Sweetness in the blood can be troublesome. Consistent high levels of sugar in the body is known as diabetes. Madhumeha is the Ayurvedic name for diabetes. It is a disease which can make you dependent on external insulin sources. It becomes difficult for the body to produce insulin. So the sugar levels in the blood rise and it affects your body.
There are two types of diabetes.
There are two types of Diabetes categorized as Type 1 and Type 2
In type 1 diabetes the body confuses and begins to attack itself. It damages the cells in the pancreas which are responsible for controlling the blood sugar levels. The body no longer makes insulin and the patient needs to take insulin from external sources.
In type 2 diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin. It becomes difficult to break down glucose in the body, so the sugar levels stay high.
According to Ayurveda,Diabetes is a result of an imbalance in doshas. There are three doshas in the body namely, Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). So it is mainly the imbalance of Pitta and kapha dosha which results in Madhumeha or diabetes. Increased weight, laziness, and insulin resistance are all the symptoms of diabetes which are mainly caused by excessive kapha dosha. Pitta dosha imbalance will make the functioning of your pancreas difficult.
A weakened digestive system is also the main cause of diabetes. Improper digestion means the food needs to be broken down properly which increases the glucose levels in the body. When the body experiences very high levels of glucose in the blood for a longer time, it becomes resistant to insulin. It is better to manage diabetes at earlier stages.
You must look for the early symptoms of diabetes like:
Feeling more thirsty: Increased blood glucose levels will make you thirsty more often. It is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. High levels of glucose in the body and indigestion can lead to dehydration in the body. So you may find yourself drinking more water than usual.
- Increased urge for urination: Frequent urge to urinate is also a very common symptom of diabetes. An increased level of glucose increases pressure on your kidneys. So the urination level is increased to clean the blood.
- Fatigue: Due to high levels of glucose in the blood, there is pressure on the purification system of the body. All this activity in the body decreases the energy levels. The cells in the body are not able to receive proper nutrition. Thus, it results in laziness, fatigue, and unwillingness to move.
- Increased hunger: An increase in your hunger levels can also be a symptom of diabetes. Since the cells in your body are not receiving the required amount of nutrition, the body will demand more food to fulfill the energy levels. It can then result in increased levels of hunger.
- Slow healing: Diabetes puts pressure on the body’s organs and it can make your wound healing slow. Even minor injuries can take a longer time to heal. It is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes.
- Mood Swings: Increased blood sugar levels also affect your mood. It can cause irritation and mood swings. Lack of energy in the body can also be a reason for irritation.
- Numbness: If increased blood sugar levels are ignored for a longer period of time, it can result in numbness of the hands, feet, or other joints in the body.
- Weak eyesight: Diabetes can slowly affect the whole body. Decreased vision can also be one of the early symptoms of diabetes.
- Dryness and Itching: Increased blood sugar levels can also cause dehydration in the body. It slowly begins to reflect on the skin in the form of dryness and itching. It can also lead to various skin infections.
These are some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Never ignore the symptoms and consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner at the earliest. Ayurvedic treatment for Diabetes is an effective approach to managing it in the early stages, Ayurveda can prevent you from diabetes just by making some changes in your diet and lifestyle.
But, before understanding the Ayurvedic secrets to prevent diabetes, let us understand the causes of diabetes.
CAUSES OF DIABETES
- Digestive disorder: Irregular eating habits or incompatible food combinations can be a cause of poor digestion and disorders. Improper digestion can result in waste products in the body. These toxins slowly build up in the body which is the main cause of diabetes.
- Poor diet: An unhealthy diet does not give you nutrition. But it can give you diabetes. Highly processed foods, refined foods, and sugary foods are difficult for the body to process. So the undigested food particles increase the levels of glucose in the body. Thus a poor diet, especially high in sugar can cause diabetes.
- Lazy lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can also result in the accumulation of toxins over time. This can result in problems like obesity, insulin resistance, or disturbed hormones. All these can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
- Stress: Stress, anxiety, and depression can have a negative effect on your body. It can disturb your metabolism and hormonal levels. The body will not be able to produce the required amounts of insulin and it can cause diabetes.
- Age: People of older age have a higher probability of developing diabetes.
- Environmental factors: Environmental toxins and pollution can also result in increased levels of toxins in the body. It can also be a cause of diabetes.
