Diabetes A Bane or A Boon

Diabetes: The Pancreas are not able to make enough insulin or  sugar is not processed properly and the cell starve for energy.

It was a shocking discovery whence I went in for tests before my cataract operation. Though the probability was high since the malady runs in the family I thought I had skipped it. Whence the symptoms arrived it was unnerving. I was suffering from excessive thirst, excessive hunger and felt tired all the time. 

The quick loss of weight was a bit surprise, but I was attributing it to regular exercise at the gym and much demanding tiger safaris.

Eventually the test did confirm that I was suffering from Diabetes Type 2. I had hyperglycemia with sugar level more than 400 mg/dl. My friend a doctor and himself a diabetic advised me regular exercise. Well if the sugar level is higher than 250 mg/dl it is not advisable to exercise, since the liver releases glycogen and hence the level may rise further. 

The medicine took a number of days to bring the level down to normal. This was then followed by regular walks ranging from 45 minutes to one hour. The fact that I could control my sugar level by exercising made me do more.  I started playing billiards which added to swift movements and cut in calories. During exercise the cells are able to convert sugar directly into energy without the aid of insulin. But keep in mind, over exertion can be a tiring experience for diabetics hence keep a limit.

With diabetes on board you cannot eat things full of sugar. These are food which you should not be consuming anyway. So I added green vegetables, beans and sprouts in my diet on regular basis. Since Vitamin B 12 is not available in a vegetarian diet, I regularly consume chicken and fish and also tale a supplement.            

High sugar levels mean clogged circulatory system, damage to nerves, feet and to many organs including the retina. So it is imperative to maintain the levels. Choosing what you eat makes the difference. Since I am exercising on regular basis I do consume carbohydrates often but avoid items containing direct sugar like sweets and colas. Fruits though source of sugar are rich in all things healthy hence I eat them regularly but in limit. I also consume green tea often for the oxidant rich contents and taste.

   

I have also cut down to alcohol since it is full of calories. During and before drinks diabetics should eat well since alcohol shuts down liver and prevent necessary sugar absorption which may result in hypoglycemia following the consumption. In order to avoid nerve damage one also needs to stay away from other intoxicants including tobacco.   

Apart from all that is stated above one must get good sleep, and work out helps in this as well. But walking is most effective in maintaining sugar level as well as controlling your blood pressure. Hence go for it.  

Overall because of diet control and work outs my health is better than before. So that answers the question.

A digital glucometer is helpful in monitoring blood sugar on regular basis and this is a must. Test for thyroid inefficiency should also be carried out intermittently.

Warning: Diabetics may suffer from low sugar due to medicine, exercise or due to many other reasons hence carry sugar tablets or some sweets with you.

Photos: Courtesy Wagh Bakri Tea 

Beauty Upkeep on Small Budget Using Natural Products

Beauty Treatments at Home

Not all can afford beauty treatment from a professional beautician or from a beauty school or nearby spa, since they may charge very high fees. But there is no need to be dejected as there is always an alternative available with nature. One alternative as regards cosmetic products are the natural elements many of which are affordable. These are found in your garden or small forests in the neighborhood. With little ingenuity, you can make pastes, herbal medicines, and extract oils that will help you in the treatment to look robust and beautiful. You can also purchase Ayurvedic cosmetic products from the market some of which are quite cheap.   

Turmeric Paste for Skin & Swelling 

It is surprising that most natural elements are household items that can be easily obtained from local stores.  To make your skin shiny and bright use turmeric paste mixed with herbal massage oil or even milk.  Make a paste of ground turmeric, milk, or cream and wrap this paste on your face and body and keep it like that for a few hours. Follow this routine every day till your skin turns bright and will glow radiantly. Turmeric is a natural antioxidant and is known to reduce swelling and prevent cancer. The latte' is becoming very popular in Europe and the USA. 

