OUSHADHA YOGAS IN TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS & THYROID DYSFUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN

MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS (T1DM) AND THYROID DYSFUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN – OUSHADHA YOGAS, SAMPRAPTI VIGATANA, AHARA AND VIHARA

INTRODUCTION TO TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS (T1DM)

• T1DM is an autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to absolute insulin deficiency.

• Common in childhood and adolescence.

• May correspond to Madhumeha in Ayurvedic texts – a subtype of Vataja Prameha.

SAMANYA OUSHADHA YOGA FOR T1DM

These yogas are generally indicated in Madhumeha, irrespective of the cause.

1. NISHAKATTAKADI KASHAYA

• INGREDIENTS:

  • Nisha (Haridra)

  • Kataka (Strychnos potatorum)

  • Triphala

  • Musta

  • Daruharidra

• INDICATIONS:

  • Useful in Prameha, especially Kaphaja and Pittaja types.

  • Acts as Kapha-Meda hara and Mutrala.

• MODE OF ACTION:

  • Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties.

  • Regulates insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

2. GUDUCHYADI KASHAYA

• INGREDIENTS:

  • Guduchi

  • Daruharidra

  • Nimba

  • Amalaki

  • Musta

• INDICATIONS:

  • Useful in Pittaja and Vataja Prameha.

  • Immunomodulatory and metabolic stabilizer.

• MODERN INSIGHT:

  • Tinospora cordifolia has proven efficacy in lowering blood glucose and modulating immune responses.

VISHESHA (CONDITION-SPECIFIC) OUSHADHA YOGA FOR T1DM

These are more specific and potent combinations used based on Dosha-Dushya assessment.

1. MADHUMEHANTAKA CHURNA

• INGREDIENTS:

  • Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre)

  • Jambu beej

  • Meshashringi

  • Haridra

  • Amalaki

  • Vijaysar

• INDICATIONS:

  • Specifically indicated in Madhumeha (T1DM and T2DM).

  • Best for long-standing Prameha with complications.

• MODE OF ACTION:

  • Beta-cell regenerative potential, insulin mimetic activity.

2. CHANDRAPRABHA VATI

• INGREDIENTS:

  • Shilajatu

  • Guggulu

  • Haridra

  • Triphala

  • Vacha

  • Trikatu

• INDICATIONS:

  • Effective in urinary disorders and diabetes.

  • Also useful in diabetic nephropathy.

SAMPrapti vIGATANA OF T1DM

• DOSHA: Predominantly Vata, involvement of Kapha and Pitta in some variants.

• DUSHYA: Meda, Rakta, Rasa, Ojas.

• SROTAS: Mutravaha and Medovaha srotas.

• SAMPrapti:

  • Dhatukshaya and Ojakshaya due to autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells.

  • Vata gets aggravated due to Rasa and Meda kshaya, causing turbid urine and excessive thirst, hunger, urination.

RELEVANT SHLOKA

प्रमेहिणं च यो रोगः स मन्दो अग्निः प्रकोपकृत्।
सर्वे दोषाः प्रकुप्यन्ति तस्माद्योगं निवर्तयेत्॥
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 6/7)

AHARA AND VIHARA FOR T1DM

AHARA (DIET)

• DO’S:

  • Whole grains (yava, kodrava)

  • Bitter vegetables (karavellaka, patola)

  • Low glycemic index foods

  • Regular intake of Takra

  • Use of Tikta rasa dravyas

• DON’TS:

  • Processed and refined sugars

  • Guru, Snigdha ahara

  • Excess dairy and oily food

  • Day-sleep (divaswapna)

VIHARA (LIFESTYLE)

• DO’S:

  • Early rising, routine exercise

  • Yogasana and Pranayama

  • Stress management techniques

  • Regular monitoring of blood glucose

• DON’TS:

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Excessive sleep

  • Suppression of natural urges

  • Mental stress and anxiety

RELEVANT SHLOKA

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु।
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा॥
(Bhagavad Gita 6/17)

INTRODUCTION TO THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN

• Includes Hypothyroidism (congenital or acquired) and Hyperthyroidism.

• Hypothyroidism is more common in pediatric population.

• Congenital hypothyroidism can lead to cretinism, growth failure, delayed milestones.

AHARA AND VIHARA FOR THYROID DYSFUNCTION

AHARA (DIET)

• IN HYPOTHYROIDISM:

  • Include iodine-rich foods (if iodine deficiency is cause)

  • Fresh vegetables (excluding goitrogens in raw form like cabbage, broccoli)

  • Millets like bajra, jawar

  • Use of Triphala in daily routine

  • Avoid heavy, oily, and processed food

• IN HYPERTHYROIDISM:

  • Cooling, nourishing foods

  • Avoid spicy, salty food

  • Maintain hydration

  • Include milk and ghee in moderation

VIHARA (LIFESTYLE)

• Balanced routine with adequate rest

• Avoid overexertion and mental stress

• Meditative practices for calming excess Vata

• Regular follow-up of growth and development

RELEVANT SHLOKA

मात्राशी मितभोजी स्यात् स्नेहितं मधुरं शिशोः।
वातपित्तप्रशमनं पथ्यं चायुःप्रवर्धनम्॥
(Kashyapa Samhita, Leha Adhyaya)

MODERN PEDIATRIC INSIGHT

(Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, OP Ghai – Essentials of Pediatrics)

• T1DM:

  • Requires lifelong insulin therapy.

  • Blood glucose monitoring, HbA1c tracking.

  • Complication prevention: retinopathy, nephropathy.

• THYROID DYSFUNCTION:

  • Congenital hypothyroidism: Newborn screening essential.

  • Treated with Levothyroxine.

  • Growth and neurodevelopment assessment mandatory.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's) common in adolescents.