ber of unhealthy patterns and physiological imbalances may develop.
By age 10, this carbohydrate-intolerant child begins to develop symp-
toms. These include behavioral problems, various types of “learning
disabilities,” allergies, and asthma. If female, she may start to devel-
op menstrual problems. As time goes on, intestinal symptoms and
fatigue set in, and blood sugar may remain unstable. Some experts
have linked blood-sugar problems to drug use and criminal activity.
If brought to the attention of a mainstream medical doctor, he or she
would probably rule out disease, and conclude that the problem may
be psychological. Perhaps counseling would be recommended.
Before reaching age 20, this person — now somewhat overfat —
attempts to lose weight through dieting. This vacillates from starving
to lowering fat intake, accompanied by increased consumption of car-
bohydrates. It begins the process of yo-yo dieting, in which a lower
caloric intake decreases metabolism, which results in some short-term
weight loss, with the final consequence of weight gain.
To this point, this person would probably not have sought tradi-
tional health care for these seemingly minor but annoying problems.
Over-the-counter drugs and other remedies provide symptomatic
relief; effective marketing strategies promise help is just a pill away.
By the second through third decade of life, the carbohydrate-
intolerant person usually becomes a patient. And at this point, many
of the symptoms have worsened: fatigue, intestinal bloating and
decreased concentration. Addictions to sweets, caffeine, alcohol,
tobacco or other drugs are quite possible.
Many symptoms are now observable and measurable. Dizziness,
caused by a significant blood-pressure drop upon standing, is com-
mon. Blood pressure may begin to elevate. Abnormal glucose-toler-
ance tests are sometimes found, but more often still appear normal.
Other signs include increased fat stores, especially in the upper half
of the body. Blood fats, especially triglycerides but also cholesterol,
may begin to increase. More common and difficult to measure early is
a clogging of the arteries with fat.
If seen by a traditional doctor, the patient may be put on a diet to
help relieve the symptoms. This diet may be high in carbohydrates,
and low in fat, red meat, eggs and cheese. And the symptoms just get
worse.
SELF-HEALTH CARE • 239