Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects more than 10% of the world’s population. This condition makes the body unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Living with diabetes is challenging. One must be very conscious about one’s eating habits and everyday life to control one’s blood sugar levels. 

Modern medicine offers many treatments to manage diabetes but there is still no proven way to cure it completely. People suffering from diabetes often need to take regular medicine to maintain their blood sugar levels, which leads to other side effects including obesity, loss of appetite, dizziness, chest infections, and many more. 

On the other hand, Ayurveda provides a more natural solution to manage diabetes. First of all, ayurveda emphasizes prevention through lifestyle and natural remedies. Secondly, ayurveda focuses on understanding the root causes and doshic imbalances associated with diabetes and offers insights and strategies to help manage and even prevent the onset of this condition. 

In this blog, we will dive into Ayurvedic perspectives on diabetes management, including preventive measures, dietary guidance, and supportive supplements.

Understanding Diabetes in Ayurveda

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition. A person suffering from diabetes is either not producing enough insulin(type 1) or has become resistant to insulin (type 2). 

Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar levels and converts glucose into energy. If left unchecked, high blood sugar can lead to more serious health issues including heart failure, kidney problems, and nerve damage. 

Ayurveda describes it as ‘Madhumeha’, which translates to “honey urine,”. The term- honey urine indicates excess sugar in the body. Ayurvedics view diabetes as a metabolic disorder caused by the imbalances in the Kapha dosha. 

Kapha dosha governs growth, stability, and structure in the human body, and its excess leads to sluggish digestion, accumulation of toxins, and weight gain—all contributing factors to diabetes.

Ayurveda also recognizes Vata and Pitta forms of diabetes. Vata-type diabetes is more common in older individuals and linked to tissue depletion, while Pitta-type is often related to inflammation and is associated with people of moderate build. 

By understanding the root cause of diabetes and which dosha imbalance is responsible for the disease, you can determine personalized approaches to managing diabetes.

Preventing Diabetes with Ayurveda

Ayurveda philosophy strongly emphasizes prevention with lifestyle changes, a balanced diet, and Ayurvedic herbs. Similarly, diabetes prevention focuses on eating a balanced diet as per your dosha, incorporating regular physical activities, and remaining stress-free to keep your body, mind, and spirit in harmony. 

Since Kapha imbalance is the major contributor to diabetes, ayurveda practitioners believe that keeping Kapha in check is the key to prevention. You can keep your dosha balanced by:

Staying Active: Doing at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day helps balance Kapha as staying active promotes blood circulation and digestion.

Manage Stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels in the body and disrupts blood sugar levels. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are some ways to keep stress at bay and reduce Kapha accumulation.

Practicing Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Ayurveda recommends following a daily regimen and sticking to it. It can include waking time, consistent meal time, specific time for exercise, etc. Following a routine helps regulate metabolism and digestion and reduces the accumulation of toxins in the body.

Improved metabolism directly influences our natural defense mechanisms and hormonal control making it easier for the body to manage blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Management through the Ayurvedic Diet

We are what we eat and Ayurveda has backed this thought very well. Our diet plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of diseases, especially diabetes. Some people believe that not eating sugar is enough to manage diabetes but it is not true. 

It is more about eating a diet full of vitamins and minerals to give the body all the necessary nutrients but not disrupt the balance of doshas. Plus ayurveda also recommends eating in harmony with the changing seasons to keep the body in rhythm with nature. 

Ayurveda recommends a Kapha-pacifying diet, focusing on foods that are light, warm, and easy to digest. This kind of food helps enhance the digestive fire and reduces ama accumulation.

Foods to include to balance Kapha

• Bitter and Astringent Foods: Bitter and astringent foods like kale, spinach, fenugreek, and bitter gourd are ideal for balancing Kapha and supporting blood sugar regulation.
• Whole Grains: Ayurveda suggests eating more whole grains like barley, quinoa, and millet. They have low glycemic levels and support stable blood sugar levels.
• Spices: Ayurveda focuses on including spices in your diet to keep the doshas in balance. Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek, and cumin are known to improve digestion and enhance insulin sensitivity.
• Healthy Fats: Saturated fats consumed in small amounts are necessary for the human body to function well. Natural fats like Desi ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil provide healthy fats that support metabolism.
• Legumes and lean protein sources: Lentils, chickpeas, green gram, and beans are great sources of protein and fiber. They provide sustained energy levels and also help stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Green tea and herbal teas: Green tea, chamomile tea, or natural herbal teas can regulate digestion. Herbal tea brewed from fenugreek, ginger, or tulsi can regulate blood sugar levels, facilitate digestion, and support overall wellness.

Foods to avoid to balance Kapha

• Processed foods, foods high in sugar, and refined carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels. They should be avoided to keep Kapha in check.
• Cold foods like ice cream, deep-fried food, and oily diet can disrupt digestion and contribute to ama buildup, which leads to disrupted blood glucose.
• Ayurveda also advises limiting dairy for those with Kapha imbalances. Dairy products can increase mucus and heaviness in the body.

Moreover, Ayurveda suggests eating food as per the Ayurveda clock The largest meal should be consumed during midday when the digestive fire is strongest. 

Breakfast should be light, and dinner should be early and easily digestible. By aligning your eating pattern with natural circadian rhythms, you can support your body and manage optimum blood sugar levels.

Ayurvedic Herbs and Supplements for Diabetes

Many Ayurvedic herbs are known to manage blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. Here are some key herbs and Ayurvedic supplements available at Ayurveda Megastore that help with the management of diabetes. 

Planet Ayurveda Gurmar Powder: Gurmar, which means sugar destroyer in Sanskrit, is one of the most used herbs to manage diabetes. It helps reduce sugar absorption in the intestines and improves insulin function.

Dhootapapeshwar Madhumeha Kusumakar Rasa: It is highly effective in regulating blood sugar levels, supporting pancreatic function, and promoting overall health and vitality. It is a blend of potent ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, amalki, shilajit, etc., and beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and those experiencing complications related to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. 

Jeevan Sanjeevani Cheeni Kum Tablet: It is a 100% natural ayurvedic supplement used to treat the root causes of diabetes. It helps with natural insulin production and helps reduce the side effects of diabetes on the liver and kidneys.

Kapiva’s Karela Jamun Juice: It stimulates insulin production and secretion of digestive enzymes. Bitter melon contains compounds that mimic insulin and help lower blood glucose levels. Jamun is high in antioxidants to keep the body free from toxins and also controls blood sugar levels.

Ayurveda Yogashram Diab Gold- This ayurvedic supplement is made with a combination of unique herbs that help in reducing blood sugar levels. Its key ingredients tulsi, Neem, Ashwagandha, Gokshura, etc. are highly effective in controlling blood sugar levels, and preventing other organ damage by high blood sugar. It also prevents diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy by boosting immunity. 

Conclusion

Ayurveda is an all-natural way to prevent, manage, and treat chronic diseases like diabetes without negative side effects. It not only helps with the management of the disease but also holistically reduces the side effects of high blood sugar on other body organs and prevents further damage. 

The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes the importance of aligning with nature, maintaining a daily routine, and nurturing mental and physical balance to support overall health. 

You can adopt a healthier lifestyle, Kapha-pacifying diets, and herbal supplements as per the Ayurveda approach to effectively stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. 

If you’re exploring Ayurvedic supplements for diabetes management, Ayurveda Megastore is the best place to find the top Ayurvedic supplements for the management of diabetes and its side effects. With Ayurveda’s holistic guidance, managing diabetes naturally becomes a journey towards balanced, sustainable well-being.