"Diabetes is strongly associated with the western diet, however as cultures switch from their native diets to the foods of commerce; their rate of diabetes increases eventually reaching the proportions seen in the western societies. What's alarming is the fact that the number of diabetes cases is estimated to reach a whopping 100 million by 2030," noted a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach, Shilpa Arora ND.
Diet plays a crucial role in diabetes prevention as well as management. The effectiveness and the significance of natural ingredients cannot be overlooked in treating and managing diabetes. Alternative therapy can go a long way in providing relief and improving the quality of life in diabetes patients. Ayurveda experts suggest a host of simple and inexpensive home remedies that can help tackle the condition better.
While insulin and pancreatic health are the primary factors behind the development of diabetes, Ayurveda describes the condition as an outcome of the imbalance in one of the three elements present in the body. This World Diabetes Day, we try to understand the diabetes through the lens of Ayurveda and learn natural ways to combat it.
Ayurveda expert Dr. Vasant Lad explains diabetes' development as a result of the "diminished functioning of agni (digestive fire) which may trigger high blood sugar levels.
According to Ayurveda, a body is in its healthiest state if and when Vata, Pitta and Kapha are in balance. Any imbalance will lead to health ailments. Diabetes is essentially cause by the imbalance of Pitta in the body. "Pitta promotes fire and when the fire begins to diminish in the body, diabetes begins to take shape. It therefore becomes important to get Pitta back in balance by practicing breathing techniques that promote agni in the body - like Agnisar Kriya and Suryabhedi Pranayam - and by including foods that will maintain blood sugar levels and balance Pitta in the body," noted Yogacharya Anoop, Mediyoga.
Ayurveda diet for diabetes
Needless to say, foods low in glycemic index must be included in the diet. Besides this, one must load up on green leafy vegetables. Omega 3 fatty acids, especially the ones alternatively known as brain fatty acids must be a part of your daily diet; these would include nuts and seeds like flaxseeds, walnuts et cetera. "Make sure that foods are also laxative in nature; therefore soak seeds and nuts before consuming as eating them as is may cause constipation. The idea is to keep your intestinal path clean and clear and avoid falling prey to constipation," shared Yogi Anoop.
Methi dana works wonders for diabetics, from consuming methi dana sprouts to drinking fenugreek water the first thing in morning. Hemp seeds and ingredients like bitter gourd, amla and aloe vera have also been found effective in managing and controlling diabetes.
"Sleep and stress management is very important for diabetics. 9pm to 6am is the time when the body goes into the detox mode, therefore if we sleep during this period it is not only beneficial for diabetics but for everyone," concluded Yogi Anoop.
Get in touch with a certified Ayurveda expert to learn more about natural ways to fight diabetes. Consult you medical expert before making any changes to your diet.
Diabetic? Avoiding Rice? Not Anymore! Expert Shares Quick Tip To Enjoy It Guilt-Free Nutritionist Warns Of Metformin's Impact On Overall Health, Recommends Tips Which Oil Is Best For Your Air Fryer? Expert Reveals Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms BJP Subtly Asking Ajit Pawar To Quit "Mahayuti": Sharad Pawar's NCP Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai 'Friend' Arrested For Making Viral Mumbai Couple's Intimate Videos: Cops UK Covid-19 Inquiry To Issue First Report On Preparedness Secret Service Head To Testify To US House Panel On Trump Shooting Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.