Balancing Tradition with Health: Fasting in Navratri and Going Through Diabetes: A How-To Guide

2024-10-04 00:00:00

Navratri, or ‘nine nights’, a festival performed for the goddess, is one of the most spirited feasts celebrated in the country of India. This calls for vivacity, fervour, fasting, dancing, and merrymaking, and is another chance to bring wellness and rejuvenation. Nevertheless, the time creates certain difficulties for people who are diabetic. The foods consumed during fasting are usually high in carbohydrate and sugar, which makes the glucose levels go up. 

Therefore, it becomes pertinent for the people with diabetes to control the extra and go with the health management that the Navratri festival embodies. There are certain ways that can make Navratri fasting better, and diabetics should specially take care in Navratri on how to manage diabetes, including various helpful diets, a guide to mindful eating, and the importance of supplements.

How much importance is there in fasting during Navratri?

Navratri is a religious fast aimed at cleansing. The devotees refrain from foods and only eat specific items like fruits, nuts, and certain grains. It is a period of love and caring for others, and, at the same time, it is important to admit that some diets are potentially dangerous for individuals with diabetes.

How is mindful eating important?

A case for mindful eating is considered important to anyone fasting, including diabetic individuals. To successfully understand fasting, one must ensure that he or she takes foods that will give you lasting energy and balance your blood sugar. More specifically, it is mandatory to include whole grain foods, legumes, fruits, and vegetables during this period. The main nutrients, such as quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth, are perfect for consumption as they are low-GI foods and provide energy throughout the day.

Plan Your Meals:

Impulsive eating can be prevented by planning meals beforehand. Consume nuts, seeds, and low-glycaemic fruits so that there is constant energy supply without necessarily increasing blood sugar.

Portion Control:

Fasting should not be confused with feasting. Even while fasting, it is necessary to watch the portion size; it does not matter even if it is a chosen healthy food. This way, portions are helpful in tracking calories and also containing the levels of sugar in the blood.

Stay Hydrated:

It’s very important that you drink a lot of water, even during the fasting period. This condition results in weakness, which causes increased blood sugar levels. Infused water, herbal teas, and light coloured broths are recommended.

Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:

It is important that you monitor your blood sugar at least once. This is helpful to know how your body utilises certain food types and organ functions when performing some activities.

The Role of Diaba Free in Managing Diabetes 

One effective way to support blood sugar management during Navratri is by incorporating Diaba Free. This herbal formulation is specifically designed to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Comprising traditional ingredients like bitter gourd (karela), fenugreek (methi), and Indian gooseberry (amla), Diaba Free leverages the benefits of Ayurveda to support metabolic health.

Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre):

Neem (Azadirachta indica):

Neem leaves and its fruits (nimboli) are loaded with triterpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, and antioxidants and have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties that help insulin to take up the blood glucose into the cells and hence, help in maintaining the sugar level in the blood. 

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis):

Colocynth (indrayan) has an antihyperglycemic effect, which stabilises the blood sugar levels.

Chirata (Swertia chirata):

It helps in reducing blood sugar. Chirata has marogentin bioactive properties, which act as an anti-diabetic agent and help reduce diabetes.

Usage of Diaba Free:

Diaba-free is used by taking 5-6 drops of Diaba-free and applying them on the palm and feet soles. Rub and gently massage until it is absorbed by the pores of the skin. Use it twice a day, on an empty stomach in the morning and after dinner at night. Adding yoga and exercises recommended by our health advisors and doctors to your routine helps boost the process to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

It can assist in keeping the blood sugar levels in the normal range and improve the function of other organs of your body that allows you to enjoy the celebrations linked with Navratri days without a worry.

Bridging tradition and the current world

So, while it is a great thing that Navratri is celebrated, one must keep in mind that they must stock on some beliefs lest their health be compromised. Here are a few additional tips to consider:

Embrace cooking methods:

Prepare food using steam or grill rather than frying. This is helpful in preserving the quality of the food nutrients without another form of calories.

Include Protein:

Include protein foods in your diet, such as yoghurt, paneer, or legumes. Protein assists in feeling full, and it avoids high fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Limit Processed Foods:

During festivals, everyone prefers frying items and sweets, which are processed foods. Reduce these and replace them with healthy options such as makhana, as processed foods are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

Engage in Physical Activity:

Refrain major sedentary activities during the fasts of Navratri but may indulge in walking or yoga during Navratri fasts. This works satisfactorily for weight loss and helps control glycemia as well.

The festival of Navratri can still be enjoyed with appropriate, careful eating and lifestyle changes if one has diabetes. Consuming more healthy foods, avoiding overly large portions, and including healthy herbal formulations like Diaba Free in their diets does not mean that people must relinquish their cultural foods. Of course, it’s all about reaching the medium where the person observing the festival can be both spiritually and socially engaged without harming his/her health. So this Navratri carries forward the festive spirit and, at the same time, makes way for a healthy celebration.