12 posts from November 2007

Until date, no absolute cure for diabetes has been found. Research is ongoing in this area, since diabetes brings with it a myriad of other complications, if not kept in control through proper diet, exercise and medication if required.
Diabetic patients must realize that they have a complicated disorder, which continues for lifetime. During pregnancy, diabetes can be serious and diabetic babies always weigh more than normal.

Older people gradually tend to gain weight and they develop a mild form of diabetes because of a strain on their pancreas. Controlling weight can help control diabetes.

As said above, diabetes brings with it a host of complications. Diabetic patients are more prone to infections of the skin, such as boils, carbuncles and itching. Hardening of the arteries occurs much more frequently in diabetic patients. Heart attacks are also more common in such patients. Cataracts occur more frequently in older diabetics and also in patients who have had diabetes for five years or longer.

So, here are some simple home remedies to control the blood glucose level. They help, the only condition being that it must be followed regularly and diligently.

1.    The powder of the seeds of fenugreek (Methi) taken two to three times a day helps control the sugar in blood and urine.

2.    Diabetes can also be controlled when you drink water kept overnight, with tender leaves of guava tree and sadabahar plant soaked in it.
 
3.    Boil a few leaves each of tulsi (Basil), neem, jamun, bel, along with 4-5 corns of pepper in a glass of water and drink two times a day. 

4.    Morning and evening walk for at least 45 minutes is very essential to control this disease.
 
5.    Eat at least 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily.

6.    Consume 1 tablespoon juice of bitter gourd (karela) every morning, It may not instantly give results, but will definitely reduce the intensity of the condition
.
7.    Soak fenugreek seeds about one teaspoon in water at night, drink that water in the morning and chew and eat the soaked seeds. This helps reduce the blood sugar.

8.    Wash a green banana and peel it. Put the peel in a jar, fill with water and drink this water three times a day. This water will lower the sugar level. Change the peel every other day and refill the jar with water as you drink.
 
9.    Take 15 fresh mango leaves and boil them in 1 glass of water. Keep them overnight. Filter and drink the next morning.

10.    Grapefruit is considered quite beneficial. Eat three grapefruits three times in a day.

11.    Indian gooseberry (amla), is a rich source of vitamin C and serves as one of the best home remedies for diabetes. Take 1 tablespoon of gooseberry juice and mix it with a cup of bitter gourd juice. Consume the mixture daily for about 2 months.

12.    Garlic helps blood circulation and regulates sugar level.

13.    Drink 1 litre of cinnamon water daily. Cinnamon contains a chemical that helps to use blood sugar naturally in body. Add 3 table spoon of cinnamon to 1 litre of boiling water. Simmer for 20 minutes in a low flame, and then strain the mixture. 

14.    A teaspoon of black cumin seeds (kalonji) to be boiled in a glass of water, till it reduces to half. If taken regularly, it helps to control the blood sugar. 

15.    Prepare a mixture by adding equal quantities of turmeric powder and dried gooseberry powder with honey; or drink a mixture containing equal quantities of gooseberry juice and fresh turmeric juice in an empty stomach regularly.
 
16.    Prepare coffee with powdered fried fenugreek and wheat, taken in equal quantities.

17.    Eat fresh, tender curry leaves twice a day to reduce sugar.

18.    Take some tender guava leaves, and 3 grams of cumin seeds. Crush them together. Boil with one glass of water till reduces to half. Drink 2-3 times a day.

19.    Drink 8 glass of water in the morning on an empty stomach and walk for one hour.

Diet for a diabetic patient as prescribed in Ayurveda:

The main aim is to help the body absorb the sugar into the system.

Take about one kg of curd made from cow’s milk along with various types of gourds, but without salt. The greener the vegetables, the more valuable it would be. Sour fruits like tomatoes, oranges, pineapple, jamun could also be taken. The patient can also consume one or two chapattis made out of unsieved flour.

Cereals and sugar preparations should be avoided for some time. Hipbath is also recommended, as it is extremely beneficial in the case of diabetes, particularly for patients suffering from constipation.

Yoga is also advised by yoga specialists, which has proved useful in dealing with the disease.

For more helpful information visit Home Remedies for Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Natural Treatment

Hair is the crowning glory of the body, and at the same time it is an indicator of the body’s overall health. Shiny, lustrous hair that are strong at the roots means that the person is healthy; while discolored, dull hair with split or weak ends indicate an internal disorder with the body. Hair itself is made of a protein called as keratin. It grows from pockets within the scalp of the head, known as follicles.

Though hair is a non-living part of the human body (at least because it has no nerves in it), it needs to be taken great care of. We already know how much care people are already taking of their hair. Even if you put your television on for half an hour, chances are that you will come across ten advertisements flaunting their hair-care products. But do these products really work?

In this article, some Ayurvedic herbal techniques of hair care are explained. The common problems with hair are falling hair, dull hair and dandruff. Let us see some simple methods of treating these problems.

