The Island Vegetarian Vegetarian Society of Hawaii Quarterly Publication

supporting human health, animal rights, and ecology Volume 10, Issue 4, December, 1999

Inside Ask Dr. Klaper ➜ Ask Dr. Klaper By Michael Klaper, M.D. ➜ Thai Mixed Plate Review Question: ➜ President’s Message I am raising my child on a vegan ➜ VSH Calendar of Events diet and breastfed successfully for the first six months of my son’s life. ➜ Science Corner Approximately eight months ago I stopped breastfeeding and changed to feeding him a soy–based infant formula from a bottle. He has since experienced three middle ear infec- tions, and I’m wondering if this is a sign that he is allergic to soy. He is otherwise a healthy, happy infant of normal size and weight. Should I look for a non–soy based infant formula? Mrs. J.P.

Public Lecture Answer: Although a sensitivity or allergy to soy protein is a possibility, in view of the lack of other Dr. Eileen Towata symptoms and your son’s normal rate of weight gain, I suspect soy sensitivity is not the December 13 problem. The cause of his ear infections may be in the physical relationship between the bottle and his head position. Middle ear infections are the most common cause of children visiting the doctor and the number one reason for prescribing antibiotics for infants. This epidemic, which results in severe pain for the children, distress for the parents, and millions of dollars spent on medication, doctor visits, and time missed from work—has its roots in a mechanism that is not widely appreciated by the public and health professionals. Parents learn early that giving their toddler a bottle filled with formula or juice is a quick and apparently benign way to transform an angry, distressed child into a contented, cooing one. The child loves nursing on the sweet liquid, and it is satisfying for parents to offer their ever–growing child a bottle full of nourishment. Thus this primordial act makes both the infant and parent feel Homemade soups & heartwarming better. foods are on the menu. Alas, many parents do not realize the high price that can be attached to this common and loving custom. A fact of anatomy is important to understand here. A small canal called Turn to page 5 for the full calendar (See Ask Dr. Klaper, page 2) Ask Dr. Klaper intended for swallowing into the stomach over–prescribing of antibiotics for ear continued from front page can slosh up into the rear of the nasal infections has raised concern about the eustachian tube leads from the back cavity, through the gaping opening of the fostering antibiotic–resistant bacteria, of the nasal cavity up into the middle ear eustachian canal, and directly up into the and physicians and parents are both being chamber behind the eardrum. This middle ear chamber. urged to minimize the use of these drugs. crucial canal allows air pressure to stay As an adult you can imagine how Unless the underlying mechanism is equal on either side of the ear irritating it would be to take recognized and corrected, this treatment drum, as when the child is taken a medicine dropper and regimen is repeated again and again— up and/or down a mountain or squirt soy formula or apple and may produce detrimental effects on on an airplane, thus preventing juice up your nose four or the child's immune system and long– rupture of the eardrum. five times each day—yet this term health. It is up to the physician to However, the eustachian canal is exactly the experience determine whether a given course of on an infant is short and straight many infants endure as a antibiotics and decongestants is indicated and has an opening into the nasal result of their posture during for a particular child; however, it is up to cavity that gapes widely. When drinking activities. The soy the parents to understand the underlying children are given a bottle, they protein, apple juice, or other mechanism of many of these infections so frequently lie on their backs and liquids are not only chemi- that these entire distressing, expensive guzzle the liquid, often supporting cally irritating to the lining episodes are prevented. The key to the bottle with their hands and of the eustachian canal avoiding this problem is to stay attentive feet. Many parents (and pediatricians) membrane, but they also can carry the and to be sure that anytime the child has would be shocked to realize that when bacteria from the throat and nasal the bottle or sippy cup in his or her hand, children lie on their backs and nurse, passage up into the middle ear cavity. No he or she is sitting in an almost com- whatever liquid is in the bottle—whether wonder the lining of the eustachian canal pletely upright position. This assures that formula, fruit juice, or even breast becomes inflamed and all the liquid the milk—is filling up the back of their swollen, often obstructing child swallows goes throat area (pharynx) and often flowing the tiny tube completely. directly into the freely up into the rear of the nasal cavity. When the eustachian canal stomach and does The rear of the nasal cavity is where