tea at lunch is a drug. Yet caffeine is addictive, causes withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, and induces both psychological and physical dependence. It sure sounds like a drug, doesn’t it?

These figures mean that over 200 billion doses of the drug caffeine are consumed by people in this country every year. Most people do not think that their morning cup of coffee or glass of tea at lunch is a drug. Yet caffeine is addictive, causes withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, and induces both psychological and physical dependence. It sure sounds like a drug, doesn’t it?

34.2.2 How Caffeine Affects You

=== How Caffeine Affects You ===

 

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system, similar to cocaine and amphet- amines in this manner. It increases the heart rate and rhythm, changes the blood vessel diameter, and affects coronary circulation, blood pressure, urination, and other physio- logical functions.

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system, similar to cocaine and amphet- amines in this manner. It increases the heart rate and rhythm, changes the blood vessel diameter, and affects coronary circulation, blood pressure, urination, and other physio- logical functions.

Not only that, but the cola soft drinks contain large amounts of the drug—sometimes as much or more than that in a cup of coffee. Soft drinks, however, have more dangers than caffeine associated with them, and that is the next topic.

Not only that, but the cola soft drinks contain large amounts of the drug—sometimes as much or more than that in a cup of coffee. Soft drinks, however, have more dangers than caffeine associated with them, and that is the next topic.

34.2.3 Soft Drinks Are Hard Drugs

=== Soft Drinks Are Hard Drugs ===

 

In the news was an account of a young boy who drank 64 bottles of a soda drink, one right after the other, to win a two dollar bet. A young girl was given a case of soft drinks as a prize for her scholarship. She drank the entire case that same day.

In the news was an account of a young boy who drank 64 bottles of a soda drink, one right after the other, to win a two dollar bet. A young girl was given a case of soft drinks as a prize for her scholarship. She drank the entire case that same day.

In the last twenty years, soft drink manufacturers have developed, “sugarless” drinks. Of course these are artificially sweetened. The sweeteners used are chemical products which also have been implicated as cancer-causing. Such drinks are often used by people desiring to lose weight. Unfortunately, while cutting down on calories, they may be building a tumor at the same time.

In the last twenty years, soft drink manufacturers have developed, “sugarless” drinks. Of course these are artificially sweetened. The sweeteners used are chemical products which also have been implicated as cancer-causing. Such drinks are often used by people desiring to lose weight. Unfortunately, while cutting down on calories, they may be building a tumor at the same time.

Soft drinks are not “soft”—they are hard on you and your health. 34.2.4 One For The Road

Soft drinks are not “soft”—they are hard on you and your health.

Of all the beverages with harmful effects, alcohol is probably the most widely known and frequently abused. Seven million people in this country have a serious drinking problem. Probably three to four times that amount use alcohol so much as to interfere with their normal lives.

Of all the beverages with harmful effects, alcohol is probably the most widely known and frequently abused. Seven million people in this country have a serious drinking problem. Probably three to four times that amount use alcohol so much as to interfere with their normal lives.

Alcohol destroys the liver, contributes to ulcers, enlarges the heart, and kills brain cells. It destroys both the body and the mind. Alcohol must be recognized as the killer it is and no longer treated as a social lubricant or “harmless” relaxant. It is a drug and has no place in a healthful lifestyle.

Alcohol destroys the liver, contributes to ulcers, enlarges the heart, and kills brain cells. It destroys both the body and the mind. Alcohol must be recognized as the killer it is and no longer treated as a social lubricant or “harmless” relaxant. It is a drug and has no place in a healthful lifestyle.

34.2.5 Herbal Potions and Drinks

=== Herbal Potions and Drinks ===

 

Witches used to have their special “brew.” They would toss toads and roots and hair and blood and herbs into a big pot and make their special tea. Today, people leave out the toads and blood but they still use the herbs, and they call their potion “herb tea.”

Witches used to have their special “brew.” They would toss toads and roots and hair and blood and herbs into a big pot and make their special tea. Today, people leave out the toads and blood but they still use the herbs, and they call their potion “herb tea.”

