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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Diet in Crohn's Disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) - Prefer and Avoid

Here is the list of things one needs to avoid

  • Coffee
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohns disease
  • Carbonated beverages/ soft drinks like pepsi, coke.
  • Milk, cheese
  • Dried beans, peas, black daal, kidney beans ( rajmah), chick peas (kabuli chana).
  • Raw vegetables
  • Dried fruits and other fruits with seeds
  • Citrus fruits as these are acidic in nature and again worst the symptoms.
  • Hot sauce, pepper
  • White flour
  • Nuts, crunchy nut butters
  • Popcorn
  • Meat
  • Spicy foods, sauces
  • Garlic, ginger
  • High fiber diet - Though Fiber, the undigested part of food, is found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. While fiber is good for most people, it can be hard for someone with ulcerative colitis to handle. “You should limit fiber to less than 2 grams per serving as your symptoms are still active.
  • Late night sleep
  • Mental stress and tension

Recommended

  • Pomegranate juice -50 ml twice daily. It helps to arrest the bleeding and provides essential nutrients.
  • Fresh yogurt + banana every day. 
  • Pumpkin, ridge guard, round guard, bottle guard
  • Chew few petals of rose petals and marigold flower petals every day.
  • Green grass juice one glass daily.
  • Green grams (Moong daal).
  • Moong daal khichadi.
  • Herbal tea daily once made from cumin, coriander, thyme and fennel.

Dietary Recommendations for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, diet for prostate cancer, diet in prostate cancer
  • Reduce animal fat in your diet (Avoid if vegan).
  • Avoid trans fatty acids, these are high in margarines, and fried and baked foods.
  • Significantly increase your fresh fruit, herb, and vegetable consumption daily.
  • Avoid calcium rich diets
  • Increase your natural vitamin C consumption -- this includes citrus, berries, spinach, cantaloupe, sweet peppers, and mango.
  • Include green tea in your diet.
  • Eat leafy dark-green vegetables frequently.
  • Cruciferous vegetables are cancer protective. These include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
  • Tomatoes and especially tomato products are very high in lycopene, a powerful anticancer substance.
  • Use olive oil, which is very healthy and rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Avocado oil is also good
  • Stopping smoking can help to reduce the side effects of treatment for prostate cancer.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption as well.
  • Selenium is great for boosting the immune system. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, fish, seafood, liver, kidney and poultry.
  • Try drinking a glass of concentrated pomegranate juice a day.
  • Walking, swimming, cycling and gardening are all good exercises that can help cancer patients lead a better life.
  • Maintain a positive frame of mind. It is quintessential to the effectiveness of any form of treatment.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Diet for Kidney Stones | Dietary Changes in Renal Calculi

diet for kidney stones, diet for renal calculi, renal calculi diet, prevent kidney stones through diet

WHAT TO PREFER

WHAT TO AVOID

  • Drink up to 3 liters of fluids per day
  • Check your weight, obesity may lead to increased risk of kidney stone formation.
  • Limit salt intake.
  • If you are a non – vegetarian, try and switch to vegan sources like nuts, lentils, dried peas etc. in moderate amounts.
  • Include Vitamin C in diet.
  • Include Wheat, Rye, Barley and Rice in diet.
  • Dark green leafy vegetables.
  • Carrot juice is also good for kidney stone patients.
  • Include Papaya in diet
  • Brown rice instead of plain rice.
  • Potassium rich fruits and vegetables.
  • Vegetables – Cauliflower, Broccoli and Onion.
  • Mushrooms and asparagus.
  • Fruits – squash, peach, cherries, plum, grapes, watermelon, antelope, apple etc.
  • Limit caffeine intake and avoid black coffee especially if you have oxalate stones
  • Avoid spinach, strawberries, chocolates, rhubarb, wheat bran, nuts and tea.
  • Avoid red meat.
  • Limit milk and milk products intake like yoghurt, Paneer etc.
  • Vegetables -Green onion, green pepper, celery, cabbage, beans, Wheat bran wheat germ, chocolate and Tofu
  • Fruits -Sweet potato, black berries, blue berries, currants, raspberries etc.
NOTE: Avoid high sugar containing fruits if the patient is Diabetic.

