Everyone knows that intake of sugar causes hyperglycemia. But did you know there are several other factors too that could increase sugar levels in Diabetes?

Well you could enlighten your diabetic friend or relative about these little known factors and they will thank you for it.

#1.  Beverages like coffee, tea,  green tea, energy drinks etc. hike your blood sugar levels even if they are ‘zero calorie’ ones. This is attributed to the caffeine content in those drinks that hinder the blood sugar control in diabetes.

#2. Many so-called “sugar free” foods will raise your blood sugar level because they may still have lot of carbohydrates from starch. Read the total carbs on the back label. Also look for sugar alcohol sweeteners such as sorbitol and xylitol. They have fewer carbs than sugar, but may still raise your blood sugar.

#3. Fatty foods can cause your blood sugar to stay high longer. Especially foods those are high in both carbohydrates and fat.

#4. Your blood sugar may rise when you are sick from infections and your body is fighting off the organisms. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. And know that medicines like antibiotics and decongestants may affect your blood sugar.

#5. Stress is another factor that makes your blood sugar go haywire. When you are under stress, the body releases hormones that can cause blood sugar to rise especially in type 2 diabetes. Practice of Yoga and pranayama can come handy in controlling stress.

#6. Corticosteroids can make your blood sugar go over the roof, and may even cause diabetes in some people. Blood pressure medicines especially the diuretic ones can also raise blood sugar if you are diabetic. Certain antidepressants too are known to raise blood sugar.

#7. Birth control pills containing estrogen can influence the way your body responds to insulin. Hence a test may show increased sugar levels.

#8. Blood sugar can often rise in the morning — even before eating. This is due to changes in hormones or due to a drop in insulin levels.

#9. Alcoholic drinks at first will increase your blood sugar, but for upto 12 hours after drinking, your blood sugar may actually dip.

#10. In women menstrual cycle too may influence sugar levels. Hormonal changes during menopause is another challenge in keeping the blood sugar within normal range..

Keep in mind that glycaemic response is different from one person to another, and also in the same person from day to day. Check your blood sugar about two hours after you eat to know how a food affects you.

Transient increase in blood sugar is a not a case for serious concern.

If you are a person with a sweet tooth, you don’t have to totally skip chocolates and sweets for ever. But have in limited quantity occasionally. According to the latest studies on diabetes, total carbohydrate consumption is more important than whether it’s a sweet or not. So make sure to skip or cut down other carbohydrates in your meal whenever you take a sweet.

Likewise, when you want to have a food item which is high in Glycaemic index, combine it with a low GI food. This will effectively balance the Glycaemic index of the meal.

Diabetes is a disease treatable with diet, life style modifications, supplements and medicine if absolutely necessary. Understanding the disease is the most important aspect of diabetes treatment. Hope this article serves you well in that front.

Eczema refers broadly to a range of skin conditions that include recurring skin rashes and dryness. Skin discoloration, though temporary, often appear when these heal.

Eczema affects upto 30 to 40% of infants who are brought up in an exceedingly clean environment [read unnatural environment]. Exposure to bacteria and other immune system modulators is important during development, and avoiding this exposure increases risk for eczema, asthma and various allergies.

Most infants who develop eczema acclimatize in due course and outgrow the condition by their 10^th year.

Eczema is characterized by one or more of the below symptoms

•  skin swelling
• blistering
• redness
• crusting
• flaking
• cracking
• itching
• dryness
• oozing
• bleeding

Eczema in infants are mostly allergic in nature and often shows up first on a baby’s forehead, scalp and cheeks, but may soon spread to other parts of the body too. The first step in treatment involves identifying and eliminating the allergens be it milk powder or dust mites or something else. Once that is done, the next step is to address the eczema externally.

Virgin Coconut Oil

These days people try to convince you that coconut oil is just about the healthiest thing in the whole world. I don’t know how far that’s true, but there are exceedingly convincing studies on virgin coconut oil’s use in eczema. Independent research reports suggest that results from using coconut oil outweigh any other over the counter non-steroidal preparation in the market today.

Coconut oil contains a relatively rare fatty acid called Lauric Acid, which is in abundance in one other place – human breast milk. The soothing and moisturizing qualities of this substance is pretty  potent. Apply coconut oil to eczema affected areas, and you will see exactly how potent it can be.

How to use

In Eczema, one of the most important things is to keep the area clean and free from dust, dirt, bacteria etc. And what better way to do this than bathing regularly, even as often as twice a day. Make sure to apply the virgin coconut oil to damp skin during shower and just pat dry allowing some of the moisture to stay sealed into the skin.

Seeing eczema in an infant can be depressing, but it really doesn’t need to be. In most cases, if you take some time to care, you will see real benefits.

Alzheimer’s disease the most common form of dementia affecting millions of people across the globe is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and the ability to think and reason. Named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuro-pathologist, Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by atrophy and degeneration in the brain. Microcopy in the brain will show dense plaques, mostly insoluble deposits of beta-amyloid peptide and cellular material outside and around neurons

As of now there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. But making these 7 healthy modifications in your diet and lifestyle can go a long way in helping ward off Alzheimer’s.

#1. Cut down on sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats.

Studies indicate a lower risk of AD in people who consume less simple carbohydrates and less saturated fats. And it may even improve outcomes in those with the disease.

#2. Include at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.

The most beneficial foods include Apples, Blue berries, Oranges, Bananas, dark leafy green vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, many types of beans and peas including lima, lentil and garbanzo.

#3. Keep yourself engaged mentally, physically and socially

Regular walks in the park, reading books, playing games and interacting with people reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s significantly.

#4. Quit smoking

Smoking has been consistently linked to increased risk of AD

#5. Practice Pranayama [yogic breathing exercises]

Pranayama is one of the disciplines of ashtanga yoga and involves various rhythmic breathing techniques. These can be very effective tools in fighting dementia. Studies indicate that the heightened Oxygen levels in the blood and enhanced relaxation contribute to the healing effects of these ancient yoga practices.

#6. Enjoy tea, coffee, cocoa and red wine; although in moderation

Moderate use of Coffee, Tea, Red wine and Cocoa that contain high flavonoids are suggested to decrease the risk of AD.

#7. Last but not the least, consume amla [indian gooseberry] and curcuma [turmeric] daily

Curcuma has been used by Ayurvedic doctors in treatment since centuries to prevent and reverse degenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions, deposits and allergic reactions. And amla [indian gooseberry] is a well-known natural immunomodulator used in Ayurveda. Recent studies indicate very positive results with curcuma. So make sure to add a bit of curcuma in every dish as it has been the practice of our ancestors since ages. And start your day with an ounce of amla juice and a small slice of ginger with a spoonful honey and a dash of lime.

Alzheimer’s is a dreadful condition. But one can hopefully prevent it by following these advises. And if already diagnosed with AD, one can always rely on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to control and perhaps improve on the condition. There has been extremely encouraging results with Ayurvedic treatment that include specialised oil therapies like Sirodhara, Nasya etc, personalized nutrition plan, herbal supplements and yoga.

This article was aimed to pave light on the possibilities for prevention and for natural healing. Hope it benefits you or someone close to you.