Diabetes management through lifestyle changes and yoga: a review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Integrated approach for diabetes through life style modifications and yoga: a critical review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Original source:
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Pooja Rani
PG Scholar, PG Department of Panchakarma, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charaka Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi.
Subash Sahu
Associate Professor & HOD, Department of Dravyaguna, Ch.Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi.
Jai Singh Yadav
Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, Ch.Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Integrated approach for diabetes through life style modifications and yoga: a critical review
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7i6.670
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a complex disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and metabolic disturbances that result from defects in insulin secretion, action, or both. With approximately 425 million people affected worldwide as of 2017 and an expected increase of 48% by 2045, diabetes has become a significant public health concern. Contemporary management typically relies on oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin injections, yet many individuals struggle to control their blood sugar levels, leading to severe complications. In contrast, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a multifaceted approach to managing diabetes, referred to as Madhumeha, focusing on detoxification (Shodhana), palliative treatment (Shamana), dietary management, and lifestyle modifications, including yoga.
Integrative Approaches: Diet and Exercise
One vital aspect of Ayurveda’s approach to diabetes management is the emphasis on diet and exercise. Ayurveda categorizes food into wholesome and unwholesome and has specific dietary guidelines aimed at preventing diabetes and managing existing conditions. Emphasis is placed on consuming complex carbohydrates, whole grains, and specific vegetables and fruits that are believed to be beneficial for blood sugar control. Additionally, physical activity is highlighted as being equally critical for diabetes management. Modern recommendations, such as the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines for daily physical activity, align with ancient wisdom that advocates regular exercise to enhance insulin sensitivity, promote glucose metabolism, and improve overall well-being.
Role of Yoga in Diabetes Management
Yoga is recognized as an effective complement to traditional diabetes therapies within Ayurveda. It is considered a holistic practice that influences physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Yoga incorporates various components, including exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation, all aimed at achieving balance and promoting health. Specific yoga postures (asanas) are identified for their benefits in enhancing organ function, reducing stress, and ultimately aiding in the management of diabetes. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can lead to significant improvements in fasting blood sugar levels and overall metabolic health, affirming the potential of yoga as a low-cost, non-invasive intervention strategy for those living with diabetes.
Conclusion
The need to raise awareness about the role of diet, exercise, and yoga in preventing and managing diabetes is imperative. The Ayurvedic framework provides a rich repository of methodological approaches, which include dietary modifications, detoxification therapies, medication, and lifestyle practices tailored for diabetes management. Collaborative efforts that integrate these diverse components into a cohesive protocol have significant potential for enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Furthermore, establishing robust clinical evidence through research initiatives will be crucial in validating the efficacy of Ayurvedic practices in the management of diabetes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary focus of Ayurveda in diabetes management?
Ayurveda emphasizes lifestyle modifications, purification therapies, diet, and yoga exercises to effectively manage diabetes and improve the patient's quality of life.
How does yoga contribute to diabetes management?
Yoga aids in controlling blood sugar levels by improving organ function, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being through a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.
What dietary recommendations are suggested for diabetes in Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic diets for diabetes recommend consuming whole grains, pulses, bitter vegetables, and low-glycemic fruits while avoiding excessive consumption of sweet and processed foods to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Diabetes management through lifestyle changes and yoga: a review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Yoga:
Yoga is a holistic practice that incorporates exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and positive thinking with meditation. It benefits diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and mitigating stress, a major contributor to chronic hyperglycemia.
2) Prameha:
Prameha refers to polyuric disorders in Ayurveda, characterized by excessive and turbid urination. It includes all types classified under this disorder, notably Kaphaja, Pittaja, and Vataja types.
3) Blood:
Blood sugar levels are critical in diabetes management. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, leading to disturbances in metabolism and numerous complications.
4) Diet:
A specific Ayurvedic diet is recommended to manage diabetes, consisting of foods that help maintain steady blood glucose levels. Unwholesome foods like high-energy, low-nutrient items are avoided to reduce the burden on beta cells.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine that offers a comprehensive approach to diabetes management, including diet, lifestyle modifications, and therapies like Shodhana and Shamana.
6) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana therapy involves purification treatments like Panchakarma, including Vamana, Virechana, and specific Vasti, to eliminate aggravated Doshas and provide a detoxifying effect.
7) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, representing a combined approach promoted by the Ministry of AYUSH for health and wellness, including in diabetes care.
8) Vati:
Vati refers to tablet formulations in Ayurveda used for various therapeutic purposes. For diabetes, examples include Triphaladi Vati and Shilajitvadi Vati.
9) Sugar:
[see source text or glossary: Sugar]
10) Food:
[see source text or glossary: Food]
11) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana therapy is the palliative treatment used when purification is contraindicated. It involves administering herbs and formulations to manage Doshas without aggressive cleansing.
12) Disease:
Diabetes mellitus, a common lifestyle disease, is extensively covered in Ayurveda under the term Madhumeha, characterized by imbalanced blood glucose levels and metabolic disturbances.
13) Vamana:
Vamana is a therapeutic emesis treatment in Panchakarma used for Kapha disorders, including specific types of Prameha, to expel excess Doshas from the body.
14) Pooja:
Pooja Rani is the primary author of this critical review on the integrated approach for diabetes through lifestyle modifications and Yoga.
15) Honey:
Honey, known as Madhu, is often used in Ayurvedic treatments for its potential therapeutic properties, including reducing hyperglycemia and aiding in diabetes management.
