Digestion and Assimilation of nutrients.
Ayurveda looks at proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients as a the root of health or disease. In blood sugar problems it is important to create an orderly breakdown of carbohydrates in the system.There are three types of carbohydrates. The simplest form are the monosaccharides, of which the most important for us is glucose. Next are the disaccharides, the most important being sucrose, lactose and maltose. Polysaccharides are the last type, which are very complex, being composed of enormous molecules made of many monosaccharide units - about 10 for glycogen, 25 for starch and 110 to 200 for cellulose.
Having small molecules, monosaccharides reach the intestinal wall and are directly absorbed into the body. Disaccharides must be broken down to monosaccharides by various enzymes, then absorbed by the intestinal wall. The absorption of these carbohydrates is very fast and within a short time glucose enters the bloodstream, upsetting the level of glucose in the blood. The liver and pancreas are called in to restore balance. As these situations continue, the adrenals begin to respond, resulting in organ fatigue. However, in the case of polysaccharides, the larger molecules have to pass through many levels of digestion, slowing the rate of absorption into the bloodstream. Therefore, a diet including more whole grains is helpful in maintaing healthy blood sugar levels.
Balancing Herbs
Gymnema sylvestre (shardunika)has been used in Ayurvedic formulas for centuries to assist in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, stimulate the production of insulin and reduce the craving for sweets.It can be purchased as a single herb in tablet or capsule form or purchased in proprietary formulations such as Sweet Ease or Glucosim.
Constitutional Perspective
Blood sugar problems can be found in both pitta and kapha disorders. The incomplete buring of from direct ingestion of simple carbohydrates contributes to high acid levels in the body aggravating pitta. On the other hand, high kapha levels tend to suppress the production of insulin. If you are having blood sugar problems, You may find it helpful to take the self-test and use Ayurveda to establish a direction for you to move back to balance and health.
