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Best Natural Treatment for Varicose Veins By Dr. Anitha | Jun 03, 2022 Varicose veins: Varicose veins are enlarged/bulged and twisted veins occur most of the time in lower limbs. Veins are actual blood vessels which carry deoxygenated blood from parts of the body to the heart for oxygenation. As these veins work against the gravitational power, prolonged standing may increase the risk of getting varicosity. Causes Prolonged standing Pregnancy Lack of physical activity Pressure inside the veins Obesity Restrictive clothing The aging process Signs & Symptoms Enlarged or bulged veins Twisted veins Swelling/ edema Aching Pain Burning sensation Itching Heavy legs Discoloration of skin High risk factors Old age Women Obesity Life style Family history Overall health Complications Blood clots Bleeding Severe aching pain Varicose Ulcers or eczema Prevention Exercise regularly Maintain a healthy weight Avoid tight clothing Avoid high heel shoes Avoid prolonged standing/sitting Types Stage – 1 Reticular veins / spider veins Stage – 2 Venous nodes or varicose veins Stage – 3 Edema of the lower leg Stage – 4 Varicose eczema or trophic ulcers Management Varicose Veins, Though Not Serious Or Harmful To The Body, If Left Untreated Can Cause Various Problematic Conditions such as Superficial Thrombophlebitis, Bleeding, Venous Eczema, Venous Pigmentation and Ulcers. Conventional management Modern medicine or Allopathy offers the following Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, your doctor injects small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes those veins. Laser Treatment: Laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used. High ligation and vein stripping: This procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through incisions. Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy. Endoscopic vein surgery: You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving leg ulcers if other techniques fail. Management using Ayurveda and Yoga Yoga therapy: Regular practice of yoga asanas will definitely help in increasing the venous blood flow, when the stagnant blood is accumulated in veins. Inverted asanas like Uttita padasana, vipareeta karni, sarvangasana permits the damaged vessels to resume more normal dimensions and facilitates valvular competence. Other asanas, pranayama and relaxation techniques will help in improving overall health and reduce stress. Many research studies show significant changes in patients with varicosity with regular practice of yoga. Diet therapy: Intake of nutritious and healthy food helps in reducing the condition of varicosity and prevents the complications. Intake of potassium & magnesium rich foods: relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the blood pressure. Antioxidant- rich foods: strengthens the capillaries and protects the blood vessels from blood clotting. High fiber Diet: prevents bloating and reduces the pressure in the lower body. Eg: flax seeds, chia seeds Vit-C & Vit-E rich foods: acts as an anti-inflammatory and natural blood thinner which helps in preventing blood clots. Include almonds, banana, avocado, pistachio, nuts, green leafy vegetables, blue/black berries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cruciferous veggies, lentils, beans etc. Must avoid fried, spicy food, milk and milk products, cheese, bread, processed meat, alcohol etc. Ayurveda: Varicose veins are primarily considered vata disorders, caused by an imbalance in vyana vayu, which creates the pressure in valves & elasticity of the veins. Vyana vayu is a one of the types of vata, which is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the heart and deoxygenated from the body’s cells. When there is imbalance in vyana vayu it causes excessive dryness and results in hardening the elasticity of veins & valves. The disease resembles Vata rakta and the line of treatment involves treating the pitta dosha. Ayurvedic herbs, dietary modifications, physical activity and lifestyle changes are very important to strengthen the wall of the veins and promote healthy venous circulation with some of the external treatments of Ayurveda. External treatments of Ayurveda Abhyanga – Gentle massage with ayurvedic oil application to the affected area helps in reducing the pain and swelling. It also increases blood circulation. Virechana- Purgation which is induced after 3/5/7days of snehapana (internal oleation) and Abhyanga and steam of 3 days. Basti – The rectal route of administering medicines in the form of taila and Kashaya (herbal decoction) is the best line to alleviate vata dosha. Jaloukavacharana – Bloodletting using leech therapy is also very effective to manage varicose veins. Based on our experience we see reduced recurrence or almost no recurrence for mild to moderate cases of varicose veins. It can be reversed if attended to in the initial stages. Dietary Regimen: Advised to take potassium & magnesium rich foods, such as almonds, pistachio nuts, potatoes, leafy vegetables, blueberries, lentils, white beans, avocado, bananas, cruciferous veggies and sweet potatoes, high fiber food, vitamin C & E, high antioxidant foods, which help to reduce blood pressure in the arteries and can relax blood vessels. Article By : Dr.Anitha

