Natural Cures For Diabetes

Natural cures for diabetes can serve as a healthy alternative to prescription medications for many Type 2 diabetes sufferers.

The fact t is, hundreds of Americans discover that they have type 2 Diabetes every week. It is also thought that nearly 15 million Americans are currently affected by diabetes and the number rises almost daily.

As you nay know, diabetes can is divided into two categories. The first is Type 1 in which the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 2 is where the body continues to produce insulin, but in insufficient quantities.

Type 1 diabetes, used to be called childhood diabetes because it tends to afflict children and young adults. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age and is often afflicts older people - especially those who are overweight..

The good news for anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is that it can be managed and that there are natural remedies and herbs that can help.

Herbs that can help
Some of the most popular and effective herbs that can be used to treat and manage diabetes include the following.

Bitter gourd

This is most likely the best and most effective way to treat diabetes. It is also known as karela.. You can benefit from eating this vegetable as often as possible. If you would rather not eat the vegetable, youk can take one tablespoon of the juice on a daily basis. Bitter gourd can educe the blood sugar levels in your blood and urine.

Amla

This herb is very high in vitamin C this and, as such, can help control diabetes. If you take a single tablespoon of it every day, for two months or longer, plus a cup of the gourd juice, it will help the pancreas secret insulin.

Belpatra, neem and tulsi.

Take 10 bellpatra, 10 neem leaves and 10 tulsi leaves first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and this can help keep your blood sugar level stable.

Fenugreek seeds

Mix 2 teaspoons of powdered fenugreek seeds with milk and drink daily. As an alternative, eat and swallow the seeds whole.

Curry leaves

If your type 2 diabetes has been linked to obesity, eat tender, freshly matured curry leaves daily for three months. This can also help prevent the onset of diabetes due to hereditary factors.

See your doctor

As with all herbal remedies, you should definitely see your doctor's advice before medicating yourself, especially if you are taking any medicines that your doctor has prescribed to help control the disease.



Also read
Neem a natural boon for diabetics
Ayurveda medicinal properties of Tulsi

Diabetes May Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

Researches have established that a diabetes patient is more prone to succumb to erectile dysfunction than a normal person. Erectile Dysfunction besides diabetes can prove a disastrous combination that can have an impending effect on the psychological and physical well being of a man’s life. Men who are having erectile dysfunction problem may became so concerned with the inadequacy that they try to avoid the sexual situation altogether. Same time it increases the stress level, frustration and can trigger a bout of depression.

It is estimated that more than 50% diabetic patient are suffering from ED. Erectile Dysfunction occur at younger age. Within 10 yrs of the diagnosis of the disease trait of ED begin to surface, although not all diabetics develop ED.

Why the diabetics are easy prey to Erectile Dysfunction? Men endowed with healthy blood vessel, nerves, male Harmon and “desire” to perform gets the erection on wish. Diabetes can kill blood vessels and nerves that make the erection possible. Therefore even the normal amount of male hormones and desire to have sex can not help getting a firm erection.

Medical people believe that presence of a blood sugar in diabetic prove an impediment to the enzyme that start the series of events which lead to erection.

Endothelial nitric acid syntheses (eNOs) enzyme considered responsible to start the chain of vascular events that produce and sustain erection.Enzyme (eNOs) cause the release of Nitric Oxide at the nerve ending in penis. The initial release of NO get a quick and short duration increase in penile blood flow it also cause short time relaxation in penile muscle to get an erection. Enhanced penile blood vessel and smooth penile muscle relaxation increase the blood flow in penis which results in erection.

When blood sugar O-GLcNac present in hyper glycemic(high blood sugar) circumstances interrupt eNOs enzyme this may cause permanent penile impairment over time.

A patient of diabetes should always take extra care to understand the complexities of his health psychosexual counseling is mandatory in these situations. Sexual therapy is vital for people with diabetes, since the chronic condition is fraught with situational stresses, performance anxiety, and problems in relationships.

