Diagnosis of Diabetes

We have seen the types and symptoms of diabetes in the previous post. Now let us see diagnoses of diabetes. If you find any symptoms of diabetes as mentioned in the previous post about the Types and Symptoms of diabetes , immediately you have to fix an appointment with your doctor for diagnoses. He will advise you to undergo some tests to find out whether you are affected by diabetes.

Diabetes can often detected by carrying out a urine test to find out whether excess glucose is present. This is normally followed by a blood test which measure blood glucose levels and can confirm if the cause of symptoms is diabetes. We have already known the types of diabetes. Now let us go for various tests one by one.

HbA1c-Glycated Haemoglobin test: This blood test will indicate the average blood sugar levels for the past three months. It measures percentage of blood sugar attached to haemoglobin. The higher the blood sugar levels, more sugar is combined with haemoglobin.

If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4 percentage, it is considered pre-diabetes. Normal level is below 5.7 percentage.If you are diabetic patient then you have to take this HbA1c test for every three or four months without fail .This is apart from your routine urine and blood tests. Generally following are indications for the blood sugar control in case of diabetic patients. If it shows

    Between 6.01----7.0 % is taken as good control

                 7.1 -----8.0 % is taken as fair control

                 8.1------10.0 % is taken as poor control

                 More than 10 % is unsatisfactory.

RANDOM blood sugar test (RBS): Here blood sample will be collected at a random time. If random test shows sugar level of 200 mg/dl or higher it can indicate diabetes, especially considering the presence of other diabetic symptoms.

FASTING blood sugar test (FBS): A blood sample is collected after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level if it is less than 100 mg/dl is considered normal level. If it is 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered pre-diabetes level. It is often the first test done to check for pre-diabetes and measuring glucose levels for diabetes during treatment.

Postprandial glucose test (PP): It is a blood glucose test that determines the amount of a type of sugar called glucose in the blood after meal. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It is a main source of energy used by the body. A 2 hour postprandial blood glucose test measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after eating a meal timed from the start of meal. This serves as a test whether a person may have diabetes or whether a person who has diabetes is successfully controlling his blood sugar.  Here the important point is a person who is suffering from diabetes should take his medicines as prescribed by his Doctor that is before or after food.

Oral glucose tolerance test (GTT):  For this test one has to fast overnight and the fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then drink a sugar liquid and blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours. Here blood sugar levels less than 140 mg/dl is considered normal. More than 200 after two hours indicate diabetes. Please note that sugar levels noted here may vary from lab to lab as per the methods used for testing.

For TYPE I diabetes (Insulin dependent) Urine will be tested to look for the presence of by product produced when muscle and fat tissue are used for energy when body does not have enough Insulin to use the available glucose.

Friends, I hope I have given here the full details of the tests for diabetes. If you know anything more please free to add here so that others may have more information. Your comments are welcome.

Types and symptoms for diabetes mellitus

Hi friends I hope you would have gained some information about what is diabetes through my previous post about diabetes. 

Now let us see about the types and symptoms for diabetes.

Types of diabetes are - Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes, Gestational diabetes and Pre-diabetes. Let go for one by one.

Different Types of diabetes - Ref www.sanofidiabetes.in

Type I diabetes: Also called IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Here in type I diabetes with moderately high levels of blood sugar (glucose) may pass large volume of urine. In a very simple form type I diabetes is caused when the body is unable to produce insulin which is required to manage blood sugar levels. In other words in type I body is neither able to produce insulin nor utilize it. Hence type I diabetic patients can only manage with the help of INSULIN injections. That is why they are called insulin dependent.

Type II diabetes: Also called NIDDM (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Type II diabetes can be managed by increasing exercise and dietary modifications with proper medicines prescribed by your doctor. Type II diabetes is a condition in which, even-though body is producing sufficient insulin the cells are unable to utilise it.

Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects pregnant women, may harm both mother and baby. So it should be treated by planned meal and scheduled physical activity. In some cases insulin injection may also be required. Everything should be done as per doctor's advice. Gestational diabetes is a condition unique to pregnancy in which the blood sugar levels become elevated because of the mother’s insufficient production of insulin or her body’s inability to properly use insulin.

Pre-diabetes: This is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not so high for diagnoses for diabetes. People with pre diabetic conditions are more likely to develop in to Type II diabetes.Other names used for pre diabetes are impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose. People with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay development of type II by maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical activities and with diet control.

