In today’s stressful modern living, the incidence of Diabetes is definitely increasing. Obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes, already affects 300 million people worldwide while an estimated 194 million suffer from diabetes. As many as 80 percent of cases of Type 2 diabetes are linked to overweight or obesity, particularly abdominal obesity. The disease was once thought to be limited to adults but obese children are now developing the illnesses
It is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to make proper use of glucose resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (sugar in urine).
It is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to make proper use of glucose resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (sugar in urine).
Poorly managed diabetes can lead to a host of long-term complications like:-
- Heart attacks.
- Strokes.
- Blindness.
- Nerve damage.
- Pruritus (Itching)
Recent studies have revealed that if we keep our ‘blood sugar’ close to normal, there is a chance to resist Diabetes and its complications.
According to Ayurveda, There are 20 forms of this disease: 4 are due to Vata, 6 result from Pitta, and 10 are caused by Kapha. But prameha is mainly Kapha doshaja disease.
All forms of diabetes not treated; eventually develop into Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus).
Causes –
- Diet increasing Kapha dosha such as sugar, fats, potatoes, rice.
- Lack of exercise.
- Mental stress and strain.
- Excessive sleep etc.
Symptoms –
- Frequent urination.
- Burning of palms and soles.
- Increased hunger
- Excessive Thirst.
- Sweet taste to mouth etc.
- Weight Loss
- Blurry Vision
- Wounds that take time to heal
- Skin Infections
- Unexplained extreme fatigue
Remedies
- Diet planning- is the cornerstone of managing diabetes. The diabetic diet is an otherwise normal balanced diet, with a few modifications and proper spacing between food intakes. Avoid diet increasing Kapha dosha such as sugar, fats, potatoes, rice. Avoid alcohol
- Daily exercise- One of the methods to heal prameha includes strenuous exercises. Regular exercise in any form is a must.
In ‘Yogasanas’ -Forward bending asanas like ‘Paschimottanasan’,’ Halasan’ etc. are effective
- Reduce weight.
- Avoid sleeping during the daytime.
- Avoid smoking.
- Try to reduce stress by implementing ‘Yoga’ practice.
Diet – Use barley, Mung, Kulittha, Chickpeas, old rice, bitter gourd, gourd in diet. Old rice and wheat are more useful. Include Jamun in your diet. Include ‘Tikta ras’ items in diet.
My motive behind explaining all this is that I want to assure your diabetes can be controlled by reducing weight, proper diets, and change in lifestyle Of source yoga and herbs help in controlling diabetes.
Include-
- Cereals like white oats, wheat porridge, brown rice poha which are good source of fiber.
- Nuts (Almonds & walnuts).
- Skimmed milk, yogurt, and cheese of skimmed milk.
- Eggs whites.
- Whole grain cereals like whole wheat, oats, barley, and ragi.
- White meat, Chicken, Fish, and shellfish (not battered) are good.
- Dry beans in good amount.
- At least 20 to 25 grams of raw onion daily.
- Flaxseed and fenugreek seeds in the wheat flour.
- Oranges, apples, peaches, pears, apricots, pomegranates and papaya.
- Spinach, cauliflower, coriander, bathua, methi, and other seasonal green leafy vegetables.
- Include herbs like cinnamon, garlic, onion, bitter gourd, guar beans, Jamun seeds powder as prescribed.
Avoid-
- Long intervals during meals.
- High glycemic index foods like potato, rice, white bread, sweet potato, Jimi and, colocasia, peas, corn, sweet corn, carrot.
- Potato chips, candy, cookies, cakes, crackers, and fried foods.
- Excessive use of artificial sweeteners.
- Refined cereals like maida, suji.
- Saturated fats like ghee, butter, egg yolks.
- Sweets like Indian Mithais.
- Alcohol and smoking will reduce the oxygen supply in the bloodstream.
- Organ meat, red meat.
- Mangoes, custard apple, grapes, cheeks, kiwi, banana, Sarda, pineapple, litchi, and other sweet fruits.
- Fruit juices.