More than 40% of people with diabetes take medication to control their sugar levels. They are watched closely and frequently counseled by doctors as diabetes can raise their risk for life-threatening health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and neuropathy (when nerves in the fingers get numb and there is a pain in the affected areas).
Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine is a developmental health approach catered to the diverse audience of India. It is based on the belief that good health and well-being depend on a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda practitioners use various techniques to restore this balance, including massage, meditation, and diet.
Ayurveda has been used to treat many conditions for centuries, and recent studies have shown that it can effectively manage diabetes. One study showed that an Ayurvedic herbal mixture was as effective as the diabetes medication Metformin in improving blood sugar levels.
The connection between Diabetes and the Ayurvedic view on disease
In recent years, Ayurvedic medicines has become increasingly popular in the western world as people look for alternative forms of medicine. Some studies have shown that Ayurvedic medicine can be effective in managing diabetes.
Diabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than usual, leading to health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Ayurvedic medicine strives to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of the disease.
One of the central tenets of Ayurvedic medicine is that imbalances in the body lead to disease. Therefore, treatment focuses on restoring the balance that can be done in many ways, including diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.
There is some evidence that following an Ayurvedic diet can help manage diabetes. The diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. It also limits sugar, salt, and processed foods. Making these changes can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle changes are often recommended as part of an Ayurvedic treatment plan.
Different types of Diabetes
There are different types of diabetes, and each one requires different treatments. Here is a brief overview of the most common types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: This form of diabetes is also called juvenile-onset diabetes because it starts in childhood. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, so sugar cannot be taken up by the cells and used for energy. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin injections daily to survive.
Type 2 diabetes: This form of diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, but either the cells do not respond appropriately to it (insulin resistance), or insufficient insulin is produced (insulin deficiency). Type 2 diabetics are usually treated with diet, exercise, and oral diabetic medications. Insulin injections will also be mandatory in these circumstances.
Gestational diabetes: occurs during pregnancy when the pregnancy hormones cause the body to become insulin resistant. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after childbirth, but women who have had it are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
What causes Diabetes in Ayurvedic Medicine?
There are a few different schools of thought regarding what causes diabetes. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that diabetes is caused by an imbalance in the three doshas, or energies, in the body. These doshas are known as Vata, pitta, and Kapha. When one or more of these doshas are out of balance, it can lead to various health problems, including diabetes.
There are certain ayurvedic medicine for controlling diabetes. One way is through dietary changes. Certain foods are thought to help balance the doshas and improve overall health. Ayurvedic practitioners may also recommend massage therapy, yoga, and meditation as ways to reduce stress and promote balance in the body.
Nutritional aspects of Ayurveda for Diabetics
In Ayurvedic medicine, food is seen as medicine, and nutrition is strongly focused on managing diabetes. Certain foods benefit people with diabetes, including bitter gourd, fenugreek, Drumstick leaves, garlic, and onion. Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend avoiding high sugar, processed foods and refined carbohydrates.