Since herbs and their dangers are covered in a future lesson, you only need know that herb teas are not such safe and healthy drinks. They may be a stimulant or a depres- sant or a carminative or whatever, but regardless every herb is a drug and a poison and a drink made from them can in no way be considered suitable for human consumption.

Since herbs and their dangers are covered in a future lesson, you only need know that herb teas are not such safe and healthy drinks. They may be a stimulant or a depres- sant or a carminative or whatever, but regardless every herb is a drug and a poison and a drink made from them can in no way be considered suitable for human consumption.

34.2.6 Fruit and Vegetable Juices

=== Fruit and Vegetable Juices ===

 

Fruit and vegetable juices are the finest liquids we can rink—provided that they are obtained directly from the food itself and not artificially extracted.

Fruit and vegetable juices are the finest liquids we can rink—provided that they are obtained directly from the food itself and not artificially extracted.

Even the consumption of freshly made juices cannot be strongly recommended. If you’re hungry, eat. It you’re thirsty, drink, and when you drink, make it pure distilled water.

Even the consumption of freshly made juices cannot be strongly recommended. If you’re hungry, eat. It you’re thirsty, drink, and when you drink, make it pure distilled water.

34.2.7 What Can You Drink?

=== What Can You Drink? ===

 

It seems like that everything you drink is not good for you. You might wonder what you can drink. First, realize that most drinking is due to a water-deficient diet. If you do not eat the wrong foods, you’ll probably want to drink very little. Often drinking is a social activity—much like eating. People like to offer drinks as a sign of hospitality.

It seems like that everything you drink is not good for you. You might wonder what you can drink. First, realize that most drinking is due to a water-deficient diet. If you do not eat the wrong foods, you’ll probably want to drink very little. Often drinking is a social activity—much like eating. People like to offer drinks as a sign of hospitality.

Drinking merely replaces lost fluids in the body. Treat it as such and you will find that clear, cool water will satisfy you on all levels.

Drinking merely replaces lost fluids in the body. Treat it as such and you will find that clear, cool water will satisfy you on all levels.

34.3. Harmful Drinking Practices

== Harmful Drinking Practices ==

 

 

 

 

Besides the harmfulness of certain beverages themselves, the way in which they are consumed is also detrimental to health and well-being. Drinking with meals, drinking hot and cold beverages, and using drinks as substitutes for good nutrition are harmful drinking practices that should be avoided.

Besides the harmfulness of certain beverages themselves, the way in which they are consumed is also detrimental to health and well-being. Drinking with meals, drinking hot and cold beverages, and using drinks as substitutes for good nutrition are harmful drinking practices that should be avoided.

34.3.1 Drinking With Meals

=== Drinking With Meals ===

 

Drinking while eating is such a common practice that restaurants don’t ask if you’ll have anything to drink but what you want to drink. If no beverage is ordered with the meal, then water is routinely supplied.

Drinking while eating is such a common practice that restaurants don’t ask if you’ll have anything to drink but what you want to drink. If no beverage is ordered with the meal, then water is routinely supplied.

If thirsty, beverages may be consumed twenty to thirty minutes before a meal. After a meal consisting of fruit, water can be taken within thirty minutes; after a starch meal, two hours should pass before drinking, following a protein or fat meal, a full four hours should elapse before fluids are taken. In general, if thirst occurs before these times, it indicates that salted, spiced or unsuitable foods were eaten at the meal and should be avoided in the future.

If thirsty, beverages may be consumed twenty to thirty minutes before a meal. After a meal consisting of fruit, water can be taken within thirty minutes; after a starch meal, two hours should pass before drinking, following a protein or fat meal, a full four hours should elapse before fluids are taken. In general, if thirst occurs before these times, it indicates that salted, spiced or unsuitable foods were eaten at the meal and should be avoided in the future.

