DEAR DR. BLONZ: I was hoping you might spread the word about the National Organization for Rare Diseases (rarediseases.org). When a family member was diagnosed with a rare disease, NORD was the only place that had usable information. After that, I joined the organization.

NORD has pushed for many years to have the government give tax breaks and incentives to companies that develop “orphan” drugs, since rare conditions only affect a small percentage of the population. The group also has a database of all the current clinical studies for rare diseases. -- S.T., Concord, California

DEAR S.T.: I thank you for your note. NORD is an organization I became familiar with after a minor outpatient surgical fix resulted in a short-term total paralysis, which had the doctors stumped and my family climbing the walls with concern.

The procedure was a non-urgent repair of an umbilical hernia -- in other words, my bellybutton was not adequately anchored in the abdominal muscle wall. Typically a routine fix, this procedure requires a general anesthetic. But when I slowly awakened from anesthesia, I realized I was in a state of total paralysis: unable to move any muscle or even open my eyes to signal that I was awake. There was a tube still in place, breathing for me. How’s that for a rude awakening?

They use a ventilator tube to keep the airway open as part of this surgical procedure. A drug called suxamethonium chloride (Anectine) had been used to relax my muscles, particularly those of the throat, during the tube’s insertion. Because of the general anesthetic, I was already “out” when the Anectine was administered.

The body has an enzyme that breaks down this muscle-relaxing substance in a matter of minutes. But unknown to me, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, this particular enzyme is deficient in my body -- so the muscle-relaxation effect lingered. After a lot of anxiety among family members in the waiting room and head-scratching by the doctors, they thought this deficiency might be the issue.

Needless to say, it was an ordeal, as I remained locked in my body, not knowing what was going on -- not to mention the discomfort of the breathing tube and all the health professionals hovering over me. I was awake and heard them talking. I desperately tried to send them a signal that I was awake. Focusing all my efforts to get my foot to move, I finally got it to jerk. One of the nurses noticed it and commented, but it was dismissed as a muscle twitch. “No, I am here!” I recall screaming in silence.

After a few hours, the effects finally began to wear off. Awake and back home, I began to look around for more information, and NORD was one of the few places that discussed “pseudocholinesterase deficiency” (the name of my condition). It can have a genetic element, so I encouraged my family members to be tested. I now have this condition listed on all my medical records for any health professional who might inquire. I have also registered with MedicAlert (medicalert.org), an organization that can provide medical info when we cannot speak for ourselves.

Stay well, stay informed, and be sure that health professionals have all the information needed to care for you and your family members. NORD, MedicAlert and proactively maintaining your online medical records all have my solid support.

Send questions to: “On Nutrition,” Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: My question is regarding the recent headline that being overweight (as opposed to obese) may not be that serious of a health problem. What is your take on this message? -- F.S., Atlanta

DEAR F.S.: Statistics can reveal mathematical relationships between different things, and these relationships might, or might not, explain what is going on. Such research can also uncover strange relationships that may have little to do with reality. I am reminded of one finding that physicians who eat more meat and consume more alcohol have a much lower risk of dying in a plane crash. This is more of an amusing statistical quirk, not an indication that doctors need to grab a burger and a beer before they board a flight.

Carrying a little extra weight is not incompatible with good health and a long life. Conversely, being at or below a “normal” weight is no guarantee of health and longevity -- indeed, being classified as underweight can be a negative. Healthful foods and an active lifestyle, including activities that one enjoys and that relieve stress, are the key elements. These critical distinctions can be lost in the type of large-scale population studies used to arrive at headline-making conclusions.

A standard measure of body weight is the body mass index, or BMI, which is calculated using height and body weight. A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight; 18.5-25 is ideal body weight; 25-30 is overweight; over 30 is obese; and over 40 is deemed to be extreme obesity. (More on BMI at b.link/X4wwe.) Being classified as overweight means that one’s weight is above one’s ideal, but not obese. Back to that headline: One widely circulated population study reported a slight benefit to being overweight (though not obese), but later studies tended to question these findings. (More on that discussion at b.link/kcewv.)

As a general statement -- and based solely on BMI -- being in the overweight group does not add to mortality risk when compared with being of ideal body weight. However, preventing obesity is much easier than eliminating excess weight once it’s on the scene. This means we need to focus on building and maintaining healthful habits during early adulthood -- and even more so as we transition to our middle-aged years and beyond, as these are the times of creeping body weight. A telling indicator is that slow but overlooked shift to larger-sized clothes.

Crucially, consider that we are individuals, not statistics. Give yourself an honest look in the mirror, check out what is on your plate and consider the activities and pleasures that comprise your life. I put trust in these over headlines about population statistics.

Send questions to: “On Nutrition,” Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I came across the term “antinutrient” and wanted an explanation of what this means. It was mentioned that they are present in some foods. I have had trouble getting a clear answer. -- S.T., Phoenix

DEAR S.T.: Antinutrient refers to a substance that works in opposition to how a nutrient would typically function. This could involve an interruption in any step from how a nutrient gets absorbed to how the body would eventually utilize it. We often find antinutrients in plants. They can be a part of the plant defenses to deter animals from eating the plants lest they get sick. Antinutrient effects can range from blatant toxic effects to interference with digestive enzymes, to preventing essential vitamins or minerals from being absorbed or working. It’s quite a variety.

For example, a precursor to the deadly poison cyanide is present in some plants, including raw sweet potatoes and cassava. Solanine is a toxic compound produced in green or sprouting potatoes. Raw legumes contain enzyme inhibitors that prevent normal digestion. Grains and legumes contain phytic acid that can bind certain mineral nutrients and inhibit their absorption.

Animals eating such foods in excessive amounts can suffer ill effects, and many learn what to avoid. The risks are less for us if we prepare foods to avoid or deactivate any antinutrients.

Of course, we have more choices of what to eat than animals in the wild. Traditional methods of food preparation tend to take antinutrient foibles into account. For example, raw egg white contains the substance avidin, which binds with biotin, an essential nutrient. Having raw eggs as a regular part of your diet will eventually give rise to a biotin deficiency that can cause scaly dermatitis, referred to as egg-white injury. This malady is first noticed on the skin, perhaps because the skin is our largest and most noticed organ, but if seen on the skin, it is also causing problems throughout the body. This damage is easily stopped by stopping the consumption of raw egg whites.

Antinutrients are present throughout nature; think of them as a method lent by evolution to help plant species survive excessive poaching by insects and animals. Opting for a variety of foods and using appropriate methods of preparation are good strategies to limit the risks of antinutrients. (Read more on antinutrients at b.link/kyw95.)

DEAR DR. BLONZ: In a recent column on canned beans with salt, I was disappointed that you did not mention the option of purchasing frozen cooked beans that can be bought with no salt added. I have seen them at most grocery stores. -- M.L., via email

DEAR M.L.: Sorry for your disappointment. I had mentioned other canned beans as this was what the writer asked about and had in their pantry. I could have added using fresh beans, where soaking is a part of the prep, and I could have also mentioned the option of buying frozen beans, as you suggest. Thanks.

Send questions to: “On Nutrition,” Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.