Aragvadha By Dr.Vasudha Sharma | May 19, 2022 Botanical Name: Cassia Fistula We have all witnessed the beauty of Golden shower trees in bloom. Amaltas as we know it, is also called ‘purging cassia’ for the effect of its fruit when consumed. Fruit pulp is a safe laxative because of its mild purgative action and can be used in elderly and children. Chemical Composition Fruit pulp contains anthraquinone, sugar, gluten, calcium oxide, alkaloids, and a colouring agent. Stem Bark contains 10-20% tannin. Root bark contains anthraquinone. Leaves and flowers contain glucoside. Qualities Sweet, heavy and unctuous in quality. Pacifying pitta and being mild purgative helps in removal of pitta and kapha in the digestive channels. Effect It is described as a herb having effect on pain and inflammation ( shotha hara and vedanasthapana). Parts Used Fruit pulp is the most used part. Stem bark and root bark are also used. The flower is used as a vegetable in some regions. Usage of Plant Parts Piece of bark collected and cleaned, added to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to half can be filtered and consumed. This decoction relieves constipation and heaviness of the stomach and can also be useful in pinworm infections in children. Tender leaf buds or yellow coloured flowers can be prepared to the soup consistency with salt, jaggery and pepper. It will serve as a great appetiser, restoring taste in case of dyspepsia. Popular preparations in Ayurveda would be Aragwadhakashaya and Aragwadharista. Among all the herbs used for purgation Amaltas is the best mild purgative. It can be used easily in the elderly, children, and in people with low digestive capacity. It helps to relieve Ama ( toxins ) in the body and cleanse the digestive tract. Article By : Dr.Vasudha Sharma

Stress Mangement – Key to Prevent Health Problems By Dr.Vasudha Sharma | May 16, 2022 Stress is the body’s method of reacting to a condition such as a threat, challenge or any other physical and psychological hurdles. Any external stimuli that alter an organism’s environment are responded to by multiple systems in the body. In humans, the autonomous nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are the two major systems that respond to Stress. Stress is a physiological response to a threat. The responses of the body such as constricted blood vessels, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory and pulse rate are all due to the hormones cortisol and adrenaline which are produced as a defensive mechanism in the body. In other words stress is not just a feeling it exists as a physiological manifestation in the body. In case of chronic stress, these physiological changes overtime can lead to serious health problems. Through these mechanisms, stress can affect memory, immune mechanism, metabolism and susceptibility to diseases. Disease risk is particularly pertinent to mental illnesses, whereby chronic or severe stress remains a common risk factor for several mental illnesses as well as irreversible physiological changes in the body. Health conditions arising due to stress Obesity : stress can lead to eating disorders and slow digestive processes. These along with high cortisol levels in the body will lead to deposition of fat. This in turn becomes a vicious cycle where one is unable to maintain a healthy weight. Ibs and Gerd : Gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, chronic ulcers get worse due to stress. Although all of these can exist independently, stress increases their chance to manifest more rigorously. Allergies : Asthma and various auto-immune disorders are directly related to stress. They are either triggered or worsened due to stress. Headache, Depression, Anxiety : Tension headaches, migraines, Depression and anxiety are all related to chronic stressful conditions in some form or the other. Heart Disease : Stress can have an impact on increasing heart rate and blood flow. It can also cause the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood. Diabetes : Stress can harm those already diagnosed with diabetes. It can cause people to binge on unhealthy foods high in carbohydrates, and that can cause glucose levels to surge. People who are predisposed to diabetes, either through a family history or lifestyle habits, can increase their risk by stress-induced overeating. The list of health issues arising due to stress is big but it is also a fact that it is easily preventable and manageable provided we recognise its existence in our lives and act wisely. Prevention and Management of Stress You can prevent or reduce stress by planning ahead and preparing for any important events both emotionally and mentally. Many of the conditions occur as a surprise and some are hard to avoid. Finding ways to manage such stress in different ways such as Noticing when you feel stressed Taking time to relax Getting active and eating healthy Finding solutions to problems you’re having Talking to friends and family Changing the diet and lifestyle to include healthy habits for both mind as well as body is important in stress management. Eat healthy : Eat a balanced diet, avoid food laden with carbohydrates and fats. Eat more fruits and vegetables to provide energy and have a positive effect on the mind-body. Easily digestible food which will not lead to any gastric discomfort. Regular exercise : Regular exercise brings about discipline in lifestyle and also reduces the unhealthy accumulation of fat in the body. Increases the tonicity of muscles which can aid in everyday life and challenges. Good Sleep : Having good night sleep can bring down stress hormones in the body to a large extent. Following a good schedule for setting a sleep pattern will help the body repair the tissues and heal on its own. Social interactions : Finding a company of understanding individuals with a positive outlook help relieve stress. This is the most underestimated method for managing any stressful condition. On the other hand, being in the wrong company can worsen the situation. The Best Stress Management Techniques Although many techniques have traditionally been developed to deal with the consequences of stress, considerable research has also been conducted on the prevention of stress, a subject closely related to the number of self-help approaches to stress-prevention and resilience-building. Active management of stress can be done through many techniques and treatment methods. Meditation can lower stress, anxiety, and chronic pain as well as improve sleep, energy levels, and mood. Mindfulness for broadening the awareness around any activity the individual goes through. Music therapy is a proven way to bring beneficial results in stress. Deep breathing, When you practise deep breathing, you turn on your body’s natural ability to relax. This creates a state of deep rest that can change how your body responds to stress. It sends more oxygen to your brain and calms the part of your nervous system that handles your ability to relax. Yoga Nidra deals with relaxation through guided imagery. It has benefits not only in stress but also balancing activity of vital organs in the body. Prayers connecting to the divine is an age-old way of bringing down cortisol in the body for everyday living. Humour, spending time in nature, spending quality time with pets all of these activities have an inherent positive side effect on health. Article By :Dr.Vasudha Sharma