34.3.2 Hot and Cold Drinks: Injuring the Body

=== Hot and Cold Drinks: Injuring the Body ===

 

If you or someone you know likes to drink a hot cup of coffee or tea, try this simple experiment: take a tablespoon of the hot liquid, just as you would drink it, and pour it onto the bare stomach. Most likely, you’ll experience intense pain and perhaps some blistering.

If you or someone you know likes to drink a hot cup of coffee or tea, try this simple experiment: take a tablespoon of the hot liquid, just as you would drink it, and pour it onto the bare stomach. Most likely, you’ll experience intense pain and perhaps some blistering.

habits, drinking hot or cold beverages seems very silly and abnormal when you look at it in an unbiased way.

habits, drinking hot or cold beverages seems very silly and abnormal when you look at it in an unbiased way.

34.3.3 Drinking Instead of Nutrition

=== Drinking Instead of Nutrition ===

 

Another harmful drinking practice is using beverages as a substitute for proper nu- trition. Drinks such as alcoholic beverages and soda drinks are full of empty calories. They supply little nutrition in the diet, but many calories. All too often, children use soft drinks for an energy lift instead of wholesome foods. Adults drink beer or mixed drinks in place of good nutrition.

Another harmful drinking practice is using beverages as a substitute for proper nu- trition. Drinks such as alcoholic beverages and soda drinks are full of empty calories. They supply little nutrition in the diet, but many calories. All too often, children use soft drinks for an energy lift instead of wholesome foods. Adults drink beer or mixed drinks in place of good nutrition.

The problem with many of these beverages is that they so easily become habitual. People drink morning coffee instead of eating fruit for their liquid requirements. They have their soda drink every afternoon or their few bottles of beer. In little time, they have established a beverage habit that has replaced the good habits of nutrition and whole- some foods.

The problem with many of these beverages is that they so easily become habitual. People drink morning coffee instead of eating fruit for their liquid requirements. They have their soda drink every afternoon or their few bottles of beer. In little time, they have established a beverage habit that has replaced the good habits of nutrition and whole- some foods.

34.3.4 Is Drinking A Natural Process?

=== Is Drinking A Natural Process? ===

 

To suggest that drinking may be an unnatural or at least an unusual practice may seem foolish. After all, everybody drinks—or do they?

To suggest that drinking may be an unnatural or at least an unusual practice may seem foolish. After all, everybody drinks—or do they?

But the point is this: if you eat a natural diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, you will rarely experience the desire to drink. Usually, when thirst arises and the individual is not in a fasting state or in a very hot environment, then it is due to an improper choice of foods.

But the point is this: if you eat a natural diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, you will rarely experience the desire to drink. Usually, when thirst arises and the individual is not in a fasting state or in a very hot environment, then it is due to an improper choice of foods.

34.4. Drinking Of The Diet

== Drinking Of The Diet ==

 

 

 

Excessive thirst is caused by eating foods which are either deficient in natural fluids or high in salt, spices or their condiments. A high-protein diet also requires more fluid intake because the waste products of such foods require a large amount of water for their solution and excretion.

Excessive thirst is caused by eating foods which are either deficient in natural fluids or high in salt, spices or their condiments. A high-protein diet also requires more fluid intake because the waste products of such foods require a large amount of water for their solution and excretion.

To avoid unnatural and excessive thirst, eat your foods fresh, uncooked, and unsea- soned.

To avoid unnatural and excessive thirst, eat your foods fresh, uncooked, and unsea- soned.

34.4.2 The Water-Sufficient Diet

=== The Water-Sufficient Diet ===

 

One of the criteria for an optimum diet is that it should also be water-sufficient. That is, a good diet should also supply you with sufficient fluids so that drinking needs are minimal or nonexistent. One reason for this is that the best fluids for your body—the purest and most natural liquids—are the fresh juices of fruits and vegetables as they exist in the food itself.

One of the criteria for an optimum diet is that it should also be water-sufficient. That is, a good diet should also supply you with sufficient fluids so that drinking needs are minimal or nonexistent. One reason for this is that the best fluids for your body—the purest and most natural liquids—are the fresh juices of fruits and vegetables as they exist in the food itself.

