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= Lesson 62 - Healthy Eyes And Teeth =
= Lesson 62 - Healthy Eyes And Teeth =
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” You’ve heard this said many times, and no wonder. This old Biblical statement simply reflects the value we place on our teeth and eyes. The eyes and teeth may be the two most vital body parts we have for sensual appreciation. Good teeth allow us to savor and enjoy eating. Good vision allows us to participate more fully in the world.
“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” You’ve heard this said many times, and no wonder. This old Biblical statement simply reflects the value we place on our teeth and eyes. The eyes and teeth may be the two most vital body parts we have for sensual appreciation. Good teeth allow us to savor and enjoy eating. Good vision allows us to participate more fully in the world.
The teeth and eyes are built for long years of service—at least for 120 years. There have been stories of people who grow a third set of teeth in old age, and regained eye- sight among the elderly is not impossible. So, poor teeth and eyes are never natural. Your teeth and eyes should be as sound at 50 as they were at 20—if you understand and fol- low the precepts of a healthy lifestyle.
The teeth and eyes are built for long years of service—at least for 120 years. There have been stories of people who grow a third set of teeth in old age, and regained eye- sight among the elderly is not impossible. So, poor teeth and eyes are never natural. Your teeth and eyes should be as sound at 50 as they were at 20—if you understand and fol- low the precepts of a healthy lifestyle.
== The Teeth ==
=== Sinking Your Teeth into Good Health ===
Dental health indicates body health. A proper program of diet, exercise, freedom from stress, and sensible living habits will insure that your teeth will last for a lifetime. Outside of gum disease, the two most common dental problems are caries and malocclu- sion.
Dental health indicates body health. A proper program of diet, exercise, freedom from stress, and sensible living habits will insure that your teeth will last for a lifetime. Outside of gum disease, the two most common dental problems are caries and malocclu- sion.
mother as well. Good nutrition for the teeth must begin before birth, and the diet of the pregnant mother will shape the child’s dental health for the rest of his life. To understand the role of nutrition in dental health and well-being, you must be familiar with the chief causes of dental abnormalities and diseases.
mother as well. Good nutrition for the teeth must begin before birth, and the diet of the pregnant mother will shape the child’s dental health for the rest of his life. To understand the role of nutrition in dental health and well-being, you must be familiar with the chief causes of dental abnormalities and diseases.
=== What Is a Cavity? ===
A cavity is a hole, whether it is in your teeth or in the ground. Holes appear in your teeth when there is a mineral imbalance in the body. Chiefly, the calcium-phosphorus mineral relationship is the determining factor in cavity formation.
A cavity is a hole, whether it is in your teeth or in the ground. Holes appear in your teeth when there is a mineral imbalance in the body. Chiefly, the calcium-phosphorus mineral relationship is the determining factor in cavity formation.
Cavities are not created by the external action of bacteria on the surface of the teeth, as is commonly thought, but by the imbalances created in the body by improper foods. Consequently, thorough brushing and flossing of the teeth are ineffective in preventing cavities if a substandard diet is still followed. Healthy teeth can only be built by a healthy diet and lifestyle—not by fluoridated water or “whiter than white” toothpastes.
Cavities are not created by the external action of bacteria on the surface of the teeth, as is commonly thought, but by the imbalances created in the body by improper foods. Consequently, thorough brushing and flossing of the teeth are ineffective in preventing cavities if a substandard diet is still followed. Healthy teeth can only be built by a healthy diet and lifestyle—not by fluoridated water or “whiter than white” toothpastes.
=== The Truth About Dental Health ===
For the truth about nutrition and tooth decay, read the book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, DDS. Dr. Price traveled throughout the world to study the effect of various diets on dental health.
For the truth about nutrition and tooth decay, read the book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, DDS. Dr. Price traveled throughout the world to study the effect of various diets on dental health.
Most people would laugh if you suggest that they exercise their teeth. After all, with all the overweight people in this country, you might think that people need to keep their mouths shut more and exercise their teeth less. Like any other healthy part of your body, however, the teeth require regular exercise. It is a fact: if any part of the body is not ex- ercised or used properly, it will deteriorate. The teeth are no different.
Most people would laugh if you suggest that they exercise their teeth. After all, with all the overweight people in this country, you might think that people need to keep their mouths shut more and exercise their teeth less. Like any other healthy part of your body, however, the teeth require regular exercise. It is a fact: if any part of the body is not ex- ercised or used properly, it will deteriorate. The teeth are no different.
