Ayurvedic tips and foods to manage diabetes

With more than 62 million Indians suffering from diabetes, India is called the diabetes capital of the world. Not just this, diabetes kills around 1 million people in the country every year. Are you shocked to read this? So were we

Diabetes is a condition that hinders your body’s ability to respond to insulin. This leads to abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, leading to spiked blood sugar levels.

The good news is that managing diabetes is a little tough but not impossible. There are some easy tips and regular food that can help you handle the condition.

Diabetes in Ayurveda is called Madhumey. Here are some tips and foods that can help control your diabetes, as per Ayurveda.

Bitter gourd in any form – juice, powder or raw - works wonders in managing diabetes. If you have diabetes, drink 20 ml of bitter gourd juice the first thing in the morning or 1 teaspoon of dried powder with warm water. This will keep your blood sugar level in check.

Cinnamon, also called Dal Chini in Hindi is a common spice used in Indian curries and for baking. Studies have shown that cinnamon can help greatly in improving the blood sugar level. Consume a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with warm water to yield good results. You can also increase your intake by using it in various foods like salads, smoothies and shakes.

Fenugreek seeds, called methi dana in Hindi is another commonly used kitchen spice. The fibre and chemical composition of fenugreek seeds help in slowing down the digestion and thus reduces the absorption rate of sugar and carbohydrates in the body. You can have a teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder with a glass of warm water or soak the seeds overnight and have them to keep diabetes in check.

Amla is not just good for diabetes but also works wonder for your hair and skin. This fibre-rich fruit stimulates the secretion of insulin and thereby helps in regulating your metabolic rate. Amla is rich in chromium, which is good for cardiovascular health and reduces bad cholesterol. You can consume amla in the form of homemade amla murabba, amla juice or even raw.

Giloy juice does wonder in stabilizing the blood sugar levels and thereby controlling diabetes. It is full of antioxidants, which boosts your immunity by fighting the free radicals. It is a natural anti-diabetic medicine that suppresses one’s cravings for sugar. It increases the production of beta cells in the pancreas, which results in a smooth regulation of insulin and glucose in the blood.

Drink water in a copper vessel

Since time immemorial, drinking water in a copper vessel has been considered healthy for the overall functioning of the body. The water stored in a copper vessel is called ‘tamra jal’ and it helps in balancing all the three doshas. Pour water in a copper vessel and leave it overnight and drink it the next morning.

Any form of physical activity is great in controlling diabetes. Walking being the easiest, you can try to walk for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour every day to reap the benefits.