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Alexander Haig (physician)

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For the U.S. general & politician, seeAlexander Haig.For the British peer, seeAlexander Haig, Viscount Dawick.For the American jazz pianist, seeAl Haig.

Alexander Haig
FRCP
Born19 January 1853
Rumbling Bridge,Perthshire,Scotland
Died6 April 1924(1924-04-07)(aged 71)
London,England
Occupation(s)Physician, writer
Spouse
Gertrude Mary Haig
​
(m.1878)​
Children3, includingKenneth G. Haig

Alexander Haig(19 January 1853 – 6 April 1924)FRCPwas a Scottishphysician,dietitianandvegetarianismactivist. He was best known for pioneering the uric-acid free diet.

Biography[edit]

Haig was born atRumbling Bridge,Perthshire, in Scotland.[1]He was the son of George Andrew Haig ofBonningtonand Maulesden,Brechin.[2]He was educated atExeter College, Oxford.He took the M.R.C.S in 1879, graduated M.A. in 1880 and obtained his M.D. in 1888. He was elected F.R.C.P. in 1890.[3]He was a physician in London from 1882. He was consulting physician to theRoyal Waterloo Hospital for Children and Womenand to theMetropolitan Hospital.[2]Haig married his cousin Gertrude Mary Haig on 19 February 1878. He had one son and two daughters.[3]His son was physicianKenneth G. Haig.[4]

Haig died in London on 6 April 1924, aged 71.[3]Haig's wife Gertrude said that in his later years, he suffered from blindness in one eye and his son Kenneth stated that he had suffered fromneurasthenia.A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to beatherosclerosiswithcirrhosisof the liver.[5]He was buried inEdinburgh.[6]

Uric acid[edit]

In the 1880s Haig discovered that by eliminating meat from his diet it brought him relief from amigrainethat he had suffered from for years.[7]Haig suggested that excess ofuric acidin the blood may cause depression, epilepsy, and migraines.[8]He came to the conclusion that his headaches and virtually every other disease known to man was caused by excess uric acid including cardiovascular disease, cancer,dementia,gout,hypertension,and stroke.[7][9][10]Haig is credited as one of the first physicians to link excess uric acid to hypertension.[11][12]

Haig was the expositor of the uric-acid free (also known as the purine free) diet, alacto-vegetariandiet.[7][13]His best known work was his bookUric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Diseasewhich was translated in multiple languages. It brought Haig into communication with people from many countries around the world. Patients consulted him from as far as China and India.[6]The idea of a "purine free" diet is impossible as all foods contain purines. Haig's diet was thus to restrict foods high in purines. In 1911, Haig claimed that he lived on a uric-acid free diet and that his turnover of uric acid was under 10gr which is far under a meat-eaters diet which is over 20gr.[14]

Purines are present in meat foods and high consumption of these foods has been implicated in causing gout, bladder and kidney stones.[7]Haig experimented and proceeded to demonstrate that uric acid deposits were also responsible foreczema,jaundice,gastritisandflatulence.He used the terms “uricacidemia” and “collaemia” which he believed were responsible for causing many conditions fromanemiatoatherosclerosis.[7]Uricacidemia was defined as excess uric acid in the blood.[9]Collaemia was defined as "excess of uric acid in the blood, the uric acid being in some colloid form which obstructs more or less the capillary circulation all over the body."[15]

His bookUric Acidwent through seven editions in the 1890s and 1900s. Haig's uric-acid free diet (known as Haig's diet) required the elimination of every food containing high amounts of purines that could be metabolized into uric acid.[16]On this diet all meats, legumes and some vegetables were eliminated includingasparagus,beans,lentils,mushrooms,peasandwhole grainproducts.[16]Haig's diet became more extreme over time.[17]His original diet included eggs, fruit and fish. These were later omitted.[15]Haig advised people to live on "bread stuffs, milk, cheese, and vegetables."[15]

Haig criticized ordinary vegetarian diets as asparagus, beans, lentils and mushrooms contain purines and thus produce uric acid.[7]He recommended his uric-acid free vegetarian diet to athletes. The uric-acid free diet was restricted tocheese,milk,some vegetables, fruits, nuts andwhite bread.[7]Haig claimed that vegetarians were in error for eating "poisonous things such as peas, beans and lentils. They are twice as poisonous as meat".[18]Haig describedrhubarbas a "poisonous and highly acid vegetable".[17]Haig stated that his own diet consisted "chiefly of bread". He condemned tea drinking, commenting that tea drinkers "are simply swallowing uric acid".[18]Haig opposed the consumption of cacao, coffee and tea as they containxanthine,a purine.[7][14]