=== Exercise, Chew, Chomp, and Gnash! ===
So, how do you exercise your teeth—by flapping your gums? No, the best exercise for your teeth is to use them for the exact purpose that you have them: chewing food.
So, how do you exercise your teeth—by flapping your gums? No, the best exercise for your teeth is to use them for the exact purpose that you have them: chewing food.
Raw food particles do not produce decay or stench in the mouth as does food which has been processed, cooked, or refined. Once a food’s composition is altered by cook- ing or refining, the food particles decay rapidly when left in the mouth and between the teeth. By eating raw fruits and vegetables, your teeth will stay naturally clean and healthy without abrasive toothpaste or excessive brushing.
Raw food particles do not produce decay or stench in the mouth as does food which has been processed, cooked, or refined. Once a food’s composition is altered by cook- ing or refining, the food particles decay rapidly when left in the mouth and between the teeth. By eating raw fruits and vegetables, your teeth will stay naturally clean and healthy without abrasive toothpaste or excessive brushing.
=== Here’s to Your Teeth—Drink Up! ===
“Studies have shown,” writes Dr. Arthur C. Guyton, “that teeth formed in children who drink water containing small amounts of fluorine develop enamel that is more re- sistant to caries than the enamel in children who drink water not containing fluorine.”
“Studies have shown,” writes Dr. Arthur C. Guyton, “that teeth formed in children who drink water containing small amounts of fluorine develop enamel that is more re- sistant to caries than the enamel in children who drink water not containing fluorine.”
Actually, fluorine in its organic and naturally occurring form as found in small amounts in some foods is a beneficial mineral for the teeth. The fluorine that is dumped into the water supply, however, is a harsh chemical byproduct from industrial manufac- turing and fertilizer production. No wonder some people would like us to believe that fluoridated water is beneficial. This simply gives chemical and metal industries a prof- itable outlet for a hazardous waste. Fluoride toxins are dumped into public water sup- plies in the name of dental hygiene. In reality, fluoridation is rank pollution of our water supply.
Actually, fluorine in its organic and naturally occurring form as found in small amounts in some foods is a beneficial mineral for the teeth. The fluorine that is dumped into the water supply, however, is a harsh chemical byproduct from industrial manufac- turing and fertilizer production. No wonder some people would like us to believe that fluoridated water is beneficial. This simply gives chemical and metal industries a prof- itable outlet for a hazardous waste. Fluoride toxins are dumped into public water sup- plies in the name of dental hygiene. In reality, fluoridation is rank pollution of our water supply.
=== Building Healthy Teeth ===
You cannot drink a chemical and expect to have healthy teeth. Good teeth are only built through good nutrition, and this means avoiding the harmful foods as well as in- cluding the natural fruits, vegetables, and so on.
You cannot drink a chemical and expect to have healthy teeth. Good teeth are only built through good nutrition, and this means avoiding the harmful foods as well as in- cluding the natural fruits, vegetables, and so on.
The most important person in tooth care today is not the dentist but the mother-to-be. A pregnant woman’s diet determines the quality of teeth that her child will have through- out the early years and the entire adult life. After birth, the child should be fed only the optimum foods. If this practice is continued through adulthood, perfect dental health will be a reality.
The most important person in tooth care today is not the dentist but the mother-to-be. A pregnant woman’s diet determines the quality of teeth that her child will have through- out the early years and the entire adult life. After birth, the child should be fed only the optimum foods. If this practice is continued through adulthood, perfect dental health will be a reality.
== The Eyes ==
What causes a person to be near-sighted or far-sighted? Why do so many older peo- ple require glasses? What is astigmatism? What are cataracts and how are they caused? Poor eyesight and vision problems affect almost every person alive today. Most of these problems could be prevented or corrected if the causes of poor eyesight are understood. Let’s look at the most common complaints about the eyes and sight:
What causes a person to be near-sighted or far-sighted? Why do so many older peo- ple require glasses? What is astigmatism? What are cataracts and how are they caused? Poor eyesight and vision problems affect almost every person alive today. Most of these problems could be prevented or corrected if the causes of poor eyesight are understood. Let’s look at the most common complaints about the eyes and sight:
=== Is Failing Eyesight Natural? ===
Your vision often seems to deteriorate as you grow older. People that never wore glasses in their early years often succumb to using reading glasses around the age of fifty. Does the power of vision naturally falter with passing years? Yes and no.
Your vision often seems to deteriorate as you grow older. People that never wore glasses in their early years often succumb to using reading glasses around the age of fifty. Does the power of vision naturally falter with passing years? Yes and no.
