Watch out for the Warning Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most fearful disease that causes stress and anxiety. Diabetes is the condition of an increased blood sugar level which has many complications that arise with the severity and duration. Early diagnosis and control measures can help save lives and lessen the burden of the patients. Early diagnosis means early treatment thereby preventing complications as an outcome of high sugar levels.

Early symptoms of Diabetes-The Three P’s:

The early symptoms of Diabetes is categorized in three P’s, which are Polyuria, Polydipsia and Polyphagia. Let us understand the symptoms of each category.

• Polyuria: this is a state or a condition wherein there is an increased volume of urine with an increase in urinary frequency. The normal urine output in adults is about 1.5  to 2.0 liters per day but in cases of polyuria the volume is greater than 2.5 to 3.0 liters per day.
• Polydipsia: this is a state or a condition wherein there is an excessive feeling of thirst thus; there is an increased intake of fluids. Increased intake leads to increased output of urine or polyuria. You will feel thirsty all the time or your thirst is stronger than usual and continues even after you drink.
• Polyphagia: also known as hyperphagia, it is a condition wherein there is an excessive feeling of hunger. You always feel the urge to consume food.

The other signs and symptoms commonly experienced may include the following:

• Severe weight loss
• Excessive tiredness
• Lack of interest and concentration
• A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing wounds
• Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)

If you experience one or two signs you should not ignore. All these signs and symptoms should be taken into more tests to make sure that diagnosis of diabetes is correct. You can do the diagnosis and confirm that you are not having diabetes. If results are confirming early precautionary measures to be implemented.

Diabetes is called Prameha in Ayurveda. Diet planning- This is the cornerstone of managing diabetes. The diabetic diet is an otherwise normal balanced diet, with a few modifications and proper spacing between food intakes. Avoid diet increasing kapha dosha such as sugar, fats, potatoes, rice.

One of the methods to heal Prameha include strenuous exercises. Regular exercise in any form is a must. Implement Yoga to reduce stress and anxiety

Remedies to be implemented with immediate effect.

• Diet planning.
• Daily exercise.
• Restrict and reduce weight.
•  Avoid sleeping during daytime.
•  Avoid smoking.
• Avoid alcohol.

Again, early diagnosis means early treatment. So, if you or your loved one has two or more of these symptoms most especially the three P’s make sure that you schedule an examination or check up with your doctor for proper diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Further reading: Jamun (Black Plum) Controls Blood Sugar levels

Jamun (Black Plum) Controls Blood Sugar levels

Jamun, Black plum , java plum, malabar plum, jambolan or jambul can help a lot in controlling blood sugar level because it contains anthocyanins, ellagic acid, hydrolysable tannins etc. Each part of the Jambul plant such as the leaves, berry and seeds can be used by those suffering from diabetes. In fact, research has shown that the fruits and seeds of this plant have hypoglycemic effects as they help reduce blood and urine sugar levels rapidly.

Jamun Controls Blood Sugar levels

The seeds, in particular, are very effective as it contains glycoside jamboline and alkaloid jambosine that regulate and control blood sugar levels. Whenever this seasonal fruit is available in the market, try to include it in your diet as it can be very effective for the pancreas. Else you can make a powder of dried seeds of Jambul fruit and eat this powder with water twice a day.

Indian Black berry or Jamun is native to India and its neighboring countries but you can find it at Asian markets and herbal shops. Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine use the fruit, seeds, bark, leaves etc to treat a variety of health problems. Ayurveda texts indicate that Jambolan is one of the greatest fruits.

The seeds contain the glucoside jambolin which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar and this benefits by controlling blood sugar levels. They also contain many flavonoids, phenols and are rich in protein and calcium. It is a very good source of carotene, iron, folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus.

The tree flowers with the onset of summer in March/April and bears fruit in May/June when it is hotter. The fruits’ skin is in various shades of purple, some almost black colored. It is an oblong shaped berry and the ripe berry has a deep purple flesh that colors the mouth and tongue for a few hours after it is eaten. The fruit tastes sweet and tasty with an astringent action.

Our next lane which takes pride of a jamun tree has the complete road blue with vehicles plying to and fro on the ripe fruits keep dropping . The last shower saw colorful water flowing adjacent to the road with pools of water collected and the sand also had a blue coloration.

Caution for pregnant women:

Few people advise pregnant women to avoid eating jamun as it will result in baby’s skin getting stained with small dark patches in the womb. However there is no clinical versions to support this claim.There is no harm absolutely for pregnant women to eat 8 to 10 black plums a day, why miss all the health benefits when the fruit is in season.

