Hippocrates said, "Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food." What you eat can make or break you; hence it is important to know what you eat and the proportion in which you must eat it. Same goes for diabetes reversal, what you eat and the amount you eat can nullify diabetes. Dr. Sanjiv Bhambani, Endocrinologist and Diabetologist with Moolchand Medcity list out the dos and don’ts for a diabetic reversal diet.

Dr. Sanjiv shares the pillars of good health for diabetics, “Disciplined and responsible eating habits can help a diabetic control their blood sugar levels. There is no real harm with snacking when you are hungry but the key is to snack on healthy alternatives. A diabetic diet should be high on fiber, must contain milk without cream, buttermilk, fresh seasonal fruits, green vegetables, etc.”

If your internet connection is too slow, you are bound to change the internet package. Likewise, it is important to change your diet to improve your health and blood sugar level, if your current settings aren't helping you live healthy. “For diabetes reversal, following small altercations are required to be done in dietary plan: Each intake has to be in moderation as a part of the balanced diet,” reinforces the diabetologist.

Here is Dr. Sanjiv Bhambani's list of dos and don’ts:

• Drink tomato juice with salt and pepper ever morning on an empty stomach.
• Per day calorie intake should be between 1,500-1,800 calories with a proportion of 60:20:20 between carbohydrates, fats and proteins, respectively.
• Artificial sweeteners can be used in cakes and sweets for diabetic people (in moderation).
• Keep a check on over-intake of dry fruits.
• Diabetics should eat 3 meals in a day with a good meal plan.
• Have lots of fluid.
• Have at least two seasonal fruits and three vegetables in a diet plan.
• Limit intake of alcohol.
• One teaspoon of methi seeds soaked overnight in 100 ml of water is very effective in controlling diabetes.
• Intake of 6 almonds (soaked overnight) is also helpful in keeping a check on diabetes.

It is commonly believed that diabetes reversal is only successful if you completely give up eating non-vegetarian food. Dr. Sanjiv lays this myth to rest: “No, being a diabetic does not mean one has to give up non-vegetarian food. In non-vegetarian diet, seafood and chicken can be taken rather than red meat as red meat contains higher amount of saturated fats. Also, patients with high cholesterol should avoid egg yolk and red meat.”

Reversing diabetes needs discipline and determination. But changing your diet is half the solution; exercise and positive outlook complete your quest towards good health.

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