It is essential for diabetics to avoid to many foods that disrupt blood sugar.However, in addition to eating a low Glycemic Index diet, it is also important to supplement with certain nutrients that help the body keep blood sugar levels in check. An important supplement known to participate in the body processes that control blood sugar levels is Biotin (one of the B-group vitamins).
In several studies, Biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance the performance of insulin, the hormone that plays a critical role in helping your body incorporate blood sugar. The supplements can also increase the activity of an enzyme, glucokinase, which the liver uses early in the process of utilizing blood sugar.
Here are a few more benefits of Biotin:
* It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. Biotin acts as a coenzyme and carries carbon dioxide. It also plays a role in fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism and glycogen synthesis.
* Benefits people with diabetes by helping to break down carbohydrates and lower blood sugar levels.
* Weight loss may be another Biotin benefit, as the vitamin is essential in the conversion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy.
* Helps the body use protein, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B12.
* Biotin is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats. It is also essential in the formation of fatty acids and glucose.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Diabetes and Exercise!!!!!
The effects of exercise on your blood sugar levels may be confusing.In the long run exercise is extremely important in helping you control your diabetes. But sometimes exercise makes your sugar levels increase temporarily. When you start to exercise your body senses that you are going to need more energy than usual. So if your sugar level is normal or slightly low, the liver will quickly pump more glucose into the blood to send to the muscles, and your blood sugar will temporarily rise.
In a non diabetic person, the increased blood sugar will trigger a fast release of insulin, and the muscles will quickly take up the glucose, so your blood sugar will not go up very much.
But if you are a DIABETIC, you cannot release a lot of insulin or insulin won't be as effective, so your blood sugar will go up a lot when you first start to exercise.
HOWEVER, if you have high blood sugar when you start to exercise, your liver will sense that you won't need a lot more glucose than is already there, and it won't pump more glucose into the blood. In addition when you exercise, whatever insulin you have in your system becomes more
effective. So if you have high BLOOD SUGAR exercise will help bring it down faster than normal.
If you start exercising when you almost have no insulin in your system,for example first thing in the morning, that tiny bit of insulin can't do much even if it is more effective. Twice zero is still zero. So exercise first thing in the morning may result in an increase in blood sugar.
It is very important to eat a little bit of good carbohydrates before you exercise. About 30 - 45 minutes before your workout seems to be best. This has two effects:
1. It makes the blood sugar rise, so the liver doesn't pump excess glucose
into the blood stream
2. The increased blood sugar stimulates the production of at least some
insulin. The exercise makes insulin more effective, and this helps to
bring down your blood sugar.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Home remedies for dark under eye circles!!!!
Try these simple home remedies for your dark under eye circles:
*Drink at least ten glasses of water everyday.
* Eight hours of sleep is a must for all of us, especially for people having dark circles under their eyes.
* Close your eyes and cover your eyelids with slices of raw potato or cucumber for 15-20 minutes.
*Grate a cucumber, squeeze to take out its juice and refrigerate. Make a mixture of lemon juice and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
*Make a paste of grated cucumber,add it to fresh yoghurt and make an uniform paste.Apply it on the dark circles,keep it for 15 minutes and wash it off.
*Apply a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.
*Apply crushed mint around the eye
*Apply almond oil under eyes.
*Drink at least ten glasses of water everyday.
* Eight hours of sleep is a must for all of us, especially for people having dark circles under their eyes.
* Close your eyes and cover your eyelids with slices of raw potato or cucumber for 15-20 minutes.
*Grate a cucumber, squeeze to take out its juice and refrigerate. Make a mixture of lemon juice and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
*Make a paste of grated cucumber,add it to fresh yoghurt and make an uniform paste.Apply it on the dark circles,keep it for 15 minutes and wash it off.
*Apply a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.
*Apply crushed mint around the eye
*Apply almond oil under eyes.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Meaning of 'Doshas' and 'Prakruti' in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, there are 3 types of Doshas and depending upon these, multiple types of prakrutis. These Doshas when in stable condition maintain the overall health of a person and when in imbalanced state lead to many diseases. So if a person get diseased, the dominant Dosha in his body gets affected. Every individual has all the 3 Doshas in his body which maintains the balance. But the Dosha which is dominant in his body decides his Prakruti. This Prakruti remains with the person throughout his life. Simple definition for Prakruti will be one’s own nature. Scientifically, Prakruti is defined as the group of characters inherited by an individual from the sukra (spermatozoon) and sonita (ovum) of the parents depending upon the predominance of Dosha or Doshas prevailing at the time of sexual intercourse and influenced by the acquired causes like environment, age and sex. The dominant Dosha in the body will give one, the dominant characters of the Dosha like physique, character, color of his hair, eyes, etc .
