Diabetes as Ayurveda
Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body's glucose level increases. The body becomes unable to produce insulin and the body's cells stop responding properly.
According to Ayurveda diabetes is called "Prameha" and is attributed to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas of the body.
It usually occurs when the Agni dosha (digestive fire) becomes weak due to poor digestion and metabolism and starts accumulating Ama (toxins) Meds (fat) and increases the sugar level of the body.
Complications of Diabetes :
According to Ayurveda, diabetes complications are caused by an imbalance of doshas in the body which are Vata (represent movement and creativity and regulates movement), Pitta (represent fire and water and regulates metabolism) and Kapha (represents earth and water and manage assimilation in the body). Toxins (ama) and disturbed digestive fire (agni) cause various health complications.
These complications arise when diabetes is not managed well, affecting both the physical and mental health of an individual. Ayurveda focuses on holistic management to prevent these complications.
These complications are as follows:
- Obesity - Obesity is one of the common complications caused by diabetes. Obesity is related to Kapha. Kapha accumulates fat (fish) in the body and causes obesity.
- Organ damage - Diabetes sometimes damages organs. It can affect various organs of the body such as kidney failure, eyes and nerve damage etc.
- Heart issue - Cardiac problems due to diabetes arise because of Kapha and Vata imbalance in the body.
- Mental Issue - Mental issues like anxiety , stress and depression can be caused because of sattva (mental and emotional balance).
- Retinal issue - Eyes related issues like vision loss, swelling in the tissues, damage to the blood vessels in the eyes also caused due to imbalance of vata pitta doshas in the body. This issue is also called Diabetic retinopathy.
- Weakened immunity- It is very common to get low immunity in a diabetic patient. Diabetes makes the immune system weaker and less effective. Due to less immunity people generally suffer from infection, especially in the urinary tract, skin and feet.
- Gum disease - People also suffer from gum problems because of the high amount of glucose present in saliva and it helps bacteria to grow in the mouth.
- Skin problem - Some skin problems like patches, thinning skin, rough skin and scaly are common skin issues shown in people having diabetic.
- Reduce healing power- Because of diabetes the circulation gets slower which leads to slow wound healing and raises the risk of developing ulcers.
Ayurvedic Prevention for Diabetes Complications:
Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to prevent complications of diabetes (Prameha) in an effective way. It treated the root cause of the issue and restored the balance in the body. Here are the some ways given below how ayurveda prevent from diabetes:
1. Balance Doshas:
Balancing dosha is one of the important factors in how ayurveda controls diabetes. It is done through balancing vata and kapha dosha.
- Kapha - The main cause of diabetes is an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which causes the production of mucus and fat. According to Ayurveda, certain foods, herbal remedies and lifestyle practices can help control the Kapha dosha.
- Vata - Vata imbalance can cause nerve and circulatory problems. One can balance their Vata dosha by following herbal remedies and oil remedies.
2. Prevent Obesity:
There are many ways given in ayurveda to control obesity. Obesity can also be controlled by controlling blood sugar naturally with ayurveda.
- Through herbs - You can take the help of Triphala, Guggul and Garcinia are some common herbs which help to reduce weight, improve metabolism and balance the kapha.
- Through Ayurvedic Diet - With the help of a low GI diet which is high in fiber and low in sugar content, it helps to manage a healthy weight. Fruits in diabetes can also be helpful to reduce weight. You can also take quinoa, vegetables, and legumes.
- Exercise: Ayurveda encourages regular exercise (such as yoga or walking) to maintain a healthy weight and improve metabolism.
3. Kidney damage:
- Through herbs—herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and Gokshura (tribulus terrestris)—help to detoxify and strengthen the kidneys.
- The Ayurvedic diet—by avoiding foods that increase Kapha (heavy, oily foods) and focusing on a Pitta-pacifying diet—helps reduce stress on the kidneys.
- Panchakarma - Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema) help to clean the body and support kidney function by removing toxins that affect the kidneys.