Vitamin C is considered to be the best nutrient for the health of hair. That is why the best herb for hair is the Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), which is traditionally known as amalaki. Almost all Ayurvedic therapies for solving hair problems use amalaki in some form or the other.

(1)    Treatments for Falling Hair

Hair may begin to fall due to some disease or due to dandruff. Stress is also related with hair-fall, and so is advancing age. In fact, the biggest worry of people as they age is that they will lose their beautiful hair. The following methods can take care of hair fall problems:-

1.    Soak some amalaki (Indian gooseberries) powder in water overnight. In the morning, this powder will have softened. Press the soft powder in the water so that all the juices are exuded into it. Then add the juice of a lemon in the water. This is a very vitamin C rich solution. Wash your hair with this solution. Apply a lot of pressure, and apply the solution just as you do with a shampoo. This will not only stop the hair fall; it will also bring a lively sheen to the hair.

2.    If the hair fall is a persistent problem, do not despair. Squeeze the juice of a lemon in a bowl and add a part of the root of a banyan tree into it. Use this to wash the hair. When the bath is over, apply coconut oil on the scalp. Regular use of this therapy for a few days will solve the problem of hair fall.

(2)    Treatment for Dull Hair

Ayurveda has methods to provide dull hair with a lustrous and bouncy shine. The best of these methods are given below:-

1.    Prepare a mixture of one kilo of amalaki juice, one kilo of pure ghee and quarter kilo of licorice. Cook these on a slow fire. When the liquid component dries up – but not the ghee – stop cooking and filter the contents into a bottle. Use this on the hair as you would use a conditioner. Your hair will get back its natural color and shine, without any side-effects.

2.    Prepare a fine ground powder of Lauha choorna, Triphala and black soil. Put this mixture in sugarcane juice and let it age for a month. When the month is done, use this mixture as a paste to apply on the hair. Within a few days the hair will regain its color. This method works very well with hair that is getting discolored with age.

3.    Exude the paste of amalaki, neem and henna in milk and apply it on the hair. Let is remain overnight. Wash the hair in the morning. Repeat this therapy for a week. The hair will get its color back, along with a great deal of softness.

(3)    Treatment for Dandruff

Dandruff is the dead skin cells that are produced on the scalp. Due to vata dosha vitiation, this skin can be given out in a profuse quantity. When this happens, the dead cells dot the hair. This is what is commonly known as dandruff. Dandruff needs to be cured immediately since it can damage the hair completely and cause hair fall. Also, dandruff is considered to be a very embarrassing condition.

1.    Mix some camphor in coconut oil. Use this oil for daily application on the scalp. The application should be done nicely, with the fingertips working at the hair roots in the scalp. The problem of dandruff will be solved in about fifteen days.

2.    Apply lemon juice sweetened with sugar on the scalp. Then expose the hair to the sun’s heat for five to six hours. When this is done, wash the hair with soap. This is a difficult but definite method to solve the dandruff problem.

3.    Prepare a mixture of lemon juice in coconut oil. Apply this mixture on the hair and massage it deep into the scalp. Do this regularly for a few days. It will reduce the dandruff and make the hair glossier.

For more helpful information visit Home remedies for hair care at Ayurveda

Excessively dry skin can put a great dampener on the overall appearance of the person. Dry skin lacks the glow and the sheen of normal skin. It can become easily scratched and cracked, due to which there could be bruises on the skin even with slight frictions. Dry skin also loses its natural color. For all these reasons, it is very necessary to get dry skin treated as soon as possible.

Dry skin is generally caused due to environmental conditions. It is observed in cold weather, when the climate is too dry and cool. Since the climate is dry, it absorbs the water content of the skin, due to which it becomes dry. In this sense, dry skin is caused by vata vitiation. But sometimes, the skin becomes dry in the hot season also. If this happens, then the cause is a pitta vitiation.

(1)    Useful Herbs/Plants in the Treatment of Dry skin

1.    Aloe vera (Aloe vera)
Aloe vera replenishes the skin by providing the nutrients it lacks. Its extracts are used for massaging the skin.

2.    Apple (Malus domestica)
Apple contains potassium and tannin which are both necessary to maintain the healthy texture of the skin. Apple not only removes the dryness of the skin, but also makes it appear shinier.

3.    Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber is beneficial if the dryness is especially over the face. The juices of the cucumber have a cooling effect on the face. Also the juices provide the lost water content to the face and reduce its dryness.

(2)    Dietary Treatments for Dry skin    

    Since dry skin is caused due to vata or pitta vitiation, the diet should be designed to reduce these vitiations. Vata is the air element; while pitta is the fire element. The following guidelines must be followed:-

1.    Cook your food in a little fat, suitably ghee. The food must not be totally dry.

2.    If the dry skin is a result of vata vitiation (dry skin in cold weather), then eat foods that are heavy on the stomach. But do not use much spices.

