The great benefits of JUICING!!

Like plenty other trends and meal plans and diets, is juicing just a passing fad or is there really something to it? 

I consume a couple of fruits and cooked vegetable every day, do I really need to juice in spite of it? 

Does juicing really help accomplish better health, more energy, beautiful skin and so on?

The best person to probably answer these questions is a person who juices. That’s why I am writing this blog entry. I have been juicing for about 3 years now, and I have taken it to a completely different level about a year back. Juicing has completely changed my life and not a day goes by without me consuming a glass full of vegetable  juice every morning!

Before coming to the benefits I have experienced through juicing, let me first address the question as to why one must include a daily glass of juice into their diets.

Health authorities state that an adult must consume 6-8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. How many of us really achieve this target? It is almost impossible to consume so much fruit and vegetable in a single day. For starters, juicing helps achieve this daily target and that too in a single serving. The process of juicing basically involves the juicer extracting the juice from the fruit/vegetable and separating out the fibre. 

What you therefore consume is freshly squeezed juice with abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients without the fibre obstructing the flow in the bloodstream.

This juice is digested much quicker (as less as 20 mins) because of the fibre being extracted. Your body is therefore instantly energized.

Moreover, several micro-nutrients present in vegetables are destroyed while cooking at high heat. Juicing helps retain all the goodness present in the fruits and vegetables.

Juicing is the most convenient for people who are not too high on daily consumption of fruits/vegetables because of their taste buds not getting impressed by the earthy taste of fruits/vegetables 
(don’t most of us belong to this category ;) 

A glass full of vegetable juice can taste really good by adding some sweet/tangy tasting fruits like apples, strawberries, ginger and herbs like mint. You therefore not only get to consume your daily requirement of fruits and vegetables through a juice, but also a pretty decent tasting one!

Incorporating juicing into my daily diet has definitely helped boost my immunity. I always feel energetic, my craving for sleep has reduced and I feel fit like never before. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body and is a much needed relief after a toxic night of partying! 

I experiment with various fruits and vegetables to get the desired health benefits such as improved immunity, beautiful skin, detox, digestion, cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory benefits, prevention of heart diseases etc.

If you are ready and convinced to get onto the juicing bandwagon, then here are some things you should keep in mind:

1.     When juicing you should ensure you put in more vegetables and less fruits. This is because of the high natural sugar content present in juices. Filling your juice up with strawberries, kiwis etc will shoot up the sugar content which doesn’t do you much good. Hence include vegetables like spinach, beet root, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, cucumber (try including more and more greens). I usually add an apple/ cucumber and/or carrot to sweeten my juice and give it a good refreshing taste. Also, I love adding mint (pudina) and add a small piece of ginger to add some spice. To gain some tips on how to create a wholesome juice you can refer (here).
2.     When putting in fruits/vegetables into your juice, ensure the quantities are only so much that can be consumed immediately and not left for later (not even a few hours). Juice that is kept open (or even in a refrigerator) tends to get oxidized which is harmful for the system due to the formation of bacteria.
3.     Always always wash the fruits and vegetables properly. It is said that cooking at high heat tends to kill the bacteria and therefore with juicing you have got to be extra cautious as you are consuming raw/uncooked vegetables and fruits. A great tip for washing fruits and green leafy vegetables is - taking a spray bottle, adding in 1cup vinegar and 3 cups of water. Shake it well. Now just spray the fruits and vegetables with this solution and then quickly give it a rinse. This is known to be a very effective method to wash the produce that goes into juices and smoothies. 
   
4.     Drink up your juice (especially green juice) first thing in the morning. This is the most effective time to consume a glass full of juice as the vitamins and minerals are straight away absorbed by the bloodstream. If you are not able to consume it in the morning then wait for at last 2 hours after a meal to have a glass of juice. Follow it up with breakfast after 20 mins.
5.     Try and rotate your recipes, especially green juice recipes as much as possible.  
6.     Juicing is a wonderful addition to ones diet and also helps reduce cravings. The one investment you may have to make is on purchasing a good juicer. Remember, a blender/mixer present in your kitchen does not make juices but smoothies. Smoothies are also a great beginning to a healthier lifestyle. 

