Since ancient times, Ayurveda has emphasized more on the importance of diet and lifestyle, while maintaining health. In Ayurveda, a healthy man is referred as “he who indulges in healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits, who discriminate between wholesome and unwholesome acts and acts accordingly, the one who is not attached too much to the worldly affairs, who develops the habit of charity and keeps good company of persons, who are healthy and stays free from diseases.”
It is also said that in both the conditions of health and disease, the wholesomeness and unwholesomeness is a prime factor as, without a proper diet, the use of medicines is futile.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing throughout the world and India leads with the largest number of diabetics in the world. Currently available conventional options for diabetes have certain limitations but Ayurveda (traditional medical system of the Indian subcontinent) has a well-developed conceptual framework that incorporates diet and lifestyle as curative factors and has a multi-factorial approach to its management. Ayurveda also has prescriptions for the prevention of diabetes mellitus, which is yet to receive little attention.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized as a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot produce enough insulin to process the glucose in the blood. It affects nearly every organ or system of the body. It is characterized under Type 1, Type 2, gestational, juvenile, etc. Type 1 diabetes often appears during childhood or teenage years and the symptoms tend to come on quickly and are more severe. Type 2 diabetes is a more common type, which can develop at any age. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in which there is a rise in blood sugar levels that can affect the pregnancy and health of the unborn child. The blood sugar usually returns to normal after delivery.
What are the symptoms of Diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes depend on how much blood sugar level is elevated. Some of the common signs and symptoms of Diabetes are:
· Frequent urination
· Increased thirst
· Unexplained weight loss
· Extreme hunger
· Fatigue
· Blurred vision
· Slow healing of sores
· Frequent infections such as gums, skin or vaginal infections.
What is the cause of Diabetes according to Ayurveda?
- The closest clinical co-relate to diabetes in Ayurveda is the disease entity Prameha. It is caused due to Sahaja (aberrant genetic factors), unhealthy diets and lifestyles such as over-eating, alcohol abuse, excessive consumption of food that is guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous), lavana (salt), etc.
- The individuals who dominate Kapha dosha or a combination of Vata and Kapha dosha are considered at a greater risk of acquiring diabetes.
- Further, according to Ayurveda, a sub-optimal Agni (digestive fire) leads to the nutritional aberration at the dhatu (tissue) level, which progressively affects the nourishment of multiple tissues (dhatukasahya) in due course.
What is the role of Ayurvedic diet and remedies in Diabetes?
Diet plays a very crucial role in diabetes as in Ayurveda, ‘Agni’ or digestive fire is extremely important. In diabetes, when a patient eats frequently without the digestion of the previous meal, it results in the formation of Ama dosha that lodges in the channels and results in various complicated disorders.
- Eat light and easily digestible meals. Frequent eating should be avoided. In Ayurveda, there is a concept of ‘Langhan Chikitsa’. The word Langhan is derived from the word ‘laghu’ which means light, so the purpose of Langhan Chikitsa is to make the body light by relieving heaviness. One of the types of Langhan Chikitsa is fasting. Fasting is very beneficial for the management of diabetes.
(Reference: Astang Hridyam, Chapter №14, Shloka №10)
Meaning: According to this shloka, langhan chikitsa should be done to persons who are diabetic, suffering from ama, who have undergone excessive oleation treatment, fever, stiffness in the thighs, and skin diseases.
- Regular use of Rasayana drugs such as Amalaki Rasayan, Ashwagandha in any form is also very useful.
- Drinking warm water after regular intervals throughout the day is also very effective.
- Restrict the use of packaged, junk foods that contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, meat of domestic and aquatic animals, etc.
- Avoid the intake of sweets.
- Include cow’s ghee in the diet.
- Stay active and avoid sleeping during day time.
- Brisk walking twice a day is also very beneficial.
How Planet Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Diabetes?
Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies that act on the beta cells of the pancreas, improve insulin production and prevent long term complications.
Planet Ayurveda offers Diabetes Care Pack which includes:
1. Dia-Beta Capsules
2. Karela Capsules
3. Madhumehantak Churna
4. Fenugreek Capsules
1. Dia beta Capsules: Planet Ayurveda’s Dia Beta Plus Capsules are a completely natural product and contain the standardized extracts of anti-diabetic herbs that naturally control the sugar level. These capsules are very effective for diabetic neuropathy as well and rejuvenate the overall health.
Ingredients of Dia beta Capsules are:
- Saptarangi (Salacia chinensis) 50 mg
- Vijayasar (Pterocarpus marsupium) 50 mg
- Gurmar (Gymnema sylvstre) 150 mg
- Karela (Momordica charantia) 150 mg
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) 50 mg
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) 50 mg
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
2. Karela Capsules: Karela Capsules of Planet Ayurveda contains the 100% pure extract of bitter gourd. It contains a polypeptide that acts as insulin to help fight diabetes and has wonderful blood purifying properties. Karela is also a rich source of Vitamin A, C, and potassium.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
3. Madhumehantak Churna: Madhumehantak Churna of Planet Ayurveda contains the dried extracts of anti-diabetic herbs that control sugar levels naturally and also provide general strength. It contains ingredients such as Saptrangi (Salacia chinesis), Vizaysaar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Bilv patra (Aegle marmelos), Gurmaar (Gymnema sylvestrae), Darhuhaldi (Berberis aristata), Neem patra (Azadirachta indica), Methi (Trigonella foenum graceum), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Karela (Momordica charantia), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Sadabahar (Eochnera rosea) and Babool (Acacia arabica).
Dose: 1–2 teaspoonful twice a day, half an hour before taking meals with plain water.
4. Fenugreek Capsules: Fenugreek Capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Trigonella foenum-graecum. Fenugreek is indicated in type 2 diabetes, urinary tract disorders as it contains an amino acid which is responsible for its anti-diabetic activity. Fenugreek also contains an alkaloid trigonelline, which is known to reduce the high level of blood sugar.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
Thus, the holistic approach of Ayurveda, which includes medications, diet and exercise regimens are well suited for the management of lifestyle disorders such as Diabetes
Ayurveda - Home remedies 