3.    If the dry skin is a result of pitta vitiation (dry skin in hot weather), then eat light foods that are easy to digest. Use more fibers in the diet.

4.    Sweet foods are good for both vitiations.

5.    Eat lots of fruits. Consume more of the sweet foods to build up the starch content in the skin.

6.    The best condiments and spices to be used in the diet are cumin, coriander and turmeric. These soothe the skin.

7.    Water is the most important part of the diet for correcting dry skin. About 7 to 8 glasses of water must be consumed in a day. But the water should be at room temperature. Cold water will aggravate the vata further.

8.    Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages since they can make the skin drier.

(3)    Home Remedies for Dry Skin

a.    In order to reduce the dryness of the skin, massage therapy must be used. Any herbal oil will do for the massage. Almond, avocado and olive oils are the best. The whole skin must be massaged and fingers must be used to dig deeper so as to pass the oil into the skin. After the massage, you must wait for about half an hour (keep the massaged skin exposed to the air if possible) and then go for a bath. The period helps the oil to permeate into the skin.

b.    If the dryness is on the face, then make a paste of about a teaspoonful of rose water and two of honey. Smear this paste nicely on the face. Let it remain for a couple of minutes and then wash it off with slightly warm water.

c.    Mayonnaise gives good results when applied on the dry skin and let be for some time.

d.    An apple can be used for treating excessive dryness of the skin. Cut an apple in half and run its fleshy part on the skin. Apply a bit of pressure and squeeze the apple onto the skin to let its juices flow in.

e.    Do not use tap water for washing the face. Tap water contains chloride ions which may harm the dry skin. Use mineral water instead. In a similar manner, do not use an ordinary soap on the skin. There are soaps available with moisturizers. Use them when having your bath.

Maintain a proper daily regimen. Try to get up at a fixed time each morning and go to bed at a fixed time. The adage ‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealth and wise’ is very true in the case of dry skin.

Regular exercise is also important. Exercise makes the blood circulate better, due to which the nutrients are transported to all parts of the body. This will make the skin moister.

If you are looking for helpful information then visit Home Remedies for Dry Skin at Ayurveda

What one eats is very important from the point of view of his health.

The chief concern while monitoring and controlling diabetes is to see that the sugar level does not cross the normal range. This means that one needs to cut down on certain types of food and consume regularly those foods, which are good at regulating diabetes.

People with diabetes should try to maintain a healthy weight and eat a diet that is:

•     low in fat
•     low in sugar
•     low in salt
•     high in fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day)
•     high in starchy carbohydrate foods, such as bread, chapatti, rice.

There is no such food that people with diabetes should never eat. In addition, there is no need to cut out all sugar. But, people with diabetes should try and eat only small amounts of foods that are high in sugar, fat. So, if you have diabetes you can treat yourself to  cakes and biscuits once a blue moon, as part of a balanced diet.

What foods to eat?

•    A diabetic patient must eat lots of fruits and vegetables in which fibre content is very high. Such type of food lowers the requirement for insulin, the reason being it releases energy into the body cells slowly. A high fibre diet means more chromium, which is very helpful in the treatment of diabetes.
•    As for vegetables, onion, garlic, ginger, radish, spinach, kale, cucumber, carrot, tomato, cabbage and cucumber are excellent in the treatment of diabetes. Moong, kidney beans which have been sprouted, and unripe banana which is cooked, are also recommended.
•     Fenugreek seeds which have been soaked in water are good for diabetic patients.
•     For fruits, take guava, Indian blackberry (jamun), fig, kiwi fruit, apples, citrus fruits and pomegranate juice. Let   these things be a part of your morning breakfast. Since, fruit juice is high in fructose (fruit sugar) and can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, it’s best for diabetics to drink fruit juice with a meal and avoid having more than one small glass a day.
•     Replace white sugar with palm sugar, dates and honey, if you want to have something sweet.
•     Unpolished rice, sprouted grain should be taken in moderate quantity.
•     Fats like olive oil and peanut oil are good in diabetes.
•     Drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses per day.
•     Single helping of fish or seafood, as it provides omega 3 fatty acids.
•     Condiments such as pepper, chilli, mustard, herbs and spices
•     Raw vegetables need to be taken in large quantity, as cooked food raises the level of blood sugar fast.
•     Eat non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese, plain yoghurt, avoid cottage cheese a sit is high in carbohydrates.
•     Some herbs and vegetables are specifically prescribed for diabetes, like Bitter Gourd and bitter melon juice.

What to avoid?  

