Diabetes, also termed as Madhumeha in Ayurveda, is a long standing metabolic disease prevalent in millions of the global population. It is a condition marked by excessively elevated blood glucose levels which if not well managed can result in diseases such as heart disease, kidney disorders, nerve damage etc. It is very important to control diabetes in order to avoid complications in the long run and there are many natural cures in Ayurved text books for managing diabetes naturally.
The aim of this blog post therefore is to look at some of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for controlling blood sugar and how it is possible to apply them as solutions to our current lifestyle for better health in future.
Understanding Diabetes in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, diabetes is categorized under Tridoshaj Kapha dosha and a derangement in the digestion. In Ayurveda, it is described thus: consumed food is not digested properly and is transformed into Ama, a sticky substance that clogs the body’s ducts thereby impairing the actions of insulin and leading to high blood sugar levels.
Also Read: Useful Tips and Recipes from the Space of Ayurveda to Get a Stronger Body
The Ayurvedic approach to managing diabetes is holistic and focuses on:The Ayurvedic approach to managing diabetes is holistic and focuses on:
Ayurvedic medicine maintains that the body’s doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha should be balanced in a person with healthy features.
- Improving digestion (Agni)
- Purging the body of toxins or use of a technique known as Ama.
- Boosting overall vitality (Ojas)
- The various therapies included in handling of diabetes in Ayurveda comprise and comprises diet changes, herbs, life styles alterations and practices, and yoga & meditations. Now, let’s go deeper into these treatments.
Management of Blood Sugar Level with the Help of Ayurvedic Herbs
1. Bitter Gourd (Karela)
Besides, in Ayurveda bitter gourd is known to be one of the best home remedies to cure the disease called diabetes. In its composition, it has some elements including charantin and polypeptide-P which helps in reducing blood sugar levels. These compounds resemble insulin and assist lower blood glucose ranges.
How to use: Take one cup of fresh bitter gourd juice in the morning in empty stomach. However, you can also add bitter gourd in your diet as a vegetable or even fry the vegetable.
2. Fenugreek (Methi)
Many people find that using fenugreek seeds works well in managing their glucose levels since it is rich in soluble fiber that has a role in controlling the rate at which carbohydrates are being absorbed into the body. The fol.1 also shows that fenugreek enhances the level of insulin in the body hence is useful in controlling diabetes.
How to use: Chew one tablespoon of natural fenugreek seeds with the water it was soaked in the following morning. It’s also possible to use the fenugreek powder in your cooking diets as this spice is very beneficial to health.
3. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Amla also referred to as the Indian gooseberry due to its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants that assist in the rejuvenation of the pancreas and boost the secretion of insulin. It also assist in purging of the body and enhance digestion thus helpful for patients with diabetes.
Must read: 10 Ayurvedic tips which can help you in your daily routine activities.
How to use: Consume amla juice which has been newly prepared mixed with turmeric powder and water in the morning. However, you can also take amla powder with water or you can include it in your everyday cooking.
4. Gudmar (Gymnema Sylvestre)
Gudmar, also called the ‘sugar destroyer’ belongs to the category of herbs which control the urge to take sweets and thus controls the blood sugar rate. This structure has been proven to stimulate axon regeneration in the peripheral nervous system and PMA of the pancreas to enhance insulin-doping beta cells that are vital for type 2 diabetes treatment.
How to use: The only form Gudmar is obtainable in is either in powder or capsules. You can drink it along with warm water or, as it is, with warm water which is said to be more effective or perhaps, with the advice of your qualified practitioner of Ayurveda.
5. Turmeric (Haldi)
Curcumin which is in the spice called turmeric commonly used by Indians while cooking their foods also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Curcumin plays role on increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering plasma glucose concentration and protecting organs against damage from high glucose concentration.
How to use: You can take it with your food, or you can have it with milk before going to bed, it is called golden milk. Turmeric supplements can also be ingested as recommended by a health care provider.