16) Rani:
Dr. Pooja Rani is a contributing author who has conducted this critical review on diabetes management integrating lifestyle modifications and Yoga.
17) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the location of Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charaka Sansthan, where the contributing authors are affiliated.
18) Amalaki:
Amalaki, or Phyllanthus emblica, is a commonly used herb in Ayurveda for its antioxidant properties and its role in managing blood glucose levels.
19) Haridra:
Haridra, or Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is valued in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial in managing diabetes.
20) Bitter:
[see source text or glossary: Bitter]
21) Ahara:
[see source text or glossary: Ahara]
22) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
23) Ghana:
[see source text or glossary: Ghana]
24) Dabar:
[see source text or glossary: Dabar]
25) Khera:
Khera Dabar is the specific locality in Najafgarh, New Delhi, where Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan is situated.
26) Milk:
Excessive consumption of milk and milk products can trigger diabetes due to their diabetogenic effects, leading to insulin resistance.
27) Trigonella foenum-graecum:
Trigonella foenum-graecum, known as Fenugreek, is used in Ayurveda for its hypoglycemic properties, helping in diabetes management.
28) Niruhavasti (Niruha-vasti):
[see source text or glossary: Niruha-vasti]
29) Fenugreek:
Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum, is recognized for its ability to lower blood glucose levels, proving beneficial in diabetes therapy.
30) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana in Ayurveda refers to rejuvenative therapy aimed at improving overall health and longevity, which includes managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
31) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine utilizes a holistic and integrative approach for treating diabetes, involving herbal preparations, diet adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
32) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita or medicated ghee is used in Ayurvedic treatments, such as Dhanvantara ghrita and Dadimadya ghrita, to manage diabetes symptoms.
33) Niruha:
[see source text or glossary: Niruha]
34) Animal:
[see source text or glossary: Animal]
35) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the fundamental bio-elements in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—whose imbalance leads to diseases like diabetes.
36) Asana (Ashana):
Asanas, or yogic postures, like Paschimottanasana and Suryanamaskara, have various health benefits, including improving glucose metabolism and reducing stress in diabetes patients.
37) Death:
Diabetes is a significant health concern with high mortality rates; WHO data indicated 1.5 million deaths in 2012 due to diabetes-related complications.
38) Nish (Nisa, Nis, Nishe, Nisha):
[see source text or glossary: Nisha]
39) Drug:
In contemporary diabetes management, drugs like oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin are commonly used, though Ayurveda offers herbal alternatives.
40) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, or Guduchi, is an Ayurvedic herb with antidiabetic properties, used to regulate blood glucose levels.
41) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, or Bitter melon, is an effective Ayurvedic herb in managing diabetes due to its insulin-like properties.
42) Purification:
Purification, or Shodhana, involves cleansing therapies like Vamana and Virechana in Ayurveda to expel excess Doshas and detoxify the body.
43) Nyagrodhadi (Nyagrodha-adi):
[see source text or glossary: Nyagrodhadi]
44) Triphaladi (Triphala-adi):
[see source text or glossary: Triphaladi]
45) Meditation:
Meditation, as part of Yoga, helps manage stress and improve mental health, which are beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.
46) Gokshura (Goksura, Go-kshura):
[see source text or glossary: Gokshura]
47) Guggulu:
Guggulu formulations, like Gokshuradi Guggulu, are used in Ayurveda for their therapeutic benefits in managing diabetes.
48) Pippali (Pippalin):
[see source text or glossary: Pippali]
49) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja Prameha, a type of Prameha in Ayurveda, includes treatments targeting the pitta dosha imbalances involved in diabetes.
50) Vihara:
[see source text or glossary: Vihara]
51) Pathya:
[see source text or glossary: Pathya]
52) Krisha (Krsa):
[see source text or glossary: Krisha]
53) Nidana:
[see source text or glossary: Nidana]
54) Varadi:
[see source text or glossary: Varadi]
55) Forest:
[see source text or glossary: Forest]
56) Kapha:
Kapha dosha imbalances are often involved in diabetes, with Ayurvedic treatments targeting these imbalances for effective management.
57) Laghu:
[see source text or glossary: Laghu]
58) Basti:
Basti, an Ayurvedic enema therapy, is part of Panchakarma treatments used for detoxification and managing diabetes.
59) Jamun:
[see source text or glossary: Jamun]
60) Sura (Shura):
[see source text or glossary: Sura]
61) Yava:
[see source text or glossary: Yava]
62) Beta:
[see source text or glossary: Beta]
63) Rice (Rce):
[see source text or glossary: Rice]
64) Bird:
[see source text or glossary: Bird]
65) Phyllanthus emblica:
[see source text or glossary: Phyllanthus emblica]
66) Emblica officinalis:
[see source text or glossary: Emblica officinalis]
67) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or Neem, is an Ayurvedic herb used for its blood sugar-regulating properties in diabetes management.
68) Dolichos biflorus:
[see source text or glossary: Dolichos biflorus]
69) Nelumbo nucifera:
[see source text or glossary: Nelumbo nucifera]
70) Musa paradisiaca:
[see source text or glossary: Musa paradisiaca]
71) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or Turmeric, is used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, helping manage blood sugar levels.
72) Mental health:
[see source text or glossary: Mental health]
73) Bitter gourd:
[see source text or glossary: Bitter gourd]
74) Horse gram:
[see source text or glossary: Horse gram]
75) Rock salt:
[see source text or glossary: Rock salt]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 187]