Simple Health Cures

   “A ton of bitter melon reaps sweet results for diabetes”. Conforming to this adage scientists have shown blood sugar levels reducing due to the usage of juices of unripe bitter melon.

   This bitter cucumber shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over it is found in tropical areas. It is used for medicinal properties as well as a food. It is no secret that bitter melon has benefitted a large number of diabetics. It functions to counteract diabetes like other drugs but without any known side effects. This is what makes it more popular as compared to the developed drugs.

   Bitter Melon is effective in curing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. certain compounds of bitter melon help lower and maintain the proper levels of blood sugar in the body. In type 2 diabetes casese: bitter melon helps reduce the phenomenon of insulin resistance.

   Besides that scientists have also discovered that it can actually increase the number of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, thereby helping the body to naturally help itself. Along with these known benefits, it also has beneficial effects on conditions arising due to diabetes. This includes diabetes related cataract, neuropathy (nerve damage) and gastropathy (stomach conditions).

   Bitter melon is an excellant example of a natural substance that has numerous bioactive components that work together synergisically to produce health benefits that could not occur if the ingredients were isolated. Around 32 different components of bitter melon have been identified that have various bioactive properties. It is no wonder then, that Bitter melon is regarded as a Natural Wonder drug without any side effects.

   In the last blog we spoke about the seven chakras which are_

   !. Head Chakra is called Sahasrara

   2. Third Eye Chakra is called Ajana or Gyan

   3. Throat Chakra is called Vishuddha

   4. Heart Chakra is called Anahata

   5. Solar Plexus Chakra is called Manipura

   6. Sacral Chakra is called Swadhisthana

   7. Root chakra is called Mooldhara

   The detailed descriptions of the first three Chakras were also provided. Now we proceed with the remaining chakras.

   The Heart Chakra is associated with the thymus gland in the endocrine system. It governs the circulatory system, naturally being associated with the main organ, the heart. It also govens the liver, lungs and hands of the person. Its element is “air”. It is also responsible for the emotions of love and compassion. it shows the way to openness in life.

   The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with the pancreas and adrenal glands. It govens the stomach, liver, gall bladder and spleen. Its element is “fire”. Its emotional function is of regulating self pride and wisdom. It helps in connecting the self to the universe. For a number of treatments this is the chakra most commonly used. It lies in the centre of the body and is also associated with a number of ailments.

   The Sacral Chakra is associated with the gonads. It governs the reproductive systems and all associated organs in both the male and female reproductive system. Its element is “water”. It is the center of your gut feeling or instinct. The chakra is used to treat sexually related problems which a person may suffer from.

   The Root Chakra is associated with the adrenal and supra renal glands. it governs the excretory stsyem of the body along with the kidneys, bladder, spinal column, and legs. Its element is “earth”. It is also the seat of your Kundalini Energy. It helps in relating to the opposite sex physically, mentally and spiritually. It is also crucial in being grounded with your own self.

   In case you are wondering how a single organ is governed by more than one Chakra, it is so because the organ is influenced by more than one energy center in the body.

   Similarly a single disease may need treatment of a combination of chakras to heal. For instance with diabetes mellitus the three main chakras affected are the Manipura or the Solar Plexus Chakra, the Anahat or the Heart Chakra, and the Swadhisthana or the Sacral Chakra. So the imbalances found in all three chakras, and the Swadhisthana or the Sacral Chakra. So the imbalances found in all three chakras need to be balanced to heal diabetes. It is not a simple one sitting process, but involves balancing the energy vortexes with regular energy healing sessions.

   “Chakra” is a Sanskit word which means “wheel”. as per ancient Hindu system of belief the Chakras are energy vortexes in the body. These circular shaped vortexes spin like a wheel and are known as the body’s energy chakras. The are seven main chakras in the human body, 21 sub chakras and 45 minor chakras. However here we discuss only the seven main chakras.

   Each of these seven chakras are found in one straight line from top of the head to the bottom of the spine. The seven energy vortexes have their own individual traits. For instance the seven main chakras are all different colors. These colors so relate to the colors of the rainbow described by VIBGYOR going from top to bottom.

   So what are the names of these Chakras?

   1. Head Chakras is called Sahasrara

   2. Third Eye Chakra is called Ajana or Gyan

   3. Throat Chakra is called Vishuddha

   4. Heart Chakra is called Anahata

   5. Solar Plexus Chakra  is called Manipura

   6. Sacral Chakra is called Swadhisthana

   7. Root chakra is called Mooldhara

   The Chakras all goven and are governed by different factors and body parts. So what are these traits that influence each Chakra? Here is a summation of the key points for each of these energy centers of the body. They are all associated with different parts of the body as well. Let us begin with the the first Chakra.

   The Head Chakra is assoicated with the pineal endocrine gland. it governs the upper brain and right eye. Its element is the “spirit”. Its function on an emotional level is to help connect to your spiritual self. It is through this head chakra that the energy is drawn into the body for various needs. An energy healer will usually not perform any treatment for this chakra in any normal person.

