The monsoon season is particularly challenging for diabetic patients. High humidity, sweating and temperature fluctuations disrupt blood sugar balance. This season can affect digestion and metabolism, which are crucial for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. When it comes to long term diseases, Ayurveda can be a great help in their management.
Ayurveda approaches diabetes management by addressing the root cause of the condition, which is often related to imbalances in the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and poor digestive fire (Agni). According to Ayurveda, diabetes, or “Madhumeha,” is primarily linked to an imbalance in Kapha dosha and improper metabolism. It’s important to maintain a balanced dosha state is crucial for blood sugar regulation and overall health. The Ayurvedic approach involves a holistic treatment plan that includes dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and detoxification processes.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips and remedies for managing blood sugar:
Diet and Nutrition :
‘Ahara’ or eating the right foods is really important in Ayurveda. Prefer foods that don’t cause quick blood sugar spike, like whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables. Eat whole grains like jowar (sorghum), jau (barley) which have low glycaemic index, high in fibre and create a sense of fullness thereby preventing hunger for a long time. Also incorporate following fruits and vegetables in your regular diet for sugar balancing.
Bitter Gourd (Karela): Incorporate bitter gourd in your diet as it contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels. You can consume it as a juice or cook it as a vegetable.
Fenugreek Seeds (Methi): Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning. Fenugreek helps improve insulin sensitivity. You may add fenugreek in tadka for dal and sabzi masala. It imparts a unique flavour and balances sugar. Methi leaves fresh or dry may also be incorporated in diet.
Cinnamon (Dalchini): Add cinnamon to your everyday diet. It helps in improving insulin function and lowering blood sugar levels. You may drink it in tea or incorporate in sabzi masala.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla): Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be consumed as juice or in powder form mixed with water to help manage blood sugar.
Neem Leaves: Chewing neem leaves or taking neem leaf powder can help lower blood sugar levels due to its bitter properties. Make sure to wash thoroughly in warm salted water before consumption.
Jamun (Indian Blackberry): Known to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, this fruit is perfect for the monsoon season.
Karonda fruit: You get plenty of karonda in monsoon season. It’s a tangy small fruit, pink in colour. You may eat it in the form of achar or sabzi. It is helpful in controlling blood sugar.
Moringa leaves : Moringa leaves, or drumstick tree leaves may be incorporated in diet during monsoon, it boosts immunity and has detoxifying and blood sugar balancing properties
Lifestyle Practices
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activities like walking, yoga, or swimming to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Physical activity is extremely important for balancing blood sugar.
Yoga Asanas: Focus on poses that stimulate the pancreas and improve circulation, such as Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist).
Pranayama: Practices like Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Bee Breath) help reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and eliminate toxins from the body.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness to maintain hormonal balance and support blood sugar regulation.
Sleep Well: Ensure you get adequate sleep, as poor sleep can affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.
Herbal Remedies
Triphala: Taking Triphala (blend of amla, haritaki, bibhitaki) powder or capsules can help improve digestion and metabolism, which is beneficial for blood sugar control during monsoon season.
Gudmar (Gymnema Sylvestre): Known as the “sugar destroyer,” this herb helps reduce sugar cravings and control blood sugar levels.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): It is known as ‘queen of herbs. Consuming tulsi leaves or tulsi tea can help stabilize blood sugar levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Giloy (Heart-leaved moonseed) : It is hypoglycaemic in nature and improves insulin secretion and sensitivity. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You get plenty of fresh giloy leaves in monsoon.
You can incorporate Herbal tea in your regular diet during monsoon. Incorporate ginger, tulsi, cinnamon for sugar control benefits.
Seasonal Considerations
During monsoon you should prefer freshly prepared home cooked meals.
Eat Fresh and Seasonal: Focus on eating seasonal fruits and vegetables to enhance immunity and digestion during the monsoon.
Avoid Oily and Heavy Foods: Such foods can hamper digestion and blood sugar control during the humid monsoon months.
Moderate Carbohydrate Intake: Choose complex carbohydrates and whole grains over refined options to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Stay Dry: Avoid getting wet in the rain and keep yourself warm to prevent Kapha aggravation. Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or kadha if you get exposed to cold wind or rain.
Maintain Hygiene: Ensure proper hygiene to avoid infections that are common during the monsoon. Wash all your fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly in warm water before consumption.
Ayurvedic Therapies
Some ayurvedic therapies can be helpful for diabetic patients during monsoon.
Panchakarma: Detoxification therapies like Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation) can help cleanse the body and restore dosha balance.
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular oil massage can improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance overall health. Stress management is extremely helpful for diabetic patients. You may use sesame oil or coconut oil for massage.
Udwarthanam (dry powder massage) : It is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy involving a deep, dry massage using herbal powders. This treatment is particularly effective for balancing the Kapha dosha, promoting weight loss and improving metabolism thereby helping in overall health and wellness.
Ayurveda emphasizes on individualized treatment plans as everyone has a unique body type. Treatment is based on the patient’s constitution (Prakriti), dosha imbalance, and specific health conditions. Consulting with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner is essential to develop a comprehensive and personalized management plan this monsoon.