Old age doesn’t mean poor vision. Perfect eyesight, along with perfect health, is your birthright and heritage. A failing of the senses is not “natural” any more than any illness or disease is natural. Most people believe that poor vision goes along with increased years. Fasting, an optimum diet, and freedom from stress are the only requirements for improving your eyes. No matter what your condition, these steps will give you some no- ticeable improvement in your vision.
Old age doesn’t mean poor vision. Perfect eyesight, along with perfect health, is your birthright and heritage. A failing of the senses is not “natural” any more than any illness or disease is natural. Most people believe that poor vision goes along with increased years. Fasting, an optimum diet, and freedom from stress are the only requirements for improving your eyes. No matter what your condition, these steps will give you some no- ticeable improvement in your vision.
=== Can You Throw Away Your Glasses? ===
A man or woman who lived a thousand years ago would find the twentieth century to be a very strange place. The first thing that such a time traveler would notice is that about one out of every two people walking around his pieces of glass tied together and strapped across the nose. We call these things “eyeglasses” and we take them for grant- ed.
A man or woman who lived a thousand years ago would find the twentieth century to be a very strange place. The first thing that such a time traveler would notice is that about one out of every two people walking around his pieces of glass tied together and strapped across the nose. We call these things “eyeglasses” and we take them for grant- ed.
Most people who wear glasses do so usually for one of these three vision problems: near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. Are these conditions natural, and what can we do about them?
Most people who wear glasses do so usually for one of these three vision problems: near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. Are these conditions natural, and what can we do about them?
=== Seeing Near and Far ===
The most common eye problem is near-sightedness, or myopia. This means that the eyes cannot focus properly on anything beyond a certain distance, and can only see ob- jects that are “near”—hence the term, near-sightedness.
The most common eye problem is near-sightedness, or myopia. This means that the eyes cannot focus properly on anything beyond a certain distance, and can only see ob- jects that are “near”—hence the term, near-sightedness.
If you wear glasses continuously, start off by removing them when it is not essential that you have clear vision. Gradually become used to not wearing glasses, and work your eyes. Focus on objects as far away as possible. Look at mountaintops, faraway trees, or signs. Then turn your eyes to objects less than three feet away. Practice regular rotation and exercise of the eyes for two to three periods a day. At the end of such exercising, press the palms over the eyes and keep them closed and relaxed. If you make a serious effort to exercise and relax your eyes in this manner (along with a regular program such as the Bates Vision System), you should quite literally see some improvement. Don’t forget that an excellent diet and fasting program should be used along with your eye ex- ercise program in order to correct near- and far-sightedness.
If you wear glasses continuously, start off by removing them when it is not essential that you have clear vision. Gradually become used to not wearing glasses, and work your eyes. Focus on objects as far away as possible. Look at mountaintops, faraway trees, or signs. Then turn your eyes to objects less than three feet away. Practice regular rotation and exercise of the eyes for two to three periods a day. At the end of such exercising, press the palms over the eyes and keep them closed and relaxed. If you make a serious effort to exercise and relax your eyes in this manner (along with a regular program such as the Bates Vision System), you should quite literally see some improvement. Don’t forget that an excellent diet and fasting program should be used along with your eye ex- ercise program in order to correct near- and far-sightedness.
=== What is Astigmatism? ===
Like myopia (near-sightedness) and hypermetropia (far-sightedness), the eye condi- tion known as astigmatism is due to a refractive error of the lens system. People with astigmatism have a “fuzzy vision”, and things often appear out of focus, whether near or far.
Like myopia (near-sightedness) and hypermetropia (far-sightedness), the eye condi- tion known as astigmatism is due to a refractive error of the lens system. People with astigmatism have a “fuzzy vision”, and things often appear out of focus, whether near or far.
What can you do with a “lazy” or astigmatic eye? Exercise it! Astigmatism responds best of all to a regular eye exercise program. In fact, one method of correcting a single astigmatic eye is to cover the other good eye with a patch for certain periods of the day. This forces the “lazy” eye to do its share of the work and so become gradually strength- ened.
What can you do with a “lazy” or astigmatic eye? Exercise it! Astigmatism responds best of all to a regular eye exercise program. In fact, one method of correcting a single astigmatic eye is to cover the other good eye with a patch for certain periods of the day. This forces the “lazy” eye to do its share of the work and so become gradually strength- ened.