Cancer[edit]

Haig argued that cancer, gout and rheumatism are allied diseases that are the result of an excess of uric acid and can be treated by dietetic therapy. Haig described cancer as a "rich man's disease", linking the frequency of cancer with the consumption of costly animal foods.[19]He commented that "the great sum of uric acid disease is increasing with the increased consumption of meat and tea, and cancer is steadily increasing with this."[20]

During 1911–1912, Haig attempted the cure several cases of inoperable cancer with his uric-acid free diet consisting of biscuits, fruits and nuts.[21]The patients did not recover but Haig refused to let his theory take the blame. He stated that his patients were either too far advanced or lacked the determination to stay on his diet.[21]

Reception[edit]

Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease,third edition published in 1896

Medical community[edit]

Haig's book received a mixed response from the medical community during late 19th and early 20th century. Some physicians were influenced by Haig's uric acid theories.[22]A physician, J. Cuthbertson Walker claimed inThe British Medical Journalthat he tried Haig's diet for five and a half years. He stated that the diet had made him "almost wholly free" of severe attacks of migraine and rheumatism.[23]

Haig received both criticism and praise from many in the medical profession. Later reviews disputed his thesis that uric acid was the cause of many different types of disease.[15][22][24]Haig's uric acid theories were widely cited as a source of debate in medical literature during 1896–1912, especially in theBritish Medical Journal.However, by the 1920s, his theories were considered discredited by theAmerican Medical Associationand were rarely mentioned. In 1935,Carl Malmbergwrote that "although Haig's theory was no longer accepted in scientific circles it continued to exert an influence on the general public as well as on a number of doctors."[25]

Haig's bookUric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Diseasewent through many editions and was thoroughly expanded and revised.[26][27]A 1898 review in theJournal of the American Medical Associationsuggested that "to those not familiar with the work the book will be a revelation, not only on account of the undisputed facts which the author produces, but for the forceful manner in which they are arranged."[28]A review in theCanadian Journal of Medicine and Surgerysupported Haig's research on uric acid and described it as "exceedingly readable". [26]It was positively reviewed inThe New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journalas an "honoured place in medicine".[29]A negative review of the fourth edition in theBrooklyn Medical Journalfound Haig's views too extreme. For example, the reviewer doubted Haig's assertion that uric acid controls the metabolism and combustion of the body and determines the incidence and course of disease.[30]

A review in theChicago Medical Recorderfor the fifth edition commented that Haig was too extreme in his views but the book should be read by every physician.[31]TheNew York Medical Journalfound the fifth edition too long but concluded that "the book deserves the attention of every physician who would perfect himself in his profession."[32]TheColumbus Medical Journaldescribed the fifth edition as "invaluable as a clinical work on the subject".[33]

The fifth edition was described by thePacific Medical Journalas a "scientific and masterly volume of some 850 pages... the work is thoroughly scientific and trustworthy, and gives us the latest data regarding gout, rheumatism or blood diseases in general. We highly recommend it to every practitioner."[27]The same journal also recommended the sixth edition as "interesting to all scientific physicians".[34]A review in theNew York Medical Journalcommented that "there can be no doubt that Dr. Haig is an original thinker, and has the courage which goes with conviction. The sixth edition of this work does not disappoint the seeker for further hypotheses."[35]A review for the sixth edition inThe New England Medical Gazette,concluded that "this book ought to be owned by every reading physician, and no member of our profession can afford to anything less than a student of good medical literature."[36]

An article in theJournal of the American Medical Associationin 1904 objected to Haig's uric acid theories but praised his dietary results.[37]Arthur P. Luff,Francis W. E. Hareand Francis H. McCrudden disputed Haig's uric acid theories in 1905.[38][39]

A 1908 review in theJournal of the American Medical Associationfor the seventh edition commented that although the book had a wide influence on English physicians the theories of Haig were repudiated by the scientific world.[22]The reviewer stated that the Haig's theories were erroneous but remained popular due to the conservatism amongst "physicians who hesitate to abandon old views and fail to keep abreast of scientific progress."[22]A review the same year published in theBritish Medical Journal,commented that Haig's theory of the existence of uric acid in a colloid form was an unsubstantiated hypothesis.[15]The reviewer noted that Haig's original diet included eggs, fish and fruit which he said cured him of his headaches but these were later removed which made the diet too restrictive.[15]In 1909,Alexander Brycecommented that although the uric-acid free diet is a valuable method of treatment for certain patients it is too extreme for ordinary purposes of nutrition in every-day life.[40]