Effective Diet to Lose Weight Naturally | Weight loss Diet

  • First of all, a big no – no to all kinds of foods that qualify in the category of junk foods. They are silent killers and very low on the nutritional value. Limit their intake as much as you can. Total removal from daily diet would be the best.
  • Include oatmeal, bran cereal, eggs and low fat milk in breakfast as it makes dieter feel full for longer. Oatmeal, bran cereal helps in burning fat.
  • Replace tea and coffee with green tea or herbal tea without sugar. You can do this gradually by slowly substituting your daily milk tea with green tea.
  • Eat boiled pulses, green salad, low fat curd, buttermilk and nuts before after noon meal as it will curb hunger.
  • Lunch must comprise of brown rice, mixed steamed vegetables and whole grains. This should be the biggest meal of the day, you can relax your schedule a bit at lunch hours to enjoy a good healthy meal. Our metabolism is the best during this time of the day. But remember no to always under do your diner rather than over doing it.
  • Involve leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves, drumstick plant leaves, mustard leaves, etc. as it contains low calories and improves digestion. Broccoli, cabbage and lettuce are best food for weight loss.
  • Beans and lentils are rich source of protein and weight loss food. Soybeans, black beans reduces hunger while dieting. Soluble fibre helps in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Watermelon, apple, guava, pear and oranges are considered some of the best fruits to eat during weight loss.
weight loss diet, effective diet for weight loss, effective diet to lose weight, natural weight loss
  • Before dinner have vegetable soup and salad. Eat low carbohydrate, low fat food at night. Cook the food in low fat oil without adding coconut. Better choose olive oil for cooking. Its best to eat a little less than you feel like eating like for example you are eating two chapatis at dinner, you can cut down on one chapati at dinner and substitute it with salads and fresh green vegetables to feel full.
  • Try and not take any fruit after or with dinner as it causes water retention in the body at night. You can take your daily fruit intake during the day up till evening 7 pm.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day. 2 – 3 liters is a minimum. Drink water only when you feel thirsty and take it in small amounts. Avoid drinking water for at least half an hour after taking meals.
  • You can also take 20 ml of Aloe Vera juice mixed in a glass of water every day. Once in the morning empty stomach and the other glass of water in the evening.
  • Whenever you feel hungry, eat whole wheat grain biscuits and multigrain food products. Try and avoid white flour and its products totally. It is otherwise also not good for any body's health.
  • Remember, if you want to lose weight, make these changes in your lifestyle for life. Losing weight is not only essential for your body for cosmetic reasons , but it also cuts down on your chances of catching major lifestyle disorders like Diabetes type – 2 and Heart problems.

Home Remedies & Dietary Recommendations for Psoriasis Management

Home remedies for psoriasis, diet in psoriasis, do's, don'ts

SOME HOME REMEDIES AND DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGING PSORIASIS

  • Application of Olive oil gives good results in psoriatic patients.
  • Coconut oil application is also great for use.
  • Application of a paste form of oats made by mixing oats in sufficient quantity of water is also very beneficial.
  • Use of turmeric is very useful both orally as well as for local application on the psoriatic plaque.
  • Drink plenty of plain water is useful.
  • Avoid using perfumes and deodorants directly over the skin.
  • Application of Lactic acid based moisturizers help in relieving the condition.
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol intake, smoking and tobacco chewing.
  • Avoid junk and fried food, try and consume simple homemade food with minimum oils and maximum nutrition.
  • Include a lot of fresh green vegetables and salads in diet to keep the digestive system in shape.
  • Packed or canned food or drinks should be avoided in diet
  • Consume foods that are rich in antioxidants like citrus fruits, blueberries, blackberries, almonds etc.
  • Sit in direct sunlight for some time every day (10 – 15 mins) preferably in the morning or in the evening.
  • Prevent any kind of irritation of the affected areas due to any external stimulus like, very strong winds, abrasions etc. You can keep the area covered for protecting it.
  • Practice a few breathing exercises in the morning like Pranayama, Kapal bhati, Bhasrika, Anuloma, Viloma etc.
  • Avoid stress as it is one of the precipitating factors for psoriasis.
  • Watch your weight if you are obese, it is also one of the precipitating factors for psoriasis.
  • DO's - Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Soya beans, Peas, Oranges, Cabbage, Lentils, Spinach, Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Grains, Nuts, Blueberries, Flaxseed, Watermelon, Apple cider vinegar, Garlic, Turmeric and Exercise
  • DON’TS - Dairy products, Alcohol, Tomatoes, Cakes, Cookies, Caffeine, Fried food, Refined sugar, Junk food, Citrus fruits, Cinnamon, Curry, Sauce and ketchups, Salty & Sour, Egg, Spicy food, Do not scratch the skin, Smoking and Red meat