HYPERTENSION – AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE By Dr.Sucheta Hedge | May 13, 2022 Hypertension or high blood pressure is considered as a Vata disorder in Ayurveda. Hypertension is a result of abnormal functioning of Vata causing a condition known as Raktagata vata. Since Rakta and Pitta are always affecting each other, here pitta is also deranged. The treatment approach to every disease in Ayurveda involves identification of Doshas and the extent of derangement; the same philosophy is employed in the management of hypertension. As it is evident that hypertension can be due to many etiological factors and the ultimate manifestation of various changes like stress, hormonal insufficiency, disorders like kidney disease can cause an increase in blood pressure. Ayurveda targets the correction of doshas involved in the process. TREATMENT Nidana parivarjanaTreatment always begins with identification and correction of the factors responsible for the disease. Causes for the manifestation of hypertension are unhealthy lifestyle, diet and sleep patterns not in tune with nature’s rhythm, incompatible food, excess intake of processed food, smoking, alcohol consumption and hereditary factors. Maintenance of the healthy BMI, reducing the excess weight from the body by increase in physical activity with moderate intensity. Diet containing fruits and vegetables in good amounts and restricted amounts of fat and unsaturated oil should be followed. Reduction in intake of table salt. Reducing the amount of sodium and increasing the amount of food containing magnesium and potassium. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be restricted. Following Dinacharya (healthy daily regimen) and Ritucharya (regimen according to the season) as directed in Ayurveda will help bring positive change in the body as a whole. Stress should be reduced through various methods such as pranayama, meditation and yoga. Samprapti BhangaTo assess the pathogenesis of the disease by understanding exactly the dosha involved in the manifestation of the disorder and working towards the correction of the same. Here the methods of treatment will be Shodhana (Panchakarma) and Shamana (Medications) Shodhana chikitsa – In Raktagata vata, the vata affects the rakta and in turn vitiates pitta. Virechana or the medicated purgation is the process to remove the vitiated pitta from the body. Virechana eliminates the pitta and corrects the metabolism to bring about lightness in the body. Pitta in the blood is also corrected by this process. Basti or the medicated enema helps in bringing the vata under control which plays a major role in causing the disorder. Raktamokshana or the bloodletting therapy to let out the contaminated blood from the body. Shamana Chikitsa – Medications advised for oral intake Single herbs which help in reduction or control of hypertension are- Sarpagandha Arjuna Rasona Ashwagandha Jatamansi Brahmi Guduchi Amalaki Bala Most popular form for usage of the single drugs is the Ksheera paka (milk preparation). The herb or herbs (in this preparation) are boiled in specified quantities of milk and water until only milk remains. By the time the water content of the preparation evaporates, the milk would be saturated with medicinal properties. The final milk recipe obtained after filtering off the herbs is called Ksheerapaka. Different formulations according to the doshas are advised by the Ayurvedic physician. Few of the formulations Hridayarnava rasa Shiva gutika Arjunarista Prabhakara vati Pravala pishti Mukta vati Punarva mandura Vasavaleha Rasapachak Rakthapachak Narasimha Rasayan Brahma Rasayan Mahakalyanaka ghruta Saraswatharista Brahmi gutika Other external therapies used Takra dhara – Medicated butter milk is poured over the forehead in a continuous procedure. Shiro dhara reduces the stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline and relaxes the body as well as mind. It is employed in treatment of many psychosomatic disorders, stress, anxiety and depression. Shiro dhara with oil – Medicated oil is poured over the forehead for a specific amount of time. This not only takes care of vitiated vata by virtue of its procedure, the application of oil in any form is said to pacify vata. Shiro pichu – Swab dipped in medicated oil is kept on the posterior fontanelle region. This procedure has the same effect as shiro dhara but to a lesser extent. Shirolepa – Paste of herbal medicines is applied on the head. The herbs are picked with care to achieve the desired effect. Avagaha – Tub bath with herbal decoction. With a comprehensive approach Hypertension can be managed very well so that it does not cause further damage to major organs in the body. Article By : Dr. Suchetha Hedge