Need help with some beginner recipes, click (here) and get started!

If you are undergoing an active cancer treatment, and are having chewing, swallowing, or digestive problems, or are struggling with excess weight loss due to cancer, juicing may be a good option for getting valuable nutrients into your body. This should be in addition to the four-five cup servings of fruits and green vegetables in your everyday diet. It is advisable to consult your nutritionist on what vegetables to juice for added benefits. Wheatgrass is a great option to add to your juice.

About the Author:

Raashi Shrawat Prakash is a an avid health  enthusiast  and resides in California. She was previously working as an HR consultant in  Gurgaon for 3 years.  She is extremely passionate  about health & fitness.  Her  hobbies include yoga, reading, blogging about  health  issues and refining  her culinary skills by experimenting  with healthy  dishes. 

Bio-link: http://healthylivingink.wordpress.com/

teamyoddhas - Thanks Raashi for a very informative article. 

You can also contribute. Contact us at: teamyoddhas@gmail.com

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Suggested topics:

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Caregiver - The unsung Hero of every Cancer Batttle

Nobody should fight cancer alone. Everyone deserves a loving caregiver. In the midst of ones life’s biggest battle, one needs an advocate, a rock, and a safe harbor. 

Caregiver (Hindi - देख रेख करने वाला)

(definition on wiki) :- Is an unpaid or paid relative or friend of a disabled individual who helps that individual with his or her activities of daily living. Though in India it simply becomes the closest relative.  

People often talk about the fighter fighting the disease but the caregiver goes through much more as he / she needs to be the strongest at all times. He/she truely is the Unsung Hero of every Cancer battle.

Caregiving is not just hand-holding, it is hard work and it’s okay to cry, being sad is fine at times. But on the other hand let yourself be happy, look into a support group via the cancer center. Connect here on our site www.yoddhas.com and discuss with other caregivers what they are doing. 

Cancer and its treatments are havoc upon the human body. Your cancer warrior needs every bit of your attention as he or she would have mood swings, pains, restlessness, loneliness etc. You must focus on the task to complete the mission and get the fighter to fight and sail through.

You’ll be scared, a lot. You will be in doctors’ offices and clinics and hospitals. You’ll see too many very sick people. Do not let negative thought come in your mind. You need to remain calm  and firm. You need to learn to ask a lot of questions. If you don’t understand something, ask again and again if need be. You and your loved one need and deserve to know exactly what the team has in mind. 

Knowledge is the antidote to fear. You as the caregiver are the key link between what your loved one feels and thinks, but may not be able to say at the time to the doctor’s and the team. Also you would be expected to almost become half doctor. You would be expected to have an understating of the medicines etc.

You are surrounded by people who want to help, but have no idea, none, of what needs to be done, so ask for help when required. No one set of caregiver guidelines is correct. You know your own circumstances better than anyone. When in doubt, listen to yourself, give yourself permission to trust in your judgment. You are smart and capable and worthy of this great thing.

Most importantly, when you are with your loved one, listen with all your heart. Your cancer warrior needs you, needs you weak, strong, your wisdom and your touch. Regardless of how this cancer journey turns out, you exit at the other end a person of greater wisdom, compassion, and heart. 

Do not lose hope at any point of time and don’t let any negative thought weaken you and people around you. You must have faith at all times. Remember, there will be days that will bring bad news, you must be ready to handle it well for yourself and your warrior and keep the smiles on, always..

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Meeting a Cancer Patient - Some points to keep in mind.

There's a lot of talk of cancer these days. What if your friend or a relative is going through this dreaded ordeal. At some point in your life, you will want to visit a friend or loved one with cancer. It is scary as Hell.

What to say? What to do? How do I help? You want to help, but we don’t know how. What are the rules for a visit with a cancer warrior? Are there any ?