the is blocked, any fluid not slosh up into eustachian canals begin their journey normally made within the the middle ear outward to the left and right middle ear canal cannot find its usual cavity. cavities. Consequently, when the infant is drainage route back to the This is true even nursing in the supine position, the liquid nose. Consequently, sugar- when infants are rich secretions accumulate breastfed. As in the middle ear cavity nourishing as it is, and are excellent culture mother’s breast The Island Vegetarian media for bacteria. This can open the milk does not belong in the middle ear The Island Vegetarian is published quarterly door for full-blown ear infections. cavity of a nursing infant. Therefore, the for the members of the Vegetarian Society of The parents bring the crying, feverish mother who is breastfeeding should make Hawaii, Post Office Box 23208 Honolulu, child to the physician who uses his or her the effort to assure that before putting the Hawaii 96823-3208; (808) 944-VEGI (944- otoscope to look into the middle ear. They child to the breast she raises herself on a 8344); Email: [email protected] usually find a fiery red, bulging ear drum. pillow or otherwise adjusts her posture so With great sympathy and a flash of the that the infant’s head and shoulders are Call, write, or email for a free back issue. Or, visit the web site at http://vsh.org for pen on the prescription pad, the doctor significantly higher than its bottom. This newsletter archives and much more. prescribes a course of an antibiotic and a simple, expedient maneuver can go a eustachian tube decongestant to treat the long way toward avoiding one of the most ear infection. This may help to end the frequent and painful illnesses of child- infection but, although many middle ear hood–for vegetarian and non–vegetarian Donovan Watts...... Editor infections are self–limiting, rendering children alike. medication unnecessary. In addition, the Page 2 The Island Vegetarian • December 1999 Thai Mixed Plate President’s Message heartwarming to observe and experience by Elaine Johnson, M.B.A. by Alida Rutchick, M.Ed. the bond that exists among us vegetar- ians. Camaraderie was very much in Thai Mixed Plate n October the Vegetarian Society held evidence. Many of us have worked Pearl Highlands Shopping Center its first annual volunteer recognition I together on this very special cause since 1000 Kamehameha Highway dinner—and it was a great success! our organization’s founding in 1990 and Pearl City, Hawaii About 30 Board and non–Board volun- have become loyal friends; those who are (808)455-2233 teers (including spouses and other guests) newer to our growing band of volunteers were treated to a vegan Chinese dinner at are always warmly and enthusiastically hile there may be no free lunches, you the Buddhist Vegetarian Restaurant at the can get a fast, inexpensive, and included–again, the vegetarian bond is a W Chinese Cultural Plaza. We all, especially delicious lunch or dinner at Thai Mixed Plate. strong unifying force. While I didn’t those who hadn't been there before, were This is the plate lunch at its best. Owners Bill intend this abbreviated message to be one surprised and delighted by the varied and and Candy have striven to make their entrees more call for volunteers, please know that delicious menu chosen for us by Dr. Karl healthy and fresh as well as flavorful, and we would welcome your participation and Seff, VSH meeting planner and a “regu- about 1/3 of their choices are vegan. They are having you join us at next year's celebra- lar” of BVR. At the risk of sounding also open to suggestions from their custom- tion. ers. Among the vegan choices are an eggplant sentimental I must say that it was tofu, veggie pad thai noodles, stir fried long rice with tofu, green papaya salad, vegetarian Thanks to our volunteers! spring rolls, and curry with squash. As a frequent visitor, I have tasted all of these dishes, and each is worth writing about, but I will, in the interest of space, describe my two favorites, and let you judge the rest. My absolute favorite entree is the curry with squash. Beware, this is not a dish for those who do not embrace the spicier side of Thai cuisine. This red curry dish is robust with a compelling bouquet of flavors and also heat. Large chunks of a yellow squash and tofu are smothered in the thick, rich sauce. Ask for a beverage... Eggplant tofu is another of my favorite dishes, and I eat it almost everywhere I go. Bill and Candy's version is a delicious mix of large chunks of long eggplant and tofu, mixed with onions, seaweed, and a variety of other fresh vegetables in a light flavorful sauce and flavored with basil, soy, and a variety of herbs. Portions are generous. Brown, white, and sticky rice are available. The restaurant is located in the food court of the Pearl Highlands Shopping Center and opens at 10:00 A.M. daily. It closes at 9:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday, at 10:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday, and at 7:00 P.M. on Sunday.

