The “scraped-apple” diet used by German peasants in the treatment of infantile diarrhea and constipation is an interesting example of the use of gelatin-like, moisture-absorbing substances called “hydrophilic colloids” in human nutrition. These hydrophilic colloids are just now becoming known to investigators of science, but they have long been known to the homemaker for another reason; they are the substance which gives jelly its quivery firmness or “set”; they are “pectin.”
Idea Not New
Perhaps it was the experience with hydrophilic colloids that gave birth to the old Devonshire rhyme: “Eat an apple before going to bed, and you’ll make the doctor beg his bread.” It is not a new idea that pectin will help control both diarrhea and constipation. Folklore taught that to cure constipation, scrapings from the bottom of the apple were given, and for diarrhea the top of the apple was taken.
This was in accordance with the folklore law of likes and opposites. Science today knows it does not make any difference which end of the fruit is used as long as enough pectin is taken. One reason why pectin is beneficial in the treatment of constipation is its great water-absorbing ability whereby it furnishes the necessary bulk to start peristalsis. Properties of pectin are such that intestinal irritation due to many sources eliminated, and this alone becomes important in re-establishment of “regular habits.”
Clay and Water
Dr. Weston A. Price, world traveler and author of Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, written as a result of his world-wide studies, has the following to say: “One of the sources I have found helpful in studying primitive races is an investigation of knapsacks. Among the groups (natives) in the Andes, Central Africa and Australia…each knapsack contained a ball of clay, a little of which was dissolved in water. Into this they dipped their morsel of food while eating. Their explanation was to prevent “sick stomach”.”
This is the way the natives in these countries combat dysentery and food infections. An illustration of the way in which modern science is slowly adopting practices that have long been in use among primitive races is to be found in the recent extensive use that is made of clay (kaolin) in our modern medicine.
The clay-eaters distinguish between good and bad qualities of these hydrophilic colloidal clays. Such action would appear rather remarkable in view of the comparatively recent adoption of kaolin into the British and American Pharmacopoeia as protective agents for the intestinal mucosa.
Studies of Comfrey
The okra and comfrey plants are other examples of hydrophilic colloids. Comfrey is of particular interest. The word “comfrey” is attributed to the old French word “to preserve.” Dr. Charles J. MacAllister, of Dublin, tells of his experiences (1914-1935) with comfrey in an interesting book, The Narratives of an Investigation Concerning an Ancient Medicinal Remedy and its Modern Utilities. A curious suggestion arises from reports that when maggots of certain flies are placed on wounds their healing is promoted. It is said that the substance called “allantoin” given off by the maggots is responsible for at least part of the healing powers. This is the same substance that Dr. Macallister states is responsible for the reputation of comfrey.
New Factors
Early discoveries in nutrition were concerned with only the missing elements caused by “indiscretions in the diet,” but today we must consider the factors which come within the realm of enzymes, hydrophilic colloids and other activators. Substances such as pectin, comfrey and mineral-earths formerly regarded as virtually inert biologically, now are being considered in terms of nutrient value, not because they contribute calories or weight, but because they possess activities which have heretofore been unsuspected or ignored in spite of practical evidence to the contrary.
Must Study Foods
The organic farmer does not pretend to know how to explain the ramification and hair-splitting scientific concepts necessary to the establishment of incontrovertible proof of the need for organic foods. The burden of proof is upon those who claim that they can supersede the plan of the Creator, or beat Mother Nature at her own game in the business of organizing inert matter into living tissue.
We, the human race, were fed on organic foods for eons before we became chemically half-smart enough to find out exactly WHY these counterfeit foods cannot support life if we use too much of such imitation foods before we learn about their shortcoming. We must develop more than a “speaking acquaintance” with this matter of “respectful observation” of the wonders of nature.
About the Author...
Dr. Royal Lee, D.D.S, founded Standard Process in 1929. Raised on a farm near Dodgeville, Wisconsin, his interest in science and nutrition began early at the local elementary school. At age 12, he compiled a notebook of definitions on biochemistry and nutrition, and he began collecting books on these subjects. What started as a hobby continued throughout his lifetime to eventually become part of the Dr. Royal Lee Memorial Library. Dr. Lee graduated in 1924 from Marquette University Dental School in Wisconsin. While attending the university, the importance of nutrition became his primary interest. A paper he prepared in 1923 outlined the relationship of vitamin deficiency to tooth decay and showed the necessity of vitamins in the diet. His research led to the development of CATALYN©, a vitamin concentrate derived from whole foods. Introduced in 1929, CATALYN© became the nucleus of a complete line of nutritional supplements at the Vitamin Products Company (known today at Standard Process). Dr. Lee believed the key to maintaining the quality of nutritional supplements was a unique manufacturing process. He designed high-vacuum, low-temperature drying equipment to preserve the living enzyme systems of the whole foods. From a small two-room facility, the Vitamin Products Company evolved into the present company we call Standard Process Inc. in Palmyra, Wisconsin. Standard Process is still family-owned and operated. The company is continually growing, building on expert research and quality manufacturing first imposed by Dr. Lee. In fact, his cold-processing technology remains a crucial part of Standard Process’ supplement production. In addition to his work in the nutrition field, Dr. Lee was the inventor of a wide variety of dental, mechanical, automotive, and electrical equipment. He filed over 70 patents for all types of equipment, processes, advanced electrical motors, speed governors, and food products. For more information on Dr. Lee contact Standard Process. "Dr. Lee’s work was actively suppressed and his genius did not have the opportunity to become as widely known. It is time for the works of Dr. Lee to be evaluated, not in the dim light of the era in which he lived, but by the most rigorous standards that current research can illuminate." −Mark R. Anderson, Author, Lecturer, Standard Process Distributor More of Royal Lee's work can be found at Selene River Press.
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