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Is Ashwagandha Right for You? Exploring Its Pros and Cons

P eople tend to talk about the benefits of ashwagandha, especially among herbal remedy enthusiasts, but not many know the benefits and drawbacks of ashwagandha. The ancient herb is full of ways to improve one's health and overall well-being, but knowing its limitations will save you from unwanted long-term effects. Keep on reading to find out both sides. In this post, we will talk about some of the most well-known benefits and side effects of ashwagandha supplements that everyone needs to know prior to consuming it. But before we talk about the benefits and side effects of ashwagandha, we will first need to know what is ashwagandha and what are the components of it. So let's take a closer look. WHAT IS ASHWAGANDHA? | ASHWAGANDHA PROS AND CONS Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, winter cherry, or botanically referred to as Withania somnifera, is an ancient plant with an extensive history of therapeutic application in traditional medicine, particularly in ancient Indian holistic tradit...

Fasting For Life: Fasting benefits for Sugar Control and Diabetes Management

Since sugar has become omnipresent in our diet, it is obvious that diabetes is the growth issue of some magnitude. Sugar, diabetes and our daily living are complex but amongst the strategies that have attracted increasing attention in recent times (and has been the focus of many ongoing studies and experiments) is fasting. The traditional way, however, continues to be in the mist of the unknown, misconceptions abound and yet, has the possibility to be the change-bringer for blood glucose control and healthy-living. Let's address sugar, diabetes, and fasting and how, in a deceptively simple way, this simplicity can provide the power to claim your health.



The Sugar-Diabetes Conundrum


Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is commonly attributed to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. If we consume sugar drinks, foods, the body has the tendency to respond with an insulin action to control blood sugar. However, when excessive sugar is taken in, resistance to insulin would occur in the body, which, consequently, would lead to a vicious cycle of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.

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The Role of Sugar in Diabetes


Insulin Resistance: High sugar intake is known to cause the insulin resistance by blocking glucose efflux from the cells and increasing blood glycemic level.


Pancreatic Overload: The insulin‐secreting pancreas is susceptible to overstress due to continuous effort to increase the secretion of insulin, which results in pancreatic fatigue and diminished insulin secretion.



The Fasting Revolution


Fasting (the abstinence from food and drinks for a certain period of time) has been practiced for centuries, for various religious and therapeutic and health purposes. Recent work has highlighted amenability of fasting not just as an adjunct to conventional glycemic control with the goal of improving insulin sensitivity, but also.


How Fasting Affects Blood Sugar


Insulin Sensitivity: It has been demonstrated that fasting can improve with greater efficacy of insulin sensitivity and glucose intracellular uptake leading to glucose decrease.


Autophagy: Fasting elicits the process called autophagy, whereby the body breaks down and remodels damaged cell constituents including proteins, leading subsequently to cellular proliferation and improvements in overall wellbeing.


Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Fasting is also associated with a normalization of HGH and the restoration of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.



Types of Fasting for Diabetes Management


It may sound strange, but fasting may be considered from several points of view, according to lifestyle and personal preference. Here are some popular types of fasting:


16: 8 Method: Fast for 16hours, and using an 8-hour-window. For instance, do not skip breakfast and do not eat between 12 am and 8 pm.


5: 2 Diet: Eat normal diet for 5-days 500-600 kcal energy deficit per week in 2 days.


Alternate Day Fasting: Normalized and calibrated alternate day calorie restriction and fasting days.


Extended Fasting: Prolonged fasting for 24-48 h (up to 72 h) under standardized conditions for cellular repopulation and enhanced insulin sensitivity.



The Benefits of Fasting for Diabetes


The benefits of fasting for diabetes management are numerous:


Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting has also been described to improve insulin sensitivity and thus to prevent development of type 2 diabetes.


Weight Loss: Fasting leads to weight loss and increased insulin sensitivity with reduced risk of diabetes associated complication have been shown.


Reduced Inflammation: Hypoglycemia, however, exerts anti-inflammatory effects which in turn may attenuate inflammation and improve disease status.


Increased Autophagy: Fasting triggers the "autophagy" mechanism that is beneficial for cell turnover and has a positive effect on almost the entire human body.


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Tips for Fasting with Diabetes


Shorter fasting may be useful for diabetes control, but fasting must be safe, under medical supervision and controlled, for diabetic patients with diabetes. Here are some tips:


Consult Your Doctor: Ideally, discuss any potential risks and benefits with your doctor concerning the use of any fasting program.


Monitor Blood Sugar: Standardized blood glucose level measurement has been utilized to evaluate hypoglycemia risk and hyperglycemia risk.


Stay Hydrated: Drink enough liquid (ideally water) during fasting to sufficiently hydrate and avoid dehydration.


Listen to Your Body: If any of the following side effect, i.e., heaviness/clumsiness, vomiting, etc., occur, the running course is stopped, and the treating doctor should be notified.



Conclusion: Finding the Sweet Spot

Fasting is an extremely efficient tool for control of glycemic status as well as for general wellbeing. By incorporating fasting into your lifestyle, you can:


Regain Control: Master blood sugar control and reduce dependence on drugs.


Improve Insulin Sensitivity: Elevated insulin sensitivity and consequent type 2 diabetes prevention.


Enhance Overall Health: To get the full advantages of fasting (such as weight loss depletion, and augmentation of autophagy) fasting needs to be employed.


Remember, fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This work must be conducted safely, supervised by a medical professional, on an individual basis, and be taken into consideration in terms of is it right or wrong (i.e., appropriate and inappropriate) for your current circumstance and health needs. In short, just find out where your sweet spot lies (i.e., how to seamlessly incorporate the practice of fasting into everyday life).



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