Diet in PCOS ( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome )

Diet in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Diet in PCOS, PCOS diet

AVOID THE FOLLOWING FOOD PRODUCTS

  • Sweetened juice, canned fruit in heavy syrup, or other artificially sweetened products.
  • Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, and peas should be avoided.
  • Refined grains made with white flour such as white bread and pasta, bagels, or white rice. Sugary drinks such as soda or juice.
  • Sugary foods such as cookies, cakes, and candy
  • Snacks such as potato chips, Lays, Uncle Chips etc.
  • Avoid fried foods, go for grilled or roasted or baked products instead.

GO FOR THESE OPTIONS

  • Freshly squeezed fruit juices.
  • Non–starchy fresh vegetables or frozen/canned vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots.
  • Whole grains such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
  • High fiber cereals such as oats, whole wheat, and All Bran. (Look for cereals that have at least 5 grams of fiber per serving or sprinkle ½ cup of bran cereal or unprocessed bran on a low–fiber cereal to increase the fiber)
  • Maintain a daily fiber intake of 25 – 30 gm/ day. Prefer soluble fibers like the ones found in vegetables and fruits.
  • Yoghurt is a good option for people who cannot tolerate milk and other dairy products.
  • Amla juice – 10 – 20 ml in the morning and in the evening is a good option for everyday detoxification.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, diet and exercise regularly as people with PCOS tend to gain weight due to higher levels of insulin in their blood. At least half an hour of exercise for 4 -5 days in a week is mandatory to maintain weight in patients of PCOS.
  • Maintain an optimum balance in the carbohydrate, fats and protein ratio, keeping it at 70% Carbs: 25-30% Proteins: 10% Fats.
  • Stick to small meals at a time, do not overeat. Always leave a small part of your stomach empty. This helps in better digestion of the food that you eat as well as regulates the weight as well.
  • Limit salt intake, maintain an optimum of <2400mg/day. Use lemon, mustard and vinegar to add taste to your food instead of salt.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Diet for Hair Loss | Hair Fall Natural Treatment


  • Apply coconut oil or bhringaraj oil before head wash. This helps strengthen the roots and calms down the aggravated pitta element that leads to hair fall. 
hair fall diet, diet in hair loss, bharingaraj oil for hair, natural hair health
  • Avoid excessively spicy, salty and high on sugar content food.
  • Drink ample amounts of water per day. 
  • Take high protein diet like Paneer, tofu, soy products, milk and other healthy protein sources.
  • For non – vegetarians, fish oil is great for healthy hair and scalp. You can also take well cooked meat.
  • You can choose to wash your hair with a combination of amla powder and reetha powder mixed in equal amounts.
  • You can also apply fresh yoghurt mixed with mustard oil for reducing hair growth.
  • Take a balanced diet with all the nutrients including minerals that are only found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly, to suit your routine and body. It improves the blood circulation to the scalp and can be helpful in reducing hair fall.
  • Include vitamin C rich foods in diet like Amla, Oranges and many citrus fruits.
  • Salads should include onion, garlic, broccoli, Brussels, turnip and other sulfur rich foods.
  • If you are Anemic, take measures to improve the Hb level as that can also cause significant hair fall. Take beetroot and Pomegranate juice for this.
  • Check the water that you use daily for external as well as internal usage.


Diet in Prostate Problems | Prostate Enlargement Diet | Natural Treatment

Prostate is a part of male reproductive organ and plays a crucial role during ejaculation. It also plays a crucial role in passing the urine. It is a small organ, which covers the urethra and is located under the bladder. Prostate problems mostly occur in men, after the age of fifty. Prostate enlargement is very common problem among men where prostate gets inflamed. In some cases, irritation occurs after urination. The signs of this condition include urine leakage and frequent urinations mostly at the night.

