Managing Diabetes with Ayurveda 🧘‍♀️

Diabetes (madhumeha) is growing into an epidemic today, plaguing both old and young. When the body loses its ability to effectively metabolize sugars and carbohydrates, it leads to elevated blood glucose levels and other metabolic disturbances.

According to ayurveda, diabetes stems from lifestyle choices and diets that disturb the delicate balance of the doshas, dhatus (tissues) and malas (wastes). 🤕

The good news is ayurveda’s extensive knowledge on diabetes offers us solutions to correct the imbalances at the root cause through proper diet, herbs, detoxification, yoga and meditation. Implementing an ayurvedic regimen helps lower blood sugar spikes, relieves associated symptoms and complications, and gets to the root of insulin imbalance.

Let’s explore key principles of an ayurvedic diet for holistic diabetes care. 💖

Table of Contents

General Guidelines: 👇

Eat Fresh Home Cooked Food

Minimize intake of unhealthy, processed and canned foods high in sugar, salt and fats. Instead opt for light, freshly prepared meals made with seasonal ingredients per ayurvedic guidelines.

Eat According to Digestive Strength

The strength of agni (digestive fire) determines how well or poorly food will be metabolized. Hence, take fresh, wholesome foods in the proper quantity that your digestion can handle. Don’t overwhelm the system with excess food.

Eat at Regulated Timings

Ayurveda recommends eating two or three meals a day at fixed timings as per agni cycles. Avoid snacking randomly or frequent small meals that can impair digestion over time.

Favor Low Glycemic Foods

Choose unprocessed grains with high fiber, nutrient density and low glycemic index to ensure steady energy levels. Limit high glycemic foods like fruit juices, packaged sweets etc.

Best Diabetes Superfoods 🌿

Bitter & Astringent Foods

Bitter gourd, fenugreek, turmeric, cinnamon, triphala powder etc balance glucose levels and heal tissues damaged by high blood sugar.

Good Carbs

High fiber whole grains like barley, oats, quinoa, buckwheat and legumes help lower glycemic response.

Fruits

Some low glycemic fruits like apples, berries, papaya and citrus fruits have cleansing benefits.

Non-starchy Veggies

Leafy greens, cruciferous and non-starchy veggies provide protective antioxidants and stabilize insulin. 🥕

Garlic & Onion

These superfoods boost digestive fire, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Herbs & Spices🌱

Healing anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, fenugreek, garlic, turmeric and tulsi prevent and alleviate issues stemming from elevated blood sugars.

Omega 3s 🐟

Incorporate omega 3 rich foods like fatty fish, flax seeds, walnuts or algae supplements to lower inflammation and improve cell sensitivity to insulin.

High Quality Proteins

Non-vegetarians can eat egg whites and low fat proteins like skinless chicken and turkey which get assimilated easily. Vegetarians can eat legumes, dairy and nuts.

Plant-based Milks 🥛

Non-dairy milks have a low glycemic index. Opt for unsweetened varieties of almond, coconut or cashew milk.

Detoxifying Drinks 🍵

Herbal teas, green tea, cinnamon water etc cleanse tissues, boost health and improve insulin resistance long term.

Unhealthy Diabetes Triggers to Avoid ⛔

🍚 Refined Grains – Maida, white rice, pasta, corn flakes etc.
🍫 Packaged sweets high in simple carbs and low in fiber
🥤 Sweetened fruit juices loaded with concentrated sugars
❌ Deep fried and greasy foods
🍕Fast foods and rich creamy sauces
👎🏻 Excess alcohol and caffeine
🍦Dairy products like ice cream high in sugars

Personalized Ayurvedic Diabetes Care

Along with a diabetic diet, customized ayurvedic routines including detoxification, herbs, exercise and stress management boost results.

Consult an ayurvedic practitioner to develop a specific lifestyle regimen per root cause of your diabetic condition. They will also continuously monitor and modify plans based on prakriti (original constitution), agni, lifestyle, strengths, progress etc. 👩‍⚕️

Empowered with the right knowledge, discipline and motivation, it’s possible to reverse insulin resistance at its core. Here’s to restoring balance and freedom from diabetes! 💪

Disclaimer : The techniques described in these articles are not intended as substitutes for professional medical advice or treatment. Consult a physician before trying any new health treatment. Do not stop or change prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Results will vary based on individual factors. Always rely on the guidance of a qualified medical professional for any health concerns.

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