In Ayurveda, Diabetes is termed as ‘Prameha’, one of the diseases that affect the rich and the affluent. In this article, we know about the ayurvedic Diabetic Diet Plan & Ayurvedic Medicine for Diabetes. However, today Type II diabetes has a reached the full spectrum of society irrespective of class, gender or race. Lack of physical activity, improper diet, and stress have all contributed to the rise of diabetes.
The rise of Diabetes patients in Inda is really worrying
Did you know, that there are 77 million diabetic patients in India, and this is going to lead us to become the diabetes capital in the world?
Think about the situation! Isn’t terrible!
So, it is important to treat diabetes promptly and appropriately.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes comes into existence when the pancreas stops secreting insulin hormone or the body is no longer able to use the produced insulin in the body. In Ayurveda, Prameha indicates urinary abnormality. There are 25 types of “Prameha“ and “Madhumeha”, commonly known as Diabetes mellitus.
Now, what is Insulin?
It is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas that helps to absorb glucose from the food that is required by the body in the form of energy. When the process of changing the energy from glucose absorbed in the body gets disturbed, the glucose content doesn’t reach the cells properly and remains in the blood which makes the rise of blood glucose levels.
High glucose levels in the body, start damaging the blood vessels of vital organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, or nervous system. This leads to certain diseases like heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and can even suffer from stroke.
Symptoms of Diabetes
• Thirst
• Frequent urination
• Constant Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Sudden weight-loss
Major Cause For Diabetes Is
Stress –
It disturbs the process of digestion which leads to liver ailments and disturbs the pancreatic functions which result in the production of inadequate or inefficient insulin that causes hyperglycemia or diabetes.
Digestive Disorders
Types of diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any time, but is most common in children and adolescents. If you have type 1 diabetes, your body produces too little or no insulin, which means you will need daily insulin injections to keep blood glucose levels under control.
2. Type 2 diabetes
It is more common in adults and accounts for almost 90% of all diabetes cases. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the most of the insulin that the body used to produce.
A healthy lifestyle, increased physical activity and a healthy diet can help in regulating diabetes. However, over a period of time, many people with type 2 diabetes will need oral drugs and/or insulin to keep blood glucose levels under control.
3. Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that has high blood glucose during pregnancy and makes it complicated for mother and child. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy but women are affected and their babies are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
How to cure it through Ayurvedic Diabetic Diet Plan?
There is a well-defined system to treat diabetes in Ayurveda, starting from internal to herbal medications, and last but not the least, the most important technique that is purifying the body through Panchakarma techniques such as Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, and many more according to the extent of problem and severity of the condition.
Follow Healthy Diet Plan for Diabetes:
Diet always plays an important role in preventing diseases and nourishing a quality lifestyle.
1. The food should be astringent or bitter like Bitter gourd, moong, and barley are best to eat.
2. Rich fiber content in fruits and vegetables.
3. Add spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom to make dishes.
4. Should avoid eating three heavy meals, instead, 5 or 6 small meals can be eaten to prevent blood sugar level spikes.
It is said in Ayurveda, that dietary recommendations and low-stress levels can be of great help to improve the condition of Diabetic patients. Dietary changes that can help in regulating bad blood glucose levels in the body.
In regulating diabetes, herbal or natural remedies have always proven their effectiveness. There are some of the well-known herbs used in the treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda that include:
These natural or herbal remedies easily help to improve insulin sensitivity of type – 4 glucose receptors thus reducing insulin resistance, and improving insulin secretion and regeneration of beta cells.
How can we get rid of diabetes permanently through Ayurvedic Herbs?
Since, Ayurveda is almost a 500-year-old traditional Indian medical practice that helps in treating and managing various health disorders & diseases. There are some potent herbs and shrubs that help in preventing & managing the increased level of glucose level in the bloodstream which results in the disease of Diabetes. Let us tell you a few of them:
Gurmar -‘Destroyer Of Sugar’
This herb helps in regulating sugar cravings due to its anti-diabetic properties. It blocks the receptors in the intestines and makes them stop absorbing sugar after a meal. Thus, it helps in balancing insulin levels in the body.
Managing Diabetes with Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)
Giloy is believed to manage Type 2 Diabetes. It works like a hypoglycemic agent, which produces insulin. The chemical composition of giloy helps in burning off excess glucose level in the body. Due to its anti-diabetic activity, it helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Giloy or Guduchi even helps to improve general immunity.
Methi (Fenugreek) Helps to Regulate Sugar Level
The Fibre content in the methi forms a thick-gel layer in the intestine, which makes it difficult to absorb the sugar in the bloodstream. Thus, it helps to regulate high glucose levels. Fenugreek helps to utilize absorbed sugar in the body.
Jamun Seeds for Diabetes
Jamun is one of those fruits that are the richest source of water. It contains 82% of water and has no sucrose present in it. It has a hypoglycemic effect that reduces sugar levels in the blood and urine. The seeds of Jamun jambolana, restrict the transformation of starch into sugar. It is one of the most recognized herbs used as a medicine to control blood sugar levels in Ayurveda.
Tulsi for Diabetes
Tulsi is helpful for pre-diabetic and Type 2 diabetes patients. Its leaves contain antioxidants that produce caryophyllene, eugenol, and methyl eugenol that help the pancreatic cells increase sensitivity to insulin.
Yoga for Diabetes:
Yoga is the most efficient method to control diabetes. Stress and obesity are the main reasons that lead to Diabetes. Practicing yoga and meditation regularly reduces stress and slows down fat accumulation in the body. Yoga exercises like pranayam, suryanamaskar, balasana, vajrasana, sarvangasana, halasana, dhanurasana are few of the postures that are recommended to manage diabetes.
Conclusion: Ayurvedic treatments work best under the strict guidance of an experienced ayurvedic practitioner. Always consult a medical practitioner before taking any medicine to avoid any complications & health risks.