Arthur J. Crampof the American Medical Association stated in 1914 that Haig's methods were unreliable and his theories are "utterly discredited".[24]

Haig's uric-acid free diet has been cited as an example of afad diet.[17][41]Historians have noted that after following Haig's diet which was very restrictive people sometimes succumbed to anaemia.[17]

Vegetarian community[edit]

Haig is cited by historian James C. Whorton as being an important figure in the development ofvegetarian nutrition.[7][9]Although Haig's uric-acid free diet differed to a standard vegetarian diet he was an notable physician to be advocating a fleshless diet in the early 20th century and his theories were widely circulated.[7][9]

Haig's diet influenced lacto-vegetarians Are Waerland[42]andEustace Miles.[7]Miles took up Haig's diet claiming multiple health benefits but later gave it up as he found that legumes aided his vitality.[7]Several vegetarian athletes adopted Haig's diet with success.[7]Karl Mann, a German vegetarian walker switched to Haig's diet in 1898 and won an international Dresden-Berlin race in 1902. Haig personally met Mann and examined him after the race.[7]Haig criticized the standard vegetarian diet based on grains and legumes for being low in protein and dissociated his diet from it. In 1908, he commented that "vegetarianism has been a great thorn in my side in advocating, as I do, a physiological and purin-free diet."[43]

Haig was criticized by some vegetarians for condemning legumes, certain vegetables and whole wheat bread.John Harvey Kellogg's journals praised Haig's rejection of flesh foods and uric acid research but advised against Haig's diet.[44][45][46]

Selected publications[edit]

