Mukesh Edavalath
Vaidyaratnam P S Varier Ayurveda College, India
Title: Role of ayurvedic dietetics in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus: A review
Biography
Biography: Mukesh Edavalath
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence at global level. Poorly controlled diabetes leads to several complications, including heart diseases, stroke and death. Prospective clinical trials provide evidence for the effectiveness of nutrition therapy in the prevention of DM. Contemporary studies in biomedicine indicate an unhealthy diet and gut dysfunction as major contributors to DM. Likewise, Ayurvedic texts describe improper diet and the subsequent gut dysfunction as the prime factor in formation of Ama (partially digested or toxic end products) which further leads to various diseases including DM (Prameha) and other diseases similar to metabolic syndrome in Biomedicine. To prevent formation of Ama, Ayurveda advocates eight principles of Aharavidhi (rules governing Diet dynamics). Further, it is advised to avoid improper eating patterns like irregular timings and food intake before digestion of the previous meal. The concept of Virudhahara (incompatible foods) in disease pathogenesis is also unique to Ayurvedic Dietetics. In established cases of DM, clinical trials as well as systematic reviews report a ~1%-2% lowering of HbA1c values along with other beneficial outcomes from nutrition therapy interventions. The existing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) guidelines revolve around what to eat and concentrate more on macro and micronutrients with their caloric and glycemic values. Although it emphasizes on individualization, Ayurveda has much broader principles of adapting the diet, with due emphasis on individual factors including the Prakriti (body constitution), Dosha (body humor), Agnibala (digestive power), Desa (place of living), Kala (season) and Satmya (personal compatibility) of the patient. In managing complications, Ayurvedic Dietetics recommends targeted nutrition therapy where food processed with medicinal herbs is administered for specific therapeutic outcomes. Finally, management of DM differs in obese and non-obese accordingly, the diet also varies for them.