Prakruti is basically of 2 types, one which is known as DEH PRAKRUTI and the other one which is MANSIK PRAKRUTI.
DehPrakruti is the physical Prakruti and it is of 7 types depending upon the Dosha dominance.
Mansik prakruti or Pshychic Prakruti is of 3 types.
Whilst recommending the treatment Ayurvedic physician give more emphasis on the physical Prakruti.
The seven types are Vata Prakruti, Pitta Prakruti, Kapha Prakruti, Vata-Pitta Prakruti,
Vata-Kapha Prakruti, Pitta-Kapha Prakruti, Sannipata (mixed) Prakruti .
Prakruti is basically of 2 types, one which is known as DEH PRAKRUTI and the other one which is MANSIK PRAKRUTI.
DehPrakruti is the physical Prakruti and it is of 7 types depending upon the Dosha dominance.
Mansik prakruti or Pshychic Prakruti is of 3 types.
Whilst recommending the treatment Ayurvedic physician give more emphasis on the physical Prakruti.
The seven types are Vata Prakruti, Pitta Prakruti, Kapha Prakruti, Vata-Pitta Prakruti,
Vata-Kapha Prakruti, Pitta-Kapha Prakruti, Sannipata (mixed) Prakruti .
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Turmeric-a spice for your health!!!
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been long used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, a remedy for digestive disorders and liver problems, and as an effective treatment for skin diseases and wound healing.
In one study, turmeric was also found to improve symptoms in the autoimmune eye disorder uveitis. In this study turmeric was shown to be as effective as corticosteroids but free of the side effects commonly associated with steroids.
Turmeric is native to Asia, where it grows as a perennial flowering plant. The active ingredient in turmeric is a substance known as curcumin, which belongs to the family of curcuminoid compounds.
In Ayurvedic medicine turmeric has been studied and used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. A teaspoon of turmeric poweder in a cup of warm milk used three times daily has long been considered an effective Ayurvedic treatment for colds and influenza.Turmeric bolied with milk and taken on empty stomach early in the morning has known to retard progression of Diabetes.It is useful in relieving flatulence. Turmeric is very useful intestinal antiseptic. The rhizome, its juice or dry powder, mixed in butter milk or plain water is highly beneficial in intestinal problems, especially chronic diarrhoea. The juice of raw turmeric mixed with a pinch of salt is considered an effective remedy for expelling worms. Turmeric being rich in iron is valuable in anaemia. A teaspoon of raw turmeric juice mixed with honey is taken everyday in the treatment of this condition. This herb is beneficial in the treatment of measles. Turmeric roots are dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. Turmeric is an effective household remedy for bronchial asthma. A teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk twice or thrice daily is very effective. Because of its ability to induce bile flow, curcumin helps break down fats and increases the production of stomach acids. For this reason, turmeric should not be used in people diagnosed with gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Turmeric and Arthritis:
A research study has explored the use of turmeric for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition affecting two million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is the most common of the autoimmune rheumatologic disorders, is characterized by joint swelling, pain, stiffness and a progressive loss of joint function
Results suggest that the most improvement, measured in terms of joint swelling, occurred in the rats given an extract containing only curcuminoids, the major components of turmeric, as opposed to more complex extracts containing curcuminoids plus other turmeric compounds (similar to commercially available supplements).
Contraindications:
Turmeric should not be used in pregnancy and in patients with gallstones or bile duct obstructions unless it is under the advise of their physicians.
In one study, turmeric was also found to improve symptoms in the autoimmune eye disorder uveitis. In this study turmeric was shown to be as effective as corticosteroids but free of the side effects commonly associated with steroids.
Turmeric is native to Asia, where it grows as a perennial flowering plant. The active ingredient in turmeric is a substance known as curcumin, which belongs to the family of curcuminoid compounds.