=== Cloudy Vision: Cataracts ===
Cataracts are a common abnormality among older people. A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. In advanced cases, the lens may be completely cov- ered by a milky-like coating. Eventually this coating becomes so heavy that light can barely enter the eye, and vision is seriously impaired.
Cataracts are a common abnormality among older people. A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. In advanced cases, the lens may be completely cov- ered by a milky-like coating. Eventually this coating becomes so heavy that light can barely enter the eye, and vision is seriously impaired.
The solution to cataracts: a strict avoidance of dairy products and all other foods con- taining inorganic calcium. (Calcium becomes “inorganic” when the foods in which it is present are subjected to high heat. Inorganic calcium is also found in mineral water and in all calcium “supplements.”)
The solution to cataracts: a strict avoidance of dairy products and all other foods con- taining inorganic calcium. (Calcium becomes “inorganic” when the foods in which it is present are subjected to high heat. Inorganic calcium is also found in mineral water and in all calcium “supplements.”)
=== Your Keys To Better Eye Health ===
Healthy and responsive eyes have the same requirements as any other part of the body: good nutrition, rest, and exercise.
Healthy and responsive eyes have the same requirements as any other part of the body: good nutrition, rest, and exercise.
“The eyes may be refreshed by a simple process. Close the eyes and relax them, and then cup the palms of the hands over the eyes. Press the palms against the eyes, with no pressure on the eyeballs for a few minutes. Palming, as this is called, relaxes and re- freshes tired eyes as few things will.”
“The eyes may be refreshed by a simple process. Close the eyes and relax them, and then cup the palms of the hands over the eyes. Press the palms against the eyes, with no pressure on the eyeballs for a few minutes. Palming, as this is called, relaxes and re- freshes tired eyes as few things will.”
=== The Eyes Have It! ===
Vision is one of our most precious senses. To keep your eyes at their peak throughout your life, follow the Life Science diet of chiefly raw fruits and vegetables, exercise the eyes, rest them, and stay free from stress and destructive habits. Your eyes will serve you well as long as you follow the teachings of healthful living.
Vision is one of our most precious senses. To keep your eyes at their peak throughout your life, follow the Life Science diet of chiefly raw fruits and vegetables, exercise the eyes, rest them, and stay free from stress and destructive habits. Your eyes will serve you well as long as you follow the teachings of healthful living.
== Questions & Answers ==
I went to a doctor for a checkup and he said I had the start of two small cataracts in each eye. Later this doctor said he just thought so but wasn’t sure and said I should have an eye doctor check my eyes. Up to this point, 1 never had any problems with my eyes.
I went to a doctor for a checkup and he said I had the start of two small cataracts in each eye. Later this doctor said he just thought so but wasn’t sure and
said I should have an eye doctor check my eyes. Up to this point, 1 never had any problems with my eyes.
I was very worried about it, so I went to a health food store and they recom- mended Dr. Christopher’s Eyebright. I used it and wrote Dr. Christopher. I told him I started to get floaters and drew a picture of them for him. I received letters that kept telling me I was doing fine, even after ten weeks, and they recommended I continue the Eyebright. I kept telling them my eyes were getting worse and I kept getting the same answers (I have all the letters).
I was very worried about it, so I went to a health food store and they recom- mended Dr. Christopher’s Eyebright. I used it and wrote Dr. Christopher. I told him I started to get floaters and drew a picture of them for him. I received letters that kept telling me I was doing fine, even after ten weeks, and they recommended I continue the Eyebright. I kept telling them my eyes were getting worse and I kept getting the same answers (I have all the letters).
I suggest that you consider a fast of a week or more. Then put into your body only fruits as your primary dietary fare with occasional vegetable fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, salads, eaten with nuts, seeds, or an avocado, etc.
I suggest that you consider a fast of a week or more. Then put into your body only fruits as your primary dietary fare with occasional vegetable fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, salads, eaten with nuts, seeds, or an avocado, etc.
Should I let my dentist take X rays? Isn’t the radiation worse then the decay itself?
'''Should I let my dentist take X rays? Isn’t the radiation worse then the decay itself?'''
Many times X rays can be avoided. A dentist can examine your teeth visually for signs of decay which may appear on the surface. Unfortunately, most dental de- cay occurs from the inside out of the tooth, so that by the time it appears on the surface, it may already be quite advanced. An X ray can detect early decay and it can be fixed before more serious problems develop.
Many times X rays can be avoided. A dentist can examine your teeth visually for signs of decay which may appear on the surface. Unfortunately, most dental de- cay occurs from the inside out of the tooth, so that by the time it appears on the surface, it may already be quite advanced. An X ray can detect early decay and it can be fixed before more serious problems develop.