The person, who is suffering from prostate problem, must take a great care about his eating habits. This is because; the food materials, which are consumed by the patients, have a direct influence on the problem. Diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is required by the patients of prostate problem. This diet can be followed in any of the prostate conditions. Food products are of great importance in this condition because they have the potential to cure the symptoms effectively!

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, diet in prostate problem, prostate enlargement diet


FOOD ITEMS NOT TO BE CONSUMED

CONSUMABLE FOOD ITEMS

Grains (whole grains are good prevention sources)

Grains

Nearly all the grains can be consumed during this problem. However, the canned and processed grains are to be avoided by the patients of prostate disorders.
  • Soya grains
  • Wheat
  • Peanuts
  • Oats
  • Rice

NOTE - These grains are rich in fiber and they are to be taken in a particular amount.

Fruits

All the fruits are suitable in the condition of this problem but some fruits that cause constipation can be avoided.
Banana may cause constipation for some.

  • Red berries
  • Avocadoes
  • Pomegranate
  • Grapes
  • Orange
  • Raspberries
  • Citrus fruits
  • Papaya
  • Watermelon
  • Sugar cane

These fruits have anti- oxidant properties that is good in this condition.

Vegetables

The vegetables are the great source of oxidants. Therefore, it is advised that during this problem the patients must consume only rich vegetables that are mentioned in the table.

  • Tomatoes
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Bell peppers
  • Pumpkin
  • Ash guard
  • Bottle guard
  • Onion
  • Dark Vegetables
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Green coriander
  • Cabbage
  • Garlic
  • Ginger

NOTE – The juice and soup of these vegetables can also be preferred because it helps in the easy bowel movements.

Non Veg

Fatty meat is not required in the prostate problem.

  • Fried meat
  • Red meat
  • Grilled meat

Spices

Hard spices are to be avoided in the vase of prostate enlargement and other prostate problems. They can cause irritation in the organs.

  • Cayenne pepper
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Thyme
  • Fenugreek
  • Mint
  • Cod liver oil
  • Flax seed/oil
  • Olive oil

Other Food Products

  • Oily food
    Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Calcium rich foods
  • Milk
  • Saturated fatty products
  • Fried food articles
  • Pumpkin seeds (1tsp pumpkin seeds powder with 1 glass of milk)
  • Roasted or soaked almonds
  • Turmeric and milk (half tsp turmeric in a glass of milk)
  • Sesame seeds

Food products are always the first choice of the doctors because they provide natural treatment to the problems. The above table enlists all the products and their qualities. These are the do’s and don’ts during the situation of prostate enlargement. The only effort that is required from the side of the patient is that he must take the diet plan seriously and follow the instructions regularly. This will not only provide relief from the problem but will also aid in treating the painful conditions, which arise due to the disorder. There are many other curative methods present in the world but natural ways are still the best and the most effective.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Diet for Ovarian Cysts | Ovarian Cysts Natural Treatment

Diet for ovarian cysts, Diet in ovarian cysts, Ovarian cysts natural treatment
  • Eat healthy balanced diet comprising of organic fresh vegetables, high amount of proteins and organic fresh fruits. Include three healthy snacks and three small meals in a day.
  • Include fruits such as banana, mango, apple, kiwi, fig, watermelon, grapefruit and citrus fruits in the diet.
  • Instead of black tea and coffee drink plenty of water, coconut water, barley water, wheat grass juice, green tea and aloe vera juice as it helps to detoxify the body by removing the cyst.
  • Consume at least 3 cups of low fat milk with 1 tsp of turmeric to reduce the risk of bone related ailments during menopause. Turmeric is anti-tumour, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory spices which dissolves unnatural growths such as fibroids, cysts in the body.
  • Avoid refined grains, red meat, added sugars, processed foods, junk food, oily food, high fat dairy products, saturated fats, high glycaemic index food, alcohol, soda, caffeine and processed carbohydrates such as white breads, cookies and pasta.
  • Eat food which have high fibre content like whole grain, brown rice, cereals, whole wheat bread, sorghum, pulses and porridge.
  • Consume salmon fish, almond, walnut, flaxseed and hazel nut are rich source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid.
  • Include tomato, carrot, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, and coriander in the diet as it helps to deal with ovarian cyst.
  • Cook the food in extra virgin olive oil or other vegetable oil.

