Introduction
Do you have diabetes and are looking for alternate ways to control it or maybe even reverse it? Ayurveda practices controlling diabetes through ayurvedic diet, by eating the correct food and food that help reduce blood sugar are very popular as an alternative to medicines and insulin. In the case of diabetes ayurvedic diet can help reverse it so people can keep blood sugar levels under control.
A practical approach to healthy living
Ayurveda is a life science that focusses on harmony with nature and balance within. Ayurveda teaches that nature provides us with natural remedies to nearly all diseases. As a practice with an over 5000 year history, Ayurveda is today once again being practiced by more and more people as a practical approach to a healthy life, both mentally and physically.
Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes
Ayurvedic treatment helps control blood sugar levels and high blood pressure even though it cannot completely eradicate diabetes from the root. Ayurveda recommends including ingredients such as fenugreek seeds, green leafy vegetables and bitter gourd to a diabetic patient’s diet to cure the main symptoms of diabetes.
What causes diabetes?
According to Ayurveda diabetes is caused by an imbalance in our three main doshas of vata dosha, kapha dosha and pitta dosha. The imbalance caused by an excess of kapha is the reason a person suffers with diabetes. Together with toxic mucous or aama it creates blockages in the pancreas which stops the secretion of insulin, which is what we call insulin resistance. This causes increased sugar levels in the blood and/or urine.
Symptoms of diabetes
People suffering from diabetes can experience an excessive thirst, headaches, carbuncles, inflammatory lesions, burning sensation, indigestion, sluggishness and an excessive need for sleep are some of the main symptoms.
How does Ayurveda help diabetic patients?
In ayurveda the key to helping diabetic patients is to help regain balance with the three doshas by increasing the agni or digestive fire, both in the intestine and cellular levels. This increases the metabolism of the liver thereby reducing the load on the liver. This in turn helps lower the kapha imbalance.
Ayurvedic diet for diabetes
An ayurvedic diet helps with managing diabetes as it is designed to minimise the blood sugar in the body. Using herbs and other natural ingredients that reduce blood sugar according to a person’s constituent nature, ayurvedic diet plans usually consist of fenugreek seeds, barley, bitter gourd and such light and bitter vegetables, ghee, herbs and other natural ingredients such as honey.
Herbs and Oils – Carrier oils such as coconut oil, almond oil and castor oil are good for kapha as are healing herbs such as tulsi, turmeric, brahmi and rosemary.
Ingredients that can be used – It is good to increase the intake of protein rich food like chickpeas, moong, lentils, dahl and soya bean products. To satisfy the need for something sweet use fruits such as apples, oranges and pears.
Ingredients to avoid – It is advisable to avoid eating rice, potatoes, wheat, deep friend foods, red meat and sweet fruits.
Ayurvedic beverages – Drinking water brewed with basil leaves and neem leaves early in the morning on an empty stomach can help bring down sugar levels. Drinking at least one teaspoon of bitter gourd juice can have a similar effect.
Cooking methods – Steaming, grilling, baking, poaching and fermenting are some of the preferred methods of ayurvedic cooking.
Other ways to support an ayurvedic diet
Adopting an ayurvedic diet and lifestyle changes should go hand in hand in order to experience overall good health and a stronger immune system. These are small adjustments that can be incorporated into your daily life that will over time become your normal way of life.
Lifestyle changes – Being more mindful about your activities so that you do not fall into bad habits
Avoid bad habits – When you are mindful it becomes easier to avoid smoking, drinking etc
Exercise and yoga – It is important to include some form of physical activity into your day
Sticking to a proper schedule – Maintaining a schedule will help you stick to your new lifestyle changes and enjoy all the benefits
Conclusion
Using the natural benefits of an ayurvedic diet you can reduce the symptoms of diabetes and experience lower blood sugar to regain control of your health and wellbeing.