Madhumeha: A Challenge for Global Health and How Ayurveda Can Help

Ayurveda is a traditional medicinal practice with roots tracing back to 1000 BC. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the doshas of the body, while rajas, tamas, and satva are the doshas of the mind. Ayurveda's approach to treating Diabetes is quite similar to modern Ayurveda ways. the traditional system of medicine from India offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes. Ayurveda focuses on the balance between the life forces or doshas that each individual possesses. Ayurvedic practitioners make use of individualized diet, exercise, and lifestyle as well as procedural, medicinal, and herbal prescriptions to bring their patient’s doshas into optimal balance.

Ayurvedic perspective of Diabetes (Madhumeha): In Ayurveda, Madhumeha is the term used to describe diabetes. It is a condition characterized by elevated levels of sugar (madhu) in the urine (meha). Ayurveda views Madhumeha as a metabolic disorder primarily associated with an imbalance in the doshas, particularly Kapha and Pitta.

Here's an overview of the Ayurvedic perspective on Madhumeha:

Dosha Imbalance:

Kapha Imbalance: Ayurveda identifies an aggravation of Kapha dosha as a contributing factor to Madhumeha. Excessive Kapha can lead to sluggish metabolism and the accumulation of toxins.

Pitta Imbalance: Pitta dosha, responsible for digestion and metabolism, is also implicated. Imbalances in Pitta may affect insulin production and glucose metabolism.

Dietary Recommendations:

• Avoid Sweet and Kapha-aggravating Foods: Reduce the intake of sweets, sugary foods, and Kapha-increasing substances.
• Include Bitter, Astringent, and Pungent Tastes: Emphasize bitter vegetables (e.g., bitter gourd), astringent foods, and pungent spices in the diet.
• Favour Whole Grains and Legumes: Choose whole grains like barley and millet, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas, which have a lower glycemic index.

Understand Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: Description: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes: Description: Results from insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and a relative insulin deficiency develops over time. Onset: More common in adults, but increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents due to lifestyle factors.

Treatment: Managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet increased needs, leading to high blood sugar.

Onset: Develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth.

Risk: Increases the risk of type 2 diabetes for both the mother and child.

Monogenic Diabetes: Caused by a mutation in a single gene, leading to impaired insulin production.

Onset: Can occur at any age, often before 25 years.

Treatment: Medications or insulin may be required.

Secondary Diabetes: Results from another medical condition or treatment that affects insulin production or utilization.

Causes: Pancreatic diseases, hormonal disorders, certain medications, or severe illnesses.

Treatment: Focuses on addressing the underlying cause.

Prediabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet in the diabetes range, indicating an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Risk: Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the progression of type 2 diabetes. Here we are describing a different Ayurvedic treatment process guideline, some general principles and strategies just to understand how Ayurvedic doctors can help in treating your diabetes:

Herbal Remedies:

• Gymnema (Gymnema Sylvestre): Known as "Gurmar" in Ayurveda, which means "destroyer of sugar." Believed to have anti-diabetic properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels. May reduce sugar absorption in the intestines and enhance insulin function.
• Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia): Commonly used for its blood sugar-lowering effects. Contains compounds that mimic insulin and may help improve insulin sensitivity. May also support the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. May help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Often used as an adjunct in managing diabetes.
• Indian Gooseberry (Amla): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. May help improve pancreatic function and reduce oxidative stress. Amla is often used in various Ayurvedic formulations for diabetes.
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. May help improve blood circulation and reduce insulin resistance. Used in various forms, including neem leaves, neem oil, and neem capsules.
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Contains soluble fibre and compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels. May improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the absorption of sugars in the stomach.
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Contains compounds that may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Often used as a spice or in the form of cinnamon supplements.
• Holy Basil (Tulsi): Known for its adaptogenic and anti-stress properties. May help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress. Consumed as tea or in supplement form.
• Shilajit: A mineral-rich substance that is believed to enhance energy and metabolism. May have antioxidant properties and support overall well-being.
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): A key ingredient in the classical Ayurvedic formulation Triphala. May help regulate blood sugar levels and support digestion.
• Indrajau Kadwa (Holarrhena Pubescens): Indrajau kadwa is very effective in balancing diabetes and its related complications.
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini): Indrajau kadwa is very effective in balancing diabetes and its related complications.
• Vijaysar (Pterocarpus Marsupium-Rishyagandha): It is extensively used for the treatment of diabetes effectively decreasing fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Balance Kapha & Pitta Dosha. Reduces fat and cholesterol levels and acts as a Rasayana (Anti-Aging, Causes cell and tissue rejuvenation).
• Paneer Phool (Withania coagulans): These compounds work by enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing glucose absorption, ultimately aiding in blood sugar control. Possesses wound healing, also improving the diabetes-associated wound healing process.
• Sunflower Seeds (Surajmukhi-): Seeds are beneficial as diabetes food; they keep diabetes at bay. Surajmukhi beej helps lower total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the blood.
• Belpatra (Aegle marmelos): Bael Patra is full of nutrients such as vitamins A, C, B1 and B6 along with calcium and fibre. beneficial for managing diabetes, Low glycemic index (Hypoglycemic).
• Psyllium Husk: It is a form of fibre that can help control blood sugar levels. effects of psyllium, which is soluble, viscous, gel-forming nonfermented fibre supplement, on glycaemic control across a range of glycemia from euglycemia to T2DM.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and manage blood sugar levels.
• Yoga and Pranayama: Practices like yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help reduce stress and contribute to overall well-being.

Panchakarma:

• Virechana (Purgation): Panchakarma procedures may be recommended, especially Virechana, to eliminate excess Pitta and toxins from the body.
• Basti (Enema): Basti, or medicated enemas, may be used to balance Vata dosha and support overall detoxification.

Stress Management:

• Mind-Body Practices: Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can be beneficial for managing stress, which is known to impact blood sugar levels.
• Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood sugar levels to track the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle changes.

Note***Madhumeha (Diabetes): It is a chronic metabolic disorder with life-threatening complications. It's important to note that Ayurvedic approaches to Madhumeha are holistic and personalized. Consultation with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and the development of an individualized treatment plan that addresses the unique constitution and imbalances of the individual. Ayurveda may be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments for diabetes, and any treatment plan should be discussed with healthcare professionals. This article is just for information to understand your problem.