Diabetes
- Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is classified into 20 forms based on the dominant Doshas in the body as per Ayurveda. These are four Vata-related types, six Pitta-related types, and ten Kapha-related types. However, Kapha is the main dosha responsible for diabetes, and Kapha balancing foods and lifestyle help in controlling it.
- As per Ayurveda, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, excessive sleeping, hereditary factor, stress, fear, grief, and long- standing illness are some of the causes of manifestation of diabetes.
- Ayurveda explains the following dietary habits as a reason for diabetes:
- Excessive consumption of yogurt and its preparations; milk, its derivatives and preparations; excessive sweet consumption; jaggery and its derivatives; sugarcane; new grains; carbohydrate- rich foods, eating more than appetite and eating an unwholesome diet.
- Avoid or limit milk and its derivatives, sugar, carbohydrates, yogurt (buttermilk is fine), refined oil, alcohol, red meats, ice- cold drinks and cold foods, sour and fermented foods, and beverages.
- A diet that is warm, light , and dry with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes is good for diabetes. Add more spices to food like chilies, garlic, black pepper, ginger ,and cinnamon.
- Cold, heavy ,and oily foods should be avoided. Emphasize on baked, broiled or grilled – vegetables / fish / chicken.
- Jamun or black plum, bael or wood apple, karela or bitter gourd, and amla or Indian gooseberry when consumed on a regular basis are effective remedies for controlling blood sugar.
- Herbs like turmeric, neem, guduchi, triphala, amla are really beneficial for a diabetic.
- Take 5gms of turmeric powder 2-3 times a day before meals depending on the severity of the condition. Continue it for 6 weeks and assess the condition. It is especially effective in insulin- dependent diabetes.
- Avoid being sedentary. Indulge in some form of physical activity like exercise, running, jogging, cycling, brisk walking , or Yoga. Pranayam and meditation are also recommended.
- Avoid daytime naps and sleeping post meals. Try to wake up before 6 am. Post 6 am indulge in stimulating physical activities followed by Abhyanga.
- Self-abhyanga i.e. applying warm oil to the head and body daily is the best routine to start the day. This warm, nourishing, loving massage of the whole body enhances circulation and nervous energy flow in the body stimulates the person. It is best to use Sesame seed/Til/Gingerly oil, mustard oil, castor oil for Abhyanga.
- Sample diet:
- 20% whole grains – millets, dry cereals, rye crackers & cooked grains
- 30% protein – chicken, turkey, rabbit, most beans, poached & boiled egg
- 40-50% fresh vegetables, an extra 10% is optional for fresh or dried fruit
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and start on your personalised path to wellness.