The general symptoms of diabetes are as under:

Excessive urination and frequent urination especially during night, Over thirsty and Hunger, Weight loss, Increased fatigue, Irritability, Blurred vision, Frequent gum disorder or infection, Sexual dysfunction among men, Numbness or Tingling in feet and hands. 

Please note the above symptoms may occur due to other problems also. To make sure you are diabetic or not, you have to consult your Doctor immediately if you find any of those symptoms. Your doctor, after seeing the test results will prescribe medicines to control your diabetes.

In the next post we will see about Diagnoses of diabetes.

DIABETES – A worldwide concern

Hi friends, so far we discussed about Homeopathy and Naturopathy medicines which may solve many diseases without side effects. We have also discussed about the medicinal values of many Plants, Vegetables, Roots, Fruits, Seeds etc., for our healthy living. Please check my earlier posts on these. 

I hope you would have got some useful information from the posts. I request you to add your comments at bottom of the posts and also share the ones you find interesting and useful with your friends.

Now let us move on to the topic “Diseases and Remedies”. Here I am going to share my experience and collections from reliable sources.

First let us deal with the most chronic/troublesome disorder DIABETES, which is a worldwide concern. Many of you may know some information about this disorder because many people are suffering with diabetes and the number is increasing day by day. I would like to share with you my views and opinion so that every one of us must have the basic idea of this disorder which may help to prevent or to control this problem and help lead a normal healthy life. 

What is diabetes?

Main Symptoms of Diabetes
Picture from Wikipedia - Diabetes page

Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. Even though glucose is essential to provide energy to the body, when it is excess it is harmful. 

Food taken by us is digested and converted in to glucose. Blood carries glucose to all cells in the body. The cells use glucose as a fuel (energy). 

Insulin is essential for glucose to enter in to the cells of the body. 

Check the adjoining picture to understand the common symptoms of diabetes.

It is estimated that there are more than 350 Million (about 35 Crore) people affected by diabetes worldwide and the number is increasing and expected to exceed 50 crores by 2030. 

Let us see about INSULIN. Insulin is a substance produced by the PANCREAS an organ, situated behind stomach. 

When insulin is absent or deficient or defective, glucose cannot enter into the cells and remains in the blood in high amount. Diabetics have excess sugar in blood because they have deficient supply of INSULIN. See the picture below about Pancreas

The Pancreas
Photo by: Blausen.com staff. "Blausen gallery 2014"

Hence please note diabetes is a disorder not a disease. 

It is a disorder related to the impaired glucose tolerance of the body when insulin function is affected.

Diabetes is diagnosed when levels of glucose in the blood are above normal.  

In this post I have narrated what is diabetes. I think one can easily understand that diabetes is due to pancreas not working properly.

In the next post will see about the types and symptoms. Ok?

WALNUTS – Brain food

We have seen the health benefits and usages of nuts like Almonds, Pistachios, and Cashews in our previous posts. Here is another important nut called walnut. This also have number of health benefits like other nuts.

Walnut shell inside Green husk
Photo by: Böhringer Friedrich 

Walnut is an edible seed of walnut tree. Romans introduced walnuts to many European countries. Walnut seeds have number of health benefits ranging from weight loss to prevention of various cancers.

Walnuts are high in protein, vitamins, OMEGA-3 fatty acids, lecithin and oils compared with other nuts. This is only nut with a significant amount of alpha linoleic acid. Moreover have insignificant amounts of sodium and with cholesterol free.

 

Walnut – on the outside and insidePhoto by: AndonicO.

Presence of antioxidants and anti- inflammatory properties in the walnuts help to maintain cardiovascular system thereby preventing heart problems.

Very important to note in these nuts is the content of OMEGA-3. Omega-3 and omega-6 are very much essential fatty acids required for our body for cell growth, immune function, blood clotting, and disease prevention. Our body cannot make them on its own. These fatty acids have to be obtained from diet. Walnuts serve this purpose.

Walnut is good for hair’s health, because of its content of vitamin 7. It will reduce hair fall and improve hair growth. Studies reveal that regular consumption of walnuts may help to prevent type II diabetes.

Walnuts have very good antioxidant content and will fight against cancers. Walnuts help to prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer. It may prevent and even slow the progress of prostate cancer. This is one of the home remedies to try and prevent prostate cancer.