So I have put down some basic points for Calling on the Cancer Warrior:-

1.)  No Denying - It is a little odd.

Its natural to not be sure as to what to say or do when meeting a Cancer patient for the first time. So firstly try and meet the person normally. Dont be looking for horns on his head. Or look down upon him to figure out, as to how bad is his health. Somehow a cancer patent figures out whats in your mind. And for God sake, remove that feeling of Pity from your face. You are there to meet him. He is the same person that you know, Just be normal. 

Just to be clear, I not asking you to be pretty cool and act as if all is well and keep it super light. Sorry but that also is not the case here. So start normal, and gauge the scene. Let the patient talk. Ask basic questions.

2.) Make absolutely, positively, 100% certain you are healthy.

Whether from the chemo, the stress of the illness, or their cancer itself, many cancer patients have compromised immune systems. A little cold  that you have could have serious repercussions for the health of a cancer patient. Also avoid taking your kids to him because they generally have some cold or infections going on. 

Remeber a Cancer patient and his family takes utmost care to keep the house neat and clean and you could have just used a public toilet. So respect the others weakened immunity and act accordingly. So Wash your hands as you reach the house. Ensure you dust your shoes a little. 

3)  Make contact in advance- Fix it up.

Check if he is in good health to meet. Also, the patient is no VIP but trust me, he is going to make his plans as per yours. To take that nap as per your visit time. So respect the other persons time. It anyways good manners. Cancer, and cancer treatment, are exhausting beyond words. How exhausting? Picture yourself as you lie on the couch with your face turned towards the seat cushions. You hear something interesting on the TV, like IPL match. Now, try and imagine that you lack the energy to turn your head towards the TV to see what is on. Yep. That bad. Sometimes worse.

3)  Carrying flowers - Sorry but no need. 

Before you bring anything with you, contact the patient’s caregiver to figure out if the gift would be of any use to the patient. Radiation and chemotherapy play havoc with the senses. What to you is a lovely scented bouquet of flowers might kick off three hours of retching and vomiting for your friend. In addition, many people become highly sensitive to pollen during treatment. A plant might be nice. But ask.

We Indians love to gift food. Dont get something the patient may love to eat but cant. I hated it when my friends got me a box Mitai. Ask if there is anything special you could bring, and anything specific you should avoid. Because for eg An Apple (i-pads etc are welcome anytime) may be a perfect gift to any person recovering from any ailment but due to low immunity my doctor has told me not to have Apples. My brother brought me some x-box CDs once. Trust me, it was the most useful gift at that time.

4)  "Be Positive" - Yes. But dont go overboard. Avoid forced optimism.

Don’t be a cheerleader. “You’re going to be fine. I just know it.”

“Bullshit,” says the patient. “I might freakin’ die. That’s why they’re bolting my head to that goddam table and irradiating my skull. That’s why my body is slowly being carved to pieces. That’s why I get bags of ugly chemicals pumped into my body. You don’t know shit about my illness. I’m laying here, feeling like if I blink 2% too hard, my eyeball is going to fall out of my face, and if I swallow without thinking on it first, I’m going to be curled up in a ball in the bathroom for the next two hours heaving my guts out, 'You’re going to be fine. I just know it?’ ” - No Thank you.

Ok the above was a little uncalled for. Well these mood swings could really be a bitch sometimes. Please forgive a patient if you see him go through a rant. Its the meds and not you. Sudden mood swings are known side effects of chemotherapy. We can be Dolly Bindra at times.

Also don’t play the pity card. Don’t tell a story about your distant cousin's best friend's Aunt who’s a cancer survivor. Fact is, in the midst of my cancer, I don’t care. I’ve got my own problems right here, thankyouverymuch. As cancer fighters and survivors, we’re good at finding our own inspiration. Hang out with me, that’s all I ask.

5)  Physical contact. Ask first.

Cancer hurts. Sometimes, the pain cannot be imagined. Sometimes, a hug can be agony. Sometimes, you need a hug, a bit of human warmth and contact to remind you that you’re not alone. 