These are some of the factors that can cause diabetes. So how do we prevent diabetes? Ayurveda can help you prevent diabetes. Diabetes is mainly a result of an imbalanced diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda can help you control diabetes by balancing your diet and lifestyle.
FOOD
DO’s
- You must regulate your meals in order to control diabetes. Instead of eating frequently, you should opt for two or three meals a day. The meals must be taken at regular intervals.
- Add more and more green leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, fenugreek, bitter gourd, broccoli, or bottle gourd. Also, limit the consumption of starchy vegetables like potatoes and ladyfinger.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. It will help in the elimination of toxins. But make sure to drink fresh juices with low sugar content like lemon juice or any vegetable juice and fresh vegetable smoothies and soups. Also, eat fruits like apples and amla.
- Instead of using refined flour, use whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, bajra, ragi, and jaw. They will help you in controlling diabetes.
- Eat legumes like green gram, and lentils, while avoiding rajma and chickpea. They will provide essential levels of protein to your body.
- Also, add nuts and seeds to your diet. But make sure to soak the nuts for easy digestion. They will provide you with essential nutrients and increase the energy levels of the body. They also boost the metabolism and help you in managing blood sugar levels.
- Use plant-based oils for cooking like olive oil, coconut oil, mustard oil, and sesame oil or you can also use cow’s desi ghee.
DON’Ts
- Avoid overeating, eating without hunger, or eating frequently. You must give your body appropriate time to digest the previous meal and then have another meal.
- Do not eat spicy foods as they cause acidity and can hamper your digestion process.
- Especially avoid sugars and processed foods. They are hard to digest and they increase the blood sugar levels. Especially stay away from liquids with added sugars.
- Always eat mindfully and be conscious of your food requirements. We tend to overeat while watching TV. So be conscious while eating food. This way your body will also absorb the food better.
- Strictly prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
LIFESTYLE
DO’s
- Regulate your body cycle by managing your sleep schedule and meal times. Sleeping on time and having food around a fixed time will help your body become healthy and light.
- Also, set a routine to wake up early and sleep early to have a good rest. A routine will help your body become fit and active naturally.
- Try to eat your meals during the daytime and have a light dinner or have your dinner early. According to Ayurveda, your digestive fires are active during the daytime and not at night. So the food you eat in the daytime is digested properly.
- Chew your food properly and take food with good water content like fruits, vegetables, or dals.
- Make gentle stretching and yoga a part of your daily routine as they help in maintaining a healthy flow of blood and elimination of toxins from the body. Regular physical activity must be added to your daily routine in order to control diabetes.
- Add breathing exercises and meditation to your diet. It helps in taking away your worries and reduces stress and anxiety.
DON’Ts
- Do not overwork or compromise with your sleep. Take a good rest and you will feel fresh. Your body will get the time to naturally cleanse itself.
- Never overeat or eat heavy meals after sunset because it becomes difficult for your body to digest food after sunset.
- Avoid a lazy lifestyle and add some form of physical activity like gym, dance, yoga, or stretching.
- Do not suppress your thirst or urge to urinate.
- Dry meals like chips, burgers, or even roasted dal can cause dryness in the body. They are difficult for your body to digest and they also result in dehydration.
- Stay away from stress and anxiety for early and healthy recovery.
HERBS
You should also add some herbs to your diet. Herbs are the treasure house of nature which can heal you in various ways. Adding herbs to your diet has been an ancient practice in India. You can also make herbal teas. It will help in reducing your blood sugar levels. They will also make you healthy and increase your metabolic levels. Some of the essential herbs are:
- Cinnamon
- Basil
- Turmeric
- Triphala
- Neem
- Ginger
- Giloy
- Amla
- Bitter melon
- Fenugreek seeds
- Aloe vera
These are some of the remedies that can help you to control diabetes. Now Ayurveda is an effective approach for treating diabetes because it will find the root cause of the problem and then treat the problem. So diabetes patients must choose Ayurveda. It will help them to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. Also, the Ayurvedic lifestyle is beneficial in the long run. It increases the quality of your life.
However, it might be difficult to find a reliable source of Ayurveda. Dr. Sharda Ayurveda is one of the best Ayurvedic hospitals which provides both online and offline treatment globally.