Chocolate walnut cake
Photo by: PlayMistyForMe

Walnuts are packed with many groups of vitamin B complex like riboflavin, niacin, thamin, vitamin B6 and folates. And also contain minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and selenium.

The presence of more vitamin E in this nut is beneficial as this vitamin helps to maintain the integrity of cell membrane and mucus membranes and also protect the skin from harmful oxygen free radicals.

Precaution: Some studies reveal that despite of many health benefits of this walnut, one must be careful on the amount and the frequency of consumption of walnuts because of it is high in oxalates. High oxalates may contribute to kidney stone formation. Any allergic reaction noticed while consuming this nuts, immediately stop taking this nuts.

Walnuts are a delicious way to add extra nutrition, flavour and crunch to a meal and are sometimes referred as “Brain food”. Better take twice in a week that too with other nuts

Do not forget walnut is one of the best home remedies to slow the growth of prostate cancer.

Cashew nuts – Tasty seeds that form an Healthy Snack

We have seen the health benefits and the usage of Almonds and Pistachios nuts. In this post we will discuss about cashew nuts.

Colorful Cashew fruits in a tree, in Kannur, Kerala, India
Photo by: Vinayaraj

This kidney shaped seeds stick to the bottom of the cashew apple. In India it is called KAAJU. 

Cashew Nuts are a native of Brazil’s Amazon forest. Today it is cultivated in many parts of the world – Mainly Nigeria, India, Vietnam, Philippines etc.

Mostly cashew nuts are used in preparing cakes, sweets, biscuits etc. Roasted nuts are very popular among us. 

Cashews are nutritiously dense with variety of essential fats and proteins, vitamins and minerals which can bring a number of health benefits to our body.

Many people avoid eating of cashews because of its fat content. In fact cashews contain fat less than other nuts. And also contain only unsaturated fat. This fat can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.

The proanthocyanidins a class of flavonols, contained in this nut help to fight against tumour cells by stopping them to divide further. Cashews contain less fat, cholesterol free and the antioxidants present in these nuts keep away heart diseases. With sources of magnesium cashew helps lower blood pressure. 

Cashew helps to keep up healthy bones because of calcium and magnesium contents. And help to keep healthy teeth and strong gum.

Women preparing Cashew for packaging,
Africa

All nuts including cashews have been associated with a reduced risk of gallstone disease. Recent study shows cashews like other nuts work with a person’s lipid profile to have a beneficial effect on diabetes.

This nut can reduce triglyceride levels in diabetes protecting them from further complications. Consumption of cashews especially raw cashew in our diets may lower the risk of type II diabetes.

Fried Cashew Nuts
Photo by: Midori

Cashews can be eaten as a snack with other nuts as raw, salted or roasted. These nuts are widely used in confectionery as addition to biscuits, cakes, sweets etc.

Precaution: it is advised to consume only limited quantity of cashews. And also better to take along with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios or along with other dishes. Do not eat too many at a time. 

For some people cashew nuts may cause allergy. Individual with known allergic reactions to these cashew nuts may observe caution while eating especially raw. Cashew allergy is a common condition in some individual.

Hope I have given few benefits and usages of cashews. If any of you know more please free to mention here so that others may know more about this nut.

Pistachios – Healthy nuts that help in Diabetes and reducing Heart diseases

Dear friends, I had a minor surgery last week and hence could not post for a couple of weeks. I am back home now and recuperating. Will continue the posts as before.

In the previous post we discussed about Almonds. Now will see the health benefits of PISTACHIOS. Okay?

Pista flowers and nuts
Photo by: Paolo Galli

This is another nutrient nut which is commonly called as PISTA. Pistachios are one of the healthier nuts. They are filled with essential nutrients and have number of health benefits. 

Pistachios are one of the oldest nuts that were commonly used in the world many for more than 8000 years. They are native of Central Asia. 

Today many countries (mainly Iran, United States, Turkey) are cultivating pistachios. A tree of Pista nut takes ten to twelve years to deliver for good seeds and the seed is what we eat as the nut.

Let us see the health benefits of these sweet nuts.

Pistachios help in reducing (LDL) cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) thereby preventing heart diseases. Also increases the strength of nerves and making heart stronger.

The contents of vitamin A and vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties in this nut which help to reduce inflammation in our body.