4. Eye Damage:
- Through herbs— Amla (Indian gooseberry) is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to protect the eyes from damage and support healthy blood circulation to the retina.
- Through Ayurvedic Diet—An Ayurvedic remedy like Triphala (a combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki) improves circulation, supports eye health, and reduces inflammation. Beta-carotene, like carrots and green leafy vegetables, also helps to improve eye problems.
- Oil therapy—nasya (nasal therapy) with Anu Taila—helps to improve clarity of vision by enhancing circulation to the eyes.
5. Mental Health (Stress, Anxiety, Depression):
- Through herbs— Ashwagandha, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Jatamansi help to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue, balancing the Sattva (mental clarity) and improving well-being.
- Through the Ayurvedic diet, Sattvic foods (pure, light, and nourishing foods), fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are recommended to support mental calmness and improve mental health.
- Yoga and meditation— Practices like pranayama (breathing exercises) and dhyana (meditation)—reduce stress levels, enhance mental clarity, and enhance mental health.
6. Digestive issue:
- Through herbs— ginger, triphala, and ajwain (carom seeds)—stimulate digestion, improve absorption, and relieve constipation and help to reduce the digestive issue.
- Through Ayurvedic Diet - A diet that includes fiber-rich foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) supports regular bowel movements and improves digestive function.
- Panchakarma: Therapies like Abhyanga, Nasya, and Virechana help balance digestive functions and remove accumulated toxins.
7. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
- Through herbs, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) are used to strengthen the nervous system, improve circulation, and prevent nerve damage.
- Through Ayurvedic Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants (from fruits and vegetables) helps to protect nerve tissue from damage. Spices like ginger and turmeric reduce inflammation and support nerve health.
- Massage—Abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame oil helps improve circulation and nourish the nervous system and prevent nerve damage.
8) Wounds healing:
- Through herbs, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is used to enhance circulation and promote faster healing of wounds. Ashwagandha helps to improve blood flow and repairs the tissues.
- Through Ayurvedic Diet - Food rich in zinc and vitamin C promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of infections in wounds.
- Massage - Massage with warm sesame oil helps to improve circulation and prevent ulcers.
Conclusion:
As you can see, Ayurveda helps to effectively reduce diabetes, balance doshas, and also prevent you from further complications. In Ayurveda, it's not only herbs that help to heal you from health issues, but also there are ayurvedic diabetic capsules and ayurvedic medicine for diabetes treatment available, which you can take as per your comfort.
Ayurveda helps to balance the internal system and prevents all 4 types of diabetic complications, which are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA). It also improves digestion, reduces stress, and many more.
Healthy metabolism and weight management, reducing the risk of complications such as neuropathy, heart disease, kidney damage, etc. Overall, Ayurveda promotes overall wellness by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of diabetes, offering a balanced path to health and longevity.
FAQs
Q1. Which treatment is best for diabetes: Ayurvedic or allopathic?
The best treatment for diabetes depends on the type and severity:
- Ayurvedic treatment offers a holistic approach, focusing on lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and stress management, especially for mild type 2 diabetes or as preventive therapy.
- Allopathic treatment is typically best for managing blood sugar levels quickly and effectively, especially for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which require insulin.
Q2. What is the best Ayurvedic medicine for insulin resistance?
Ayush 82 is an Ayurvedic formulation specifically designed to manage insulin resistance and diabetes. It contains a blend of herbs that are traditionally used to support healthy blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Q3. What are the side effects of Ayurvedic medicines for diabetes?
Although Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes has no side effects, in some cases, like if it will not suit you, you can have minor issues like gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, etc.
Q4. Which is the best Ayurvedic medicine for sugar control in India?
One of the best Ayurvedic medicines for sugar control in India is Aadved Ayush 82, a popular formulation that helps to manage blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
It contains a blend of herbs like Amra beej, Jambu beej, Gurmar leaves, Karela, and Shudh Shilajit, which are known for their effectiveness in regulating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity.
