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Juicing Epiphany
Nikki Whitehill
Nikki Whitehill is keen to share her positive experience of the benefits of fresh juices. Naturally, the RSA cannot promote the use of specific products, but does recommend a nutritious balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals to help maintain the body’s immune system and suggests you talk to your GP about any diet plans you may have. The following is Nikki’s personal story …
“In September 1997 I was officially given my systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s diagnosis. Thereafter the roller coaster journey began. Those on a similar diagnostic life ride will understand the numerous implications involved with this journey. After more than 10 years of taking a cocktail of immunosuppressant drugs, as well as spending most of last year on antibiotics for digital ulcers on my fingers, I reached a turning point in December 2012. My diet had gradually decreased in variety, as well as quantity since first diagnosis, mainly due to the ongoing changes with my gastro intestinal (gi) tract and almost everything I consumed induced painful acid. Well, after another seven days laid low with a virus, my epiphany moment came. I had had enough of constantly feeling lethargic, sluggish - not to mention the chronic pain piercing my musculoskeletal system from year to year. I researched into buying a juicer. I had read in numerous articles the benefits of juicing and going on a ‘raw’ diet, but had casually dismissed them, telling myself ‘that could not be for me as my acid would love the reinforcement!’ But having spent another week of my life in my bed courtesy of being ill, I was ready for anything which would make me feel better. I went onto Jason Vale Juicemaster’s website (juicemaster.com), took the plunge, ordered and was the proud possessor of my juicer the following day. Although the plan promoted weight loss, this remains completely immaterial as my main priority was - and is - to introduce fresh, wholesome nutrition into my body, detoxify it and help restore myself to a state of health and well being! Once started on the 7 day plan, by day 2 I felt a difference. By day 7 my energy levels had increased dramatically, although I was looking forward to eating some solid food again! At the time of writing this I am on Day 36 of incorporating fresh juice mixtures into my daily diet. The constant sluggishness which I had been feeling for years, has dramatically reduced and although my Raynaud’s limits me with my trips out and about, it is just great to feel better! What I perceived as my ‘muffin 6 pack top’ has also become a shadow of its former self but that wasn’t the point of the exercise! “My daily breakfast routine now comprises muesli (no sugar added) with unsweetened soya milk, followed by a home-made ‘smoothie’ of grapefruit, pineapple, orange, apple and probiotic natural yogurt with banana and blueberries. Jason’s book suggests grapefruit helps reduce calcium deposits - a huge challenge for me as a systemic sclerosis sufferer over the last decade, including the scarring that results. Time will tell if Jason’s belief is correct!
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During the day I take a ‘super green juice’ of pineapple, cucumber and lime blended with wheatgrass powder, spirulina and a high strength pro-biotic capsule. Surprisingly the resulting intense green coloured liquid is quite pleasant. But having been a ‘snake bite and black’ girl for a while at university, I had inadvertently and unknowingly prepared myself for such an experience! My other meals will now include white meat or fish accompanied with a variety of steamed vegetables or a turbo salad, with everything that takes my fancy from the salad bar. I no longer eat bread or yeast products and my sluggishness and ‘bloated’ feelings have subsided. I start my day with hot water and a slice of lemon or mint tea but I admit to succumbing to the odd cake and chocolate here and there, after the first 7 days of intensive ‘juice therapy’. I am not sure if I have lost weight - I do not possess a set of scales. However, I feel more toned and my skin seems softer! “So, readers, I still take medication for Raynaud’s as well as Omeprazole for any gut problems although the ‘gi’ problems, mainly acid, have certainly improved during the last 5 weeks! “It remains my quest to improve my health and pursue ‘feeling good’ – I’ve still got dreams to fulfil whatever my medical diagnosis has been. Remember this is my experience of juicing – and “no” I haven’t any financial interest in Jason’s company but if you decide to try juicing, I hope you have positive results and increased energy levels to help you reach for those stars.” Good luck Nikki – we at the RSA wish you well with your quest and look forward to hearing how you progress over the coming months.