• Processed foods, white sugar, white flour and junk food, must be totally given up. Avoid sweets, glucose, fruit sugar, cakes, ice cream, chocolates, soft drinks, cream and fried foods.
•  Anything that contains harmful preservatives and too much salt should be avoided.
•  Avoid smoking and alcohol.
•  Try and abstain from sweets, ice-creams and chocolates, including the so-called sugar-free types.
•  Foods made from white flour, rye, corn, polished rice, bread, pasta, pastry, cakes, biscuits, pies.
•  Starchy vegetables such as potatoes in particular; and go easy with beet, carrots, peas, beans.
•  Avoid concentrated dairy products, such as khoya, kheer, cheese, cottage cheese.
•  Fruits such as bananas, mango, grapes, strawberry, custard apple, date.
•  Cottage cheese (except in small amounts)
•  Avoid commercially packaged foods such as fast foods, chips, ready-to-eat foods, snack foods and "health foods."
•  Fruit juices, as these are much higher in carbohydrates than fresh fruit. Moreover, they also lack in dietary fibre.

A few helpful tips if eating out -

•    Avoid items called jumbo, combo, giant, deluxe, as they tend to have more calories.
•    Choose grilled, baked roasted or steamed food.
•    Choose water and calorie-free "diet" drinks instead of regular soda, fruit mock tails, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks
•    Avoid creamy toppings, like mayonnaise. Add flavour with pepper, tomato, and onion. 
•    Watch out for high-fat topping salads, dressings, cheeses, and croutons. 
•    Choose a thin-crust pizza with extra vegetable toppings. Limit yourself to one or two slices. Keep off the extra cheese, which add calories, fat, and sodium.
•    End your meal with sugar-free, fat-free frozen simple yogurt or a small cone of fat-free yogurt.  Better still, go for a platter of fresh fruit salad.
•    Check out on your portion size
. 
SO, EAT WELL AND BE WELL.

If you are looking for more helpful information then visit Diabetic Foods and Diabetic Diet

When there is a problem with the digestive system, then the stools may be voided in extremely watery form. This indicates the presence of water in the stools, which leads to dehydration. This condition is known as diarrhea.

In Ayurveda, diarrhea is known as Atisara. Vitiation in any of the three doshas can cause atisara. However, the vitiation of vata dosha is particularly responsible as it brings more water to the intestine and lowers the digestive fire which causes diarrhea.

The vata type of diarrhea is characterized by abdominal cramping and gas in the abdomen. The stools contain more water and less fecal matter. The pitta type of diarrhea show yellowish stools which have an offensive odor. The kapha type of diarrhea is whitish in color with copious water and little mucus.

(1)    Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Diarrhea

1.    Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
The bark of the arjuna tree is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. The bark is taken as a decoction in dosages of 15 to 30 grams per day.

2.    Babul (Acacia arabica)
The babul tree is very useful in preventing diarrhea. Each part of the babul tree is useful. Its leaves can be taken as a mixed dose with black cumin seeds, its bark can be taken as an infusion with water and even its gum can be taken as a syrup.

3.    Bael (Aegle marmelos)    
Bael is very effective for the treatment of diarrhea which is not accompanied by fever. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is eaten for best results.

4.    Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)
The buds of the banyan trees are the beneficial parts. These must be soaked in water overnight and the infusion must be taken in the morning.

5.    Belleric Myroblan (Terminalia belerica)
Known as bahera in Hindi, this is one of the ingredients of the extremely useful Triphala. The pulp of its fruit is taken to cure most stomach problems, including indigestion and diarrhea.

6.    Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)
The oil extracted from the seeds of the Bishop’s weed is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. Just two to three drops of this oil per dosage is sufficient.

7.    Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
Black nightshade leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhea. The leaves are taken in the form of an infusion with the juice of other liquids.

8.    Butea (Butea monosperma)
The butea tree yields a gum which is beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea. It is especially useful in women and children that are suffering from diarrhea.

9.    Chebulic Myroblan (Terminalia chebula)
Known as harad in Hindi, it is the second ingredient of Triphala. The pulp of the unripe fruit of this plant is given along with honey for better results.

10.    Dill (Anethum sowa)
The oil obtained from the dill is used for the treatment of diarrhea. Dill oil is so     mild that it is also an ingredient used in the medicines for treating baby colic.

11.    Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek seeds are useful in the treatment of digestive problems including diarrhea.

12.   
Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
Known as amalaki in Hindi, this is the third ingredient in the preparation of Triphala. It is the richest source of vitamin C in the world.

(2)    Dietary Treatments for Diarrhea

Fasting is the first step in the Ayurvedic treatment of diarrhea. At this time warm water should be drunk throughout the day. This helps to flush out the toxins in the bowels as much as possible.

(3)    Ayurvedic Treatment for Diarrhea

    Once the causative dosha is identified, the treatment is done according to type.