Books

Papers

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^"Alexander Haig".Royal College of Physicians.
  2. ^abDr Alexander Haig, M.A, M.D.Montrose Standard(April 18, 1924). p. 2
  3. ^abc"Alexander Haig, M.D.Oxon., F.R.C.P., Consulting Physician To The Metropolitan Hospital".The British Medical Journal.1(3303): 735. 1924.doi:10.1136/bmj.1.3303.735.S2CID220016979.
  4. ^"(1) Health Through Diet: A Practical Guide to the Uric-Acid-Free Diet (2) The Elements of Heating and Ventilation (3) Chloride of Lime in Sanitation".Nature.92(2291): 93–94. 1913.Bibcode:1913Natur..92...93..doi:10.1038/092093a0.S2CID3977105.
  5. ^Doctor's Sudden Death.Bayswater Chronicle(April 12, 1924). p. 3
  6. ^abThe Late Dr Alexander Haig.The Scotsman(April 14, 1924). p. 6
  7. ^abcdefghijklmnWhorton, James C. (1981). "Muscular Vegetarianism: The Debate Over Diet and Athletic Performance in the Progressive Era".Journal of Sport History.8(2): 58–75.PMID11614819.
  8. ^Symes, W. L. (1889)."Haig on Headaches, Fits, and Mental Depression due to the Abnormal Uric-Acid Elimination—T. W. Shore on the Morphology of the Vagus Nerve".Brain.11(4): 571–574.doi:10.1093/brain/11.4.571.
  9. ^abcdWhorton, James C. (1994)."Historical development of vegetarianism".The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.59(5): 1103S–1109S.doi:10.1093/ajcn/59.5.1103S.PMID8172109.
  10. ^Feig, Daniel I. (2009)."Sour Notes on Sweet Drinks".The Journal of Pediatrics.154(6): 783–784.doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.054.PMID19446093.
  11. ^Johnson, Richard J; Feig, Dan I; Jaime Herrera-Acosta; Duk-Hee Kang (2005)."Resurrection of Uric Acid as a Causal Risk Factor in Essential Hypertension".Hypertension.45(1): 18–20.doi:10.1161/01.HYP.0000150785.39055.e8.PMID15557387.{{cite journal}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^Feig, Daniel I; Mazzali, Marilda; Kang, Duk-Hee; Nakagawa, Takahiko; Price, Karen, Kannelis, John; Johnson, Richard J. (2006)."Serum Uric Acid: A Risk Factor and a Target for Treatment?".Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.17(4): S69–S73.doi:10.1681/ASN.2005121331.PMID16565251.{{cite journal}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^Comrie, John D. (1933).Diet in Health and Sickness.London: A. & C. Black. pp. 171-172
  14. ^ab"Letters, Notes, And Answers".The British Medical Journal.1(2614): 288. 1911.doi:10.1136/bmj.1.2614.288.S2CID220025450.
  15. ^abcdef"Reviewed Work: Uric Acid As A Factor In The Causation Of Disease by Alexander Haig".The British Medical Journal.2(2483): 263. 1908.
  16. ^abKiple, Kenneth F.; Ornelas, Kriemhild Coneè. (2000).The Cambridge World History of Food, Volume 2.Cambridge University Press. p. 1560.ISBN0-521-40215-8
  17. ^abcdBarnett, L. Margaret. (1995).Every Man His Own Physician: Dietetic Fads, 1890-1914.In Harmke Kamminga, Andrew Cunningham.The Science and Culture of Nutrition, 1840-1940.p. 165. Rodopi.ISBN90-5183-818-2
  18. ^abAbout Vegetable Cranks.West Lothian Courier(August 26, 1904). p. 7
  19. ^Cancer is the "Rich Man's Disease".Dundee Courier(December 26, 1911). p. 5
  20. ^The Chief Cause of Cancer: How to prevent. Results of Researchers by Alexander Haig, M.D.The Globe(January 13, 1912). p. 5
  21. ^abWhorton, James C. (2016).Crusaders for Fitness: The History of American Health Reformers.Princeton University Press. pp. 245-246.ISBN978-0691641898
  22. ^abcd"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Journal of the American Medical Association.51(13): 1097–1098. 1908.
  23. ^"Letters, Notes, And Answers To Correspondents".The British Medical Journal.2(2394): 1435–1436. 1906.doi:10.1136/bmj.2.2394.1435.S2CID220223836.
  24. ^abCramp, Arthur J. (1914)."Buffalo Lithia Water".Journal of the American Medical Association.62(24): 1909.
  25. ^Malmberg, Carl. (1935).Diet and Die.New York: Hillman-Curl, Inc. p. 59
  26. ^ab"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Canadian Journal of Medicine and Surgery.3:231. 1898.
  27. ^ab"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Pacific Medical Journal.44:360–361. 1901.
  28. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Journal of the American Medical Association.31:139. 1898.
  29. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".The New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal.56:636. 1903.
  30. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Brooklyn Medical Journal.12:530–531. 1898.
  31. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Chicago Medical Recorder.19:464. 1900.
  32. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".New York Medical Journal.74:424–425. 1901.
  33. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".The Columbus Medical Journal.26:300. 1902.
  34. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".Pacific Medical Journal.46:562–563. 1903.
  35. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".New York Medical Journal.79:476. 1904.
  36. ^"Uric Acid as a Factor in the Causation of Disease".The New England Medical Gazette.38:415–416. 1903.
  37. ^"Uric-Acid Theories".Journal of the American Medical Association.43:550–551. 1904.
  38. ^Luff, Arthur P; Hare, Francis (1905)."Toxicity of Uric Acid".The Lancet.166(4295): 1864.doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)69894-5.{{cite journal}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. ^McCrudden, Francis H. (1905).Uric Acid: The Chemistry, Physiology and Pathology of Uric Acid and the Physiologically Important Purin Bodies, With a Discussion of the Metabolism in Gout.Boston: Samuel Usher. p. 232, p. 295
  40. ^Bowen Davies, W. L. (1909)."The Limitations of a Purin-Free Diet".The British Medical Journal.1(2506): 126.doi:10.1136/bmj.1.2506.126.PMC2318046.
  41. ^Heggie, Vanessa. (2013)."Diets, fads and the methods of science".The Guardian.Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  42. ^Cold Free 50 Years, Tells Secret: It's Potato Water and Diet.Kent & Sussex Courier(June 13, 1947). p. 5
  43. ^Haig, Alexander (1908)."Vegetarianism and Physique".The Lancet.2(4448): 1632.doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)63799-1.
  44. ^"Dr. Haig on Flesh-Eating".Modern Medicine.7:72–73. 1898.
  45. ^"New Edition of Haig on Uric Acid".Modern Medicine.12:260–263. 1903.
  46. ^"Uric Acid Diet".Good Health.50:43. 1915.
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