MEDICAL BLOGS:DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS (Part - 2)

Cancer treatment cause side-effects like nausea and taste changes leading to a loss of appetite. It is essential that patients don’t have too many dietary restrictions imposed on them. A good diet for a cancer patient contains a mix of vegetables and meat, and avoids extremely sweet and oily foods.

·      Preferred cooking methods are steaming, boiling, and stir-frying rather than deep frying, grilling, barbecuing and baking.

·      A balanced diet should provide the body with proteins (to build tissues, prevent infection, heal wounds and maintain a healthy immune system), carbohydrates and fats (energy sources), vitamins and minerals (for proper growth, body functioning) and, most importantly, plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration.

FOODS TO BE INCLUDED:

Vegetables:
                                         

·      Tomatoes, carrots, peas, pumpkin and turnips for vitamins and fiber.

·      Tomatoes, tomato puree and parsley (especially good for prostate cancer patients)

·      Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain plant chemicals that can convert bad oestrogen into good oestrogen, and hence reduce cancer risk as well as the risk of a relapse

·      Asparagus and Brussels sprouts for their rich antioxidants

·      Bitter gourd for lowering blood sugar levels

·      Green leafy vegetables for calcium and iron

   Fruits
                                   

·      Oranges provide vitamin C

·      Bananas, kiwi, peaches, mangoes, pears and strawberries for vitamins and fibre

·      Avocados, guava, apricots, figs, prunes and raisins for energy

Proteins
                                           

·      Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, tauhu and taukwa 

·      Dairy products, nuts, dried beans, dals and chickpeas

·      Fish and soy foods (especially good for prostate cancer patients)

Carbohydrates
                                               

·      Rice, Iddli, noodles, chapatti, whole grain bread and pasta. 

·      Raggi.

·      Wholegrain crackers, oats, corn, potatoes, beans and dairy products

·      Honey, consumed in moderation for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which may help in preventing infections.

SOME GOOD ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS:

·      Fish oil will provide long chain omega-3, a powerful anti-inflammatory in the body that minimizes COX-2 and its abilities to drive localized negative hormones called eicosanoids which cause inflammation - driving cancer and metastases. Fish oils have been linked to reduced levels of prostate, breast and colon cancer. Research shows they help prevent cachexia when having chemotherapy. Please note that the omega 3 from flax seed is short-chain, equally important but has different benefits (for example, it helps oxygenate the tissues and provides essential fibre).

·      Carotenoids - Carrots, peppers and greens, apricots, red and yellow peppers, greens like spinach and sweet potatoes, carrots provide anti-cancer carotenoids like beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, as and when required by the body. Raw carrots are also high in pectins - your helpful gut bacteria will love you for eating pectins and give you more in return.

·      Ginger Fresh, raw ginger has a number of very important benefits in cancer. It is a terrific anti-inflammatory agent in the body and reduces the effects of COX-2. This produces benefits throughout the body and especially in the gut, reducing rates of cancer spread.

·      Seed are full of good oils, whole vitamins in a natural form (like vitamin E) and fiber to strengthen your gut flora. People who consume the highest levels of natural fiber have higher immune systems.Sunflower Seeds high in zinc and natural vitamin E. Zinc helps vitamin C do its work and accelerates healing time.Pumpkin Seeds provides Vit E.Sesame Seed: Both sesame and flax lignans are converted to compounds that can arrest estrogen cancers.

·      Nuts ( Walnuts, Almonds)

·      Mushrooms boost the immune system and fight cancer. Even the button mushroom has cancer fighting ingredients.

·      Tomatoes contain Lycopene is the prime active ingredient. It is also found in strawberries, peppers, carrots & peaches. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant.

·      Broccoli Like other green cruciferous vegetables (e.g. cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts), broccoli contains fiber which helps eliminate toxins. Broccoli also contains indoles, and especially indole3carbinol which aids in fighting estrogen-driven cancers like some breast, prostate, brain and colorectal cancers.

·      Garlic : Active ingredients like allicin seem to act to stop the spread of cancer in a number of ways, for example by stopping blood supply formation for tumors. Garlic also kills microbes and yeasts - after taking drugs and antibiotics the body is often susceptible to these. Garlic is also anti-inflammatory in the body. It has a number of active ingredients. It contains selenium, tryptophan and sulfur-based active agents that attack cancer cell.

·      Beetroot and cherries, aubergines, plums, red grapes - indeed any purple colored fruits and vegetables, contain anthocyanins (and sometimes also resveratrol). Anthocyanins have been shown to kill cancer cells; Resveratrrol has research supporting its role in fighting certain cancers like blood and brain cancers too.

·      Pulses Lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, kidney beans and even soy beans are a great source of plant protein. Most importantly they release their carbohydrate slowly because of their high fiber content.