A range of different modes of medication are available for the diabetics. Penile injection or vacuum erection device therapy has been used by many patients with satisfaction. A penile prosthesis was certainly a viable option in these individuals should they fail those therapies or wish to go directly to penile prosthesis. Obviously one must bear in mind that diabetics have a higher incidence of infection and thus they should be counseled in that regard.

Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction 

Keep Erectile Dysfunction Away With Weight Loss

Right after the induction of revolutionary drugs for erectile dysfunction , the interest in the study and treatment of erectile dysfunction has witnessed a prominent hike. Now a large mass of people have started taking keen interest in the absolute cure of this upsetting sexual disease. Italian scientists are one among them. Italian scientists have unearthed a worthwhile means to help out millions of men with erectile dysfunction. According to the study conducted by Italian researchers, erectile dysfunction can be kept aloof by maintaining a healthy body weight.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004, the Italian study was conducted on 110 obese men with erectile dysfunction for two years, aged 35-55. During the study, men were asked to follow a program, including healthy eating and exercise as to lose 10% or more body weight.  After two years, men were found more physically active and lost an average of 33 pounds. In addition, nearly one-third of observed men witnessed a remarkable improvement in their sexual functionality.

Though earlier studies had already discovered that men who are physically active and have normal body weight, are at a low risk of developing erectile dysfunction, the Italian study was the first who attempted to explore another credible erectile dysfunction  treatment, apart from available alternatives such as surgery and medications.

According to the researchers, an estimated four out of five men suffering from ED have BMI above 25 and overweight men with BMIs of 28.7 have a 30% high risk of getting ED or impotence compared to men with a normal body weight.

In addition to augmentation of the odds of erectile dysfunction, unhealthy body weight also enhances the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart diseases, and type2 diabetes in men and so, affects men’s health at large.   Thereby, by keeping an eye on the mounting body weight, men can stay away from erectile dysfunction and can save their sexual life from being spoiled by impotence.

Contact drsavithasuri@gmail.com  to get erectile dysfunction remedy kit for obese men

Ayurveda Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Lose weight through these 17 guaranteed methods

The resent statistics and researches have revealed that obesity or over weight is a growing global health problem. A person is called over weight or obese, when his/her weight is more than normal. Factors like age, height and race are considered to calculate normal weight of a person. Obesity leads to several other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, erectile dysfunction, increased cholesterol and heart diseases.  Obesity results when a person over eats and does no physical activities. Here is a list of few guaranteed ways to lose weight and beat obesity.

When you realize that you are over weight, immediately consult a physician or dietician and start following a weight loss program. Never postpone or procrastinate this. Just get started and do something to lose weight.
  

1. Set your goals to achieve weight loss. Keep small targets or small goal which can be achieved in short span of time. Achieving small goals encourages you on weight loss path.
2. Concentrate on losing fat in every stage of daily routine.
3. The total number of calories used by your body per day is known as Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). A normal person needs 2000 Calories for his daily activities. Reducing the daily calorie intake (i.e., less than 2000calories) and increasing the calorie expenditure (more than 2000 calories) help to reduce fat. 
4. When we consume fewer calories our body metabolizes the stored fat to meet the caloric needs of body.
5. Keep track of food you eat and their approximate caloric value.
6. Strictly say no to sweets, soft drinks, refined sugar, chocolates, ice creams etc.
7. Avoid saturated fats, fried foods and deep fried foods. Even small quantities of Oils and fats have high calories in them.
8. Avoid junk foods, jams, refined flours, etc as they contain fewer nutrients and more calories.
9. Welcome fresh vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fruits, lean meat, legumes and other healthy foods, on your plate.
10. Include whole grains in your diet and recipes. Whole grains have more nutrients and fibers.
11. Divide your diet in 5-6 small portions spread over a day. The best way is 3 small meals 2 healthy snacks. Calories from small meals are used quickly.
12. Eat your food slowly. Take at least 20 minutes to finish your meals. Our brain takes 20 minutes to send the satiety signal (signal to say that stomach is full). This prevents consumption of extra calories.
13. Increase your physical activities. This compels body to use stored fat.
14. Aerobic exercises help to burn fat and  increase TDEE
15. Lifting weights helps to get rid of more fat .This work out tones up muscles too.
16. Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and prevent dehydration.
17. Avoid alcohol. Consumption of alcohol increases hunger and leads to snacking.

