Diabetes vs Stress and lifestyle – Economic Times

India is said to be the diabetic capital of the world. This is so despite the fact that we have access to gyms, good food and enough knowledge and awareness.

Diabetes is a dietary and a lifestyle disease the no. 1 cause of high uncontrolled chronic stress. Chronic stress not only affects ones immunity but also increases the level of stress hormone called cortisol in the body.

Increased cortisol leads to high blood sugar levels, in turn leading to elevated risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin too does get affected with high cortisol levels / chronic stress, which has an impact on overall blood sugar levels leading to either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

However, working with the mind, body and emotional health is a huge game changer in reversing the type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is also called a nutritional wasting disease as due to polyuria ( increased urination)one looses essential water soluble nutrients in urine like vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D3, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Although by drinkingenough water one can replace the loss to a certain extent but one cannot replenish the water soluble nutrients, thus making diabetes the no 1 cause of blindness, amputation, kidney failure and increasing the risk of both heart attack and stroke.

Increased stress, obesity and inactivity increase the risk of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes leads to insulin insensitivity. Insulin affects various tissues and cells in the body like fat cells which lead to inflammation which suppresses the immune system making ones body more vulnerable.

The best approach is to get to the root cause of diabetesand arrest it

1) By taking steps to reduce stress through meditation,yoga or doing asanas. Work ongetting sound sleep,forminimum 7 hours which should naturally repair and restore muscles, organs & tissues

2) Eating a healthy, well balanced, nutritious diet containing plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils.

3) Plant based diet has a positive impact on diabetes and reduces inflammation.

4) Foods with low-glycemic load have a better impact on lowering blood sugar levels than low-glycemic index.

5) Including super foods like organic apple cedar vinegar, fenugreek seeds, moringa, turmeric, garlic, aloe vera , curry leaves and cinnamon which help in diabetes.

6) Optimum water intake of minimum 2-3 litres in a day. One can make water alkaline by adding lime, cucumber or cinnamon. For better absorption of the nutrients, to improve blood circulation and for detoxification optimum water intake is a must.

7) Regular exercise and leading a physically active life increases release of serotonin and dopamine which reduces anxiety and depression.

8) Cut back on excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as it not only spikes up the cortisol level but also leads to other medical complications.

So in a nutshell, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced nutritious diet, avoiding processed foods, regular physical activity, optimum water intake, sound sleep and de- stressing ones body and mind is the key to prevent type 2 diabetes.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Diabetes vs Stress and lifestyle - Economic Times