Before anything, let’s talk about what diabetes is and what it does to people
The metabolic illness known as diabetes mellitus is caused by an inability of the body to produce or properly use insulin. It causes metabolic disruptions in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein synthesis, leading to persistent hyperglycemia (high plasma glucose levels). Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are all chronic consequences of diabetes mellitus. There is a higher possibility of developing cardiovascular disease.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus:
· Type 1 insulin dependent.
· Type 2 non-insulin dependent.
The most prevalent form of diabetes mellitus, known as type 2 diabetes mellitus, is the fourth leading cause of death in developed countries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke about two to four times. Many cases of diabetes go misdiagnosed for an average of 4 to 7 years, despite the fact that it affects women and men of all ages and of all ethnic groups. Diabetes has a devastating impact on a person’s health and is a constant strain on their social network. The costs to the healthcare system from diabetes are quite high.
Now, let’s define ayurveda and how it treats diabetes.
The Sanskrit words “Ayur” (meaning “life”) and “Veda” (meaning “knowledge”) form the basis of the term “Science of life,” or Ayurveda. Earth, water, fire, air, and void are the five elements (Panchamahabhutas) that makeup everything in the universe, both inanimate and alive (ether). Tridoshic theory is central to Ayurveda, and it consists of three elements: vata (ether and air), pitta (fire), and Kapha (water) (earth and water).
All living things have these three doshas as part of their physiology. To maintain health, Ayurveda emphasizes maintaining a balance between the body’s physical and energetic components. The disease may be caused by any kind of imbalance, whether it originates within or outside. Ayurvedic medicine employs a wide range of practices and methods in an effort to restore health and wellness by focusing on the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. Ayurvedic therapy incorporates not just medication but also changes in nutrition, physical activity, and way of life. Though materials of animal and marine origin, metals, and minerals are also employed in the production of Ayurvedic medicines, plants are by far the most common source of these ingredients.
Ayurvedic scriptures include a detailed account of the clinical symptoms and treatment of diabetes mellitus (Madhumeha), which was known to ancient Indian doctors.
Diabetic herbs used in Ayurveda Treatment
Practitioners of Ayurveda use a variety of methods to manage diabetes, including dietary changes, purification procedures called Panchkarma, herbal medicines, yoga, and breathing exercises. Diabetic herbs include shilajit, turmeric, neem, coccinea indicia, Amalaki, Triphala, bitter gourd, rose apple, bilva leaves, cinnamon, gymnema, fenugreek, bay leaf, and aloe vera. It is customary practice to drink a decoction containing Triphala, fenugreek, and Shilajit. Amalaki Churna, Haldi powder (Turmeric powder), and Naag Bhasma are all examples of powders (Churana) that are put to use. Vasanta Kusumakar Ras and Chandraprabhavati are two Ayurvedic medicines said to help control blood sugar. Sometimes, doctors would prescribe a patient with diabetes a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine.
Described in detail below is the mechanism through which ayurvedic remedies exert their therapeutic effects
Medications used in Ayurveda are said to work in two ways: either directly on the pancreas or indirectly on it via other systems. Gastric emptying may be slowed, carbohydrate absorption may be slowed, glucose transport may be inhibited, erythrocyte insulin receptors may be increased, peripheral glucose utilization may be increased, glycogen synthesis may be increased, insulin secretion may be modulated, blood glucose synthesis may be reduced by inhibiting glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1, and 6-bisphosphatase, and glucose oxidation may be increased by inhibiting glucose-6-phosphatase.
Ayurveda Treatment for diabetes
Ayurveda may be helpful for those with diabetes. Ayurveda is a complementary medicine approach that takes into account the whole person as opposed to only treating individual symptoms. The plan is to deal with the problem at its source. Diabetic illness is called Madhumeha in Ayurvedic medicine (literally meaning sweet urine). Vata Prameha is a term used to describe diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the Vata Dosha is out of whack (one of the three functional energies in the body). Kapha Prameha is what you’d call diabetes insipidus in Ayurvedic medicine.
According to Ayurveda, the following are the primary causes of diabetes:
• Being physically inactive
• Excessive sleep, including sleeping during the daytime
• Eating too much sweet food
• Excessive use of curds
• Eating too many foods that cause an increase in Kapha
Ayurvedic Treatments for managing diabetes
When it comes to diabetes and other health issues, Ayurveda takes a more all-encompassing approach. Ayurveda recommends a comprehensive strategy and herbal remedies have a role in the effective treatment procedure. The cleansing and revitalizing effects of detoxification are facilitated by a variety of therapeutic approaches. In extreme cases of diabetes, this could be helpful. Alterations to one’s diet are useful in the treatment and control of diabetes, and changing one’s way of life may aid in the control of diabetes.
Additionally, it’s vital to maintain a healthy way of life. Some options are to start working out regularly, clean up your diet, and include more bitter fruits in your meals. Below are the practices that are believed to reduce blood sugar levels naturally.
– Consuming meals that are light, dry, and warm while avoiding items that are greasy, cold, and heavy.
– Avoiding or reducing consumption of milk products is recommended since they irritate the Kapha dosha. Consumption of low-fat milk products is good to go. Ghee, in moderation, may be used in the Kapha diet since it helps to stoke the digestive fire.
– Diabetes patients, in particular, may greatly benefit from eating moong beans.
– Rice and wheat are heavy and tough to break down, while fruits like apples, pomegranates, and berries are good to consume.
– Grain products with a low glycemic index may be consumed.
– To balance Kapha Dosha, utilize spices while cooking. Seasonings like pepper, mustard, garlic, and ginger are required. Drinking ginger tea might help with stomach aches and gas. The consumption of salt, however, should be limited or avoided.
-Spices should be used while cooking, as they are good for the Kapha dosha. Pepper, mustard, garlic, and ginger must be included in the diet. Ginger tea is beneficial for digestion. Salt, however, should be avoided or taken in moderation.
-Ayurveda recommends avoiding meats as they may increase inflammation.
-Dietary control of blood sugar requires consuming warm food. Patients should drink warm water.
-Bitter foods can help with diabetes management. Bitter gourd is an important vegetable that should be included in the diet. Turmeric is another important spice that should be included in the diet.
– Fried foods, tuber vegetables, soft drinks, and fruits such as mango, custard apple, dates, cakes, sugarcane products, and wine must be avoided.
Key Takeaways
Efficient management of diabetes is crucial for ensuring a healthy life. We discussed about Ayurveda treatment for diabetes in this blog and shed light on how specific Ayurvedic methods can help manage it.