Osteoarthritis By Dr.Shraddha Surathkal | May 09, 2022 Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease. It is more likely to affect weight bearing joints like knee joints. A joint is where two bones come together. Cartilage is the protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones. With OA, this cartilage breaks down, causing the bones within the joint to rub together. This can cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Approximately 80% of older adults, ages 55 years and older, have evidence of osteoarthritis. Of these, an estimated 60% experience symptoms. It is estimated that 240 million adults worldwide have symptomatic osteoarthritis. Post-menopausal women have an increased incidence of knee osteoarthritis compared to men due to loss of oestrogen during menopause. Osteoarthritis as per Ayurveda Osteoarthritis is called Sandhigata vata in Ayurveda.It comes under vata vyadi mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts. This disease mainly gets aggravated in old age as all dhatu undergo kshaya (degeneration) and this leads to the aggravation of vata. Vata is dry and light in nature and its variation in any of the joints dry up the lubricating synovial fluid and depletes it. As a result, the cartilage wears away due to the friction leading to pain and limited joint mobility. In this condition, the large weight bearing bones and joints such as knee, ankle, and spine are the most affected. During early stages of the disease, one can experience joint discomfort cracking of the joints. If left untreated, it could progress to advanced stages leading to deformity, destruction of the articular surface. Signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis Pain during the movement of joints. Stiffness of joints following a period of inactivity. Crackling with pain during movement. Muscle weakness around the joints, especially in the knee. Limited Range of motion. Management of Osteoarthritis Available treatment options include use of NSAIDs, Calcium supplementation and ultimately joint replacement. Being safe, devoid of adverse effects, Ayurvedic management is a better option to avoid painful intervals, advancement of the disease and repeated use of painkillers (NSAIDs). According to Ayurveda, Snehana (oleation), Svedana (fomentation), Dahana (Agnikarma or heat therapy) and Upanaha (poultice) are the prime modalities of treatment in the management of Sandhigata vata or Arthritis. Janu Basti: Janubasti is one of the modalities of treatment commonly adopted in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. Research has shown that Janubasti with Taila like Murivenna or Balashwagandhadhi taila gives encouraging results in relieving the signs and symptoms. Delaying surgical interventions by a few years by external therapies like Janu basti offers the additional advantage of reducing systemic exposure due to oral use of medications. Janubasti is oiling pooling therapy on knee joints. Janu means Knee and basti is retention. Here a ring is made of back gram flour and stuck with black gram paste on the knee. Once it’s checked for non-leakage, tolerably oil is poured into the ring. It’s allowed to retain until warm. Then a portion of oil is squeezed out and hot oil is once again added. This procedure is continued for 40 minutes. After it is completed, the ring is removed and the area cleaned. A gentle massage is done for 5-10 minutes followed by steam or elakizhi (patrapotala sweda). Kizhi (Fomentation) rejuvenates the knee by controlling vata. It includes: Elakizhi (Fomentation with Medicated herbs), Navarakizhi (Fomentation with navara rice), Podikizhi (Fomentation with medicated powders). Benefits: Strengthens the knee Joint and muscles around the joint. Reduces inflammation. Relieves stiffness. Reduces degeneration of the knee. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most popular systems of treatment widely utilized for pain. Lots of studies show the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of pain. Acupuncture is based on the concept of “Qi” which is a vital motivating force. If there is imbalance in the Qi Diseases arise in the physical body. As per Acupuncture theory when acupoints are stimulated by pricking the point with needles the body will release pain relieving chemicals, which naturally occur in the body and which have similar properties like opioid pain relievers. Also Acupuncture helps to release Neurotransmitters which help in reducing the pain. Based on the condition of the person, an electrical Stimulator may be used as it further helps in stimulation and releases the stiffness in muscle. Yoga Therapy: Yoga Therapy has shown significant reduction in pain, improved strength, balance and gait. Psychological components such as anxiety are important aspects to be addressed in pain management and yoga enhances the management. Typical yoga practices consist of Yogic Sukshma Vyayama: These are safe repetitive stretching movements synchronized with breathing which mobilize and strengthen particular muscles and joints. Asana: Asana are featured by effortless maintenance in the final posture. Asana is selected suitable for patients which relax and strengthen the knee joints. Relaxation Techniques: To relax whole body. Pranayama: The practice of voluntary regulated breathing (Nadi shuddhi pranayama) while the mind is directed to the flow of breath to balance the autonomic system. Do it Yourself kit: DIY kit for knee pain is meant to manage pain in one or both knees .It includes 6 pads for oil padding and 4 Potli for fomentation and a bottle of medicated oil. Based on instructions provided this treatment can be carried out by you from the comfort of your home. Article By : Dr. Shraddha Surathkal