For example, some times I go ahead with the handshake and some times I avoid it, depending on how far I am from Monday (my regular chemos days) So dont feel odd and simply ask.

6)  Dont become that all GYAN and Advice giving Guru.

You must do Yoga, Pranayam, Dancing, Skating, Power Yoga, Some tree worship, meditate entire day, stop every thing and just do Yoga, like just right now or maybe hang on a tree upside down. Well thanks but again no thanks. Do feel free to provide your advice but please dont go about pushing it. I am sure the patient (who does want to get well) is doing all that he can do to get well. Which includes the non medical things. Just dont push him too much.

6)  Be there now.

If your friend wants to talk; then talk.See what kind of mood he is in. He maybe in a great mood or maybe just in middle of a long week of being low. Listen, really listen, to what they’re saying. They’re talking with their eyes, and body language, as well as their words. Pay some attention. 

They like/love your company. Trust me. The fact that you took out time and came to meet, means a lot. And they know it. All they need is your support.

You do realize, don’t you, that you too, are stressed? You do realize that your angst fills the room? It is hard to watch someone suffer, someone in fear, someone in pain. Let your heart fill with compassion, not pity, and join with them in your heart for a few moments. Don’t share your heartache. Let go of your pain and watch them relax along with you.

“He who attends on the sick attends on me.” - Buddha

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Yoddhas - What are we

This is a blog site to the support group called - Yoddhas.

This group is a support group for cancer patients in India. We would be posting health related articles here. 

Lets support the brave Indians fighting Against Cancer. 

Join-in. Lets spread awareness and support each other.

Description:

This is a promotional page for the group below for patients etc
Facebook page Yoddhas

If you know anybody dealing with Cancer (directly or indirectly), help them by suggesting them there. Visit our website www.yoddhas.com

Vision:

To be the trusted source of information and support for anybody dealing with Cancer in India.

Mission:

1. To connect and help :- patients/caregivers/ doctors/ people who want to help and live healthy. 
2. Explore and discuss the best hospitals/ treatment regimes/ food / exercises/ alternatives etc for Indians.
3. To promote awareness about Stem Cell Donorship (its basically donating blood only). Lot of Indians die because they could not find a suitable donor.

Need:

Actually there a lot of sites, NGOs in India and doing a great job but whats missing is the support community. Outside India one has a great deal of groups like this but this is missing here. We need to help each other. In India the fight against Cancer is a battle fought alone. Lets change that. The awareness is still very  low.

Note: 

1. This initiate is purely NON PROFIT.

2. Do not try and sell anything here.

3. All we need is support and not pity.

Healthy Eating for the Desi's

Whether you are a mast Desi Babydoll or a stud Yo Yo boay living a masti filled life, beware sometimes life knocks us down, and brings you down with health issues. Say you have a history of cancer in your family, or are currently battling any disease, lifestyle factors, including your diet, can make a huge difference in helping you fight off any ailment. Some foods actually increase your risk of cancer, while others support your body and strengthen your immune system. By making smart food choices, you can protect your health, feel better, and boost your ability fight any disease. Also the Indian food by nature is full of natural ingredients which are good and helpful in fighting of diseases. For eg. Turmeric (haldi) is an excellent anti-cancer food.

What you need to know about yourr diet.

Not all health problems are avoidable, but you have more control over your health than you may think. Avoiding cigarettes, limiting alcohol, and getting regular exercise are a great start to a healthy lifestyle. 
But to best support your health, you also need to look at your eating habits.What you eat—and don’t eat—has a powerful effect on your health, including your risk of cancer. Without knowing it, you may be eating many foods that fuel cancer, while neglecting the powerful foods and nutrients that can protect you. If you change your diet and behaviors, you can minimize your risk of any disease.