1.    For vata type of diarrhea, the medicine of choice is Kutajarishta.  It is taken in quantities of 15 ml thrice a day for fifteen days.
2.    For pitta type of diarrhea, the medicine of choice is Bilwadi choorna. It is taken in a teaspoonful amount thrice a day for fifteen days.
3.    For kapha type of diarrhea, two medicines are usually prescribed. One is the Gangadhara choorna, which is taken in 1 gram amount twice a day for fifteen days. The other is Jatiphaladi vati, which is taken in 250 milligrams amount twice a day for fifteen days.

 (4)    Home Remedies for Diarrhea

1.    Mix equal parts of the babul tree with black cumin seeds. Take this in dosages of 12 grams thrice a day.

2.    Prepare an infusion of cinnamon in water and boil it. This must be taken half an hour after meals. It takes care of almost all digestive problems and also relieves flatulence.

3.    Mix some tender curry leaves with honey and take them early in the morning. If there is vomiting, then the bark of this tree must be taken.

4.    Grind the seeds of the Indian plum (jamun) and mango into a fine powder. Take two teaspoonfuls of this powder mixture in a glass of buttermilk. This treatment gives quick results.

5.    Boil raw bananas and peel them. Put some ghee in a vessel and put some pieces of cloves in them. Put the bananas in them. Then introduce curds, coriander, turmeric and salt. This will be a very tasty banana dish which has special effects on the treatment of diarrhea

For more helpful information visit Diarrhea Treatment and Causes and Home Remedies for Diarrhea.

Regular blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important to help control it, and also prevent long-term complications. Good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce serious complications.

Frequent testing can show how changes in diet, exercise, medications or weight are having an effect on a patient's diabetes. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels allows control and timely intervention to prevent diabetic complications.

Why is testing important for diabetic patients?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (blood glucose) gives valuable information as to whether the level is within the normal range. If kept in control, this can delay the onset or development of long term diabetic complications, which can even be life-threatening.
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can monitor their blood sugar themselves, by using thumb prick blood tests which are available as home kits. Self-monitoring is very important for long-term health.

What are the routine tests that are followed?

Regular self testing, recording of blood glucose levels by thumb prick blood tests, laboratory test of HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level a few times a year should be taken.

Other tests that should be performed routinely include: urine test to monitor kidney function; blood fat levels (cholesterol & triglyceride levels), and tests for kidney function.

Regular blood pressure measurement and treatment if needed.
Examination of the feet is also necessary, as the patient may not be aware of loss of sensation from early nerve damage.
Also, get eyes tested every 1 to 2 years, depending on test results.

How is diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following test are the normal tests whoich are used for diagnosis:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test –
 
This measures the blood glucose with a minimum gap of at least 8 hours without eating. It is best done on an empty stomach in the morning. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

If a person’s fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that one is quite likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.
A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one is diabetic.
99 mg/dL and below – normal, not diabetic
100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL – pre diabetic
126 mg/dL and above – diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) –

This measures the blood glucose after one has not eaten for least 8 hours, and then 2 hours after drinking 75 grams glucose-containing beverage. This test is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

This test is more sensitive than the fasting plasma glucose test for diagnosing pre-diabetes.

If 2 hours after drinking the liquid, the blood glucose level of a person is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that one is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.
Glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one has diabetes.
139 mg/dL and below – not diabetic, normal
140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL – pre diabetes
200 mg/dL and above - diabetic

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If the blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, then the person has gestational diabetes.

3. Random plasma glucose test –

This measures blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.
A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, alongwith presence of the following symptoms, can suggest that one has diabetes:

•    increased urination
•    increased thirst
•    unexplained weight loss

Other associated symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased appetite, and sores that do not heal.

Test results are confirmed only after repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What is HbA1c or the glycosylated haemoglobin test?

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) gets collected in red blood cells when they are produced. This gives a clue about the blood sugar levels over a couple of months - the average lifespan of a red blood cell. Thus, this test shows the average blood glucose level over time, as compared to the thumb prick test, which indicates blood glucose at the time of testing.

If the HbA1c level is above 7%, consult a doctor for a better diabetes management plan.
If the HbA1c level is above 8%, the doctor may change medication or a more intensive insulin regime be used.

The combination of HbA1c test and thumb prick test results give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

How often should blood sugar testing be done?
 
Diabetic patients who are taking insulin injections should self test 3-4 times everyday, especially before retiring to bed. Type 2 diabetic patients on medicines should self test around a few times every week.

It is best to check glucose levels first thing in the morning; and before and after meals. Keep changing daily test times  to get a better idea of the changes to blood glucose levels.

For more helpful information visit Diabetes Testing at Diabetes Information and Diabetes Treatment

Depression is a neurological disorder. When a person is too overcome with negative emotions, it becomes difficult to focus on any other issue. The person may become lethargic and lose interest in what is going on around them. Such a state may occur when a person fails in an examination, loses a job, gets jilted by a lover, gets divorced, loses some dear one, etc. Some people are able to get over their emotions quickly. But in some others, depressions may last for several days, weeks or even months.