The Best 5 Signs of a Healthy Gut By Dr.Shraddha Surathkal | May 06, 2022 Five signs of a healthy gut By Dr.Shraddha Surathkal | May 06, 2022 Medical experts refer to our “Gut”, as a second brain, because it relies on the neuron type and neurotransmitter found in the central brain. Food that we eat is digested, and nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. This mechanism can only be used when our digestive system is in good health. A digestive problem can cause nutrient deficiencies and other problems, such as hair loss or acne. Long-term digestive problems can lead to Autoimmune disease. Ayurveda Agni has been described as the constant agent of Paka, (digestion and transformation). Agni is responsible for digesting, absorbing and assimilation of food. This is essential to the maintenance and growth of life. The Pitta dosha, which is located in the middle of the gut, is responsible for digestion, metabolism and thermoregulation. Agni can be vitiated and cause ill health. Agni, therefore, is considered the basis of life. When the microbiome balances, it has many benefits for health, but when it is out of balance it can cause issues in the gut or other parts of the body. Dysbiosis occurs when internal or external factors disrupt the delicate ecology of microorganism communities. A disrupted microbial community is characterized as an overgrowth of a single or multiple bacterial colonies. An inflammatory condition can result from a complex interaction between microbiome, immune system and other factors. Let’s look at some signs of a healthy intestine now that we know the importance of gut and digestion health. Regular bowel movements: Once a healthy gut absorbs all the nutrients that are usable from food, what is left over will not be needed. It is important to eliminate it, as this keeps the body working properly and efficiently. It can lead to toxins accumulating in the body, causing different health issues. Healthy skin: There are several lines of evidence that show a link between gut disorders and skin problems. Inflammation can be caused by anything that irritates your gut lining. It could be food allergies, alcohol, medication, antibiotics, or common foods in the modern diet such as food additives and artificial colours. Your digestive system, including your intestines and stomach, can influence your overall health. This will improve your skin. High energy levels Microbes in your gut help your digestive system process all of the food you consume. One of the key parts of this is the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The higher the level of energy in your body, the better the absorption. Regular Menstrual Cycle: Happy hormones are a healthy gut. Did you know that the hormones which regulate your menstrual cycles are influenced your gut? The microbiome helps with digestion and synthesizes nutrition. It releases chemicals which regulate mood, metabolism, immune function and more. No Bloating: Acidity, gas, diarrhoea, constipation and heartburn all indicate an unhealthy gut. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to address them. Simple ways to improve gut health Despite the abundance of expensive probiotics on the market that promise to boost your microbiome, you can change your internal ecosystem by simply adapting your lifestyle. You can cultivate a diverse microbiome in your gut for good health without using supplements, fortified food or microbiome testing. Gut health foods and practices, Include natural probiotics such as curd and buttermilk into your diet. Include cooked vegetables in your daily diet. Food should be eaten with care. Exercise regularly. Sleep cycle management is important. Drink plenty of water. Avoid frozen foods Each person is unique, but there are some general principles that apply to everyone. All people can benefit from some general principles. These simple practices will help you to maintain a healthy gut and improve your overall wellbeing. Article by :Dr. Shraddha Surat

Home Remedies For High Blood Sugar By Dr.Vasudha Sharma | May 04, 2022 High blood sugar or Increased blood glucose is a condition of diabetes which means the blood glucose is higher in our body than the normal. There may be many causes for increasing blood glucose such as stress, disturbed sleep, wrong food habits, lack of physical activity, genetics etc. To control high blood sugar, there are many home remedies which are very effective in managing blood sugar. Regular use of home remedies can bring down your uncontrolled blood sugar. Diabetic patients must have an awareness of hypoglycemia which is nothing but sudden reduction in blood glucose which causes dizziness, sweating, shivering, imbalance and nervousness. Few home remedies can maintain blood sugar and it is very much essential to prevent hypoglycemia and to control high blood sugar. Some Simple Home Remedies: Fenugreek/Methi – fenugreek seeds and leaves act as hypoglycaemic and improves glucose tolerance. Soak 1-2 tsp of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach and eat the seeds by chewing them well. Fenugreek leaves can be used weekly once or twice as a curry or sambar. Curry leaves – Curry leaves increase the carbohydrat e metabolism and reduce the oxidative stress. Good to take a few leaves by chewing them on the empty stomach. Curry leaf chutney or curry leaf powder can be consumed daily.Chutney recipe: Take 5-6 strands of curry leaves, add 50 gm of fried gram ,50 gm of fresh coconut, 1redchilli, 1/2 inch finger salt and a little tamarind. Add a small quantity of water, grind it to a soft paste and relish with dosa or idli. Cinnamon – Cinnamon powder can be consumed in the form of tea or can be used in sambar or soup. Bioactive compounds in cinnamon reduce blood sugar. also help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.Recipe for Cinnamon tea: It is a very tasty beverage and preparation is very simple. Add 1/4 tsp of home ground cinnamon powder to 100 ml water, boil for 3-5 minutes, strain, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice and enjoy your morning tea. Karela/bitter gourd – bitter gourd is having anti-diabetic compounds like charantinn vicine and polypeptide-p. Polypeptide-p acts as insulin, all these together brings reduction of glucose in the blood. This can be consumed in the form of juice, curry or sambar.Healthy juice recipe: Take 1 small karela, 1 tomato and few mint leaves. D- seed the bitter gourd and cut into small cubes and soak in turmeric water for 30 minutes. Slice the tomato as well. Remove the soaked bitter gourd from water and transfer to a