FOODS TO BE AVOIDED:

·      Deep fried, grilled, barbecued, baked meats since subjecting animal protein to high heat creates carcinogenic byproducts called hetero-cyclic amine

·      Excessive intake of salt, sugar, and oily foods.

·      Red meat and processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausages.

·      Preserved foods like pickles, jams, kiam chye (salted mustard green), and century eggs as they contain nitrites which are carcinogenic.

·      Minimize alcohol

·      Additionally, cancer patients should avoid excessive intake of vitamin supplements, as they act as antioxidants and can interfere with chemotherapy when taken in large doses.

Certain foods that can help ease the common discomforts from cancer treatment:

·      Conquer constipation by drinking water and eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, vegetables, and fresh or dried fruit.

·      Drive away diarrhea with bland foods such as rice, bananas, and apples. Drink water to stay hydrated.

·      Protect mouth sores and avoid dry mouth by grinding or pureeing foods to make them easier to swallow. Or eat foods that are already soft and mostly liquid, like soups and milk or yogurt shakes.

·      Avoid nausea by choosing bland foods and foods without strong odors. Steer clear of greasy foods. Go easy on your stomach by eating small meals throughout the day.

·      Drink plenty of water even if you are vomiting

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8 USEFUL TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR WBC COUNT POST CHEMO

WBC drop with chemo is good but having low WBC count implies a drop in your immunity which means that you're much prone to infections. All you need is to be a bit careful and have a perfectly healthy balanced diet. 

                          

We bring you all the needed remedies for you to follow so that you can get rid of the problem you're currently dealing with!

Tips to increase your WBC count:

• Use a hygienic face mask especially when going out and keep a personal hand wash and sterilizer always with yourself. Not only should you keep yourself clean but also your surroundings clean. So, proper sterilization of the patient's surroundings is needed.

• Before taking any step or making any changes in your diet routine,you should consult a good nutritionist. Include soups, egg white and protein powder with milk,good protein flax seed powder in your diet. 

                                          

• Have fresh wheat grass juice, beetroot juice and carrot juice. Have them everyday daily to keep body clean and be healthy.

                                  

• Spinach leaves are one of the best sources of WBC. Try to take them on a daily basis with rice or chapati.                  

                                         

• Cabbage juice is the best source of fiber. A vegetable soup can also do the needful. You can incorporate them in your diet by having them in between meals. 

                           

• Moreover, you can mix dry fruits like walnut, almond, pistachios and nuts in powder form and have them during breakfast with cow milk.

                                                

• Have a paste of 1/4 tsp fresh turmeric (haldi), 1/2 tsp nigella sativa (black jeera) oil and 1/2 tsp fresh honey to boost the WBC count. Have it thrice daily to achieve good results.

                  

• You have to take great care about your food. Abstain from taking anything raw during low WBC as this would cause the risk of infections.

                                       

Read more:

Are you eating fruits the right way? Read here: http://theyoddhas.blogspot.in/2016/04/fruits-to-rescue-eating-it-right.html

A new cancer cure in the block! Its sour sop. Read all about it here: http://theyoddhas.blogspot.in/2016/04/soursopa-new-cancer-killer.html

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Someshree Banerjee 

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE TIPS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY

A healthy lifestyle complete with an effective diet plays an important role in achieving  the purpose of chemotherapy. Here are some tips to deal with the chemo blues.

• Chemotherapy has a surprising effect on the taste buds. They make certain food items taste metallic or unpleasant like meat and water. To overcome this flavored mineral water or sliced lemon in water can be tried and other protein containing foods like eggs and fish are good alternatives.                 
                     
  
                                                
• Diarrhea or constipation is a common side effect. Increasing the fiber content,having small walks can work wonders and act as an intestinal stimulant.      

                             

     

•  Low fat meals and snacks with lots of greens should be incorporated in the diet to manage weight issues.                                                                                                                                                                                       
   

• Rinsing mouth with salt and water or any other antiseptic solution is helpful in relieving mouth sores.                                                                                     
  

• Being hydrated is the key. Drinking plenty of water can keep you from dehydration.                                                                            
  

• Having cool foods,chewing on ginger or peppermint can be practiced to avoid nausea. Having mini meals instead of larger ones can help reduce nausea too.                              
  
• Alcohol should be avoided to  make it easier for the lives to process the chemotherapy drugs.                                                  
  
• Green tea should be avoided or kept limited to two or three mugs a day. Tea is packed with antioxidants which may interfere with the desired outcome of chemo.                                                                                  
  

• Fatigue is one of the common problems faced during chemo. Exercising such as walking,rowing,cycling can b helpful. Rest is equally important.important. Short naps should be taken in  between activities throughout the day.                                                                                                                                    
  

• Listing to music or participating in any recreational activities can be helpful as distraction techniques and work as mood lifters.     