Top health benefits of Jamun:

• Dried seeds powder two times a day at one gram each dose could help support blood sugar.
• Fruits reduce excessive salivation
• Seeds decoction with honey prevents thirst and fatigue due to physical strain.
• Seeds decoction has anti septic activity
• For boils and other skin disorders apply some jamun seeds mixed with a little oil on the affected area.
• For Acidity, eat jamuns with black salt and roasted cumin seed powder.
• To remove body weakness, treat anemia, increase memory and remove sexual weakness, take 1 tsp each of jamun juice, honey and amla juice everyday in the morning.

Precautions while consuming Jamuns:

• Avoid eating jamuns on an empty stomach
• Never drink milk after consuming jamun.
• Do not eat them in excess as it may cause body aches and fevers.

Jamun is nature’s gift to mankind. Make best use of the natural resource– Jamun to control and regulate blood sugar levels. During off season the fruit can be consumed with the by-products like jamun seeds powder, vinegar, juices, jellies etc.

11 RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT DIABETES NATURALLY

Diabetes is spreading all over the world. People of all ages are having diabetes. This is basically due to change in food habits, lifestyle of people at work, lack of physical labour, severe pressure of mental work and stress, fast food culture. The amount of insulin produced by pancreas is reduced in quantity , thereby leading to the increase of sugar in blood . Excess sugar gets eliminated from the body through urine. Diabetes is a life time health problem, it can be controlled by medication and dietary regulations.

There are 2 major types of diabetes mellitus: they are Insulin dependent Juvenile Diabetes Type I in which the body is unable to produce insulin and Non Insulin Dependent Adult Onset Diabetes Type II  in which the pancreas produces insulin, but it is insufficient for reducing the blood glucose to normal levels.

Best home remedies for preventing diabetes naturally as advised in Ayurveda is:

1) Consume Bitter gourd or Bitter melon known as ‘Karela’ in Hindi. You can have bitter gourd in any form raw juice or steamed with salt , onion and green chilly. It is good to reduce blood sugar levels. The blood sugar lowering action of the vegetable in the form of juice or cooked vegetable has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties

2) Consume Indian black berry or black Jamun in any form. The fruit is very good to reduce sugar levels. The seeds can be dried and powdered too.

3) Fenugreek or Methi seeds  is a common home remedy for Diabetes.  Add 2 teaspoons of powdered Methi seeds in milk and consume it daily

4) Curry leaves or Kadi patta in Hindi,  taken early in the morning is also very good for reducing diabetes obtained due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity.

5) A spoonful of Cinnamon , Dalchini in Hindi helps reduce blood sugar levels. Cinnamon has a compound called Methylhydroxy chalcone polymer.  It helps cells absorb glucose faster and converts it to energy so your blood sugar levels remain low.

6) Kidney beans known as lobia in Hindi have a greater fiber content and are rich in carbohydrates. Soak it for few hours and then cook it. Very good to reduce blood sugar levels.

7) Use onion and garlic liberally. Both are now known to have a significant ability to lower blood sugar. You can consume few pods of garlic and few slices of onion raw for better results.

8) Amla,known as goose berryhas high vitamin C content and is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of amla juice, mixed with a cup of fresh bitter-gourd juice, taken daily for two months will secrete the pancreas and enable it to secrete insulin.

9) Quinao  (pronounced as Keen-wah) known as bathua in Hindi is also low in fat, has fiber, and is a good source for manganese which is good for carbohydrate metabolism and helps regulate blood sugars.

10) Take ten tulsi leaves, ten neem leaves and ten belpatras with a glass of water early morning on an empty stomach. It will work wonders in keeping your sugar levels under control.

11) The leaves of Jamun have power to control conversion of starch into sugar and a good example of ayurvedic cure of diabetes.

You need to combine exercise in addition to diet controls. Avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking are most advantageous for individuals with diabetes.

You can balance fruits and vegetables  with your meals. Have Broccoli, zucchini, prunes, cantaloupes, grapefruit, apples, strawberries, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, spinach.

Fats slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream so it’s important we choose the right fats. Mono-unsaturated fats may help lower your risk for increased blood sugars. The best choices to use are Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Nuts, Peanut Butter, Flaxseed Oil, Omega-3 rich fatty acids (like those found in most fishes and in walnuts) and Avacados.

Preferably have wheat rava , dhalia in Hindi as porridge or upma. Good meal at dinner time.

Have multiple meals in a day in small quantities. Precaution is better than cure. Keep a watchful eye on the food you take, hygiene practices to avoid health problems later.