Not Satisfied ?
Consult Planet Ayurveda's Team of Experienced MD-Ayurveda Doctors

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Diet for patients with kidney disease | Kidney failure diet


The patients with kidney failure must pursue a strict diet regime to lead a healthy life and avoid further complications. Following is a diet chart, which the patients suffering from kidney failure must follow.

It is advised that the patient must minimize the consumption of food items, which are rich in potassium, sodium or proteins. Instead, they must consume food products, which are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals and flavonoids.

diet for patients with kidney disease, kidney failure diet

FOOD PRODUCTS TO BE AVOIDED

FOOD PRODUCTS TO BE CONSUMED

Pulses (rich in proteins and potassium content)

Pulses

  • Soybeans
  • Kidney beans
  • Winged beans
  • Black beans
  • White Beans
  • Green gram (Moong dal/dhulimoong dal) - in sprouted form
  • Lentil dal, pink lentil (Masoorkidaal)

NOTE - All in less quantity

Fruits

  • Banana
  • Rosemary
  • Coconut
  • Dates
  • Kiwi
  • Orange
  • Lemon
  • Squash
  • Artichokes
  • Avocadoes
  • Prune
  • Raisins
  • Pomegranate
  • Tomatoes
  • Apple
  • Watermelon
  • Apricots
  • Pears
  • Peaches
  • Papaya
  • Olives
  • Black berries – in less quantity
  • Mangoes – in less quantity
  • Figs
  • Bamboo Shoots
  • Pineapple

Vegetables

  • Spinach
  • Potato
  • Sweet potato
  • Mushroom
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Beet root
  • Swiss Chard
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Kale
  • French Beans
  • Ridge guard
  • Pumpkin
  • Bottle gourd
  • Round gourd
  • Radish
  • Carrot
  • Eggplant
  • Onion
  • Cucumber
  • Cabbage
  • Bell Pepper
  • Lettuce
  • Capsicum
  • Turnip
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Peas ( Boil before use)
  • Green leafy vegetables rich in fiber, vitamins, phyto-chemicals and antioxidants

NOTE - Soak all the vegetables overnight in water and throw the same water, also boil in water before cooking and throw that water. Prefer filtered water for washing and cooking vegetables.

Many greens are high in Potassium level, Blanching[boil for 5 minutes and throw the water], removes excess Potassium from them.

Non Veg

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Salmon
  • Fenugreek/Methi
  • Coriander
  • Bay Leaves
  • Mint
  • Black Pepper
  • Cardamom
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Olive Oil

Spices

Spices/Oils

Generally all the spices contain approximately more than 40 percent to 50 percent of potassium in them. So, it is recommended to avoid much consumption of spices of any form.

Salt – Use very less.

 

Vegetables

  • Cheese
  • Curd
  • Nuts and dry fruits like almonds, cashew nuts, hazel nuts
  • Brown Rice
  • Garbanzo
  • Chickpeas
  • Non-fat milk powder
  • Biscuits
  • Namkeen
  • Maggie
  • Pasta
  • Butter
  • Honey
  • Milk cream
  • Milk – low fat
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Sabudana [Tapioca] kheer
  • Mung daal khichadi


Also take vitamin D from direct sun !!

The patients suffering from kidney disorders are strictly advised to follow the above diet chart properly. This diet chart is prepared based on the nutritional content of the various minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins. Kidneys are the important organs of the body. These help to flush out the harmful products from the body and maintain a healthy and fit life.

Stay Healthy With Planet Ayurveda!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Diet in IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) & UC (Ulcerative Colitis)

Irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diet

Here is the list of things one need to avoid

  • Coffee
  • Carbonated beverages/ soft drinks like pepsi, coke.
  • Milk, cheese
  • Dried beans, peas, black daal, kidney beans ( rajmah), chick peas (kabuli chana).
  • Raw vegetables
  • Dried fruits and other fruits with seeds
  • Citrus fruits as these are acidic in nature and again worst the symptoms.
  • Hot sauce, pepper
  • White flour
  • Nuts, crunchy nut butters
  • Popcorn
  • Meat
  • Spicy foods, sauces
  • Garlic, ginger
  • Insoluble fiber diet - Though Fiber, the undigested part of food, is found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. While fiber is good for most people, it can be hard for someone with Irritable bowel syndrome to handle specially the insoluble one found in multi grain foods.
  • Late night sleep
  • Mental stress and tension