In Ayurvedic medicine turmeric has been studied and used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. A teaspoon of turmeric poweder in a cup of warm milk used three times daily has long been considered an effective Ayurvedic treatment for colds and influenza.Turmeric bolied with milk and taken on empty stomach early in the morning has known to retard progression of Diabetes.It is useful in relieving flatulence. Turmeric is very useful intestinal antiseptic. The rhizome, its juice or dry powder, mixed in butter milk or plain water is highly beneficial in intestinal problems, especially chronic diarrhoea. The juice of raw turmeric mixed with a pinch of salt is considered an effective remedy for expelling worms. Turmeric being rich in iron is valuable in anaemia. A teaspoon of raw turmeric juice mixed with honey is taken everyday in the treatment of this condition. This herb is beneficial in the treatment of measles. Turmeric roots are dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. Turmeric is an effective household remedy for bronchial asthma. A teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk twice or thrice daily is very effective. Because of its ability to induce bile flow, curcumin helps break down fats and increases the production of stomach acids. For this reason, turmeric should not be used in people diagnosed with gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Turmeric and Arthritis:
A research study has explored the use of turmeric for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition affecting two million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is the most common of the autoimmune rheumatologic disorders, is characterized by joint swelling, pain, stiffness and a progressive loss of joint function
Results suggest that the most improvement, measured in terms of joint swelling, occurred in the rats given an extract containing only curcuminoids, the major components of turmeric, as opposed to more complex extracts containing curcuminoids plus other turmeric compounds (similar to commercially available supplements).
Contraindications:
Turmeric should not be used in pregnancy and in patients with gallstones or bile duct obstructions unless it is under the advise of their physicians.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Gingivitis and Ayurveda!!!!!!!!!
The disease gingivitis(shitada as known in Ayurveda) is a world wide problem since ancient era. Gingival bleeding is an early indication of gingivitis and it often leads to periodontitis, which is a destructive disease of the supporting structure of the teeth.
Gingivitis is a common problem in 20-40 age group. Neglecting oral hygiene allows deposition of food particles and allows invasions of harmful microorganims. The bacterila colonies convert into plaque and calculus form. The removal calculus and plaque by scaling in the early stage of periodontal disease is the line of treatment and in advanced stage the gingival pockets may have to be surgically removed by gingivectomy. Otherwise the tooth may have to be extracted.
According to ayurveda, oral hygiene methods have a vital role to play in the management of dantamulagat roga(gum disease). certain ayurvedic drugs like Triphala, Yashti, Musta, Nimba, etc have proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in combating these dental diseases and which helps not only in elimination of these diseases but also to regain oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is a common problem in 20-40 age group. Neglecting oral hygiene allows deposition of food particles and allows invasions of harmful microorganims. The bacterila colonies convert into plaque and calculus form. The removal calculus and plaque by scaling in the early stage of periodontal disease is the line of treatment and in advanced stage the gingival pockets may have to be surgically removed by gingivectomy. Otherwise the tooth may have to be extracted.
According to ayurveda, oral hygiene methods have a vital role to play in the management of dantamulagat roga(gum disease). certain ayurvedic drugs like Triphala, Yashti, Musta, Nimba, etc have proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in combating these dental diseases and which helps not only in elimination of these diseases but also to regain oral hygiene.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Medicinal use of ginger!!!
Ginger is rich in volatile oils, beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, amino acids, resins, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamins A and C and gingerols (including shogaols, a breakdown product of gingerols and are produced only upon drying and twice as effective and pungent as gingerol.
Beneficial Uses:For nausea, Ginger is a wonderful and time-honored remedy. The herb is frequently used to settle a queasy stomach, control vomiting and colic, ease morning sickness, motion sickness and seasickness.
Ginger is said to improve digestion and has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic . It is also thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover.
The shogaol content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods.
Ginger has been used to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney filtration.
Ginger is a natural blood thinner and may help to prevent strokes, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries. The chemical gingerol appears to inhibit an enzyme that causes cells to clot and thereby reduces platelet aggregation and blood "clumping." Ginger helps to retard the production of cholesterol by the liver and has been known to reverse the increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, thus helping to combat heart attack.