Try to implement all these 17 ways in your weight loss program to achieve good weight loss.


Click Here to Know about Ayurvedic Weight Loss Fat Burning Herbs

Diabetic diet for South Indians

Before pondering about the diet plan please note these thumb rules for diabetes diet
1. A strict no for sweets, chocolates, ice creams, jams, jellies etc
2. Stay away from fats- avoid ghee, butter, deep fried foods, red meat etc
3. Divide your diet in 5-6 small portions spread over a day. The best way is 3 small meals 2 healthy snacks.
4. Include more vegetables and fruits.

Here is an example for south Indian diabetes diet plan. Please consult your physician or qualified dietician before implementing any diet plans.

Early morning- A glass of karela juice or methi powder mixed in warm water or chewing of 5-10 neem leaves in empty stomach.

Breakfast (normal serving) –
1.Chose any one of these -3idlis /2 dosas/ 1 small plate upama/ 1 small plate pongal/ two  chapathis (without oil)/ whole wheat bread – 3 slices/
2.Chutney or sambar can be opted for side dish.
3.Include a small bowl of vegetable salad or sprouts or fruits with less sugar content (sweet lime/ orange/ apple/ papaya)
4.Tea / low fat skimmed milk/ water (without sugar or honey)

Mid noon:
A glass of butter milk (without salt) / green tea (without sugar or honey)/ 1 orange/1 sweet lime / 2 diet marie biscuits. Skip fruits if you have consumed fruits for breakfast.

Lunch:
1.Brown rice / broken wheat rice – 1 small bowl
2.Thick vegetable sambar -1 big bowl
3.Mixed vegetable curry – 1 cup
4.Rasam - 1cup
5.Roasted papad -1
6.Butter milk -1 cup
7.Fruits (papaya, sweet lime, orange) - ½ cup

Tea break:

Tea/coffee/ low fat skimmed milk (without sugar) – 1 cup with 2 diet Marie biscuit / 2 rusks

Dinner (2 hours before going to bed):
1. chapathi (without oil)- 1
2. Mixed vegetable curry/subzi – 1 cup
3. Brown rice / broken wheat rice/ green gram pongal/ – 1 cup
4. Rasam - 1cup
5. Roasted papad -1

Before going to bed:

1 apple / ½ cup papaya/ 1 sweet lime/ 1 orange/

Diabetic patients lose water through sweating and increased frequency of urination. Hence drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, urinary tract infection, constipation and other complications which arise due to less consumption of water.
This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Know better-food, diet and nutrition .Read more at Diabetes diet-South Inida

Diabetes diet facts and ayurveda view

Patients suffering from diabetes have to be well educated about their diet to keep the blood sugar level under control. A well planned diet always helps to keep the diabetic complications at bay. Here are few important facts which have to be carefully noted by diabetic patients, while consuming food.

1.Spread your daily diet over three healthy meals and two healthy snacks.

2.Strictly avoid extra intake of salt. Pickles, fast foods, chips, chats etc are laden with salt. Hence avoid these in your diet.

3.Reduce Fat in your diet. Increased fat doubles the chances of heart diseases especially in diabetics.

4.Reduce quantity of carbohydrates.  Foods like rice, wheat, ragi, jowar etc are rich in carbohydrates. Reducing the quantity helps to control diabetes.

5.Strictly say no to sugar , sweets, chocolates,  ice creams, soft drinks etc.

6.Include foods which are rich in nutrients like proteins, vitamins and minerals. Pulses, sprouts, green leafy vegetables, fruits, skimmed milk, butter milk etc are good sources of above mentioned nutrients.

7.Avoid foods which have high glycemic index. Potatoes, carrots, breads and banana have high glycemic index and they increase the blood-sugar levels.