Not all volunteers are pictured. The Island Vegetarian • December 1999 Page 3 Vegetarian Society of Hawaii

Calendar

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December 13 January 12 February 16

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Dr. Eileen Towata Dr. Terry Shintani Brenda Davis “Home for the Holidays” “The Hawaii Diet” “Being Vegetarian... for the Love of Life”

Homemade soups and heartwarm- To begin the millennium right, we Brenda Davis, R.D, will be with ing foods are on the menu for this offer a national figure from Hawaii. us this night from , B.C. holiday meeting. Eileen will demon- One of our local pillars, Dr. Terry With Vesanto Melina she is co- strate hearty fare for informal Shintani, M.D., J.D., M.P.H. is author of the best-selling vegan entertaining using both recipes frequently seen on TV telling the book, Becoming Vegetarian. from From the Produce Isle whole country about The Hawaii An excellent and popular lec- (her recent vegan cookbook) and DietDiet. Now we have an opportu- turer, she is now chair–elect of some new creations. Dr. Towata nity to hear his latest thoughts in the Vegetarian Practice Group earned her Ph.D. in Botany from person. Dr. Shintani is Director of of the American Dietetic Asso- the UH and she has taught biology Preventive Medicine at the ciation. Her specialties are and botany at the college level. Waianae Coast Comprehensive children’s nutrition and fats and She has worked as a program Health Center, co–host of the oils. On this night she will director for the American Cancer K108 radio program “Nutrition and discuss the reasons people Society. Currently she is with the You,” and the author of two choose a vegetarian diet, with Castle Center for Health Promotion books: Eat More, Weigh Less emphasis on health issues, the where she coordinates aerobics and its more recent companion, link between animal–centered programs and teaches adults and The Eat More Weigh Less diets and chronic disease, and children about exercise, arthritis, Cookbook. When he last spoke the protective elements found and . Remem- to us, in March of 1997, the in plants. Finally, she will briefly ber how good she was with “Fes- Governor came. This meeting will define “optimal intakes” for tive Foods” December of '97? We be joint with Northwestern vegetarians/vegans with a invited her back. University’s local Alumni Associa- discussion of the challenges in tion. this area.

Monthly public lectures are held at the Ala Wai Golf Course recreation facility, second floor, 404 Kapahulu Avenue, 0.2 miles behind the Waikiki- Kapahulu Library, beginning at 7:00 P.M. All lectures are free and open to the public. Call 808-944-VEGI or visit www.vsh.org for more information.

Page 4 The Island Vegetarian • December 1999 A MEDLINE search on the word “vegan” today turned up 120 references Science Corner from peer–reviewed journals. That’s By William Harris, M.D. roughly 120 more references than there were when Jay and Freya Dinshaw started izes weight and cardiovascular system. In a controlled, single–blind trial the the American Vegan Society back in 1960. The vegans had normal levels of vitamin effects of fasting for 7–10 days were tested The word “vegetarian” raised scientific B12 and serum iron. and then consuming an individually hackles in those days, and the idea that adjusted, gluten–free, vegan diet for 3.5 humans could subsist on only plant foods months, and then consuming an was unheard of in medical journals. individually adjusted lactovegetarian diet Here are synopses of some recent for 9 months on patients with RA (rheu- articles. For published abstracts go to: a low calorie vegan matoid arthritis). For all clinical variables http://www.medportal.com/ and search on and most laboratory variables measured, the word “vegan” diet and fasting the 27 patients in the fasting and vegetar- ian diet groups improved significantly may contribute to compared with the 26 patients in the control group who followed their usual Dwyer J.,Convergence of plant– improve RA omnivorous diet throughout the study rich and plant–only diets. Am J period. Thus, dietary treatment may be a Clin Nutr 1999 Sep;70(3 valuable adjunct to the ordinary thera- Suppl):620S-622S peutic armamentarium for RA. Discussants at the Third International Krajcovicova-Kudlackova M, Fujita A, Hashimoto Y, et al. Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition.... Simoncic R, Bederova A Risks and Effects of a low calorie vegan diet concluded that evidence for a convergence advantages of the vegetarian diet on disease activity and general of scientific opinion on the safety and Cas Lek Cesk 1997 Dec conditions in patients with rheu- healthfulness of plant-only diets that are 3;136(23):715-9.[Article in matoid arthritis. Rinsho Byori appropriately planned to meet all nutrient Slovak] 1999 Jun;47(6):554-60. [Article requirements compared with plant-based in Japanese] diets is considerable. General nutritional principles for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, Fourteen patients with RA who stayed in Medkova IL, Manchuk VT, oncological diseases, and diabetes are the Koda hospital for 55 days were studied. Mosiakina LI, Polivanova TV, fully met by the vegetarian diet... They basically took a 1200 kcal vegan diet Lundina TA,Koroleva-Munts LI. Overthreshold values of essential antioxi- consisting of unpolished rice gruel, juice Data from an expedition to study dants in vegetarians imply a protective of raw vegetables, soya bean curd, and a Siberian vegan settlement Vopr action against reactive metabolic oxygen sesame seeds, and undertook a 3-5-day Pitan 1998;(3):3-7 [Article in products and toxic products of lipid fast three times. During the 55–day stay Russian] peroxidation and may reduce the average body weight decreased by 5.1kg... incidence of free radical diseases (e.g., There was no change in total protein or Health status, way of life, and nourish- cancer). albumin. These data suggest that this ment of 84 vegans in a Siberian village combination of a low calorie vegan diet (Krasnoyarsk region about 300 miles and fasting may contribute to improve RA North of the Mongolian border) were Arthritis with little undesirable effects on the studied and compared with those of 26 Kjeldsen-Kragh J. Rheumatoid patient’s general conditions. meat eaters. It was shown that a vegetar- arthritis treated with vegetarian ian diet improves the serum lipid diets. Am J Clin Nutr 1999 (See Science Corner, page 6) spectrum (cholesterol, etc.) and normal- Sep;70(3 Suppl):594S-600S

