Your kitchen shelf may have the cure to your Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is a syndrome that presents with high blood sugar levels over an extended period. The condition is caused in the body when the pancreas doesn’t produce adequate quantity of the peptide hormone insulin to maintain the blood sugar under control or when the body tissues donot respond properly to the insulin produced. The condition requires proper lifestyle management than relying on medicines alone; to prevent major adverse effects to other systems.
There are primarily 3 forms of diabetes mellitus; Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.
The general symptoms of the condition include excessive urination, increased thirst, as well as enhanced hunger. Currently, there is no permanent cure for diabetes in western medicine, and the treatment goal is to keep blood sugar under control through daily medicine intake, diet and exercise.
Extensive study reports published recently have indicated that keeping sugar levels within normal range through medicines reduce the incidence and gravity of associated adverse effects of diabetes by around 10%.
Ayurvedic treatment for Diabetes
Ayurvedic remedies serve as an effective alternative to chemical drugs especially in Type 2 diabetes. They are more like food supplements made mainly from regular herbs and vegetables used in common dishes prepared in our homes.
What is Diabetes in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, diabetes mellitus is referred to as ‘Madhumeha’.
It is one of the 20 sub-types of ‘Prameha’ described in ayurvedic texts based on the doshas.
Ayurvedic scriptures recommend several food items, which are to be integrated with nutritional regulations (pathya), Shodana karma (bio-purification procedures) and regular exercise (vyayamam).
Few of the foods that have been scientifically proven beneficial if included in the diet are :
- Amla [Indian gooseberry]
- Haridra [Turmeric or Curcum]
- Karuva bark [Cinnamon]
- Kovaikai [Ivy gourd]
- Pavakkai [Bitter gourd]
- Uluvai [Fenugreek]
- Bilva [Indian bael]
- Bay leaf
- Aloe vera
- Jamun [Malabar plum]
- Jamba [Rose apple]
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Jeera [Cumin]
- Okra [Ladies finger]
- Tulsi [Ocimum sanctum or holy basil]
- Chundakkai [Solanum]
