Diabetes Natural Remedies Archives | Page 2 of 5

10 Fruits that Diabetes Patients should eat in daily lifestyle

Overview

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions faced by millions of people across the world.

Managing diabetes is tough but it is not impossible. Diabetes is a condition that hinders the body’s ability to respond to insulin which leads to the abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates leading to spiked blood sugar level. There is abnormally high levels of blood sugar level in diabetes.

What are the causes of Diabetes Mellitus?

Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy eating habits such as excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar
Heredity
Excessive tension, stress and grief

Concept of Diabetes according to Ayurveda:

Diabetes is known as “Madhumeha” in Ayurveda. It arises due to aggravation of obstruction of channels through blockage by Kapha dosha and fatty tissue and aggravation of Vata dosha which causes tissue depletion.
Diabetes is considered as a lifestyle disease. Since a long time, Ayurveda has been emphasizing on the importance of diet and lifestyle in the maintenance of health, according to which a healthy man is referred as: “one who indulges daily in healthy diet and lifestyle activities, who discriminates between wholesome and unwholesome and acts accordingly.
It is also said in Ayurveda that in both health and disease, the wholesomeness and the unwholesomeness is a prime factor to be thought about, as without proper diet, the use of any drug is futile.

Symptoms of Diabetes

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

Constant feeling of hunger and thirst
Weakness
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Slow healing of wounds
Bad body odour
Sweet taste in the mouth
Palpitation
Quick exhaustion
Drowsiness
Possible anemia

There are some specific fruits that have been shown to produce effects on blood glucose level as these fruits have low glycemic index and high amount of fiber.

There is a lot of confusion while selecting fruits for a diabetic patient but moderation is the key here.

Fruits which are seasonal, fresh and low in glycemic index should be consumed by a diabetic patient.
Fruits should be enjoyed as a snack and not be eaten with main meals.
Sprinkle cinnamon on fruits which is very useful in balancing blood sugar levels.

10 Fruits that Diabetes Patients should eat in daily lifestyle:

There is a false assumption that people suffering from diabetes should avoid fruits because there sugar present in fruits could push up their blood sugar level. But this is a false conception because sugar present in fruits is usually in the form of fructose and unlike other sugars such as sucrose, fructose has low glycemic index.

Less insulin is needed for the metabolism of fructose. Therefore, intake of fruits is not associated with sudden rise of the blood sugar level.

Apples

**1.Apples(Malus pumila)**

Apples can be eaten by diabetic patients because apples are a rich source of Vitamin C, fiber and several anti-oxidants. The fiber present in apples helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

They are the rich source of polyphenols as well.

The polyphenols present in apples slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and thus lower the blood sugar levels.
Apples also contain pectin which is a form of carbohydrate which helps in controlling blood sugar level by releasing it slowly into the bloodstream.

2. **Pomegranate (Punica gratum)**

Pomegranates contain the richest combinations of anti-oxidants. Therefore, they can protect the body from free radicals.

They are a rich source of phytochemical compounds as well.

**3.Guava (Psidium guajava):**

Guava is very rich in dietary fiber and it has low glycemic index as well.
Therefore, eating guava reduces the sugar absorption in the blood.
It is also rich in dietary fiber which helps to ease constipation as well.
Eating guava lowers the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.
It also contains potassium which helps in regulating blood pressure.

**4.Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus):**

Watermelon is rich in potassium. The high potassium content in watermelon makes it one of the best fruits for proper kidney functioning which helps in lowering the blood uric acid levels.
Therefore, it helps in preventing kidney damage in diabetic patients.
Moreover, lycopene present in watermelon helps in reducing the nerve damage in diabetic patients.

**5. Papaya (Carica papaya):**

Papaya is a rich source of natural anti-oxidants so this fruit should be consumed by diabetic patients.
The anti-oxidants present in Papaya prevent the cell damage because it contains essential minerals and nutrients.
Diabetic patients are prone to many ailments including nerve damage caused due to irregular blood sugar levels.
Papaya is useful in obstructing future cell damage and a longer life span.

Oranges

**6.Oranges (Citrus sinensis):**

Oranges are a rich source of flavonones, flavonols and phenolic acid.
It has tremendous protective potential especially for the patients suffering with diabetes.

**7.Jamun (Eugenia jambolana):**

This fruit is regarded as a specific ayurvedic medicine because of its specific action on the pancreas.
The fruits, seeds and the whole fruit are useful in the treatment of diabetes. Due to the presence of compound known as jamboline in the seeds, it is used as a medicine in the treatment of diabetes.
This fruit has the ability to convert starch into sugar and has hypoglycemic effect that helps to reduce blood sugar levels.

**8.Bael (Aegle marmelos):**

Bael fruit is very famous due to its various medicinal properties but the leaves of this tree are scientifically proven to anti-diabetic.
Drink freshly prepared juice of its leaves along with the pinch of black pepper. This juice is very effective in controlling blood sugar.

9.Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa):

Strawberries have low glycemic index so they are very beneficial for patients suffering with diabetes.
The sugar present in strawberries is slowly released in the blood stream as glucose.
Intake of strawberries also increase metabolism which helps in weight loss also.

**10.Cherries(Prunus avium):**

Cherries are considered as the rich source of anthocyanins which is responsible for its bright red colour and cherries are the rich sources of enzymes as well.
This red colour helps to protect the heart.
The enzymes present in cherries are known to boost insulin levels that helps to control blood sugar levels.

Questions:

What is the role of diet and lifestyle change in diabetic patients?
Can diabetic patient take fruits?
What type of sugar is found in fruits?
Why apples are considered good for diabetic patients?