Ayurvedic Dietary Recommendations
In Ayurveda Dietary management is one of the key primary components of health management. To control blood sugar levels, it is good to take foods partnered with low sugar and low carbohydrate, foods full of fibers and foods that contains many nutrients. Here are some dietary guidelines:Here are some dietary guidelines:
1. Include Whole Grains
Substitute the refined grains with whole grains including barley, oats, quinoa and millets since they are rich in fiber and can assist in controlling of glucose by preventing the fast release of sugar into the blood.
2. Eat Fresh, Seasonal Vegetables
The vegetables like spinach, bitter gourd, drum stick, cucumber are few of the vegetables which are highly beneficial for diabetic patients. These vegetables are very lean caloric wise but very rich in fiber and this assists in the regulation of blood sugar.
3. Make Sure You Take Foods With Low Glycemic Index (GI)
Low GI foods incorporate glucose gradually in the blood stream hence less fluctuation in blood glucose levels. Examples of low GI foods are apples, lentils, chickpeas and green lea vegetables.
4. Refrain from Intake of Foods that Contains Lot of Sugar and Processed Food
The consumption of refined sugar, sugary beverages and processed foods leads to skyrocketing of blood sugar. Exchange these with natural sweeteners such stevia or a tablespoon or two of honey if allowed by an Ayurvedic doctor.
5. Drink Herbal Teas
Cinnamon tea, Fenugreek tea, and ginger tea are some of the herbal teas helpful in controlling the blood sugar level. Also, they are also healthy for the digestion process and aids in increasing metabolism.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Modifications
According to the Ayurveda, there is nothing more important than the balance and moderation in all aspects of life for a person to be healthy. When it comes to diabetes care there are some general guidelines to modifying your lifestyle in order to better cope with the condition.
1. Regular Physical Activity
Fitness also is important in the control of blood glucose levels. As per Ayurveda, one has to maintain the blood circulation throughout the body and thus the recommended exercises are, walking, yoga, swimming etc.
Yoga for Diabetes: Yoga as Surya Namaskar- Sun Salutation, Dhanurasana – Bow Pose, Paschimottanasana – Seated Forward Bend Yoga poses are particularly recommended to manage Diabetes as they have calming effect of blood sugar.
2. Daily Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
Daily oil massage ‘Abhyanga’ has a beneficial effect on the doshas and aids in cleansing the body. It also helps in circulation, makes the muscles and bones firm and therefore it is recommended to diabetics who may be having complications such as poor blood circulation or neuropathy.
3. Stress Management with Meditation
People under stress are very vulnerable to high cortisol levels because the hormone interferes with the actions of insulin, leading to high stress levels. Practices such as meditation, pranayama and mindfulness need to be practiced and it helps in controlling stress and in turn helps in improving the quality of the emotional state which is another important factor for diabetic patients.
4. Adequate Sleep
Nighttime sleep is important to lower the chances and reduce the insulin related problems of high blood sugar. According to Ayurveda, one has to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night so as to balance the hormones and support metabolic health.
Exploring Ayurvedic Detox Regime on blood sugar level.
It is important to note that practices that are used in Ayurvedic detoxification like the Panchakarma are known to do a good job in the detoxification process of the body and lifting up the digestion system. These therapies include things such as herbal massage, steam bath and even the taking of herbal enemas which help in purging of the body and thereby assisting in the efficient working of the pancreas and the liver.
But, Panchakarma has to be administered only by an Ayurvedic professional as it is a set of procedures that depend on one’s health status.
One should seek advice from an Ayurvedic doctor before starting on a treatment regime because the treatment plan is going to be framed according to the doses of the constitution, the state of health. These tips of Ayurveda are truly effective and if followed can help you towards a healthier life free from the disease of diabetes. Realizing these fundamentals of Ayurveda and receiving treatments will go a long way in managing blood glucose levels and improving the quality of lifestyle.
Pingback: Do You Know the 10 Benefits of Ayurveda? - WordPress Magic Tricks