Recommended Diet

  • Fresh yogurt + banana every day.
  • Pumpkin, ridge guard, round guard, bottle guard.
  • Green grass juice one glass daily.
  • Green grams (Moong daal).
  • Moong daal khichadi.
  • Herbal tea daily once made from cumin, coriander, thyme and fennel.
  • Include soluble fibers in diet like vegetables and fruits.
  • Prefer low fat dairy products.
  • Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly
  • Psyllium husk (Isabgol) is very good if you want to regularize bowel and improve digestion.

Dr Vikram Chauhan, Guide, Ayurvedic Treatment, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, Inflammatory bowel disease, eBook

Monday, September 21, 2015

Diet for Piles, Fistula and other Ano-rectal Disorders

anorectal disorders

Diet has got a very important role in the management of Piles, Anal fistula and other Ano-rectal disorders. So, here are some recommendations –

  • Food items with high fiber are highly suggested. Fiber works by increasing the amount of stools in the intestines. Regular use of high fiber diet can be useful to manage the condition. Examples of high fiber diet are brown rice, brown bread, barley, papaya, banana, pear, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, tomato, onion, apple etc.
  • Have plenty of water to clear the channels and flush out the toxins out from the body.
  • Avoid very spicy, hot food items which may lead to further complications and increases the signs and symptoms. All this may aggravate the condition like pain and bleeding during defecation.
  • Avoid tea, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, chewing tobaccos also.
  • Papaya, bananas help to eliminate the indigestive food which gets accumulated in intestines and stomach.
  • Take small 4 to 5 meals in a day so that intestines have less amount of food to digest at a time.
  • Avoid excessive cleansing of the anal region as it may leads to irritation and itching of the particular area.
  • Sitz bath must be tried and it is mostly suggested by the doctors. Here buttocks are immersed in warm water up to almost 30 minutes at a time. Some analgesic oils can also be added to pacify the symptoms.
  • Diet for Anorectal Disorders
  • Avoid straining too much at the time of defecation. This may aggravate piles. Don’t spend too much time in the toilet. Go only when you feel the urge.
  • Avoid constipation
  • Prefer leafy vegetables, fruits like papaya, apples and pears.
  • Opt more for spinach, cabbage etc.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep bowels clean
  • Avoid fried, much spicy and all kind of junk, packed food items.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting.

Diet for Diabetic Patients | Diabetes Diet Plan

Diabetes requires constant management of your diet and blood sugar. One question in your mind is what you should eat and what you should not. One of the first things that you should do, after Diabetes, is to work with your doctor / dietician on planning your diet and food choices. Diabetes does not mean giving up on food that makes you happy. A healthy diet is best for everyone, having healthy diet will keep you in good stead while fighting diabetes. In this section, you'll find food suggestions, strategies, and cooking advice to help you make your eating plan hassle-free and pleasurable.

Carbohydrates could form 50 – 55 % of a diabetic's diet, protein 20 – 25 %, and fat/oils, the remaining 15-20% .

Diet for Diabetic Patients, Diabetes Diet Plan

Carbohydrates in Diabetes Food

Carbohydrates from the food we eat becomes glucose in our blood. Thus Carb management should be a key part of diet planning. Carbohydrates are found in all cereals (chapatti, rice, breads, pizza, macaroni pasta, noodles, poha, upma, dosa, idli, sago, biscuits, rusk, bun, etc.), some root vegetables (potatoes, yam) and all sweet fruits (banana, mango). Since carbs are broken down into glucose, diabetics are recommended to have complex carbs like the ones from whole grains. Complex carbohydrates like whole wheat, ragi, nachni and jowar are rich in fibre and break down slowly in the body. Slow break down or digestion ensures that the blood sugar levels do not shoot up too quickly. On the other hand, Simple carbohydrates from sugar, potatoes, etc are broken down quickly in the body which causes blood sugar levels to shoot up quickly. A maximum of six multigrain chapattis/bread slices or five chapattis and a bowl (100 gm) of cooked rice per day is recommended for a diabetic's carbohydrate intake and they should be preferred over juices since fresh fruits contain fibre.