In Ayurveda, depression is known as Chittavsada. It is caused by the increase in the tamas and rajas of the mind with a vitiation of the kapha dosha. Sometimes, an imbalanced vata may also be responsible for depression.

Depression needs to be looked after and treated as soon as it is identified. In some people, depression may be very dangerous as they could resort to endangering their own and other people’s lives.

(1)    Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Depression

1.    Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha has the requisite properties to remove negative thoughts from the mind. The aphrodisiac properties of ashwagandha also help in improving the mind and removing depression.

2.    Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is prescribed before a yogic session. The reason is that brahmi helps to relax the mind and bring it to a comfortable state. Brahmi is very popularly available in the form of oils. The oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the mind. Regular use of this oil can prevent the person from feeling depressed.   

3.    Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum)
Cardamom has a very pleasing odor which can soothe the nerves. When a person is depressed, a tea made by putting cardamom in it can have almost miraculous effects.

4.    Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)
Guggulu has become the focus of attention recently due to the presence of special chemicals in it called as guggulsterones. These chemicals improve the nervous coordination and hence are beneficial in the treatment of depression. Guggulu is more effective in depression caused due to seasonal affective disorder.

5.    Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Jatamansi brings a calming effect on the mind. By canalizing the energies of the mind in the right direction, jatamansi can remove the depressive thoughts.

6.    Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is effective in treating depression that is caused by the change of seasons, i.e. seasonal affective disorder.

       
(2)    Dietary Treatments for Depression

For people with depression a heavy food is not advised. The person must not eat to the full capacity. Hot, spicy and pungent tastes must be avoided as these will aggravate the senses further. Fluids and fresh vegetables (in salads) must become an important part of every meal. The person can have cool sherbets like rose sherbet in the middle of the day, especially in the afternoons and when the evening is beginning. Tea and coffee may be taken occasionally to stimulate the brain.

Most people with depression lose their appetite and desire to eat. For such people, food must not be forced, or it could lead to vomiting. When such a disinterest in food occurs, fruits can be consumed. A diet rich in fruits is beneficial in the treatment of depression.

(3)    Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression

    Even in Ayurveda, a psychological counseling between the physician and the patient is undertaken. This helps the physician to understand the root cause of the depression. Then they can take the formulated steps to cure the problem. Such counseling is done to increase the sattva of the mind.

    Slowly allowing a stream of water to fall in the center of the forehead enables the mind to remove its negativistic thoughts and focus more on a positive outlook. This therapy is known as shirodhara and it is becoming very popular in the western world also. An alternative therapy is shirobasti. The oil massage therapy called as abhyanga is also very useful.

    Ayurverdic professionals also advocate the use of yoga in keep the mind restful. Praanayama and yoga must become an important part of a person’s daily routine. This helps to concentrate the mind on positive thoughts and depression will never occur. Yogic asanas that are beneficial to people with depression are bhujangasana, halasana, paschimottasana, sarvangasana, shalabhasana, shavasana and vakrasana. In addition, pranayamas like bhastrika and kapalbhati are very strongly advised.   

(4)    Home Medications

1.    Get someone do a good head massage with a cooling oil like brahmi oil.

2.    Improve the regimen of your day. Begin with yoga in the morning and then listen to good soothing music. For some people, visiting their religious places of worship also helps to come out of depression.

3.    Focus your mind in other activities and hobbies in order to keep the thoughts causing depression away.

4.    You can try eating an apple with milk and honey. This helps to improve the mood.

5.    Simple lemon juice (the extract of one lemon in a glass of water, sweetened with sugar) is also good. It releases stress-removing hormones and brings the mind at ease.

For more information visit Depression Treatment and Diet and Home Remedies for Depression

How does exercise help diabetes?

Exercise is a great way to help control weight and it also lowers the blood sugar level. It also lowers a person’s risk of heart disease - a condition that is very common in people who have diabetes. Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and increase your overall health.

What kind of exercises to be done?

There are no specific exercises for one to do. Choose any cardio exercise (walking, running, cycling, aerobics, skating, warm-ups and cool-downs, tennis, etc.) - anything that increases the heart rate.

Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and keeps the exerciser’s muscles warm. Strength training builds stamina, while improving both joints and muscles. Warm-ups and cool-downs are essential for the safety of the exerciser.

No matter what kind of exercise one does, make sure to warm up before starting, and cool down when done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking. Then gently stretch for another five to ten minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down.

When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of the workout as one gradually gets more fit.

Consult a doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you, depending on whether one has any other health problems.
 
1. Aerobic exercise -

Aerobic exercise helps increase heart rate, as well as breathing rate. This makes one breathe more deeply and also makes the heart work harder. It is best to aim for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Here are some examples of aerobic exercises:
•    Take a brisk walk either outside or on a treadmill
•    Dance classes
•    Swimming
•    Jogging
•    Roller-skating
•    Tennis or badminton
•    Indoor stationary bicycle

2. Strength training -

Strength training, done several times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. Some ways to do it:

•    Join a gym to do strength training with weights.
•    Lift light weights at home

3. Flexibility exercises -

Flexibility exercises, also called stretching, helps keep joints flexible and reduces the chances of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 5 to 10 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get ready for aerobic activities.