                                                 
                                                    

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!


Author- Ayantika Dey

ALKALIZING YOUR BODY

Cancer thrives in acidic environment and cannot survive in alkaline environment. Cancer cells produce Lactic acid making your body more acidic. Taking action to make your body more alkaline is vital in the battle against cancer.

Eating acidic food highly imbalances the  pH (measure of acidity and alkaline) level in our body. A self balancing mechanism is present in our body which brings back the pH level back to normal. The body does this by releasing alkaline minerals like calcium, phosphorous and magnesium into our blood. Not having enough alkaline food in our daily diet forces the body to extract minerals from bones and other organs which might cause our immune system to weaken.

Factors that help in maintaining alkalinity of the body:

• Green leafy vegetables, free from pesticides or other chemical contaminants helps to sustain the body's pH level on a daily basis. 

                                                

•  Protein intake should be kept at a minimum level. Items like refined sugar, flour, meat etc add to the acid level in the body.

                                      

•  Exercising daily flushes out the unwanted, harmful acid formations in the body and keeps it fit and healthy for a better cancer fighting platform.

• High potassium containing food like banana, honey, lemons should be incorporated in the diet too. Vitamin D containing food items is seen to be effective too.

                         

• Drinking lots of water is very effective. It flushes out the waste and refreshes the system. It is often advised to consume water equivalent to 50% of the body weight!

                                          

•  Lime water flushes out the excess acid from the body and helps to create a alkaline forming state. Taking lemon juice with raw honey and warm water is an effective way.

                                   

• Taking one or two teaspoons of baking soda(sodium bicarbonate) mixed with water is an effective way but people having edema or hypertension should avoid this. 

                            

Factors to be avoided:

•  Alcohol 
•  Aerated drinks
• Tobacco
• Pickled products
• Stress or tension
• Preservatives.    

         

Advantages of having an alkaline diet:

1. Immunity Boosting: Boosts your immune system up to 85% makes you less vulnerable to diseases like cold, flu virus and also headache.
2. Restful Sleep: Helps you sleep better.
3. Energy efficiency: Gives you more physical energy.
4. Yeast prevention: Does not promote the growth of infections or yeast.
5. Cancer Preventing: An alkaline body not only prevents cancer but also stops the cancer cells from multiplying and decrease the tumor growth rate. 

However there are certain disadvantages too as some of the acidic food items contain fatty acids which are required for the development of the body.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Akshith Vijay Kumar

5 MIRACULOUS INGREDIENTS IN YOUR KITCHEN THAT CAN CURE CANCER!

Our kitchen is a place we all usually shun away from other than getting good food.  However the cooking room has a lot of gifted spices and ingredients that can cure cancer in a long run.

1. BLACK CUMIN

               

These tiny seeds are not just spices that boost up your taste buds but also have curative powers in it too. Black cumin is a power bank of beta-sitosterol that has been sited to have anti tumor powers. The Middle East is known be a high consumer as well as producer of this life saver because they believe in the medicinal authority of this spice. Even though the Middle East being a high manufacturer as well as consumer, Ayurveda had first successfully brought in the extraction of the seeds’ oil  which has a high percentage of Thymoquinone that is known for its anti – cancer power.

Thymoquinone is an ingredient that not only has anti – cancer qualities but also brings in immunity in the body that can fight other diseases too. Black cumin can cure different types of cancer such as Pancreatic cancer, Colon cancer, Breast cancer, Brain Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Leukemia.

2. GRAPES

  

Red grapes contain bioflavanoids that are effective antioxidants which act as cancer preventive agents. Grapes are also rich in resveratrol which reduces the enzymes that stimulate cancer – cell development and restrain immune response. Grapes slow down the growth of tumors because of a compound called ellagic acid that block the enzymes necessary for cancer cell growth.

3. GINGER

                            

Ginger being a spice contains gingerol when fresh and when dried it contains zingerone that is an effective medicine to cancer. Grating few strips of ginger into hot water and drinking it as tea can decrease cancer risk to a large extent.

4. GARLIC

                 

Being a staple ingredient to the Indian cooking, garlic can be an effective measure of cure to stomach cancer. Garlic contains organosulfar compounds that have immune – strengthening and anti-cancer qualities.

5. PAPAYA

            

Papayas contain vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant and can also reduce nitrosamines (cancer causing agents) from soil or processed foods. It is also a carrier of folacin which can subsequently minimize cervical dysplasia and other cancer.

SO GET YOUR FEET WALKING TO THE KITCHEN AND FIGHT YOURSELF AGAINST CANCER!!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

AUTHOR - Shruti Manmadhan Nair