juicer/mixer along with tomato. Run the mixer and add a few mint leaves at the end. Add some water to bring the content to juice consistency. Once soft and done, strain and drink. Garlic, ginger & turmeric – These are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory compounds. It Acts as hypoglycaemic and controls blood sugar. Intake of garlic pods in the morning, addition of ginger, garlic and turmeric into dishes is very essential.Turmeric pickle: Take fresh turmeric roots, cut them into small pieces, add some salt and store in a glass container with a lid for 2 days. Open the lid after 2 days and add some red chilli powder, mustard powder and methi powder. Add some boiled and cooled water to help the contents mix. Allow it to be stored in the glass jar for 3 more days. Mix them daily and ensure the freshness of the pickle. Refrigerate to preserve the pickle. Barley water – Barley is a high-protein and high-fiber diet grain which is very good to control high blood sugar.Recipe: Need to boil barley with water in an open vessel. Drink barley water and have barley rice with vegetable curry. High-fiber Food – Increase the intake of high fiber vegetables like carrot, beetroot, broccoli, spinach, beans, ladies finger, onion, capsicum and tomato. Fruits intake – Citrus fruits, apple, pear, jamun, berries, guava, avocados, water melon and musk melon can be taken. Home Remedies Must Include lifestyle Remedial Measures Taken From Home Regular yoga practice – Physical activity is a must for diabetic patients to burn the calories and to improve the function of the pancreas. Yoga is the best aerobic modality to reduce the blood sugar levels. Good sleep – Need to have good sleep to give rest to the physical and mental body. Stress management – Stress management is also considered to play a major role in managing blood sugar. Must Avoid – Sugar White rice Mango Jackfruit Custard apple Banana Chikku Article By :Dr.Vasudha Sharma

Medications for diabetes By Dr. Suchetha Hedge | April 30, 2022 Diabetes is a condition where the sugar level in the blood exceeds the normal limits. Here the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired. Among the most prevalent types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes is caused due to the body’s inability to produce insulin and type 2 diabetes is caused mostly due to cells becoming insensitive to insulin. Type 1 diabetes has no known preventable measures other than providing insulin externally. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and managed with diet and lifestyle modifications. Medications Diabetes management is mainly about keeping the blood sugar levels normal. This can be done through dietary changes, maintaining healthy weight, burning out excess calories through exercise and medications. A regular blood glucose monitoring for all individual who are obese, or with genetic predisposition or above the age of 40 will surely help in correcting the condition at a pre-diabetic phase. Management of diabetes can be done at various levels Lifestyle modification – Since diabetes is a metabolic disorder the management of the earlier stages can be done easily through dietary changes and exercise to keep the blood glucose under control. Reducing the overall carbohydrate intake, increasing dietary fibres, regulating meal time and quantity will allow the body to have ideal blood glucose throughout the day. Weight management – Reducing the body weight can prevent and delay the onset of diabetes from the prediabetic phase. Medications – Most medication targets lowering of blood sugar levels so that an acceptable level of glucose level is maintained in the blood which can prevent further complications to vital organs such as the kidney or the eyes.Type 1 diabetes where there is less or lack of insulin produced in the body, the treatment requires replenishment of insulin through supplemental insulin as medication.Type 2 diabetes which is the most common among the population the treatment can be varied according to the individual requirement. It is generally treated with medications that are taken orally. In some cases they may eventually require injectable treatment with insulin and other medications.Common medications used in Diabetes are as follows Sulphonylureas – (glimepiride,glipizide,glyburide) they lower the glucose by making pancreas release more insulin. Biguanides – ( ex – Metformin ) helps in reducing the glucose production from liver. Also improves the working capacity of insulin and slows down conversion of food into sugar. Thiazolidinediones (ex – pioglitazone) makes the insulin work better by allowing more glucose to the muscles, fat and liver. Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors (ex-Acarbose, miglitol) delays the breakdown of carbohydrates and reduces the glucose absorption in the intestine. Slows down the digestion of starches. Meglitinide (ex-Repaglinide,nateglinide) makes the pancreas to release more insulin DPP-4 inhibitors ( ex-Sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin) helps pancreas to release more insulin after meals and also lower the amount of glucose released by the liver. SGLT2 inhibitors (ex-canagliflozin,dapagliflozin,empagliflozin) Makes the kidney excrete the extra sugar from the body. Bile acid sequestrant (ex-Colesevelam) They lower both the cholesterol and blood sugar levels in patients. Dopamine agonist (ex-bromocriptine) lowers the amount of glucose released by the liver. Education – Educational programs for adults suffering from diabetes on early detection, self care, management and support through government organisations.   