AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF DIABETES MELLITUS (MADHUMEHA)


Ayurvedic remedies for Diabetes mellitus are the oldest among all the available therapies. The approach of Ayurveda towards diabetes mellitus is that, diabetes mellitus is a disease caused due to Doshic (Energy) imbalances. The Doshas are the three humors that govern the human body. These are the Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha. These three humors must be present in a proper balance within the body in order to keep the body in the normal state of its functioning. If even one of the Dosha is vitiated, then it can lead to diseases, and diabetes mellitus is one of them.

Ayurveda includes diabetes mellitus in the Prameha (Urinary disorders) category. Prameha are a list of urinary disorders, especially characterized by profuse urination with several abnormal qualities. There are 20 kinds of Prameha in Ayurveda. According to the Doshic causes, these Prameha are classified as follows:-

  • Vataja Prameha – There are totally 4 Vataja Prameha.
  • Pittaja Prameha – There are totally 6 Pittaja Prameha.
  • Kaphaja Prameha – There are totally 10 Kaphaja Prameha.

Out of these, Diabetes mellitus is termed as Madhumeha. It is one of the four Vataja Prameha.

Most of the other treatment methods for diabetes mellitus regard it as a largely dietary disease. But Ayurveda here differs widely in its outlook. Ayurveda does not regard diabetes mellitus as a disease that can be treated by mere medicine or by a dietary regimen. The Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes mellitus is based on an entire change in the lifestyle of the person. Along with medication and diet, the patient is also advised to lead a healthy lifestyle and live an active life. Even mental aspects of the disease are stressed. Most Vataja disorders originate in the brain, and since Madhumeha is classified as Vataja, it is highly important to keep the brain in its right manner of functioning.

Another basic difference is in the treatment of the complications that diabetes mellitus causes. Diabetes mellitus can cause several complications in the long run such as kidney failure, heart problems, paralysis and gangrene. Each of these can be fatal conditions individually. Conventional medical science tries to reduce the blood sugar level, but does not put more weight on the treatment of the complications. However, in Ayurveda, Madhumeha is a broad concept which does not include just the hyperglycemia; it also takes into account all the possible complications. The body is taken as a whole and the treatment is done accordingly. Ayurveda is very closely with Yoga for the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus. For example, the Paschimottasana, is highly recommended for patients of Madhumeha. In this manner, Ayurveda is not restricted in its treatment of diabetes, but takes a much broader perspective.

What causes Madhumeha???

Ayurveda advocates that excess use of guru (heavy to digest), snigdha (unctous), amla(Sour) and lavana(Salt) rasa, nav anna (food prepared from newly harvested grains), new wine, Asya sukha (sedentary life style), atinidra (excess sleep), avyayama (lack of exercise), achinta (lack of mental exercise) are the causes of Madhumeha.

 

Facts About Diabetes:

Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus) is the most threatening endemic lifestyle disorder, having social, medical and economic ramifications globally. As per a recent report of the International Diabetes Federation,each year 3.8 million deaths are attributable to diabetes and related complications; at least 50% of diabetics are unaware of their condition (indicating lack of awareness); and up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. Studies have proved that active participation of the patients in the form of lifestyle changes can result in less expense for the management of diabetes and ensure good glycemic control also. Diabetes is fourth leading cause of global death. At least 50% of all people with type 2 diabetes are unaware of their condition. Diabetes is the largest cause of kidney failure in developed countries. 10% - 20% people with diabetes will die of renal failure. It is estimated that more than 2.5 million people worldwide are affected by diabetic retinopathy. CVS(Cardio vascular disease) is the major cause of death in diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are two times more pron to heart attack or stroke.

Type 2 Diabetes (Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes mellitus) symptoms:

  1. Increased thirst and frequent urination.Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. This may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink — and urinate — more than usual.
  2. Increased hunger.Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger.
  3. Weight loss.Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine.
  4. If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.
  5. Blurred vision.If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This may affect your ability to focus.
  6. Slow-healing sores or frequent infections.Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.
  7. Areas of darkened skin.Some people with type 2 diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.

Causes:

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.

Current Scenario & lifestyle:

In the current era, people are loving of flour preparations, sweetened drinks, refrigerated, preserved and reheated food items, due to the busy schedules of society today, wherein they hardly have time to eat at home. Such food is low in fiber, high in glycemic loads and is associated with increased risk of diabetes.

Meghdoot Madhushoonya Powder is an R&D based Ayurvedic proprietary product which has been carefully formulated after years of research by expertise technical team of Ayurveda Clinicians. As the name suggests Madhushoonya helps to fight the symptoms of type 2 Diabetes (NIDDM) as an effective herbs combination. These symptoms includes reducing vision, pain in lower legs, fatigue, body ache especially behind shoulder, loosing weight and stamina, dryness in mouth, polyurea and other associated symptoms.

Madhushoonya is not going to lower blood sugar level immediately or causes hypoglycaemia. The effects are slow but sustained and can be monitored.