8.Avoid red meat and reduce consumption of eggs. Lean fish can be used once in a week. It is always advisable for non vegetarians to slowly shift to vegetarian diet to prevent the complications of diabetes.

9.Ayurveda acharyas strongly suggest not to eat sweets and preparations which are made from sugar and jaggary(gur)  as main ingredient.

10.Texts of ayurveda recommend reduced intake of food which are rich in starch.

11.In ayurveda text “yogaratnakara” , it is mentioned that increased intake of cooked rice (anna), full fat milk (ksheera), red meat and other kapha increasing foods leads to diabetes.


This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Know better-food, diet and nutrition .Read more at  Diabetes diet facts and ayurveda view

Taking care of Elderly

We often notice elderly people frequently complaining about their health. The causes behind these complaints are numerous. Reduced secretion of digestive juices, weak gums and teeth, consumption of various medications, lack of physical exercise etc, reduces their digestion capacity.  Unhealthy food consumption at this stage can lead to acidity, constipation, lose motions etc. These further aggravate the existing conditions.  The body of aged persons will be fragile and easily susceptible to diseases, injuries and allergies. Hence a proper care has to be taken about their diet and life style. Here are few tips to take care of elderly at home. These help them to balance their health and lead a comfortable healthy life.

1.Make them to understand the fact that they are young at heart and meanwhile their body needs extra care. 

2.Encourage them to eat soft foods which are easily digestible and get absorbed quickly to provide energy and nutrition.

3.Soft rice, well cooked vegetables, milk, soft pulp of fruits, juices and soups can be digested easily.

4.Deep fried foods, spicy curries can cause trouble.

5.Give them plenty of boiled warm water. This helps to prevent water borne infections.

6.Request them to consume their regular medications on time. Monitor this daily.

7.Get their complete health checked up once in six months.

8.Ask them to apply moisturizing lotion to skin. Skin tends to dry as we age. Dry skin is easily susceptible to fungal infections.

9.Motivate them to be physically active.  Make it a point to accompany them if they are too weak to walk by themselves.

10.Keep them engaged in one or the other activity. This makes their brain active and keeps diseases like Alzheimer at bay. Telling bedtime stories to grand children, giving tips about recipes, teaching embroidery, painting, singing or anything they are good at.

11.Provide non slippery flooring in their room and bath room.

12.Fix horizontal bars in their bathroom to provide grip.

13.They have taken care of us till now. Now it is our turn to repay them by taking utmost care with love and affection.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Know for Better

Dry Fruit Milk Mix for Elderly

Aged persons need more nutrients to aid the repair process of body. Their body needs more vitamins and proteins as it experiences continuous degenerative process. Elders‘ diet should be simple, nutritious and easily digestible.  Here is a recipe which help to supply good amount of vitamins, proteins, antioxidants , minerals and many more.

Dry fruit milk mix

Ingredients:
Almonds – one cup
Shelled Pistachios – one cup
Cardamom – 10 in number
Saffron- ¼ spoon
Ragi- ¼ cup

Method:
Roast almond, pistachios, ragi separately in low flame. Allow them to cool. Remove outer skin of cardamom and collect seeds. Blend all roasted ingredients, cardamom and saffron in a blender into a fine powder. Store it in an air tight container. Mix a spoon of this with a glass of warm milk. Stir it well. Sugar, sugar candy, jaggery or date syrup can be added to this for sweetening . This warm drink supplies plenty of nutrients to elderly. Here is a list of benefits of ingredients.

Milk: Milk contains nutrients like protein, fat, mineral matter, water and lactose. It is rich in calcium and vitamins. It is the natural food of all young mammals. Milk is a reservoir of nutrients and forms an important ingredient of a balanced diet. As it is rich in calcium it makes our bones and teeth strong. It helps to nourish the body with high quality proteins and vitamins. Drinking milk everyday helps to keep our body fit. Warm milk induces good sleep.

Saffron: Saffron acts as a cardiac tonic and is used to treat diseases which originate from vitiation of blood. It helps in easy flow of urine. saffron helps to increase appetite .It also reduces indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting and acidity. Saffron is used as an active ingredient in ayurveda preparations for diseases of central nervous system.