Ayurvedic Ways to Control Diabetes at Home

Introduction

When the blood sugar level exceeds the normal limits, it is called Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus. This may happen due to high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) or loss of excessive sugar in the urine (Glycosuria). It is a condition that hinder’s the body’s ability to respond to insulin, leading to abnormal metabolism of carbohydrate and thus spiking up the sugar levels. Our lifestyle and unhealthy food choices are the primary cause of diabetes.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is called “Madhumehe or Maha Rog” in Ayurveda simply because if it is not treated on time, it can damage the entire body, including eyes, kidneys, sexual and urological organs and also lead to joint pains.

Diabetes herbal remedies
According To Ayurveda

Ayurveda provides natural ways for diabetic patients to manage their blood sugar levels and avoid the onset of any major health complication. There are some steps one can take to ensure that blood sugar levels stay within range.

Turmeric

The easiest way to keep diabetes under control is by increasing the intake of Turmeric in the diet. To regulate blood sugar levels, one may take a half spoon of ground bay leaf and half spoon of turmeric and mix them with aloe Vera gel or juice. This mixture should be taken two times a day, preferably before meals.
Ayurveda recommends spices to be added in the diet. Spices like cumin seeds, mustard, curry leaves, coriander, pepper, asafetida, tulsi, ocimum and eugenol possess anti diabetic effect. One can sue them in meals, drinks or add to the salads in order to manage diabetes naturally.

Fenugreek Seeds (Methidana)

It is highly recommended to consume “Methidana” in sprouted form or drink Fenugreek water on an empty stomach, to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range.
Fenugreek seeds have a little bitter taste if taken raw, but when sprouted, they taste pungently sweet, so they can be added onto salads and other foods. The seeds may be slightly roasted to reduce its bitterness.

Natural Tips

Consuming bitter gourd juice, aloe Vera juice, amla juice is highly beneficial for diabetic patients. It is advised to take two spoons of bitter gourd (kerela) juice once daily or mix a spoon of amla (Indian Gooseberry) to a spoon of Bitter Gourd Juice and take it twice daily.

Bitter Gourd Juice

Bitter Gourd should be taken as a dish/meal once a week. It influences the glucose metabolism, increases pancreatic insulin secretion and prevents insulin resistance.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera may be combined with buttermilk to help control sugar levels.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a miraculous herb in preventing and fighting diabetes. It has the ability of lowering blood sugar levels naturally.

How to Make

One may simply boil some cinnamon sticks in water for 20 minutes and drink the solution daily. You can also add a spoon of cinnamon powder in warm water and drink it daily. Cinnamon can be sprinkled on foods for added flavor.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a good solution to any kind of digestive problem. It stimulates digestion and helps in reducing Kaph in the body.

Raw Garlic Cloves

Consuming raw garlic cloves helps in regulating blood glucose and potentially stops or lowers the effects of some diabetes complications. Garlic should be taken under medical supervision only and not in excess. Garlic helps in improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels too.

Natural Tips For Diabetic Patients

Drinking water that has been put in a copper vessel overnight helps in balancing the three doshes and surely helps in preventing fluctuations in sugar levels.
People with chronic diabetes should consume foods rich in Vitamin C like oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, cranberry, black raspberries, blueberries, kiwis and amla. Vitamin C helps in improving blood usage levels significantly.
Ayurvedic recommends consumption of nuts like almonds, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, and hazelnuts as these have beneficial effects on postprandial glycemic response and helps in improving insulin resistance. Light peanut butter is also recommended for diabetic patients.
Unsalted seeds like flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are good for controlling sugar levels. They are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, proteins and fiber. One may also take lotus or water lily seeds (cooked or raw).
Ayurveda recommends “kapha pacifying diet” and include foods likesoybeans, split green gram beans, Bengal gram, Horse gram, white gram, coriander, cucumber. Chick peas, chana daal, moong daal, masoor daal, lentils, Ragi and corn are considered fine for diabetic patients. It is imperative to include more green and leafy vegetables, along with some bitter and healthy herbs.
Fruits with low glycemic index are advised like apples, peaches, pears, bananas, guava, papaya, jackfruit, figs, datesetc.
Low glycemic foods include bran cereals, oatmeal, parboiled rice, skimmed milk and dairy products from skimmed milk like low fat yogurt.
All bitter vegetables are advised like kale, beet greens, dandelions, pointed gourd, cluster fig, Indian fig, bitter melon etc.
Whole grains also effectively regulate the glycemic response, increase insulin sensitivity, improve pancreatic B cell functions and increase insulin secretion. According to Ayurveda, barley is the best grain for managing diabetes. Barley may be used in various ways like barley porridge, barley bread or chapatis etc.

Jamun

Jamun is considered an excellent fruit to be consumed by diabetic patients on a daily basis. Jamun and its leaves both can be used.

Foods To Avoid In Diabetes

It is important to watch what we are eating. There are some foods that negatively impact diabetes. It is recommended to avoid such foods like refined sugars, fried, oily foods, salty foods, red meat, alcohol, smoking, cow’s milk and curd from the diet completely.Sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams, should also be limited. Fruits like pineapples and mangoes should be taken in moderation.

Mustard Oil

According to Ayurveda, mustard oil is best for diabetic patients. Other oils that could be used in moderation are olive oil, canola, soybean, sesame and sunflower oils. These can be used in moderation.

lifestyle Changes & Treatment

Certain lifestyle changes are needed for faster recovery. These include moderate physical activity, avoid sleeping during the day.
The Treatment recommended by Ayurvedic doctors aims at rejuvenating the body and not just balancing the sugar levels. Managing diabetes is tough, but is no ways impossible.