As an effective expectorant, Ginger has been used to rid the body of mucus buildup in the sinuses, throat and lungs. For centuries, the Chinese have used Ginger as a drying herb to eliminate mucus and have used it for colds, diarrhea and coughs. This sweet, pungent, aromatic and warming herb is still considered a fine treatment for congestion, colds, influenza, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is said to ease cold symptoms, and the shagaol in Ginger is thought to kill cold viruses. Its pain relieving properties have been said to ease the abdominal pain sometimes associated with colds and flu and also to counter the pain of strep throat.
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are said to help arthritis, bursitis and sprains. The herb inhibits the production of immune system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation and also stimulates blood circulation, offering pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness.
Further supporting its pain killing and swelling properties, other pain-killing benefits attributed to
Ginger include treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and the cramping caused by constipation. It is also thought to and relieve both the pain and stop the production of hormones that cause swelling in fibrocystic breasts.
Recent research indicates that Ginger is useful in the treatment of minor burns and skin inflammations
Ginger is considered effective in combating parasitic infection.It has also shown properties of inhibiting growth of bacterias like Salmonella.
Ginger is a warming herb that is thought to strengthen the function of the kidneys, bladder, uterus and liver (increasing bile production). It is also said to help increase blood circulation, including peripheral circulation (hands, feet, etc.).
Contraindications:People taking blood thinners should avoid Ginger, and the herb should be avoided for two weeks prior to elective surgery. Pregnant women who use Ginger for morning sickness should not take large amounts nor use it for prolonged periods without consulting a physician. Ginger increases bile production and should not be used by people with gallstones or gallbladder disease unless supervised by a doctor.
Beneficial Uses:For nausea, Ginger is a wonderful and time-honored remedy. The herb is frequently used to settle a queasy stomach, control vomiting and colic, ease morning sickness, motion sickness and seasickness.
Ginger is said to improve digestion and has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic . It is also thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover.
The shogaol content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods.
Ginger has been used to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney filtration.
Ginger is a natural blood thinner and may help to prevent strokes, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries. The chemical gingerol appears to inhibit an enzyme that causes cells to clot and thereby reduces platelet aggregation and blood "clumping." Ginger helps to retard the production of cholesterol by the liver and has been known to reverse the increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, thus helping to combat heart attack.
As an effective expectorant, Ginger has been used to rid the body of mucus buildup in the sinuses, throat and lungs. For centuries, the Chinese have used Ginger as a drying herb to eliminate mucus and have used it for colds, diarrhea and coughs. This sweet, pungent, aromatic and warming herb is still considered a fine treatment for congestion, colds, influenza, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is said to ease cold symptoms, and the shagaol in Ginger is thought to kill cold viruses. Its pain relieving properties have been said to ease the abdominal pain sometimes associated with colds and flu and also to counter the pain of strep throat.
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are said to help arthritis, bursitis and sprains. The herb inhibits the production of immune system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation and also stimulates blood circulation, offering pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness.
Further supporting its pain killing and swelling properties, other pain-killing benefits attributed to
Ginger include treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and the cramping caused by constipation. It is also thought to and relieve both the pain and stop the production of hormones that cause swelling in fibrocystic breasts.
Recent research indicates that Ginger is useful in the treatment of minor burns and skin inflammations
Ginger is considered effective in combating parasitic infection.It has also shown properties of inhibiting growth of bacterias like Salmonella.
Ginger is a warming herb that is thought to strengthen the function of the kidneys, bladder, uterus and liver (increasing bile production). It is also said to help increase blood circulation, including peripheral circulation (hands, feet, etc.).
Contraindications:People taking blood thinners should avoid Ginger, and the herb should be avoided for two weeks prior to elective surgery. Pregnant women who use Ginger for morning sickness should not take large amounts nor use it for prolonged periods without consulting a physician. Ginger increases bile production and should not be used by people with gallstones or gallbladder disease unless supervised by a doctor.
Garlic-a versatile healing herb!!!!
In herbal Medicine, garlic has been traditionally used for asthma, deafness leprosy, bronchial congestion, arteriosclerosis that is hardening of arteries- fevers, worms and liver gall bladder trouble. Garlic is good for the heart, a food for the hair a stimulant to appetite, a strength-giving ,used in Leucoderma, leprosy, piles, worms, Catarrhal disorder, asthma and cough. In recent times ,experiments have confirmed several ancient beliefs about the healing value of this herb. These experiments have in fact proven much greater power of garlic than known previously. The unpleasant odour in garlic is due to its sulphur content. This mineral is content to a greater degree in its volatile oil, which has remarkable medicinal values.