   The Third Eye Chakra is associated with the pituitary gland. It governs the lower brain, left eye, ears and nose. Its element is the “thought”. It functions as an intuition center. It helps in thought formation and visualization as well. This is the chakra which you need to develop if you wish to develop if you wish to develop your psychic abilities. Most yogis use this chakra as a meditation center as well.

   The Throat Chakra is associated with the thyroid and parathyroid gland. It governs the respiratory system including the throat, lungs, and the bronchial apparatus. Its element is “either”. The emotional function of the throat chakra is that of a communication center.

   It accepts and assimilates information from its surroundings.

   We will continue about the remaining chakras in the next post.

   A family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes is called Diabetic neuropathies. Over the years, diabetic people can develop nerve damage throughtout the body. About 60-70% of diabetic people suffer from some form of neuropathy. It can occur anytime but the risk increase with age and longer duration of diabetes. The high risk group includes people with diabetes for 25 years or more. It is commonly observed in people who have problems in controlling their blood sugar levels, people who have high levels of blood fat and overweight people.

   The Causes For Diabetic Neuropathies:

   Metabolic factors like high blood glucose

   Long duration of diabetes

   Abnormal blood fat levels

   Low levels of insulin

   Neurovascular Factors that Lead to Damage of Blood Vessel Carrying Oxygen and Nutrients to Nerves:

   Autoimmune factors which cause nerve inflammation

   Mechanical injury to nerves

   Inherited traits the increases susceptibility to nerve disease

   Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use

   The Signs or Symptoms of Nerve Damage:

   Numbness, tingling or pain in the toes, fingers, feet, hands, arms and legs

   Wasting of muscles of the feet or hands

   Indigestion, nausea or vomiting

   Diarrhea or constipation

   Dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure after standing or sitting up

   Urinating problems

   Erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women

   Weakness

   Besides the neuropathy is often accompanied by weight loss or depression

   “Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties”

   For a diabetic person exercise is mandatory for weight loss as well as a healthy heart. Not only does it lower one’s high blood pressure, but also improves blood sugar control hereby leading to an overall sense of wellbeing.

   In a pre-diabetic person exercising can prevent type 2 diabetes. It must be noted that along with enthusiasm it is important to use common sense and seek help from health care before starting any exercise program.

   Benefits of Exercise…

   Helps control blood glucose levels…

   Increase energy levels…

   Improve heart health…

   Promotes emotional well being…

   Effects of exercise on people with type 1 Diabetes…

   Exercise has many positive health benefits, including short-term blood glucose control, and is recommended for most people with type 1 diabetes. Because of its blood glucose lowering effect, people with type 1 diabetes should take certain measures to prevent blood sugar emergencies. It’s important to note, for some people with type 1 diabetes an intensive workout can actually cause hyperglycemia, or high blood sugars, particularly if blood glucose levels were high prior to the workout. Monitoring blood glucose levels before and after working out and logging your glycemic response to different physical activities is an important tool for safe exercise with type1 diabetes.

   Effects of exercise on people with type 2 diabetes…

   Leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, and the high incidence of obesity and overweight among people with type 2 is also highly correlated with inactivity. Starting a workout program can lower body mass and consequently decrease the insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes who exercise regularly have better profiles than those who don’t. Along with medical nutrition therapy, exercise is one of the first lines of defense in type 2 diabetes control. In addition, exercise is a key tool in preventing one of the leading complications of type 2 disbetes cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that regular activity lowers triglyceride levels and blood pressure.

   New hope for type 2 Diabetes may be found in both tea and wine glasses.

   Study have found that the polyphenols found in both wine and tea have a beneficial effect on alpha-glucosidase. An enzyme responsible for the absorption of glucose in the small intestine.

   In the study they look into four kinds of red and white wine. And four types of teas ( black, green, white and oolong).

   Result show that red wine inhibited alpha- glucosidase by about 100 percent. White Wine showed only a 20 percent reduction while Black Tea, the most active of the four teas, tested came in at over 90 percent. White Tea and Oolong Tea came in at a close secord and third with, 87 and 80 percent respectively.

   Alpha- amglase is an enzyme used in the small intestine to break down starches and is usually inhibited along with alpha- glucosidase by a lot of the more conventional medications. Another key point in flavor of this Natural Approach.

   In the mean time, both tea and red wine get to add another feather in their  caps for yet another fantastic health benefit.

   First of all a noteworthy point is that the raw food diet is based on survival rather than sensation. Secordly, our ancestors ate only raw food and suffered none of these new age urban problems of insulin resistance and thus diabetes. It also goes to prove that over the years how sensation has overwhelmed and taken over sensibility resulting in many diet based illnesses.

   Incidenyally milk and cooking were never part of the man’s natural diet and he ate a raw food diet for millions of years. Although man has not changed his plumbing, but he has drastically changed his eating habits towards consumption of junk foods, carbohydrates, high sugar and cooking.