Protien in Diabetes Food

Proteins are the building blocks of our body and help in building and maintaining the body cells. As you cut down on the carbohydrates in your diet you should increase your protein intake. Rich sources of Protein include pulses/legumes/beans, milk and milk products like curd/paneer/cheese and meat products like chicken, fish and eggs. Three bowls of pulses (in any form as dal, sprouts, dhokla, besan pancake, etc.) with 500 ml of milk (low fat) a day is an adequate amount of protein intake.

Mineral in Diabetic Food

It is recommended that people with diabetes should have a good amount (20 to 35gm) of fiber in their daily diet. Multigrain flour, oats, whole fruit with edible peel - apple, pears, peaches, apricots and raw vegetables, leafy vegetables with stalks and whole pulses like moong dal, rajma, bengal gram, soybean are supplemented with fibers. Dietary fibers do not offer energy since it is un-absorbed by the body. Yet, they should become a vital part of diet as it helps maintain gut health and blood pressure level.

Restrictions on what is to be eaten and their quantities may result in insufficient intake of essential nutrients like Vitamins & Minerals. Specially formulated diets ensures sufficient intake of proteins and essential Vitamins & Minerals. High fibre content in these products gives us a feeling of fullness and we resist the urge to eat more. In case you're not having adequate quantities of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, etc. then having dietary/nutritional supplements could help.

Cooking Methods

Steaming, roasting, baking, boiling and grilling are some of the healthier methods of cooking than normal frying or sautéing. Most of the vitamins and minerals remain stable in the food and even its color and texture is retained.

Artificial Sweetners for Diabetes

Artificial sweeteners do not have the calories that regular sugar does. You can include sweeteners in your diet in consultation with your doctor.

Cooking Oil for Diabetics

There are many types of cooking oils available in the market today. One needs to be aware of them select accordingly.

Rice bran oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acid which helps to regulate triglycerides, raise 'good' HDL cholesterol and lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol.

Olive oil is enriched with Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants that are good for heart. This is also beneficial in Diabetes control.

Mustard oil is also abundant in Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It is also more cheaper and easily available than olive oil.

Canola Oil is supplemented with Omega 3 fatty acids, as are Corn Oil and Flax seed oil.

Sunflower and safflower oils are rich in the healthy Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA).

Fish oil has plentiful of Omega 3 fatty acid and antioxidants. It also helps regulate the level of triglycerides.

Coconut oil, is a saturated fat, and should be avoided.

All refined cereals which are made with maida. You could opt for whole-wheat pasta or noodles instead.

All fried foods and snacks like samosa, pakora etc. Opt for steamed and grilled varieties like dhokla, paneer tikka, etc.

All pickles in oil. Instead go for pickles in vinegar or lime juice instead.

All sweets and refined sugar. Instead of sweets with white sugar or even those with artificial sweeteners, opt for those with natural sweeteners such as honey and jaggery-based light sweets like sandesh. Such sweets can be consumed to satiate your sweet tooth, but definitely, in moderation. Consult your healthcare provider on whether avoid honey and an occasional sweet can be included in your diet plan.

A healthy diabetic diet includes some of the foods that helps to control blood sugar:

Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, soybean and most of the whole grains has a high amount of soluble fibre. Try to include these in your diet.

Involve plenty of steamed sprouts and vegetables which are low on carbohydrate such as broccoli, spinach, bottle gourd, okra and green beans in your diet.

On contrary cut down on high carbohydrate vegetables such as peas, potatoes and corn.

As per the research, low fat vegan diet helps the type 2 diabetes patients to manage the ailment by lowering the bad cholesterol levels and by reducing the weight.

Cinnamon extract, garlic and onion helps in reducing blood sugar level in people with diabetes.

Start the day with nuts like almonds, walnuts or flaxseed as it contains omega 3 fatty acid.

Green tea is a good option over tea or coffee.

Consume fruits such as apple, papaya, pear, fig, all types of berries, orange, Indian blackberry which are low on sugar.

Buttermilk, coconut water and green salad is beneficial in diabetes.

Avoid excess of salt, sugar and fat.

Refrain from red meat, whole milk and milk products, white flour and food with high glycaemic index.