Vitamin B6 contained in this nut helps in carrying oxygen in the blood. If taken daily, the high quantity of B6 present in this nut can increase the oxygen quantity in the blood and increase the hemoglobin count in it. Another benefit of vitamin B6 present in high concentration in this nut is that it is very beneficial to nervous system and also for a healthy immune system.

These nuts contain fewer calories and more potassium and vitamin K than other nuts. Sodium present in this nut is zero which is different from other nuts. This is good news for the people suffering from hypertension because they have to curb the intake of sodium in their diet.

The Food and Drug Administration of USA (FDA) has approved a health claim regarding nuts lowering the risk of heart diseases (CHD – Coronary heard disease) - "Scientific evidence suggests (not prove) that eating 1.5 ounces (42.5 g) per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease"

Studies involving humans have shown that 32–63 grams (1.1–2.2 oz) per day of pistachio seeds can significantly elevate plasma levels of lutein, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene etc.

Note: The fat profile of Pistachios. Dry roasted pista seeds have Its fat profile is roughly 14% saturated fat, 54% monounsaturated fat and 32% polyunsaturated fat. Keep note of this while calculating your fat intake for the day.

LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN are two anti-oxidants present in pistachios. These help to fight against free radicals and destroy them thereby preventing macular degeneration and are also good for the eyes. Pistachios help promoting healthy vision and are highly recommended to those suffering with any vision related issues.

Vitamin E present in these nuts is very essential for our healthy skin. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents from skin diseases and makes the skin healthy and more beautiful. Similar to skin pistachios have much to offer hair care also. It deeply nourishes and moisturizes hair which helps in improving flexibility of hair.

Vitamin B6 also helps in increasing the blood count. Thus WBC or white blood cells help in preventing infections and various cancers.

Pista toppings in a cake

Finally it helps to control Diabetes. How? The sugars form inappropriate bonds with proteins and make them unusable in a process called glycation. The antioxidants in pistachios help in reducing process of glycation and thus can help in controlling diabetes. It lowers the blood sugar level by slowing down the carbohydrate absorption of the body. Check this link for more information about whether pistachios can help lower blood sugars.

Pistachios are also used in various sweets, Milk shakes, Cake toppings, Ice-creams, Kulfi, Turkish delights etc.

Triflavour kulfi
Photo by: stu_spivack

So friends now you may understand the benefits of taking this sweet nut. 

Take at least twice in a week that too with other nuts or with other dishes during tea time which may help in so many ways for healthy living. 

How is this article? Do you find it useful and interesting? 

Please give your comments and also pass on any more information if you have. It will be useful to all.

Tomatoes - Sauce, Salad, Juice, Pizza, others. Many uses and Many benefits.

In my previous post we discussed about benefits of grapes. Now we can see about the health benefits of TOMATOES.

We can see always these three vegetables onions, potatoes, and tomatoes stored in every kitchen shelf. One way or other they are used in our daily dishes. These have become our traditional vegetables. I have given the medicinal benefits and usages of onions in one of my previous posts. Hope you would have gone through that post. Now it is the turn of Tomatoes. 

Handful of different tomatoes
from Ho Farms in
Kahuku, Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS

Tomatoes are part of nightshade family like potatoes and eggplants. Even though they are fruits they are considered as vegetables. Ripe tomatoes should be used within two or three days and it is better never refrigerate them since in cold temperature their flavor is lost and the flesh turns grainy. 

The word tomato comes from Spanish word tomate. Tomatoes are grown worldwide for its edible uses. It is learnt that there are more than 7500 varieties of tomatoes are grown in various purposes. They are grapes tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes and so on.  Hybrid plants are common.

What are all the medicinal benefits of tomatoes?

Tomatoes contain the bright-red carotene lycopene which is one of the natural powerful anti-oxidants. Studies reveal that lycopene especially in cooked tomatoes help to prevent prostate CANCER. Consumption of tomatoes has been associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, head and neck cancers also.

Tomatoes are beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk associated with type II diabetes. They are sweet, juicy and delicious with low in calories and fat free. They are good sources of Vitamin A, C, K with Folate and Potassium. They are low in Sodium, Saturated fat, Cholesterol.

They also provide Thiamine, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Copper which are very essential medicinal properties for keeping good health. The vitamin A present in tomato helps  improve vision.