   Man’s natural diet should be viewed as a short term fad but as a lifetime approach to healthier living. Researcher have made some interesting observations. Check out what they have found.

   Consumption of raw vegetables and fruits has beneficial and speedy effect on diabetics provided they have not taken any insulin.

  Several raw vegetables like Jerusalem artichoke contain insulin. Most raw vegetables in their natural state contain insulin, the precursor of insulin.

   Some chemists and physicians in America, after carrying out a protected examination of four thousand diabetics in America concluded that only 1% needed insulin, the rest of them recovered on nutrition alone.

   A raw plant food eliminates 100% of bad fatty acids from the diet and supplies pure and natural fatty acids required for good health. In addition they come with their own supply of insulin.

   Raw and unprocessed natural foods supply the chromium, needed to potentiate insulin.

   A diagnosis of diabetes does not have to be a death sentence. Nutritional approaches can be very effective.

   Finally, one must consider that in millions of years of evolution a body has never had to worry about insulin resistance. That itself speaks volumes about importance of raw food in eradicating diabetes.

   Diabetes is like a slow poison and a breeding ground for many other diseases and chronic problems. A diabetic person is twice as much likely as compared to a non diabetic person to have heart disease or stroke, and that too at a young age.

   It can cause atherosclerosis which is clogging and hardening of blood vessels. This is caused due to high blood glucose levels over time which in turn leads to increased deposits of fatty materials on the insides of the blood vessel walls. These deposits may affect blood flow, increasing the chances of clogging and hardening of blood vessels.

   Diabetes is also the leading cause of a kind of blindness, kidney disease and amputation. It has been observed that people with diabetes are more likely to die from flu or pneumonia. Dental disease has also been known to have connection with this deadly disease.

   Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is a condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood plasma. Chronic levels of glucose can cause organ damage too. Nephropathy or an advanced kidney disease can also be caused due to diabetes.

   Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder related to diabetes which causes damage to retina. Diabetic Vasculopathy  causes the disorder to blood vessels. Other serious disorders due to diabetes include loss of limbs due to poor blood circulation and increased risk of dementia, a cognitive disorder.

   Type 1 Diabetes: ( insulin dependent disease)

   This is a an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body immunity system turns against a part of the body. The immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas, hereby destroying them. This results in pancreas producing beta cells in the pancreas, hereby destroying them. This results in pancreas producing little or no insulin. To counter this shortcoming of the body, a person with type 1 Diabetes must take insulin to carry out the normal functioning of the body smoothly. It occurs most commonly in young people and children, but happen at any age. The causes for occurrence of this type of diabetes is still unknown.

   Type 2 Diabetes (Non insulin dependent disease)

   In this case despite of the pancreas producing enough insulin, body can not use insulin effectively. The body, for reasons unknown, goes into insulin resistence mode. Due to this, over the years the insulin production decreases. As a result, the glucose builds up in the body and the body cannot make good use of it as a fuel providing energy. This type of Diabetes attacks the body gradually, unlike type 1. Symptoms may include fatigue or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores. Some people have no symptoms.

   Gastational Diabetes

   As the name suggests, it occurs only during pregnancy. It occurs commonly among women with a family history of Diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to contract type 2 Diabetes within 5 to 10 years.

   Besides these, other rarer types of Diabetes like diabetes  Insipidus, Juvenile diabetes and felina diabetes also exist.

   There are many signs of diabetes that body uses as a signal to alert the person. The top warning signs of Diabetes are listed below.

Frequent trips to bathroom-

   The root cause of this is excessive glucose in the lood stream. The ineffective use of insulin, cause the inability of kidneys to filter back glucose into the bloodstream. The kidneys hence draw extra water from the blood stream to dilute the glucose. This in turn, keeps the bladder full and makes one run to the bathroom more often.

Unquenchable thirst-

   This is an extension of the excessive urination. Since one urinates more than normal, the body feels dehydrated and to replenish the water requirements drinks more water.

Loss of weight without trying-

   This is more noticeable in Type 1 diabetes. Since the insulin producing cells get attacked and this results in lack of production of body fuel, namely glucose, the defense mechanism of body breaks fat cells and tissues for energy. Thus the weight loss. Type 2 happens with increased insulin resistence: therefore the weight loss is barely noticeable.

Weakness and fatigue-

   Glucose depletion from the cells plays havoc again. Due to ineffectiveness of insulin, glucose is not absorbed by the cells and the cells become energy starved. The energy deprived cells result in an energy deprived body thus making one feel weak and fatigued.

Tingling of hands, feet and legs-

   Also known as neuropathy, it occurs gradually over the time, since higher glucose levels affect the nerous system eventually damaging it.

   Other symptom’s besides the above mentioned include: blurred vision, cuts and bruises which are slow to heal, recurring skin, gum or bladder infections. Yeast/vaginal infections in females. Not everybody will have each one of these symptom’s. Indeed, some people may have no symptom’s at all.