Dietary Recommendations for Diabetes from Ayurveda

Dr. Amritha B.A.M.S

Ayurveda views diabetes as a disorder primarily arising from an imbalance in the body’s doshas, particularly Kapha and Pitta. This imbalance affects Agni (digestive fire), leading to improper food metabolism and ultimately elevated blood sugar levels. 

According to Ayurvedic texts, diabetes is categorized as “Prameha,” effective management involves balancing doshas through diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes. Ayurvedic dietary recommendations for diabetes focus on restoring balance to the body’s natural rhythms and promoting overall health. 

By emphasizing whole foods, appropriate spices and herbs, and mindful eating practices, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes that complements modern medical interventions. Diabetes Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala is renowned for its personalized therapies and dietary plans, designed to balance the doshas and improve overall well-being.

Dietary recommendations for diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers holistic approaches to managing diabetes through lifestyle modifications, including dietary practices. Ayurvedic principles emphasise a personalised approach, considering an individual’s constitution (dosha), current health status, and the nature of the disease.

Balancing Kapha and Pitta: Ayurvedic diets for diabetes aim to pacify Kapha and Pitta doshas. This involves reducing foods that increase these doshas while favoring those that alleviate them.

Emphasising Digestion: Enhancing Agni is crucial in Ayurveda. Foods that are easy to digest and do not overload the digestive system are preferred. This includes cooked foods over raw, warm meals over cold, and avoiding heavy, oily foods.

Choosing Foods: Ayurveda recommends a diet rich in whole grains (like barley and oats), legumes (like lentils and mung beans), bitter vegetables (like bitter gourd and leafy greens), and moderate amounts of fruits (like berries and pomegranates). These foods support stable blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Avoiding Sweet and Kapha-increasing Foods: Sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, heavy dairy products, and excessive sweet fruits are generally discouraged. These can aggravate Kapha dosha and worsen insulin resistance.

Herbal Support: Ayurvedic herbs such as fenugreek (Methi), turmeric (Haldi), bitter melon (Karela), and Indian gooseberry (Amla) are commonly used to support blood sugar regulation. After consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner, these can be incorporated into the diet or taken as supplements.

What food should be avoided for diabetes?

Managing diabetes involves making informed food choices to maintain stable blood sugar levels and overall health. By avoiding or limiting foods that can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, individuals with diabetes can better manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications. 

Adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support long-term health and well-being for those with diabetes.

The foods listed below can significantly affect blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and overall health in individuals with diabetes.

Sugary Foods and Beverages

Foods high in added sugars cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels and provide little nutritional value. Examples include:

• Sodas and sweetened beverages: Regular sodas, fruit juices with added sugars, energy drinks.
• Candies, sweets, and desserts: Cakes, cookies, pastries, ice cream, candies, and chocolates.

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are quickly broken down into glucose in the bloodstream, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. These include:

• White bread and pastries: White bread, bagels, muffins, croissants.
• White rice and pasta: Instant rice, white pasta.
• Processed snacks: Chips and crackers made with refined flour.

Trans Fats and Saturated Fats

Trans fats and excessive saturated fats can increase insulin resistance and raise cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease risk. Foods high in these fats include:

• Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, doughnuts.
• Commercially baked goods: Packaged cookies, cakes, and pastries.
• High-fat dairy products: Full-fat milk, cheese, butter.

High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a common comorbidity with diabetes. Limit intake of:

• Processed meats: Bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meats.
• Canned soups and salty snacks: Potato chips, salted nuts, instant noodles.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar control and may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when consumed in excess. It’s essential to drink alcohol in moderation and preferably with food.

Fruit Juices and Sweet Fruits

While fruits are generally healthy, fruit juices can raise blood sugar levels quickly due to their concentrated sugar content. Limit consumption of:

• Sweet fruits: Grapes, mangoes, bananas.
• Fruit juices: Commercially prepared juices with added sugars.

What are the Ayurvedic foods for diabetics? 

Emphasizing Bitter and Astringent Tastes: Bitter and astringent tastes help balance Kapha and Pitta doshas, making them beneficial for people with diabetes. Examples of foods with these tastes include bitter gourd (Karela), fenugreek seeds, turmeric, and leafy greens like spinach and kale.

Whole Grains: Whole grains like barley, oats, quinoa, and millets (such as finger millet or ragi) are preferred over refined grains. These grains have a lower glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Legumes and Pulses: Lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, and other legumes are rich in fibre and protein, which slow down glucose absorption and support digestive health.

Healthy Fats: Moderate healthy fats from sources like ghee (clarified butter), cold-pressed oils (such as sesame and coconut oil), and nuts/seeds can be beneficial. These fats aid in nutrient absorption and provide sustained energy.

Herbs and Spices: Ayurvedic herbs and spices have potent medicinal 

properties that support diabetes management. Essential herbs include fenugreek (Methi), cinnamon, bitter melon (Karela), Indian gooseberry (Amla), and turmeric (Haldi). These can be used in cooking, brewed into teas, or taken as supplements.

Practical Tips for Managing Diet

• Read Food Labels: Pay attention to serving sizes, carbohydrate content, and added sugars on food labels.
• Choose Whole Foods: Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. These foods are typically lower in glycemic index and provide essential nutrients.
• Control Portions: Portion control is vital to managing blood sugar levels. Consider using smaller plates and measuring portions to avoid overeating.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly monitor blood glucose levels to understand how different foods affect your body and adjust your diet accordingly.

Dheemahi’s Expertise

Dheemahi Ayurveda offers a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach to managing diabetes. We combine ancient wisdom with modern science to promote holistic healing and improve quality of life. Our approach addresses treating the symptoms and empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively and achieve optimal health.

Ayurvedic herbs play a significant role in managing diabetes at Dheemahi. Herbal formulations tailored to individual needs are prescribed to enhance pancreatic function, improve insulin production, and regulate blood sugar levels. 

Diabetes Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala at Dheemahi Ayurveda continuously monitors blood sugar levels and overall health to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments. Patients receive ongoing support and guidance to maintain positive lifestyle changes and improve their diabetes management.

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