Anyone who has or knows someone suffering from type two diabetes will know that the condition is a huge life affecting disorder. Occurring when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the body no longer responds correctly to insulin, type two diabetes represents 85-90% of all cases of diabetes and is an ever-growing health problem amongst all ages. But did you know that applying practices of Ayurveda in diabetes is an important way to take care of your condition?

Type two diabetes is associated with certain lifestyle risk factors as well as some genetic links and this condition can present itself at any age with the first warning signs being a heart attack or vision problems. As the condition escalates, it is commonly treated by medications or by insulin injections. However, for those interested in managing diabetes in a more holistic way, or for those just looking at ways to reduce the risk of getting the disease, using Ayurveda in diabetes treatment may be the better choice for you. This is because Ayurvedic approach focuses on targeting the cause and not just the symptoms.

Ayurveda in diabetes and improving your overall health

For those not familiar with Ayurvedic medicine, this more holistic approach that our naturopath Melbourne practitioners take when dealing with health conditions differs to common medicine practices in a number of ways.

Primarily the Ayurvedic system looks at the human body as a whole, believing that the body is something that needs to be kept in balance in which a well balanced body ultimately leads to optimum health. Ayurveda sees the human body to consist of three primary life forces called the Tridoshas. These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, an imbalance of which causes a build up of toxins and ultimately leads to negative physical and mental health which is often the primary cause of most illnesses.

As a result, Ayurveda believes that by working to reduce stress and toxins in our environment, and through the application of certain foods and herbs, a number of health conditions can be prevented and heald. This includes applying Ayurvedic treatment in diabetes. 

Ayurvedic approaches to dealing with type two diabetes

In the case of type two diabetes, Ayurveda sees the condition as an result of an excess of Kapha (the water and earth Dosha) and therefore it is important to address this build up in order to regain balance in the body and to help manage the disease. Here at Ayur Clinic, our Ayurvedic practitioners assess each case of diabetes individually. However, below are some common Ayurvedic approaches to dealing with the condition.

Weight loss and Ayurveda in diabetes

Being overweight is the primary risk factor for diabetes. Consumption of processed foods, fatty foods, sugar and a poor exercise regime have meant that we have seen a significant increase in type two diabetes over recent years. Therefore, tackling weight gain and losing dangerous fat in areas such as the belly, is a huge step towards preventing and even reducing the severity of diabetes.

Avoidance of toxic and processed foods and swapping fluids like alcohol for water is one of the first steps in detoxifying the body by Ayurveda. After the body has been cleansed, then depending on the severity and symptoms of the diabetes, certain foods and herbs such as Amla, Tulsi and Triphala may be prescribed.

Controlling blood sugar levels

Those suffering with type two diabetes suffer from insulin spikes and drops as they cannot regulate their blood sugar level effectively. However, instead of injecting insulin, there are a number of holistic Ayurvedic ways of controlling blood sugar levels too.

Here’s a list of four natural ways to control your blood sugar levels:

1. Cinnamon

We all have a pack of cinnamon powder at home but what you might not know is that this spice is commonly used in Ayurvedic practices as a way to keep blood sugar levels steady. Cinnamon has also been found to aid weight loss and boost the metabolism, which is another reason why it is an effective Ayurveda in diabetes approach.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is another spice that’s often used in Ayurvedic practices. It’s known to lower blood sugar levels and to lower inflammation so adding it to cooking, dissolving it in hot water or taking it in tablet form may be of assistance.

3. Triphala

Triphala is a mixture of dried fruits of three native indian plants and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for a number of health problems. It can be effective in lowering blood sugar levels for diabetics.

4. Bitter foods

Some Ayurvedic practices have also found that certain bitter foods such as hemp seeds, bitter gourd and aloe vera have also proved effective in managing diabetes.

If you are suffering from type two diabetes or if you are worried about it, then contact our Ayurveda Melbourne practitioners today.