The best herbal combination for type 2 Diabetes:

Madhushoonya  is a mixture of various hers which are very effective and described in ancient text of Ayurveda for encounter the symptoms of diabetes naturally. These herb not only help to regulate blood sugar level but also help to rejuvenate overall health, bring back stamina and help to overcome fatigue. Madhushoonya contains herbs like Karela, Vijaysar, Gudmar, Jamun, Shilajit which have long back history for used in Ayurveda for Diabetes and associated symptoms.

According to Ayurveda Balance in Tridosha (3 energies) Vata, Pitta, Kapha in the body is disease free state whereas their imbalance cause disease. In Ayurveda imbalance of Vata and Kapha is considered as root cause of Diabetes. Herbs in this formula control both Vata and Kapha and thus good in controlling sugar level.

Ingredients ofMadhushoonya Churna”:

Karela Beej: The fruit contains at least three active substances with anti-diabetic properties, including charantin, which has been confirmed to have a blood glucose-lowering effect, vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p. These substances either work individually or together to help reduce blood sugar levels.

Vijaysar: Vijaysar is reduces blood sugar level, cholesterol and triglycerides. It also lowers the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, over eating, regular thirsts, and burning pains in limbs.

Gudmar:  Gudmar increases the production of insulin, improves glucose utilization and may even help to regenerate islet beta cells within the pancreas which produce insulin. By blocking sugar absorption and decreasing appetite, a daily dose of gymnema sylvestre has been shown to assist in losing weight.

Jamun Beej: Jamun seeds powder contains jamboline, a type of glucose, which helps to control the conversion of starch into sugar.  Jamun helps to convert starch into energy and keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Shilajit: Shilajit helps in rejuvenating the cells of the body. It possesses anti-diabetic, anti-oxidating, anti-inflammatory and healing characteristics. It helps in carrying out the metabolism of glucose in the body properly. This helps to treat diabetes considerably.

Ahar (Diet)

Do:

Grains like barley, Wheat, Shali rice, Kodo (grain variety), Bajara.

Pulses like Bengal gram, Arahara (toor dal), Mudga (green gram), Kulattha (Horse gram).

Bitter and astringent Vegetables like Methi (fenugreek),Parvala (pointed gourd), Karela(bitter gourd), Choulayee, Bathuva, Sahijana (drum stick), garlic, Raw banana.

Fruits like  Jamun, Amla (goose berry), Kaitha (monkey fruit), Anar (pomegranate)

Oils like Atasi (Lin seed oil), Sarshapa (Mustard), Chia seed oil

Others food articles and spices Dhani (pop corn of jowar), Laja/Murmura (puffed rice), Kali Maricha (Piper nigrum), Saindha namak (rock salt), Hingu- (asafoetida), Haldi (Turmeric), Adraka- (Ginger)

Dont’s:

Excessive use of curds, use of dairy preparations, new grains, puddings made of jaggery/sugar and using more similar factors (heavy diets, fatty foods that increase body weight, cholesterol and causes obesity etc.), the foods / drinks which increase Medas (adipose tissue), diets which are sweet, sour, salty, fatty, not easily digestible, slimy, cold, drinks like beer and molasses, alcohol, milk, milk products, oil, ghee, sugarcane juice or sugar, jiggery, meat were also considered as the causative factors.

Some recipe for  Diabetes:

1) Chapatti/Bread:-

Multigrain flour                       90 gm.

Fenugreek Seeds powder      12.5 gm.

 

2) Dalia/Lentil Soup

Broken wheat                        60 gm

Green Gram lentils               30 gm

Fenugreek seeds                   12.5 gm

Cumin                                      2-3 gm

Black Pepper                           2 gm

Water                                       250 ml

Salt                                           to taste

 

What Research Says ?

  • High fat (total and saturated) and meat intake were associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. High fat or oil intake is reported to decrease the favorable high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in the blood and may adversely affect the lipid profile.
  • Bakery and dairy products, sugar/sugar items, jaggery, molasses, alcohol (wine, beer) and sugar added foods immediately burden the beta cells of Langerhans, can lead to insulin resistance.
  • Researchers have proved that simple carbohydrates are broken down easily and increases blood glucose levels fast. Hence simple sugars like table sugar, honey, candy, jam, cakes and pastries etc. are contraindicated, while complex carbohydrates like cereals, whole grains, and vegetables are recommended at least to 50% of diabetic diet.
  • Avoid high fat, salt, alcohol, caffeine and refined (white) foods such as white sugar, white flour, white bread, pastries, and so on. These have high glycemic index (GI) and will cause the blood sugar levels to spike.
  • Excessive use of milk and milk products may cause diabetes.
  • Over eating is also proved as a risk factor for diabetes.
  • Obese diabetic person diet should be heavy for digestion.
  • Lean diabetic persons diet should be light for digestion.