Diabetes mellitus: How does Ayurveda classify this condition? Seeing through a different lens
Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), commonly called diabetes, is known as Prameha in Ayurveda, and is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels over an extended period.
DM is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide and necessitates careful management to prevent complications and maintain overall health.
Symptoms: Symptoms of DM can vary, but commonly include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Persistent fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds
Tingling or numbness in extremities
Types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: Results from the body's immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes: Occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes postpartum.
Other Types: Includes specific genetic conditions, medication-induced diabetes, or pancreatic disorders.
Ayurvedic description of Prameha, which is a similar condition to Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is taken from the Greek word diabetes, meaning siphon - to pass through and the Latin word mellitus, meaning sweet. In Ayurveda, this condition is termed as prameha. Prameha is a syndrome characterized by increased urine quantity with or without increased micturition frequency. Polyuria and urine turbidity are its essential features.
Common Nidanas (causative factors) of Prameha in Ayurveda include:
,· Improper diet: Heavy, oily, sweet foods disturb digestion, contributing to Prameha.
· Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise leads to metabolic issues and obesity, increasing Prameha risk.
· Genetic predisposition: Family history of diabetes raises Prameha risk.
· Excessive stress: Chronic stress disrupts hormones and digestion, predisposing to Prameha.
· Irregular sleep patterns: Excessive or irregular sleep affects dosha balance, contributing to Prameha.
· Suppression of urges: Holding back natural urges can lead to toxin buildup and dosha imbalance.
· Overindulgence in sexual activities: Imbalance due to excessive sexual activity can lead to Prameha.
· Obesity: Being overweight increases insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
· Environmental toxins: Exposure to pollutants can disrupt metabolism and liver function, increasing Prameha risk.
· Chronic diseases: Conditions like hypertension and kidney disease predispose to Prameha.
· Unhealthy habits: Smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse damage organs, raising Prameha risk.
In Ayurveda, "Poorva Roopa" refers to prodromal or premonitory signs and symptoms that precede the manifestation of a disease. In the context of Prameha (urinary disorders), recognizing these prodromal signs is crucial for early detection and prevention. Here are some common prodromal signs or Poorva Roopa of Prameha are Increased thirst, Frequent urination, especially at night, Persistent fatigue, Unexplained weight loss, Burning sensation during urination, Genital itching, Generalized weakness, Digestive issues like bloating, Sweet taste in mouth, Excessive sweating, feeling itchiness in the ears, etc.
Here are the classifications and symptoms of Prameha:
Classifications of Prameha:
Kaphaja Prameha: Caused predominantly by Kapha dosha imbalance.
Pittaja Prameha: Caused predominantly by Pitta dosha imbalance.
Vataja Prameha: Caused predominantly by Vata dosha imbalance.
Sannipatika Prameha: Caused by the simultaneous aggravation of all three doshas.
Symptoms of Prameha:
· Polyuria: Frequent urination in large amounts.
· Polydipsia: Excessive thirst.
· Polyphagia: Excessive hunger.
· Fatigue: Weakness, tiredness.
· Unexplained weight loss: Despite increased appetite.
· Burning sensation: While passing urine.
· Itching: In the genital area.
· Foamy urine: Presence of foam or froth in the urine.
· Sweet-smelling urine: Especially in diabetes mellitus.
· Tiredness and lethargy: Especially after meals.
· Diminished vision: In long-standing cases.
· Numbness or tingling sensation: Especially in extremities.
These symptoms may vary based on the type of Prameha and individual constitution. Ayurvedic treatment aims to balance the doshas, improve digestion, and correct lifestyle factors through a combination of dietary changes, herbal medicines, detoxification procedures (Panchakarma), and lifestyle modifications like exercise and stress management. It's important to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment based on your specific condition and constitution.
Dietary Recommendations (Ahara Pathya) as per Ayurveda
सारोदकं वाऽथ कुशोदकं वा मधूदकं वा त्रिफलारसं वा|
सीधुं पिबेद्वा निगदं प्रमेही माध्वीकमग्र्यं चिरसंस्थितं वा||४६||
मांसानि शूल्यानि मृगद्विजानां खादेद्यवानां विविधांश्च भक्ष्यान्|
संशोधनारिष्टकषायलेहैः सन्तर्पणोत्थाञ् शमयेत् प्रमेहान्||४७||
भृष्टान् यवान् भक्षयतः प्रयोगाच्छुष्कांश्च सक्तून्न भवन्ति मेहाः|
श्वित्रं च कृच्छ्रं कफजं च कुष्ठं तथैव मुद्गामलकप्रयोगान्||४८||
Grains (Shooka Dhanya):
Barley(Yava), Millets (Truna dhania), Wheat (Godhuma), Kodo millet (Kodrava), Banyard millet(Shyamaka,) Njavara rice/ Shastika Shali
Avoid newly harvested rice, (Navinadhanya).
Legumes (Shami Dhanya):
Chickpea(Chanaka),Pigeon pea( Arahar),Horse gram (Kulattha), Green gram (Mugdha,) Yellow lentil(Thuvari,)
Avoid Masha ( Black gram , Cow Pea), Nishpava (Flat beans)
Non-veg (Mamsa):
Lean Meat (Jangala mamsa) like organic chicken , turkey, quail ,Rabbit These meat roasted with the help of Shulya (Tandoor)
Avoid - meat of domestic animals (Gramya mamsa ) aquatic animals (Oudaka mamsa) like fish, shellfish etc , marshy animals( Anupa mamsa) Bufflow , goat / lamb in marshy area
Milk Preparations:
Butter milk (Takra) – Liquide obtained after removing f butter from curd.
Avoid Payasa, Mandaka Dadhi - Mlk pudding , sweet yogurt , desserts from milk and milk products
Fats and Oils:
Mustard oil (Sarshapa), Flax seed oil (Atasi,),
Avoid ghee(Ghrita), oil cake of sesame seed
Fruits:
Bilva, Beejapura, Tinduka, Amla, Jambu
Avoid mango, banana, papaya, jackfruit, pineapple, etc.
Vegetables:
Fruit vegetables like Zucchini(Patola), Drum stick (Shigru), Fenugreek (Methika), Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd ( Karavellaka), Cucumber ( Karkatee,)
Root vegetables like potato, carrot, beetroot.
Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihar Pathya):
Physical Exercise (Vyayama): Asanas (Yoga postures) like Vajrasana, Pacchimotasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Halasana, brisk walking (Chankraman), Ghusti (Wrestling), riding on an elephant or horse. This means doing physical exercise!
Sleep (Swapna): Adequate sleep for 6 to 8 hours at night.
Pranayamas: Kapalbhati, Bhramari, Bhastrika.
Things to avoid (Apathya Vihara):
Physical Activities (Vyayama): Sitting in a comfortable position (Aasyasukha), avoidance of exercise (Avyayama).
Sleep (Swapna): Long duration of sleeping (Swapnasukha), sleeping in the daytime (Divashswapana), awakening in the night (Ratrijagarana).
Practices: Consumption of alcohol (Madyapana), excessive Shodhana (cleansing) therapy.
Conclusion: Diabetes management or management of Prameha in Ayurveda encompasses dietary choices, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions. By adhering to recommended dietary guidelines, engaging in appropriate physical activities, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, individuals with diabetes can effectively manage the condition and lead fulfilling lives. It's essential to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and regular monitoring to ensure optimal health outcomes.