Certain vegetarian animals that feed on wild grasses and fruits never drink water as long as they can find their natural food. Generally, these animals live on foods that have about an 85% water content. Mother’s milk contains about 87% water, and an in- fant feeding on this food alone never requires additional water. It appears that as long as foods are eaten which are from 80% to 95% water, thirst will not occur and all the body’s water needs will be met in a superior fashion.

Certain vegetarian animals that feed on wild grasses and fruits never drink water as long as they can find their natural food. Generally, these animals live on foods that have about an 85% water content. Mother’s milk contains about 87% water, and an in- fant feeding on this food alone never requires additional water. It appears that as long as foods are eaten which are from 80% to 95% water, thirst will not occur and all the body’s water needs will be met in a superior fashion.

34.4.3 The Water-Sufficient Foods

=== The Water-Sufficient Foods ===

 

Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables contain 80% to 95% pure water. These foods should form the majority of an optimum and water-sufficient diet.

Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables contain 80% to 95% pure water. These foods should form the majority of an optimum and water-sufficient diet.

If you eat an abundance of fresh, raw, unseasoned fruits and vegetables (supplement- ed by nuts and seeds if desired), then you will be satisfying all your water needs with the highest form of liquids. You will rarely experience thirst, have no desire to drink, and will enjoy the optimum level of health that is the birthright of every human being.

If you eat an abundance of fresh, raw, unseasoned fruits and vegetables (supplement- ed by nuts and seeds if desired), then you will be satisfying all your water needs with the highest form of liquids. You will rarely experience thirst, have no desire to drink, and will enjoy the optimum level of health that is the birthright of every human being.

34.5. Questions & Answers

== Questions & Answers ==

 

How much water or juice should I drink when I fast?

How much water or juice should I drink when I fast?

Tell them you want a big glass of “sky-juice”—water in other words. If you are thirsty, drink it. If not, keep it beside you and don’t make a big deal out of drinking or not drinking. For many people, drinking is a social activity and an act of hos- pitality. If you graciously accept a glass of water with no further discussion, then everyone should be quite comfortable.

Tell them you want a big glass of “sky-juice”—water in other words. If you are thirsty, drink it. If not, keep it beside you and don’t make a big deal out of drinking or not drinking. For many people, drinking is a social activity and an act of hos- pitality. If you graciously accept a glass of water with no further discussion, then everyone should be quite comfortable.

Article #1: Warning! Don’t Use Commercial Juices!

== Article #1: Warning! Don’t Use Commercial Juices! ==

 

Bad enough that anyone should use freshly-pressed pure fruit and vegetable juices in- stead of the whole fruit or vegetable. But commercial juices are not only fragmented, but contain toxins as well.

Bad enough that anyone should use freshly-pressed pure fruit and vegetable juices in- stead of the whole fruit or vegetable. But commercial juices are not only fragmented, but contain toxins as well.

Of course this observation is for those that insist on juices—the best of juices are always second-rate to the whole fruit, the natural juice source.

Of course this observation is for those that insist on juices—the best of juices are always second-rate to the whole fruit, the natural juice source.

Reprinted from Healthful Living, April 1982

'''''Reprinted from Healthful Living, April 1982'''''

 

The practice of drinking teas made from the leaves, the stems, barks, roots, flowers, seeds and fruits of plants is an old one. The practice was taught to mankind by the med- ical profession, which was, in its origin and for long after its origin, largely herbal in character. Due to the fact that some part of almost every plant contains a poison or two, it is possible to use some part of almost every plant known to man for its alleged “medical action,” both for the “prevention” and “cure” of disease. Faith in the healing virtues of herb teas lingers on in the minds of the people long after the medical profession, which originally fostered and cultivated this faith, has abandoned it.