Ayurvedic perspective of diabetes Diabetes mellitus can be correlated to the Madhumeha described in Ayurveda. This is one among the 20 varieties of Prameha or urinary disorders. The dosha involved here is Vata. The classical symptoms of polyuria-polydipsia-polyphagia are observed in Madhumeha. It is described as a disease which has to be managed and cannot be fully cured. The two types of treatment mentioned in texts depend on the Prakruti of the individual. Apatarpana – Suggested for obese -through herbal medications, regulated fasting, and panchakarma therapies – removes the excess fat and improves metabolism at the tissue level. Santarpana – Suggested for the underweight and people with depleted tissues – providing nutrition to rebuild the body tissues, increasing the immunity, preventing damage of tissue and help in healing – Anuvasna Basti (oil enema), Nourishing massages, administration of herbs such as ashwagandha, Vidari, shatavari etc Mode of treatment or Chikitsa is done through Shodhana(cleansing) and Shamana(pacifing) Shodhana chikitsa includes vamana, virechana and basti depending on the doshas involved. Since vata dosha is involved in the pathogenesis of madhumeha, basti is commonly recommended. Mustadi yapana basti Panchatikta kashaya niruha basti Pramehahar Asthapana basti Shamana chikitsa is done using the Ahar (diet), Vihar(lifestyle), Aushadha(oral medications) Usage of single herbs or in combination in daily lives which have Tikta rasa(bitter) such as- Haridra (turmeric), Vijaysar Guduchi(Giloy) Amalaki(Indian gooseberry) Jambu fruit Bitter gourd Neem Fenugreek Bel fruit Triphala Amla juice with turmeric powder Ayurvedic formulations used in common Vasant Kusumakar Rasa Brihad Vangeshwar Rasa Trivanga bhasma Shiva Gutika Chandraprabha vati Shilajitwadi vati Nyagrodhadi churna Darvyadi kwath, Salsaradi kwath Lodhrasava, Madhvasav Different ayurvedic formulations are used by the practitioners to target the balancing of vitiated doshas and dhatus in the body. Yoga and naturopathy in diabetes The treatment aims at stimulating the pancreatic cells to produce optimum amount of insulin and to reduce insulin resistance. Treatment methods in naturopathy include fasting therapy, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, massage and sun therapy. Yogic procedures like kunjal, kapalbhati, agnisar and nauli are recommended for diabetes management. Suryanamaskar has an excellent effect on reduction of blood sugar levels. Asanas like tadasana, katichakrasana, pavanamuktasana, sarvangasana, halasana, ustrasana, Gomukhasana, Dhanurasana, shalabhasana are suggested. Pranayama and meditation helps in reducing body stress and repairing and replenishing the cells in the body. All of these along with good food choices will keep the body in a healthy state and aid in better management of diabetes. Article By :Dr. Suchetha Hedge

Retinal complications of Diabetes Diabetes is best defined as a metabolic cum vascular syndrome associated with multiple causative factors characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both, leading to changes in both small blood vessels and large blood vessels. This is often associated with long term damage, leading to malfunction and failure of various organs like eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves and blood vessels. When the elevated blood sugars effect eyes, it is called diabetic retinopathy. Here we commonly see retinal damage due to uncontrolled blood sugar. Retina is a layer of tissue in the back of eyeball. It contains photoreceptor cells called rods and cones. Rod receptors are located throughout the retina and provides black-white vision and function well in low light. Cone receptors are concentrated in small central area of the retina. These are responsible for central vision & Color vision, function well in medium and bright light. The function of retina is to capture the photons and convert into chemical and nervous signals which are transported to visual centers of brain through optic nerve. These signal are converted into images and visual perception in the visual cortex of the brain. Maximum of the visual activity is done in the part of retina. In diabetic retinopathy patients the blood vessels of the retina may change or swell and leak fluid. Damage of these blood vessels of retina will lead to significant vision loss. Stages of diabetic retinopathy Mild non-proliferative retinopathy – it is beginning stage of retinopathy, swelling starts in the tiny areas of blood vessels of retina. Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy – increased swelling of tiny blood vessels of retina. Severe non-proliferative retinopathy – accumulation of blood & other fluid and causes decreased blood flow & nourishment to retina. Proliferative retinopathy – it is advanced stage of retinopathy; here new blood vessels start growing & there will be a high risk of fluid leakage. Naturopathy introduces Iris diagnosis as diagnostic and prognostic method of evaluation in patients to see the changes in iris by using magnifying lens, flashlights, slit lamps and microscopes. Iris is a protected internal organ of the eye, located behind the cornea. Clock wise, both right and left iris represents a complete human body structure. Any changes from normal iris is an indication of abnormal function of any part or organ of human body. There may be changes like lines, flakes, open or closed lacunae, block dots etc. Pancreatic triad appears in the iris as large lacunae and honeycomb crypt in one or more of the pancreas representing area. This indicates a potential for deficiency in the pancreas. Common problems of diabetic retinopathy are blurred vision, fluctuating vision, blind spots, seeing floating spots, double vision, changes in color perception, sudden loss of vision & eye pain in advanced cases. Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Ayurveda talks about diabetic retinopathy as Dristipatalagata roga. Diabetic Retinopathy can be compared to Timira involving all the four patalas. Patalas are described on the basis of functional composition of dhatus of dristi. The symptoms of vision are manifested when the vitiated dosha afflicting the concerned dhatu in dristi patalas. Based on the diagnosis treatments such as Tarpana or Pariseka.

