Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions affecting over 10% of the population worldwide. Diabetes is also known as Madumeh in Sanskrit and Ayurvedic terminology and can make life difficult for many reasons. Diabetes has a huge impact on the food choices people make and can lead to high blood sugar level and various health problems. Diabetes is also known to have serious effects on eye health, cardiovascular health, nervous system, feet and kidneys.
Causes of Diabetes:
No physically activity.
Sleeping excessively and during the daytime.
Eating too much sweet.
Excessive use of curd.
Genetics.
Symptoms of Diabetes:
Increase in hunger
Increased thirst
Weight loss
Frequent urination
Blurry vision
Extreme fatigue
Diabetes are of two types as follows:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also known as hereditary diabetes or Sahaja diabetes. This is because the disease develops at a very young age. However, only about 5-10% of people have type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is caused by a vata dosha imbalance.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age. Over 90-95% of diabetes cases are of type 2 Diabetes. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body is unable to use it properly. As a result, the body acquires resistance to insulin. Therefore, this condition is also known as insulin-resistant diabetes. Ayurveda assumes that Kapadosha imbalance is the main cause of type 2 diabetes.
Ayurveda and Diabetes
Ayurveda is an ancient medical approach to improving various health conditions and promoting overall well-being. Ayurveda has been around for thousands of years. Ayurveda combines modern lifestyles and healthy habits with ancient methods of using herbs and lifestyle changes to live a healthy life. This includes natural ways to heal ailments and improve overall well-being of the mind and body. The main purpose of Ayurveda is to restore balance between the mind, body and spirit.
According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, Diabetes is a condition caused by dosha imbalance, which leads to blockage of important pathways. Ayurveda offers treatment options for all ailments, including diabetes. Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes includes the use of herbs, lifestyle changes and dietary changes to treat diabetes.
Ayurveda and diabetes management are closely related. Below are some of the most important Ayurvedic treatment strategies:
Herbal medicines: Many Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe herbal supplements and medicines to reduce and treat symptoms of diabetes. There are certain herbs and ingredients particularly good at regulating blood sugar including amla, turmeric, cinnamon, bitter gourd, and ginseng.
Panchakarma: This Ayurvedic treatment purifies and rejuvenates the mind, body and consciousness. It helps remove toxins from the body, improve mental balance and strengthen the immune system.
Dietary changes: Ayurveda recommends a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, fruits and whole grains for people with diabetes. This type of diet can help control blood sugar levels. Ayurvedic practitioners also stress the importance of eating three solid meals a day and not snacking between meals to curb the sugar surge.
Yoga and Exercise: It’s also important to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. When you’re active, your body is much more sensitive to insulin, which helps manage your condition.
Ayurvedic medcines: There are various medicines available in the market for treating Diabetes. Ayurvedic medicines have no side effects and are completely safe to use.
Ayurvedic Herbs and Foods for Diabetes
There are several types of ayurvedic herbs and foods that help in treatment and management of Diabetes. The various types of herbs used are as follows:
Amla
Amla or Indian gooseberry is a powerful Ayurvedic herb. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is ideal for the treatment and management of diabetes. Amla is also rich in chromium. This mineral allows proper carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium also enables the body to respond to insulin and controls blood sugar levels. Other minerals found in amla include calcium, phosphorus, and iron. They help the body absorb insulin and regulate blood sugar levels.
Karela
Karela also known as bitter gourd has long been used in Ayurveda for its anti-diabetic properties. It contains an insulin-like compound called polypeptide-p that helps lower blood sugar levels. Bitter gourd also improves glucose utilization and stimulates insulin secretion, making it ideal for treating diabetes.
Giloy
Giloy exhibits hypoglycemic effects by stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity and thereby helping to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidant properties of Giloy help protect pancreatic beta cells and combat the oxidative stress associated with diabetes. Incorporating Giloy into a comprehensive diabetes management plan can provide additional support to maintain blood sugar levels and promote overall wellness.
Turmeric
Turmeric is considered to be a gift from heaven. It has many benefits for skin, immune system, wound healing and even diabetes. Turmeric contains curcumin which is an an active ingredient that lowers blood sugar levels. Turmeric can be taken in many forms through food and milk, and can also be taken with amla and honey.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds is also called as methi dana. Methi dana contains fibre which helps in slowing down the digestion process, which means, there’s a regulated absorption of carbohydrates and sugar. According to Ayurvedic doctors, diabetics can consume 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water or drink fenugreek water in the morning.
Jamun
Jamun, black plum, or Java plum has many medicinal benefits, including the ability to control blood sugar levels. Jamun helps regulate and promote insulin production in the body. It helps converts carbohydrates into energy and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Due to its low glycemic index, diabetics should consume jamun in summer. It relieves symptoms of diabetes such as polyuria and straining. Extracts from leaves, seeds and bark are highly effective in treating diabetes.