 Your diet should predominantly be a plant-based diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A plant-based diet means eating mostly foods that come from plants: vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and beans. The less processed these foods are—the less they’ve been cooked, peeled, mixed with other ingredients, stripped of their nutrients, or otherwise altered from the way they came out of the ground—the better. Keep in mind that you don’t need to go completely vegetarian. Instead, focus on adding “whole” foods, which are foods close to their original form. Just as important, try to minimize or reduce the amount of processed foods you eat. Eat an apple instead of drinking a glass of apple juice, for example. Or enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with raisins instead of an oatmeal raisin cookie.

Simple tips:-

Breakfast:
Add fruit and a few seeds or nuts to your whole grain breakfast cereal (such as oatmeal). Go smart. Not all Indian breakfast is good. That Aloo Paratha (Indian stuffed bread) is NOT an health option specially when served with chucks of butter. But say a Idli is a great light steamed option. Again avoid the processed stuff. Yes that old saying still hold true. and I wont get into why its still the way to go. 

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.

Lunch:
Eat a big salad filled with your favorite beans and peas or other combo of veggies. Always order lettuce and tomato (plus any other veggies you can) on your sandwiches. Order whole grain bread for your sandwiches. Have a side of veggies like cut up carrots, sauerkraut, or a piece of fruit.

Snacks:

Fresh fruit and vegetables. Grab an apple or banana on your way out the door. Raw veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers, etc. are great with a low-fat dip such as hummus or any other spread (low fat please). Keep trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and a little dried fruit on hand. Do NOT go for those Haliram mix namkeens, chips etc. You will just kill the effort. Or simply get a few Coconuts (get them half cut) home and have  it any time you feel low and tired. Instant Nirvana..

Dinner: 
Add fresh veggies to your  dinner. Try to go low on the number of Rotis or the quantity of Rice to be low. Try baking - baked potato with broccoli and yogurt, sautéed veggies, or with mint chutney. Replace creamy pasta sauces, butter chicken curries with sautéed vegetables or tomato sauce made with healthy olive oil. Try more of grilled food than fried stuff. 

Dessert:
Try and kill that craving for a sweets post every meal. Its a stupid Indian house hold habit. Choose fruit instead of a richer dessert. Or a single square of dark chocolate. 

Drinking :
Ok. Let talk about what got you here. The mis-leading picture. Not really. SO what about Drinking Let me not preach here. Well a man has to drink some times (Its called Social Maajburi).  Well make the smart choices again. Drink in moderation. Try and drink red wine (An excellent anti- oxidant). Understand your mixers. A cocktail is a trap of empty calories. Snacks (chakhna-makhna) with drinks are seldom healthy. Rather go simple and enjoy a good drink. You wont like me for this like. But drinking can be treated in the below fashion. 

Remember - Always go for Quality over Quantity

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Cancer in India - Some Facts

Every year, 10 lakh Indians are diagnosed with cancer and another six to seven lakh die of it.

And it's feared that, by 2035, these numbers may almost double to 17 lakh new patients and 12 lakh deaths per year.

More cancer specialists, more hospitals and more money for research for India-specific affordable treatment are needed to change the cancer graph of India, said the paper, written mainly by researchers at King's College in London and Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, Mumbai.

One of the authors, Dr C S Pramesh from Tata Memorial Hospital, said the worst aspect of India's cancer picture is poor life expectancy. Over 60% of cancer patients in the US enjoy an over five-year survival rate, but the corresponding figure for India is 30%. "It's worrying that between 60% and 70% of our patients die earlier mainly because they seek treatment only after their disease has reached an advanced stage,'' said Dr Pramesh. 

The latest Lancet Oncology issue, in fact, focuses on India, China and Russia, as they account for 46% of all new cancer cases worldwide and 52% of all cancer deaths globally. It found that over two-thirds (71%) of cancer deaths in India occur in patients aged 30 to 69, with a significant number of premature deaths of people in the prime of their lives.

We must, as Indians come together and spread the awareness and make our government have a more serious approach towards this.

Reference : Times of India (12 April 2014)

Data from : Research paper on Indian cancer published in Lancet Oncology journal.