Tomatoes help skin to protect against sun damage. The content of lycopene makes skin less sensitive to UV light damage. It also helps in building strong bones because of Vitamin K and Calcium. They are very good source of Chromium which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. 

Green unripe tomatoes
Photoby: TigerisLagoona

Another interesting report is tomatoes can prevent kidney stones and gallstones when eaten without seeds.

Tomato can be consumed as raw, can be made as a healthy juice, and can be mixed in salads, or in cooking of dishes. Tomatoes pickles are very good to eat. Unripe tomatoes like the ones in the photo can also be used in cooking. 

If you have anything more about this wonder vegetable please free to add here. Also feel free to put your questions or comments. Also, provide any feedback on the topics or contents. 

Cool and Healthy Coconut Water (Part 1 of 2)

In my previous posts we had discussed about home remedies for diabetes Part 1 and Part 2. Now we will see the health benefits of a “cool” drink – Coconut Water. 

No doubt that many of us are into drinking coconut water often or occasionally. Surely whenever temperature rises, (as in a typical Indian Summer), it becomes a popular drink and is consumed by the people of all ages. 

Photo by: Crisco 1492

What are the health benefits of this unadulterated healthy drink?.  

Coconut and Coconut water are one of the gifts of nature. This natural water contains many medicinal properties like potassium, antioxidant properties etc., 

It is less in sugar than any other soft drinks and some of fruit juices. It helps in natural way to replenish the supply of electrolytes in our body. 

It helps to lower blood pressure since it contains potassium. Since it contains GLUCOSE it gives energy to our body. To compensate the loss of minerals and fluids during physical activities (e.g. Sports or Working-out) one has to take is energy drink to compensate the energy loss. Drinking Coconut water during such times is much better than packaged drinks. 

Coconut Water contains CYTOKINES and LAURIC acid it helps in the process of cell growth and the cells regulation. Coconut water is rich in magnesium and potassium which are helpful to those suffering low blood pressure and helps to reduce the risk of heart problems. Drinking this natural water will help to increase good cholesterol (H D L) by the way maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Coconut water helps to treat DEHYDRATION caused by dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, fever, flu etc., It also helps to prevent muscle cramps because it contains huge potassium. Since it contains calcium it helps to strengthen bones, muscles and tissues. Doctors recommend this as a good form of Oral rehydration therapy.

                                                        

Coming to Diabetes - Question arises whether diabetic can drink coconut water? Studies reveal coconut water helps to control diabetes and when taken often it may help to improve blood circulation.

Coconut water from tender coconuts is used in many hair and skin products because of its antibacterial, anti- fungal, and antioxidant properties. And its contents of vitamin K and iron which are very essential for maintaining hair softness and hair shine. 

Coconut water is one of the best sources for preventing health issues in pregnant women. 

Coconut trees in Oman
Photo by: billy1847

Important thing is coconut water is free  from any harmful or artificial flavoring and coloring, and unnatural sugars. Coconut trees are abundant in many regions and more particularly on coastal areas. See this picture from Oman which is a vast desert in the persian gulf. 

It is a natural energy drink without any adulteration. Usually young coconuts (tender coconuts) are harvested from the coconut tree for the usage of coconut water.

Hope this is useful information about this energy drink. Please pass on your comments or notes. 

Home Remedies for Diabetes (Part 2 of 2)

We saw a few simple Home remedies for typeII diabetes in our earlier post. Let us see a few more here.

Bitter gourd: Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon. I have already described about the medicinal properties of this vegetable in one of my previous posts about using Bitter gourd for Diabetes. It stimulates pancreas to release insulin. It is commonly used in our kitchen in various forms. For treating diabetes, it is better to take it in the form of juice. Take the juice from few pieces of this bitter gourd, add sufficient water, mix it with a pinch of salt and drink in the morning with empty stomach daily for one month to control your blood sugar levels. After one month test your sugar levels and if necessary continue for another month.

Mango leaves: Mango leaves can play a good role in helping blood sugar levels. Take 2 or 3 fresh tender and budding leaves, boil them with water and drink it in the morning daily, it will help to control diabetes.

Photo by: Sanjay Acharya 

Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds have organic compounds that stimulate the pancreas into increasing its insulin output, thereby reducing the dangerous activities of glucose in the blood.