Almonds :Almonds are rich source of fiber, proteins, minerals, vitamins and heart friendly fats. The fiber in almonds gives a feeling of fullness when consumed and add up to roughage content of diet. Almonds contain good percentage of proteins.  Apart from these vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium, calcium, copper and manganese are also present in significant amount. All these nutrient components help to boost body immunity, energy and repairing process of tissues.

Pistachios :Pistachios are rich in antioxidants, heart friendly fats, phytosterols, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. The nutrients of this nut help to lower cholesterol level and prevent absorption of cholesterol from food. Consumption of pistachios helps to prevent cancer and diseases of heart. Studies have shown that carotenoids prevent muscular degeneration. The minerals and vitamins of pistachio help to boost body immunity and aid in normal functioning of body.

Ragi:Ragi is minor millet which is a store house of nutrients. The bioavailability of nutrients in this cereal has increased its nutrition value. Ragi provides fiber, starch, minerals and vitamins.
Dry Fruit Milk Mix for Elderly

Prepare baby cereal at home

Parents will be under utter confusion when their tiny tot is 4 months old.  Now they have to introduce him to the world of solid foods. Numerous advertisements on TVs and magazines about baby formula foods aggravate the state of confusion. Did our parents and grandparents face the same dilemma when we were young? How did they react to this situation?

We discussed this topic with elders. We stumbled upon many easy solutions which were healthy, nutritious, devoid of any chemical preservatives and prepared at home with love and care.  Here are few recipes for your precious one.

After fourth month baby requires solid food to cater to its growing needs. For this various vegetables like beans, carrots, green leaves and pulses can be cooked in pressure cooker. The contents are mashed and strained. The soft semi solid food is fed to baby with small spoon.  Take care to select only one vegetable at a time. Cook only few small pieces of it and mash them well. A dash of salt and sugar can be added to enhance taste. Feed this according to baby’s needs. Do not compel him to consume more. Follow his instincts of likes and dislikes. (Usually in beginning baby may take one or two small spoons of this) continuing breast milk along with these is very essential as breast milk provides complete nourishment.

When baby is 7 months old the following cereal meals, prepared at home, can be fed.

Rice cereal:

Ingredients –

    Basumathi rice – 1 cup
    Moong dal or green gram-1/4 cup
    Jeera  or cumin seeds – ¼ spoon

Roast rice and green gram separately till they turn little golden yellow. Roast cumin seeds till they crackle. Turn off heat. Allow all the ingredients to cool to room temperature. Mix all ingredients and coarsely powder them in a blender. Store it in an airtight container. Required quantity of this has to be cooked well in boiling water (hardly takes 5-6 minutes to get cooked) along with little salt and sugar to bring it to a soft semi solid state. Boiled and mashed vegetables can be added to this to enhance nutrition value.

Instead of cumin seeds, powder of elaichi (cardamom) can be added to make a sweet variant of this. Mashed fruits enhance the nutrition value and taste of this cereal.

Ragi cereal

Ragi is minor millet which is a store house of nutrients. The bioavailability of nutrients has increased its nutrition value. Wash ragi and drain excess water. Spread it on a clean cloth and allow it to dry in shade. Roast it in a thick bottomed woke till one or two of it pops.  This has to be floured in flour mill. Sieve this flour to remove husk.  Store it in an airtight container.  This has to be cooked in boiling water to semi solid state. Boiled vegetables or mashed fruits can be added to increase nutritional value of this.

Caution:
1.    Please consult your pediatrician before introducing your toddler to solid food.
2.    Researchers advise to breast feed baby till he is 2 years.
3.    If he develops allergy to any vegetables, fruits or cereal  consult pediatrician immediately
This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Know for Better Read article at Prepare baby cereal at home

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in diabetes

Hypoglycaemia is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drops below a certain point – about 3.0mmol/l.

This causes a number of symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, shaking and palpitations, that usually go away 10 to 15 minutes after eating sugar.