The Island Vegetarian • December 1999 Page 5 Science Corner subjects. After adjustment for bone area, continued from page five weight, height, percent body lean, age, For Nenonen MT, Helve TA, Rauma AL, and puberty, BMC was significantly lower Hanninen OO. Uncooked, lactoba- in macrobiotic subjects, in boys and girls, Your cilli-rich, vegan food and rheuma- respectively, at the whole body. Read on! toid arthritis. Br J Rheumatol Info 1998 Mar;37(3):274-81 Depart- Important Comment by ment of Physiology, University of William Harris, M.D.: “Nutrition and You” Kuopio, Finland. This last study highlights a recurring Featuring Ruth Heidrich, Ph.D. and Terry We tested the effects of an uncooked vegan misconception. A macrobiotic diet is not Shintani, M.D. on Sundays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on K108 (AM 1080). diet, rich in lactobacilli, in rheumatoid the same as a vegan diet and should not Call in to 524-1080. be confused as such. As first propounded patients randomized into diet and control ✩ groups. The intervention group experi- by George Ohzawa in the late 1950’s, there were seven macrobiotic (“long life”) food enced subjective relief of rheumatic Spring cooking classes: symptoms during intervention. A return to stages. The lowest rung on the totem pole an omnivorous diet aggravated symp- included fish, the 7th stage consisted of Joyful, Soyful Cuisine (Saturday February toms... The results showed that an cooked brown rice only. In the 70s a New 5 and 12), 8:30-11:30 am Kalaheo High uncooked vegan diet, rich in lactobacilli, York coroner concluded that several School (Kailua) decreased subjective symptoms of individuals who reached the 7th stage Plate Lunches: Vegetarian Style! (Satur- rheumatoid arthritis. Large amounts of died from malnutrition. This is not day February 26), 8:30-11:30 am Kalaheo living lactobacilli consumed daily may surprising since brown rice contains less High School (Kailua) also have positive effects on objective than 100% of the RDA per Calorie for measures of rheumatoid arthritis. protein, vitamins A, B2, and B12, C, For information on fees and registration calcium, iron, and potassium. Vegetables for these “hands-on” vegan cooking generally are adequate in these nutrients, classes, contact Windward School for Bone Health Adults, 254-7955. save B12. All of Ohzawa’s stages excluded Parsons TJ, van Dusseldorp M, fruit. Recent macrobiotic writings have ✩ van der Vliet M, van de Werken K, recommended more vegetables and allow Schaafsma G, van Staveren WA. fruit as well, but the diet still includes fish, Organic gardening workshop Reduced bone mass in Dutch is grain–based, still places metaphysics adolescents fed a macrobiotic diet above nutritional science, and still states Kapiolani Community College Continu- in early life. J Bone Miner Res that crystalline salt and oil are essential ing Education. Six two hour classes on 1997 Sep;12(9):1486-94. Depart- parts of the human diet, which in fact is Saturday from 10 to noon in January. ment of Human Nutrition, true only if you’re trying to make it on Wageningen Agricultural Univer- brown rice alone. sity, The Netherlands. As the Hackett article above notes, Vegetarian “authoritarian dogma” as a substitute for This study investigated the effect of a good parental judgement is likely to result macrobiotic diet, low in calcium and in childhood malnutrition.. vitamin D, consumed in early life, on bone mineral during adolescence. Bone References mineral content (BMC) and bone area were measured in 195 adolescents (103 Kushi, Michio and Aveline. girls, 92 boys) aged 9-15 years, using Macrobiotic Diet. Japan Publica- dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Ninety- tions, Inc. Tokyo and New York VSH presents “Vegetarian,” a weekly Public three adolescents (43 girls, 50 boys) had ISBN: 0-87040-878-X. Access TV program. Channel 52 on Thursdays at followed a macrobiotic diet in childhood, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and 102 (60 girls, 42 boys) were control