CINNAMON:  Many studies suggest cinnamon (lavanga pattai in Tamil) plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels while simultaneously increasing body’s natural production of insulin. Take ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder every morning for 40 days to have best result. Cinnamon tea, if taken daily also will give good result. How to prepare tea? Boil one or two cinnamon in a cup of water for 5 to 7 minutes and drink it everyday morning.

Why I am very particular in discussing about many products/plants/seeds etc., for diabetic treatment? Because it is one of a very trouble-some disease and many people are suffering from diabetes and the numbers are increasing day by day. And they are seeking for remedies to control/prevent the disease.

Many Studies reveals and diabetologists are saying diabetes cannot be cured completely, but can be kept under control, if they do exercises, walking, keeping diet under control and taking medicines in time, with periodically consulting your doctor with required test results.  While speaking of tests, here I have to say HbA1c (three months average) is more important apart from routine tests. With this diabetic people can lead a normal life.

Finally diabetes is not a disease it is only disorder. Wishing all of us get better in our Diabetes control and Sugar control for a good quality of life.

Home Remedies for Diabetes (Part 1 of 2)

Hello Friends,

In my previous posts I have mentioned several herbs/plants/seeds etc., like AMLA, Bitter gourd, Insulin Plant, Garlic etc which are helping us to reduce or to control blood sugar in natural way for TYPE II diabetes. You can check about 10 posts in this blog regarding natural help for diabetes. In this post, I would like to collect and give you some of the HOME REMEDIES for type II.

There are several home remedies to prevent or to control diabetes. I have given only few remedies below which are very easy to prepare and easy to follow. Out of these given home remedies you can select according to your need. These are natural remedies and with no adverse side effects. These remedies are based on my selection from my experience and collections from reliable sources. Selection is yours and it should be depend upon one’s body nature and the condition of the problem.

Apple cider vinegar: ACV Plays an important role in controlling the sugar levels in the blood. It also controls the rising of blood glucose level which noticeably after meals (that is PP). Mix a pinch of salt with two spoonful of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before taking meals, say 15 minutes before meal. Do it daily for 2 or 3 months and check for good result. There are some other health benefits in apple cider vinegar that I had mentioned in a previous post.  

Photo by: Sonja Pauen - Stanhopea

Curry leaves: Curry leaves is a naturally added in Asian and mainly Indian cooking  almost daily. Curry leaves is a traditional and reliable one to reduce the symptoms of diabetes and help to treat the insulin within the body. There are some organic compounds within these leaves which inhibit the breakdown of starches into simple sugars like glucose which is one the cause for diabetic flare-ups.  Apart from using the fresh raw leaves, we can dry the leaves and make into powder. Take ½ spoon of this powder mixing with butter milk or in water drink it twice a day which will help you to control type II diabetes.

Photo by: Biology Big Brother 
from Eukaryotic Cell, Organism

Aloe Vera: The Gel present in ALOE-VERA is power full component in fighting diabetes because it contains the medicinal property Called PHYTOSTEROLS. Studies have shown that Aloe vera can cause reducing in fasting blood sugar levels. It is also known to reduce levels of triglycerides in blood.  

Note:  If you are under regular diabetic medication and care, use Aloe Vera only after consultation with a medical doctor as you might need monitoring of your blood sugar levels and adjustments to medication. Further, Aloe vera can also cause a decrease in potassium and can interact with a few medications. So, ensure proper consultation and monitoring before use.

I will write about some more easy home remedies for this diabetes type II in part 2.

What is A C V – Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider
Vinegar

We have seen many remedies for our health benefits in our posts. There is another remedy called APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Some of you would have heard of this drink/tonic or even would have used this drink for home uses or for cooking. It is being observed that many people are turned to this A C V. Why? Because they know the health benefits of A C V.  What is this A C V and what are all its health benefits? Let us see in this post. Ok?

Benefits of this are plenty. This product A V C is also known as CIDER VINEGAR. This drink is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must. The main ingredient in A V C is acetic acid. It also contains other acids like vitamins, minerals, salts and amino acids.

A C V will help to fight Heart problems, High cholesterol, Diabetes and is also said to help in fighting Cancer. Amino acids help to break down the protein blocks arising from the food we eat, so that amino acids are free to fuel different processes in the body. One hormone that is particularly important for weight loss is growth hormone. This hormone is instrumental in the breakdown of fat cells. The acid in the A CV helps to increase the availability of amino acids to create more growth hormones.