Chest diseases:Garlic has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It reduces stinking of the breath in pulmonary gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. In Ayurveda a decoction of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for tuberculosis. One gram of garlic , 250ml of milk and a liter of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of the decoction. It should be taken thrice a day .Taken in sufficient quantities ,it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia. Asthma:Three cloves of garlic boiled in milk can be used every night with excellent results in asthma. A pod of garlic is peeled ,crushed and boiled in 120ml pure malt vinegar .It is strained after cooling and an equal quantity of honey is mixed and preserve in a clean bottle. One or two teaspoon of this syrup can be taken with fenugreek decoction in the evening and before retiring. This has been found effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic attacks.
Digestive disorders:Garlic is one of the most important herbs for the digestive systems. , It stimulates peristaltis or movement of the intestines and the secretion of the digestive juices.
High Blood Pressure:Garlic is one of the most effective remedies for lowering blood pressure ,Pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also modifies the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm.
Rheumatism:In Russia garlic is used extensively in the treatment of rheumatism and associated diseases .Even in Britain ,garlic is recommended for Rheumatic afflictions.
Heart attack: Garlic helps to break up cholesterol in the blood vessels, thereby preventing any hardening of arteries which leads to high blood pressure and heart attack If a patient takes garlic after a heart attack, the cholesterol level comes down .Though the earlier damage may not be repaired ,the chances of new attacks are reduced. Blood Disorders:The herb is regarded as a rejuvenator. It has been found to help remove toxins revitalise the blood, stimulate circulation and promote intestinal flora, or colony of bacteria that prevent infection by harmful bacteria. Skin Disorder: Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistance forms of acne in some adults, have been healed with garlic. Garlic rubbed over ringworm, gives quick relief. The area is burnt by the strong garlic and later the skin peels off and the ring worm is cured.
Other uses: Garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for the loss of sexual power from any causes. It also treats sexual debility and impotency caused by overindulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion from dissipating habit .It is said to be especially useful to old men with nervous tension and falling libido. .
Chest diseases:Garlic has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It reduces stinking of the breath in pulmonary gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. In Ayurveda a decoction of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for tuberculosis. One gram of garlic , 250ml of milk and a liter of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of the decoction. It should be taken thrice a day .Taken in sufficient quantities ,it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia. Asthma:Three cloves of garlic boiled in milk can be used every night with excellent results in asthma. A pod of garlic is peeled ,crushed and boiled in 120ml pure malt vinegar .It is strained after cooling and an equal quantity of honey is mixed and preserve in a clean bottle. One or two teaspoon of this syrup can be taken with fenugreek decoction in the evening and before retiring. This has been found effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic attacks.
Digestive disorders:Garlic is one of the most important herbs for the digestive systems. , It stimulates peristaltis or movement of the intestines and the secretion of the digestive juices.
High Blood Pressure:Garlic is one of the most effective remedies for lowering blood pressure ,Pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also modifies the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm.
Rheumatism:In Russia garlic is used extensively in the treatment of rheumatism and associated diseases .Even in Britain ,garlic is recommended for Rheumatic afflictions.
Heart attack: Garlic helps to break up cholesterol in the blood vessels, thereby preventing any hardening of arteries which leads to high blood pressure and heart attack If a patient takes garlic after a heart attack, the cholesterol level comes down .Though the earlier damage may not be repaired ,the chances of new attacks are reduced. Blood Disorders:The herb is regarded as a rejuvenator. It has been found to help remove toxins revitalise the blood, stimulate circulation and promote intestinal flora, or colony of bacteria that prevent infection by harmful bacteria. Skin Disorder: Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistance forms of acne in some adults, have been healed with garlic. Garlic rubbed over ringworm, gives quick relief. The area is burnt by the strong garlic and later the skin peels off and the ring worm is cured.
Other uses: Garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for the loss of sexual power from any causes. It also treats sexual debility and impotency caused by overindulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion from dissipating habit .It is said to be especially useful to old men with nervous tension and falling libido. .
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