Hypertension – Prevention and Management What is Hypertension? Hypertension, is also called increased Blood pressure than the normal range. Medically it is termed essential hypertension. It is the most common lifestyle disorder in the present era. It is a condition in which the blood pressure is chronically raised. Normal range of blood pressure is considered as 120/80 mmHg. When a person’s systolic blood pressure is consistently 140 mm Hg or higher, and/or their diastolic blood pressure is consistently 90 mm Hg or higher it is considered to be hypertensive. Types of Hypertension Primary Hypertension Secondary Hypertension Isolated Systolic Hypertension: Common in aged people due to reduced vascular compliance, systolic B.P > 160 mm of Hg with Diastolic pressure < 90 mm of Hg. Neurogenic Hypertension: It can be caused by strong stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Causes Hereditary Anxiety/Stress Sleep apnea Secondary to disease for ex: – adrenal disease, Cushing syndrome etc Excessive use of Medications (steroids etc) Sedentary lifestyle Symptoms If your blood pressure is extremely high, you may experience: Severe Headache Fatigue Dizziness Insomnia Chest pain Vision problems Risk factors of hypertension Age: As your age progresses the risk of high blood pressure will increase. Men are likely to develop high blood pressure at the age of 45 years’ women may develop high blood pressure after the age of 65. Family history: High blood pressure tends to run in families. Being overweight or obese: Keep a close watch on your weight. The more you weigh the more is the blood needed to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. The more blood you need the more blood pressure on vessels will increase, putting pressure on artery walls. Too much salt in your diet: Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure. Too little vitamin D in your diet: Vitamin D may affect an enzyme produced by your kidneys that affects your blood pressure. Addiction: Drinking too much alcohol, Smoking cigar etc. Complications Heart attack/Stroke Chronic kidney dysfunction Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes Trouble with memory or understanding Dementia Aneurysm Range of blood pressure category systolic diastolic Normal 90-119 60-79 Prehypertension 120-139 80-89 Stage 1 hypertension 140-159 90-99 Stage 2 hypertension 160-179 100-109 Stage 3 hypertension ≥180 ≥110 Management Lifestyle modifications: The international society of Hypertension provides the following guidelines Reduction of salt Healthy diet- with whole grains, vegetables, polyunsaturated fats and reducing sugar and saturated fat. Healthy drinks- moderate intake of coffee and tea (green or black) Moderate alcohol consumption Cessation of smoking Regular physical activity Reduced exposure to air pollution and cold temperature Diet therapy – DASH diet Dietary approaches to stop hypertension are the DASH Diet. It includes high potassium & magnesium rich food, low sodium food and low saturated foods. Apple, Banana, Grapes, Peaches, Butter fruit, berries and melons are very good to bring down your High BP. Include dry fruits like almonds, raisins and pistachios. Take all green leafy vegetables, beans, carrot, beetroot and gourd vegetables. Intake of Beetroot and carrot juice in an empty stomach have a very significant effect in reducing BP and there are scientific papers available to support this. Coconut water reduces systolic blood pressure and supports cardiac muscles. Ginger cardamom tea Ayurvedic management Increased blood pressure can be managed with the help of integrative therapies such as Shirodhara, shiro abhyanga, abhyanga, diet therapy, acupuncture and yoga therapy. Lifestyle modification with therapies will definitely help in reducing your high blood pressure. If you are already under any medications, you must follow up with a doctor, monitor your BP and then taper your medicine under the doctor guidelines. Ayurveda defines hypertension as raktachapa. Vyana Vata seated in the heart and is responsible for blood circulation and the controlling factor is pranavata. Therefore there is imbalance at both levels in hypertension. This imbalances increases with factors such as stress. External therapies of Ayurveda such as taila dhara, ksheera dhara help in balancing the vata, reducing your stress physically and mentally. There by your increased blood pressure will come down. Shirodhara leads to a state of alert calmness similar to the relaxation response observed in meditation. The clinical benefits observed with Shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through adaptive physiological effects. Internal therapies such Panchakarma therapies of Virechana, Basti and raktamokshana are very useful in management of hypertension. Virechana is the most effective as it clears the obstruction and eliminates the doshas from rakta and regulates activity and movement of Vata Single herbs Garlic (Allium sativum) – The sulphur content in garlic is said to work on the nitric oxide system to relax the arteries and thus lowers systolic BP. The antioxidative and antihypertensive effect of garlic has been observed in hypertensive individuals. 2 pearls of garlic a day can prove to be cardioprotective. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) – Ideal herb to correct circulatory imbalances. It has antioxidant cardioprotective properties. Decoction of the bark is recommended. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Herb good for immunity, anxiety and stress and controls blood pressure levels. Boiling Ashwagandha with milk and water is recommended. Yogic management Regular practice of yoga including breathing exercises, asanas, relaxation technique & pranayama will help in reducing prehypertension and hypertension. Yoga practices will improve the immunity, energizes and relaxes our body & mind. Yoga with synchronizing breath will help in enhancing our awareness to body and breath. It also helps in reducing complications of increased BP. Hypertension is known as ‘silent killer’ as it does not show any sign and symptom in initial stage. When the blood pressure is high the feedback system cannot maintain homeostasis as the heart sends signals to the brain for need of more oxygen. Therefore the heart beats faster to get the extra oxygen needed possibly causing higher blood pressure. Yoga can work in balancing this overactivity of nervous system. Recommended Yoga Practices Breathing exercises