Page 6 The Island Vegetarian • December 1999 Books

The (Almost) No Fat Cookbook (Bryanna Clark Grogan) ...... $10.95 The (Almost) No Fat Holiday Cookbook (Bryanna Clark Grogan) ...... $12.95 Animal Connection (Agatha/Calvin Thrash, M.D.) ...... $6.95 Cook Healthy Fast (Dick Allgire) ...... $15.95 Corner Cooking with Natural Foods (Muriel Beltz) ...... $14.95 Diet for a New America book (John Robbins) ...... $14.95 Eco-Cuisine (Ron Pickarski) ...... $16.95 Fabulous Beans (Barb Bloomfield) ...... $9.95 Fat-Free & Easy (Jennifer Raymond) ...... $10.00 Store Garden Cuisine (Paul Wenner) SALE ...... $10.00 Healthy Heart Handbook (Neal Pinckney, Ph.D.) ...... $11.95 McDougall Health-Supporting Cookbook Vol. II (Mary McDougall) ...... $9.95 Mega Health (Marc Sorenson, Ed.D.) ...... $14.95 Most Noble Diet (George Eisman, R.D.) ...... $9.95 To order items from the bookstore, fill out Newstart Lifestyle Cookbook (Christenson & De Vries) ...... $19.99 Peaceful Palate (Jennifer Raymond) ...... $15.00 the form below with your Pregnancy, Children, and the Vegan Diet (Michael Klaper, M.D.) ...... $9.95 name and address. On a Race for Life book (Ruth Heidrich, Ph.D.) ...... $14.95 Scientific Basis of (William Harris, M.D.) ...... $15.95 seperate sheet of paper list the Simply Good Recipes and More (C.C.C.T.) ...... $7.95 items you would like to Uncheese Cookbook (Joanne Stepaniak) ...... $11.95 Vegan Nutrition: Pure and Simple (Michael Klaper, M.D.)...... $9.95 purchase and add 20% to the Vegetarian and Vegan Nutrition, Basic Course (George Eisman, R.D.) ...... $21.95 total for shipping. Please Vegetarian Secrets Atsuko Kitchen, HB (Atsuko Tsubota) ...... $29.95 Why Do Vegetarians Eat Like That? (David A. Gabbe) ...... $11.95 make check payable to Shirts Vegetarian Society of Hawaii.

I Speak Vegetarian T–Shirt (Specify S M L XL) ...... $15.62 VSH T–Shirt (Specify S M L XL Women’s One Size) ...... $15.62 Send order/application to: Vegetarian Society of Hawaii Videos PO Box 23208 Honolulu, Hawaii 96823 Diet for a New America (John Robbins) ...... $19.95 Diet for All Reasons (Michael Klaper, M.D.) ...... $22.00 Vegetarian Chef (Elaine French) ...... $19.95 Four Food Groups poster ...... $6.00

Vegetarian Society of Hawaii Membership Application/Order Form

Please Print: Yes, please enroll me as a member. My dues are enclosed. Name(s) Please check one: Street Address ■ $ 20 regular (1 year) ■ $ 12 full–time student (1 year) City, State, Zip ■ $ 30 couple or family (1 year) ■ $400 life membership (add $4 if for a foreign address) Home Phone ( ) $ additional donation Work Phone ( ) Please check one: Fax ( ) ■ Vegan (no animal products at all) ■ Vegetarian (no flesh, fish, or fowl) Email ■ Associate (not yet a vegetarian) # D Ex

The Island Vegetarian • December 1999 Page 7 Vegetarian Society of Hawaii BULK RATE Post Office Box 23208 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu, HI 96823-3208, USA PERMIT NO. 1157