4. Be on the move throughout the day -

Being active helps burns calories. The more you move around, the more energy one will have.
1.    Walk instead of driving whenever possible.
2.    Take the stairs instead of the elevator
3.    Work in the garden or do some housecleaning every day
4.    Walk to the market; park your car ½ kilometer before the market.

Are there any risks associated with exercising for people with diabetes?
There are some mild risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. So, its necessary to moderately exercise daily the right way.

Exercise changes the way in which the body reacts to insulin. Regular and strenuous exercise makes the body more sensitive to insulin, and thus, the blood sugar level may suddenly get too low after exercising.

Therefore, it is important to check the blood sugar level before and after exercising, and follow the doctor’s advice as suggested for low blood sugar.

If the blood sugar level is too low or too high right before one starts exercising, it is better to wait until the level improves, and normalizes.

It is also important to keep a check on blood sugar level if exercising in extreme hot or cold conditions, because temperature affects how the body absorbs insulin.
Should one drink plenty of fluids during exercising?

Yes. While exercising, our body uses more fluid to keep the body temperature cool. Therefore, by the time one feels thirsty, he may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration can seriously affect the blood sugar level in the body. Drink plenty of fluids, water before, during and after exercise.

What safety tips to follow while exercising?

Exercise can affect and lower the blood sugar level, so pay attention to possible warning signs during workout such as:
•    Sudden change in heartbeat
•    if one starts sweating more
•    feels shaky, anxious or hungry
•    feeling weak or dizzy

If you feel this way, stop exercising and check out on a doctor. It might be hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It is normally recommended to keep candy, glucose biscuits or juice nearby to treat hypoglycemia.

Exercise tips for people with diabetes:

•    Talk to the doctor about the right exercise for you.
•    Check blood sugar level before and after exercising.
•    Wear the proper shoes and socks, so as to avoid infection and blisters.
•    Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising.
•    Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
•    Have some juice handy in case blood sugar level drops too low.

For more information visit Diabetes Exercises and Diabetes Information

How does exercise help diabetes?

Exercise is a great way to help control weight and it also lowers the blood sugar level. It also lowers a person’s risk of heart disease - a condition that is very common in people who have diabetes. Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and increase your overall health.

What kind of exercises to be done?

There are no specific exercises for one to do. Choose any cardio exercise (walking, running, cycling, aerobics, skating, warm-ups and cool-downs, tennis, etc.) - anything that increases the heart rate.

Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and keeps the exerciser’s muscles warm. Strength training builds stamina, while improving both joints and muscles. Warm-ups and cool-downs are essential for the safety of the exerciser.

No matter what kind of exercise one does, make sure to warm up before starting, and cool down when done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking. Then gently stretch for another five to ten minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down.

When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of the workout as one gradually gets more fit.

Consult a doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you, depending on whether one has any other health problems.
 
1. Aerobic exercise -

Aerobic exercise helps increase heart rate, as well as breathing rate. This makes one breathe more deeply and also makes the heart work harder. It is best to aim for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Here are some examples of aerobic exercises:
•    Take a brisk walk either outside or on a treadmill
•    Dance classes
•    Swimming
•    Jogging
•    Roller-skating
•    Tennis or badminton
•    Indoor stationary bicycle

2. Strength training -

Strength training, done several times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. Some ways to do it:

•    Join a gym to do strength training with weights.
•    Lift light weights at home

3. Flexibility exercises -

Flexibility exercises, also called stretching, helps keep joints flexible and reduces the chances of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 5 to 10 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get ready for aerobic activities.

4. Be on the move throughout the day -

Being active helps burns calories. The more you move around, the more energy one will have.
1.    Walk instead of driving whenever possible.
2.    Take the stairs instead of the elevator
3.    Work in the garden or do some housecleaning every day
4.    Walk to the market; park your car ½ kilometer before the market.

Are there any risks associated with exercising for people with diabetes?
There are some mild risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. So, its necessary to moderately exercise daily the right way.

Exercise changes the way in which the body reacts to insulin. Regular and strenuous exercise makes the body more sensitive to insulin, and thus, the blood sugar level may suddenly get too low after exercising.

Therefore, it is important to check the blood sugar level before and after exercising, and follow the doctor’s advice as suggested for low blood sugar.

If the blood sugar level is too low or too high right before one starts exercising, it is better to wait until the level improves, and normalizes.

It is also important to keep a check on blood sugar level if exercising in extreme hot or cold conditions, because temperature affects how the body absorbs insulin.
Should one drink plenty of fluids during exercising?

