Posts Tagged ‘Blood Sugar’

What are different benefits and types of oats?

Oats are super food because of the vast array of essential nutrients that are not only needed by the body but also boost overall health. The cereals that contain oats are supposed to have the property of lowering the cholesterol level. Recent study has found that:

- Oats have compounds that also reduces inflammation inside the artery walls.
- These compounds are called avenanthramides and they contain anti-inflammatory properties and they help in reducing inflammation.
- These compounds inhibits the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Cytokines are small proteins that are released by cells to repair tissues.
- Few cytokines triggers inflammation which can also lead to atherosclerosis in response to an infection.
- Oats and other cereal grains helps in a gradual rise in the level of sugar in the blood as they are digested slowly. Less insulin is needed to control blood sugar after eating plain, unadorned cereal grains than after eating some other high-carbohydrate food.
- Oats are rich in soluble fibre and it helps in reducing hypertension, or high blood pressure.
- The high content of fibre in oats keeps the bowel movements regular.
- Oats contain iron which helps to boost the immunity of the human body.
- Oats are a good source of magnesium, selenium, manganese and phosphorous.
- Oats are also a good source of vitamin B1 and dietary fiber.

Consumption of oats is an optimal way of lowering health risks. The three instants of oatmeal – regular, quick or instant have same amount of beta-glucan, a kind of fibre, which gives oats their cholesterol claim to fame.

TYPES OF OATMEAL
- Plain oatmeal groats i.e. whole kernels take a very long time to cook.
- Steel cut oats groats are cut into 2 or 3 chunks and they cook a little quicker as the piece is smaller and water gets penetrated more easily.
- Rolled oats are first steamed, then rolled and dried. Since they are already steamed and rolled, water penetrates more easily and they cook more quickly. Rolled oats come in three varieties:
regular oats – whole groats rolled.
quick oats – oat in pieces and then rolled thinner.
instant oats – oats cut even smaller and rolled even thinner.

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Causes and symptoms of Diabetes – Natural Home Remedies for Curing diabetes

In Ayurveda, diabetes is known as madhumeha. It is classified as kapha type disorder. When body is not able to synthesize sugar because of the absence of insulin, the sugar gets absorbed and accumulated in blood and the blood sugar level increases leading to diabetes. Some causes of diabetes listed in ayurveda are:
- stress and mental tension.
- poor digestion and nutrition.
- nervous system problems.
- obesity.
The symptoms of diabetes include feeling hungry and thirsty, frequent urination, weight gain or loss, eyesight loss, tiredness, nerves problem, wounds not healing.

In Ayurveda, treatment for diabetes focuses more on yoga, diet and exercise. The treatment is on multiple levels. Initially, they start the treatment by balancing the diet pattern which includes no sugar, less carbohydrates and fats. After this, ayurvedic treatment called panchkarma is given or sometimes the ayurvedic treatment is decided based on the condition of the patient.

Some herbs that can be used to cure diabetes are :
- Some ayurvedic medicines recommended for diabetes are Vasanta kusumakara and Shilajatu.
- Juice of bitter gourd daily empty stomach.
- Turmeric along with aloevera is an effective remedy.
- Fenugreek, white pepper and turmeric taken with milk or honey is effective.
- Swallow garlic without chewing.
- Amla controls blood sugar.
- Neem juice is also an effective remedy.

Some precautions that need to be taken are:
- Avoid yourself from any kind of injury as healing becomes difficult for a person who is suffering from diabetes.
- Avoid fatty food.
- Maintain a good lifestyle and a healthy diet.
- Take good care of feet and eyes.
- Avoid sleeping in day time.
- Avoid high carbohydrate diet.

Diabetes Foot Care – Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Diabetes mellitus, also called diabetes, is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Diabetes cannot be cured, but it often can be managed with proper medical care, diet, and regular exercise. Symptoms of diabetes include blurred vision, constant hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst.
Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet – even a small cut can produce serious consequences. Foot ulcers and amputations are a major cause of morbidity, disability, as well as emotional and physical costs for people with diabetes. High blood glucose from diabetes causes two problems that can hurt your feet:

- Nerve damage : High blood sugar can damage the nerves of the foot, decreasing a person’s ability to notice pain and pressure. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation.
- Poor blood flow : High blood sugar damages blood vessels which decreases blood flow to the foot. It weakens the skin, contributes to ulcer formation and prevents healing. Deep skin and bone infections can also occur.
- Skin changes : Excessive skin dryness, scaling, and cracking may indicate that circulation to the skin is compromised.
- Deformities : The structure and appearance of the feet and foot joints can indicate diabetic complications. Diabetes can also affect the joints, making them stiffer.
- People suffering with diabetes are more prone to infection.

Because of this, you can face number of problems:
- The foot may get damaged and you are not aware of it.
- Foot ulcers.
- Infections can spread more easily.
- Diabetics is the main cause of amputations.

How to take care of your feet

- Maintain your sugar levels.
- Quit smoking.
- Wash your feet everyday with warm water.
- Moisturize your feet with some lotion. Do not keep them dry.
- Keep feet dry especially between the toes.
- File corns and calluses gently.
- Check your foot daily for cuts, corns, blisters, sores etc.
- Keep your nails cut and filed.
- Avoid going barefoot, even in your own home.
- Exercise daily to promote good circulation. Avoid sitting with legs crossed or standing in one position for prolonged periods of time.
- Get a foot exam by your health care provider at least twice a year and learn whether you have nerve damage.

What should I look for when choosing shoes and socks?

- Don’t wear shoes without socks.
- Don’t wear sandals or other open-toed shoes.
- Wear shoes made out of canvas, leather, or suede.
- Avoid high-heeled shoes and shoes with pointed toes.
- Don’t wear uncomfortable or tight shoes that rub or cut into your feet.
- Talk to your doctor before you buy special shoes or inserts.
- Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can switch pairs every other day.
- Do not wear stockings with seams that can cause pressure points.
- Wear socks to bed if your feet are cold.

NOTE: Do not use antiseptic solutions, heating pad or hot water bottle to the feet.