Tomatoes  for Skin

Consume fresh tomato puree every day. Leucopene is proven to be beneficial to the skin, especially to deter wrinkles. Tomatoes also improve general health as they contain many healthy antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Lemon & Other Fruit

Drink lemonade made from fresh lime the Vitamin C present boosts up your resistance and prevents aging.  Similarly, a mixture of orange juice and curd works wonders.  Similarly, cold grated cucumber is useful for puffy eyes. For puffy eyes drink plenty of water or fruit juice. Avoid excessive alcohol, tea, and coffee. And sleep with your head high on the double pillow to avoid the accumulation of liquid around your eyes. Another healthy food with plenty of antioxidants and Vitamin C is Indian Gooseberry it is easily accessible as powder or liquid in the store. Gooseberry grows in the gardens and forests in the neighborhood.

Almond Oil for Hair Treatment  

Massage your hair with lukewarm almond oil, and then rinse with cold water to increase blood circulation to hair follicles. This therapy restores blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles. This is good for falling and graying hair. Almonds though costly are beneficial in the long run as far as hair restoration is concerned. They are excellent for general health.        

Selenium Disulphide for Dandruff

For dandruff, the sure-shot treatment is selenium disulfide which is available in most medicine shops all over the country. Though not available locally it can be bought from medical stores as a shampoo, it requires few applications to be effective. Regularly washing your hair with cold and warm water is important to keep up blood circulation and prevent hair follicles from drying.

Healthy Diet   

Overall eat lots of green vegetables, fruits, and lean meat, and consume a lot of curd for a healthy body. Watch your weight, be lean and fit. Add healthy spices to your diet like the Indians do these elements have medicinal properties which keep you healthy and hence beautiful.

Exercise Regularly  

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This adage transforms into exercising every day to keep healthy and beautiful. A graceful figure and a booming face are important virtues of being labeled as beautiful. Say no to the beauticians!

Weight Loss - Eat More Protein

As per recent health news it has been quoted that eating more protein  results in wight loss. The protein curbs hunger pangs that are untimely since the body feels satisfied. Hence it is wise to eat the right amount of protein if you are indulging in mid time snacks and midnight  gastronomic indulgence.  

Fats and carbohydrates do not satisfy hunger as high protein diet does. Up to 30% protein in diet works well and hunger is controlled. It is most often the case that people eat less protein than required. This is more common among vegetarians or vegans.

Meat, poultry, milk and dairy products, nuts and legumes, fish and some dry fruits are rich in protein add them to your diet. But restrain from over consumption. This is especially not good for those suffering from kidney disease. Recommended daily allowance is 56 gram for males and 46 grams for females. This diet also makes the bones sturdier. 

Weight Management for Good Health

Weight consciousness is a global phenomena but managing weight is easier said then done.  In modern times with indulgent lifestyles excess weight problem has become worse. Even young toddlers and teens suffer from obesity in large numbers. This is more prevalent in developed countries where hunger is not widespread. 

Obesity can be genetic in nature as well but this is not so common as weight gain due to lifestyle factors. In times whence packed instant food and fast foods are tremendously in vogue the problem of accumulating fat in the body has increased. Alcohol or beer consumption adds to the problem.

Most of the common house hold food are healthy and do not cause weight gain even if eaten is reasonably large quantity. Though not advised to eat in large quantities one must stick to home food which is an excellent way of maintaining weight.

Eating more vegetables and protein food is a good habit along with lots of fruits. Avoid deep fired food in lards of fat or else you certainly going to become fat. These fatty foods in home as well as fast food restaurants are addicting. It is very difficult to let go once you develop fondness for this junk food. 

Red meat is number one enemy it may be eaten but strictly in limited quantity, generally fish and chicken are less fattening. Wine, Beer and Whisky add to weight and more if consumed with red meat. Hence change you eating habits there are many wonderful vegetarian recipes that do not cause weight gain.  Vegetarian recipes are available in in Indian Cookbooks the best. Have a look and you will succeed in substituting many non vegetarian food in your diet. 

There is no substitute for exercise hence keep on doing work with periods of rest if you cannot attend the gym regularly. Exercise and vegetarian foods are best for weight loss put these into practice. In proportion body will result in long life help keep distance from heart and related disease.