Diabetes comes third after cancer and heart disease in the
list of diseases that cause death. That is why Ayurveda included it in the
category of serious diseases.
Diabetes is called Prameha in
Ayurveda. A detailed description of the disease and its treatment can be found
in Atharva Veda, which originated between 3000 BC and 1500 BC. More urine than
the actual intake of water is cited as the simplest sign of diabetes in
Ayurveda.
Those who are leading a luxurious
life with less physical work are prone to diabetes more than others. The
heavier a person is, the higher the chance of him being diabetic, said
Ayurvedic gurus like Vagbhata and Sushtrita about 2500 years ago. The diabetic
treatment has two positions. First comes the balanced diet and lifestyle. Diet
is to be fixed, taking into account each individual's physical nature, nature
of work and the stage of diabetes. In Ayurveda, the concept is that mind and
body are interdependent and inseparable. So diabetic patients should always try
to be calm and cool. The mind should be set in a free and easygoing manner. It
is always better to keep cigarette smoking and alcohol at a distance. If a
person is addicted to alcohol and is not in a position to avoid it, then he or
she should consume only brandy, whisky and rum, and neglect beer and sweet
wine. One should remember not to take alcohol while being hungry.
According to experts, intake of
medicine will have an effect only when supported by a balanced diet. According
to the calorie content, food items can be classified in to five categories.
- Pulses (grains)
- Meat, fish, nuts, ghee and oils
- Milk and milk products
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Each category is similar to one
another in the quantity of calories contained. So any category can be included
in the diet. But frequency of food consumption is to be arranged in such a
manner by taking in to account the patient's age, lifestyle and nature of work.
Care should be taken to avoid
glucose, sugar, cake, pudding, chocolate and sweets, potatoes, tapioca and
fried foods are also not good. If a patient is fatty, generally food with less
calorie content can be prescribed. One thing to be noted while framing a diet
is that the diet should be able to provide enough energy to do daily work. It
is better for one to practice vegetarianism. This will help to get rid of
constipation and lack of vitamins and protein to the body. Diabetic patients
must try to control their weight in proportion to their height and age.
The appetite of diabetic patient is
notorious. Actually it is not appetite but thirst. While feeling thirsty one
should use "free foods," that means food with less calorie content.
For instance onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots can be used. They can be
consumed in the form of soup or salad. Lemon tea, black coffee with out sugar
can also be used. Lemon juice without adding sugar and tender coconut water are
also suitable for the purpose. One should always try to use fresh foods and
avoid tinned food. Another point to be remembered is that when one comes back
home tired and exhausted he or she should not take food immediately, but should
drink enough water or soup, then start eating food.
According to Ayurveda, exercise has
got an ample significance in diabetes treatment. The "Charaka
Samhita" treatise on Ayurveda described hundreds and hundreds of years ago
how to reduce diabetic complaints by walking miles and miles without using foot
wears. Walking is the slightest form of exercise prescribed. Walking distance
is to be adjusted taking ones age and physical condition into consideration. It
is always better to walk in groups. It will be helpful in two ways. Primarily
it will be helpful for walking in a leisurely, easygoing manner with little
disturbance of exhaustion. Secondly it prevents one from leaving the habit due
to laziness or idleness. For a normal human being, walking for duration of
about 45 minutes is sufficient. One should start walking at a very low speed
for the first five minutes. Then in next 10 minutes raise the speed and
continue it for the rest of the 30 minutes. It is advisable to stop walking by
reducing the speed gradually. One should always keep shoulders straight and
hands free while walking. Early morning and evenings are the most suitable
times for walking. At least three hours must be completed after food before
starting exercise. If one feels unnaturally uncomfortable, he or she should
stop doing the exercise and consult the physician. So in short, food and life
style, in addition to required medicine, can to a large extent control and cure
diabetes.