What causes hypoglycaemia?
Insulin is normally produced in the pancreas and helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the blood:

After a meal the glucose level rises after a meal to about 7-10mmol/l.

One to two hours later, the glucose level starts dropping again. By the next meal, the glucose level is back to normal: about 4-5mmol/l. The insulin level in the blood has also returned to normal.

Hypoglycaemic episodes (hypos) can be caused by:
over-treatment - the dose of insulin or diabetes tablets is set too high or you accidentally take too much.

mismatched calorie intake versus demand - this happens when your body needs energy but can't get it from your calorie intake ie if you eat less than usual or exercise more.
   
alcohol - alcoholic drinks tend to lower the blood sugar.

What happens during a hypo?

You can experience some or all of the following symptoms:

paleness
   
shaking
   
perspiration
   
a feeling of weakness
   
rapid heartbeat
   
hunger
   
agitation
   
difficulty concentrating
   
irritability
   
fatigue
   
blurred vision
   
temporary loss of consciousness
   
confusion
   
convulsions
   
coma.

This means loss of consciousness can occur without warning.

To avoid this, you are advised to:

maintain a higher level of glucose in the blood
  
measure your blood sugar level more frequently.

How is a diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is made by measuring the blood sugar level with a glucose meter.

A glucose level below 3.0mmol/l indicates hypoglycaemia.

Some people experience symptoms when their blood sugar level is higher than this – eg at 4.0mmol/l. (Therefore 'four is the floor' for blood glucose levels.)

Hypos can't be detected with urine tests for glucose.

How is hypoglycaemia treated?

Mild hypoglycaemia is treated by drinking or eating about 10-20g sugar, eg in the form of sweetened juice, milk or glucose tablets.
   
In the case of a more serious hypo, an ambulance should be called. The paramedic will then give glucose intravenously or glucagon (GlucaGen) (a glucose-increasing hormone) is injected into a muscle, or into the fatty tissue under the skin.

Your partner and other family members can also be taught to give glucagon injections at home.

A glucagon kit can then be provided so if you suffer several hypos with unconsciousness, immediate treatment is available. In this way, a hospital visit can be avoided.

If you experience hypos repeatedly, you should measure blood sugar level at least four times a day. This allows you to adjust your insulin and know when you need a snack.

What can I do about hypoglycaemia?

Be familiar with the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia. This way, you can get treatment quickly. When in doubt, measure your blood sugar levels.
   
Always carry sugar – preferably glucose in a rapidly-absorbed form such as glucose tablets.
  
 Measure glucose levels regularly. How often depends on your lifestyle – it's something that a combination of practical experience and expert advice will determine. It can vary from one or two readings a week to several readings a day. Knowing how your blood sugar levels change with various activities means you can adjust your level of insulin and minimise the risk of a hypo.
   
Follow the dietician’s advice and maintain regular eating habits. Some people experience symptoms of a hypo just before a main meal. To avoid this, have snacks between meals to prevent sugar levels dropping too steeply.
   
Take care when exercising: exercise lowers glucose levels in the blood. You can counter this by taking less insulin than usual beforehand or by eating more before, during or just after exercise. Remember that hypoglycaemia may occur some hours after exercise.
   
Carry an identity card that lets others know you have diabetes.

At night

For many people with diabetes, a low blood sugar level during the night is a big problem because you can sleep through it.

If you wake up with a headache and feel unusually irritable, measure your blood sugar at about 3am.

Lower your risk of a hypo by measuring blood sugar at 10pm or 11pm. If it's below 8mmol/l, eat a snack.

Alcohol lowers the blood sugar just like insulin – so avoid alcoholic binges.

After drinking a lot of alcohol or dancing, eat a snack before going to bed.
In the long term

Normally, hypoglycaemia is easily treatable. A few mild episodes in a week are not harmful.

It starts to become dangerous only when the glucose level keeps dropping below acceptable limits – the brain's principal source of energy is glucose.

Also  Read  Erectile dysfunction in Diabetes


http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/diabetesbloodsugarlow.htm