The practice of drinking teas made from the leaves, the stems, barks, roots, flowers, seeds and fruits of plants is an old one. The practice was taught to mankind by the med- ical profession, which was, in its origin and for long after its origin, largely herbal in character. Due to the fact that some part of almost every plant contains a poison or two, it is possible to use some part of almost every plant known to man for its alleged “medical action,” both for the “prevention” and “cure” of disease. Faith in the healing virtues of herb teas lingers on in the minds of the people long after the medical profession, which originally fostered and cultivated this faith, has abandoned it.

Mint tea, alfalfa tea, horse mint tea, and other teas are in extensive use among a growing segment of our population and great numbers of these people are convinced that they can derive benefit from the practice of drinking these teas. A brief, instructive reference to some of these currently popular teas is given below, in Herbal Myths.

Mint tea, alfalfa tea, horse mint tea, and other teas are in extensive use among a growing segment of our population and great numbers of these people are convinced that they can derive benefit from the practice of drinking these teas. A brief, instructive reference to some of these currently popular teas is given below, in Herbal Myths.

Reprinted from The Hygienic Review, August 1973

'''''Reprinted from The Hygienic Review, August 1973'''''

 

Juniper berry tea is “healthful, adding fluorine to the diet, increasing functional activity and increasing the secretion and flow of urine”—all of this means that it is a stimulant and that the kidneys are forced to expel it quickly.

Juniper berry tea is “healthful, adding fluorine to the diet, increasing functional activity and increasing the secretion and flow of urine”—all of this means that it is a stimulant and that the kidneys are forced to expel it quickly.

I shall not, at this time, consider all the alleged actions of these various teas. Enough has been said to reveal that they are recommended to the public as drugs and because they are supposed to have therapeutic actions. All such actions are actions of the body and are employed as means of freeing the body of offensive substances. An herbal laxa- tive is laxative because of the laxative action of the bowels in expelling the herbs or the tea made from these. These are expelled because they are poisonous. It does not matter that there may be minerals and vitamins in the herb or tea; the very hurry to expel them from the body prevents their digestion and absorption. Nonpoisonous herbs are foods; poisonous herbs are supposed to be “medicine.” Do not permit yourself to be misled by the assertion that “current research is proving the value of teas, herbs and berries used in Grandma’s day.” Research seems to be able to prove anything it is paid to prove.

I shall not, at this time, consider all the alleged actions of these various teas. Enough has been said to reveal that they are recommended to the public as drugs and because they are supposed to have therapeutic actions. All such actions are actions of the body and are employed as means of freeing the body of offensive substances. An herbal laxa- tive is laxative because of the laxative action of the bowels in expelling the herbs or the tea made from these. These are expelled because they are poisonous. It does not matter that there may be minerals and vitamins in the herb or tea; the very hurry to expel them from the body prevents their digestion and absorption. Nonpoisonous herbs are foods; poisonous herbs are supposed to be “medicine.” Do not permit yourself to be misled by the assertion that “current research is proving the value of teas, herbs and berries used in Grandma’s day.” Research seems to be able to prove anything it is paid to prove.

Review the Articles in Lesson 33: Natural Foods—They refer to them as “healthy,” but some are actually hazardous and Plant Products and Effects.

'''''Review the Articles in Lesson 33:''' Natural Foods—They refer to them as “healthy,” but some are actually hazardous and Plant Products and Effects.''

 

Some time ago, a magazine published by a religious organization came to my desk. It contained an article which traces chocolate from seed to candy bar. It opens by saying that “chocolate in its many forms has been a taste delight of millions.” It ends by saying: “Many have come to know the nutritional value of chocolate as well as enjoy it for its taste when mixed with sugar. The Creator has thus provided for his Creatures an unend- ing variety of foodstuffs to sustain them and gratify their varied appetites.”

Some time ago, a magazine published by a religious organization came to my desk. It contained an article which traces chocolate from seed to candy bar. It opens by saying that “chocolate in its many forms has been a taste delight of millions.” It ends by saying: “Many have come to know the nutritional value of chocolate as well as enjoy it for its taste when mixed with sugar. The Creator has thus provided for his Creatures an unend- ing variety of foodstuffs to sustain them and gratify their varied appetites.”