A C V is high in pectin. If you drink a glass of water with one or two teaspoons of A V C before your meals, the insoluble fibre will make you feel full and you will eat less food.

The acid contains in A V C helps to release iron from the food we take, so that iron can be used throughout our body. This process is very important because iron is a key component of haemoglobin and myoglobin. These two properties are responsible to carry oxygen to the cells throughout our body. Iron also gives the ability to burn calories in the body. This way ACV is very helpful in Weight loss.

Other health benefits are: A V C can be used to clear the stuffy nose. Mix a teaspoon of A C V in a glass of water and drink it fully. This will help to clear sinus blockage.

To treat sore throat, Just take ¼ cup of warm water and one spoon of A C V, mix well and gargle every one or two hrs.

The amino acid contained in the A C V acts as antidote and it contains potassium, and enzymes that may relieve the tired feeling. A table spoon of A C V with a glass of chilled veg soup will help to get relief from exhaustion.

By gargling with A C V mixed with water will help in removing stains and whiten the teeth and also help to kill the bacteria in the mouth. Don’t forget to brush as usual after gargle.

A study reveals vinegar slows the rise of blood sugar levels after consumption of meals and when taken at bedtime it helps to lower sugar levels.

Unfiltered & Natural
ACV

A C V is available in most of the departmental stores in India. Look for the import and expiry dates as many are imported.  The best one to buy is “Natural and unfiltered one” – Check out a sample from one company here.

Note: Be careful about the concentration. ACV is Acidic in Nature.  Do not take A C V as it is. Based on the concentration. It should always be diluted with water (2 spoons in one glass of water etc) before consuming otherwise it can harm the tooth enamel and cause throat trouble. Take two spoons of ACV in diluted water a day. Not more.

Wonder medicine Triphala - To help Diabetes, Blood pressure, Urinary problems etc.

Dear friends,

So far we have seen about many medicinal plants and herbs for treating Type II Diabetes, Heart problems, Blood Pressure and other diseases. Check out the posts to select the herbs or plants according to the condition of your illness. Even you can take one or two of these natural healthy products each day, it will be good for your overall health. Further, these natural products have very limited or no side effects.

One more natural medicine for treating Type II Diabetes is none other than TRIPHALA.  In one of my earlier posts regarding cure for constipation I have suggested about this Triphala and also mentioned that, we will discuss about the other medicinal benefits of this medicine in our later posts. (Just a note, here are my many posts regarding constipation)

Now let us see the other benefits of this Triphala. This medicine is available in tablets and in powder forms and available at Traditional Indian medical stores such as Ayurveda and Siddha etc.,

Three fruits of Triphala

The word TRI-PHALA means "Three Fruits". It is an Ayurvedic medicine consisting of equal parts of 3 fruits namely AMLA (Nellikkai), BAHERA (Thanikai) and HARADE (Kadukai). Names of these herbal fruits may differ from place to place. 

In the picture, you will find AMLA on the outermost circle, Bahera on the middle circle and Harade (Kadukkai) on the innermost circle.

These three fruits are having many medicinal properties that help to cure/prevent many illnesses.

These three herbal fruits in Triphala help for smooth functioning of bowel system and relieve constipation.

The other benefits are, it helps internal purification, improves Digestion, reduces Serum Cholesterol. This Indian medicine contains 31% of linoleic acid which reduces high blood sugar and improves liver function.  It is good for nutritional as well as blood and liver cleansing actions. It has got anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Triphala can also be used for eye disease.

And also this medicine prevents urinary track disease. How? The urinary system in particular is supported by Amalaki (amla or nellikkai). This fruit is helpful in treating symptoms such as a mild burning sensation while urinating. And also acts as a mild diuretic, helping the body by eliminating excess water in natural way. This kind of action is very helpful in purifying the urine toxins.

The medicinal properties of HARITAKI (Harade or Kadukai) helps to enhance the absorption of nutrients in food and also acts as a cardio preventive by helping to promote heart health.

The other fruit contained triphala is BIBHITAKI (Thanikai).  It helps by creating balance and pure blood in nourishing the eyes and also strengthening the root of the hair.

I have given only few benefits of this wonder drug as an introduction. Here is the wikipedia link about Triphala.  

If you have any comments or if you have got benefits from this medicine, request you to please add your comments.