Yes. While exercising, our body uses more fluid to keep the body temperature cool. Therefore, by the time one feels thirsty, he may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration can seriously affect the blood sugar level in the body. Drink plenty of fluids, water before, during and after exercise.

What safety tips to follow while exercising?

Exercise can affect and lower the blood sugar level, so pay attention to possible warning signs during workout such as:
•    Sudden change in heartbeat
•    if one starts sweating more
•    feels shaky, anxious or hungry
•    feeling weak or dizzy

If you feel this way, stop exercising and check out on a doctor. It might be hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It is normally recommended to keep candy, glucose biscuits or juice nearby to treat hypoglycemia.

Exercise tips for people with diabetes:

•    Talk to the doctor about the right exercise for you.
•    Check blood sugar level before and after exercising.
•    Wear the proper shoes and socks, so as to avoid infection and blisters.
•    Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising.
•    Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
•    Have some juice handy in case blood sugar level drops too low.

For more information visit Diabetes Exercises and Diabetes Information

Since there are different types of diabetes, each type has a unique possible cause.

The main two causes of diabetes is the body’s failure to produce enough of the insulin hormone, and secondly the body develops a resistance to insulin.

•    Type 1 diabetes is due to decreased insulin production.
•    Type 2 is due to insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.
•    In juvenile diabetes, the cause might probably be a lack of vitamin D.
 
There is also gestational diabetes that only occurs in pregnant women.

Causes of diabetes -

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas does not create sufficient or any of the hormone insulin, or when the insulin produced does not work efficiently. Thus, this causes the level of glucose in the blood to be higher than normal levels

1. In Type 1 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are attacked and destroyed by the body’s own immune system, causing a severe lack of insulin.

It is not clear why this happens, but possible triggers of this reaction could be -
•    infection with a specific virus or bacteria;
•    exposure to food-borne chemical toxins or
•    exposure to cow's milk when as an infant, where as a yet unidentified component of the milk triggers an autoimmune reaction in the body.

However, these are only assumption, and are yet to be proven.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children, teenagers or young adults. Scientists believe this is a genetically caused condition and is not related to lifestyle habits.

Risk factors for developing type - 1diabetes include:

1.    Family history - a child that has a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a 2-6% chance of developing the disease.

2.    Autoimmune disorders - such as thyroid disease and celiac disease, raises the risk of type 1 diabetes.

3.    Early stoppage of breastfeeding and/or exposure to cow’s milk - breastfeeding an infant for at lea
st three months decreases the risk of type 1 diabetes. Some studies also show that exposure to cow’s milk or cow’s milk-based formula before one year of age may increase diabetes risk.

4.    Ethnicity - Americans, Caucasians have a greater risk of type 1 diabetes as compared to African-Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans.

5.    History of childhood virus diseases

2. Type 2 diabetes is believed to develop when:

•    the receptors on the human cells in the body that respond to the action of insulin fall short of being stimulated by it - known as insulin resistance. In reaction to this, more insulin may be produced, and this over-production exhausts the insulin-manufacturing cells in the pancreas;

•    there is just insufficient insulin available in the body and

•    the insulin that is available may be abnormal and therefore doesn't function properly.

The following risk factors increase the chances of one developing Type 2 diabetes:

•    increasing age

•    if it runs in the family, ie. hereditary

•    obesity

•    high blood pressure

•    diet which is high in fat and low in dietary fibre

•    sedentary lifestyle with no or very less physical activity.

•    certain medicines such as diurectics, which increase the amount of water flowing into the urine. Corticosteroids can also lead to diabetes because they work against the action of insulin.

•    gestational diabetes

•    any illness or disease that damages the pancreas and affects its ability to produce insulin e.g. pancreatitis. (inflammation of the pancreas) and thyrotoxicosis (a poisonous condition that results from an overactive thyroid gland).

•    hormone treatments, such as growth hormone, thyroid hormone and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH).

What does not cause diabetes?

It is also important to be aware of the different myths that have arisen about the causes of diabetes over time.

Eating sweets, excess sugar or the wrong kind of food (fried and fatty food) does not cause diabetes. However, this type of a diet may cause obesity, and overweight people are generally prone to developing Type 2 diabetes. So, its not the food, but the effect of food that may cause diabetes. So, if you love eating and are a foodoholic, make sure to burn out the extra calories that go on to make the flab.

Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a trigger for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. Stress, however does definitely make the symptoms worse for those who already have diabetes.

People with diabetes should never eat sugar and sweets. Sugar and sweets do raise the blood glucose, but people with diabetes can safely eat sugar as part of their meal plan.
People with diabetes should eat a special diabetes diet. This is a false notion. One has to eat regulated, along with a balanced diet.

Diabetes is not contagious. Someone with diabetes cannot transmit it on to anyone else.

Visit Diabetes Causes at Diabetes Information and Treatment for more Information