You don’t have to allow X rays at all; that is your right, and you should always refuse “routine” X rays done casually. Sometimes, however, you just might need that one set to get your past problems straightened out.
You don’t have to allow X rays at all; that is your right, and you should always refuse “routine” X rays done casually. Sometimes, however, you just might need that one set to get your past problems straightened out.
I’ve got some cavities and decay from before I started a good diet. Should I get these filled or can I fast or let my new diet take care of them?
'''I’ve got some cavities and decay from before I started a good diet. Should I get these filled or can I fast or let my new diet take care of them?'''
While early small cavities may be arrested by proper diet, dental decay should probably be cleaned out and the cavity filled once it reaches a certain size. A cavity does not heal; it is a permanent injury done to the body. Although you can rem- ineralize your teeth with a proper diet and prevent the pain from decay by fasting, you’re not going to be able to make that hole in your tooth go away. Sorry.
While early small cavities may be arrested by proper diet, dental decay should probably be cleaned out and the cavity filled once it reaches a certain size. A cavity does not heal; it is a permanent injury done to the body. Although you can rem- ineralize your teeth with a proper diet and prevent the pain from decay by fasting, you’re not going to be able to make that hole in your tooth go away. Sorry.
You can have your dentist use gold as an alternative Jilting. While expensive, gold is the most compatible metal with the fluids of your mouth. You might also be able to use a quartz or porcelain filling for cavities in the front teeth or for small ar- eas. Porcelain used to chip easily on large surfaces, but recently has been improved and is worth investigating as a substitute for the common silver filling.
You can have your dentist use gold as an alternative Jilting. While expensive, gold is the most compatible metal with the fluids of your mouth. You might also be able to use a quartz or porcelain filling for cavities in the front teeth or for small ar- eas. Porcelain used to chip easily on large surfaces, but recently has been improved and is worth investigating as a substitute for the common silver filling.
What about novacaine shots and pain killers? Should I take them?
'''What about novacaine shots and pain killers? Should I take them?'''
Although injections are objectionable, it may prove impossible to avoid them under some circumstances. With some dental work, you would jump around from the pains so much that the dentist could not do his or her work, unless the nerve is first deadened.
Although injections are objectionable, it may prove impossible to avoid them under some circumstances. With some dental work, you would jump around from the pains so much that the dentist could not do his or her work, unless the nerve is first deadened.
Understand that we do not encourage the use of any pain killer or injection. Philosophically, all injections and drugs are a compromise in your Hygienic lifestyle; practically, you may have to compromise in this area unless you have an exceptionally high pain threshold. Afterall, you probably wouldn’t be getting these injections in the first place if you had followed the laws of Natural Hygiene all your life.
Understand that we do not encourage the use of any pain killer or injection. Philosophically, all injections and drugs are a compromise in your Hygienic lifestyle; practically, you may have to compromise in this area unless you have an exceptionally high pain threshold. Afterall, you probably wouldn’t be getting these injections in the first place if you had followed the laws of Natural Hygiene all your life.
What toothpaste should I use?
'''What toothpaste should I use?'''
Cleaning the teeth, like cleaning the body, is a mechanical not a chemical process. In other words, your primary concern in cleaning and brushing the teeth is to physically remove the plaque—not to apply some chemical to them than may be included in the toothpaste. In fact, toothpaste is not even necessary. A water-moist- ened brush is sufficient.
Cleaning the teeth, like cleaning the body, is a mechanical not a chemical process. In other words, your primary concern in cleaning and brushing the teeth is to physically remove the plaque—not to apply some chemical to them than may be included in the toothpaste. In fact, toothpaste is not even necessary. A water-moist- ened brush is sufficient.
Regardless if you use toothpaste or not, a gentle brushing of the teeth and gums is just good hygiene—just like removing the dirt and grime that collects on the skin of the body. Of course, if you eat a predominantly raw diet, less “dirt”’ will collect around the teeth anyway.
Regardless if you use toothpaste or not, a gentle brushing of the teeth and gums is just good hygiene—just like removing the dirt and grime that collects on the skin of the body. Of course, if you eat a predominantly raw diet, less “dirt”’ will collect around the teeth anyway.
What causes cavities?
'''What causes cavities?'''
A common opinion is that cavities are caused by bacterial formations of acids in the mouth from sugars.
A common opinion is that cavities are caused by bacterial formations of acids in the mouth from sugars.