Latest news with #Negalur
Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Celebrity nutritionist says this ‘ancient Indian herb' can help control cravings, blood sugar under medical advice; diabetologist weighs in
Celebrity nutritionist Ryan Fernando recently spoke about three ways to control cravings effectively. While he admitted that chewing gum and dark chocolate help, he also talked about Gymnema Sylvestre or Meshashringi, an ancient Indian herb believed to work. 'It is an ancient Indian herb which reduces cravings, but take medical advice from an ayurvedic or naturopath doctor or a dietitian. But here's the problem. People don't know that they have cravings, which is a result of nutritional deficiency, chiefly of a low-carb diet or very low magnesium or insulin resistance,' he said on his YouTube channel. Reflecting on the same, diabetologist Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD, diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that the perennial vine has been studied for its effects on reducing sugar cravings and managing blood sugar levels. 'It contains gymnemic acids that can temporarily dull the taste of sweetness when consumed. Some evidence also suggests it may help with insulin function and glucose metabolism. However, its effectiveness can differ between individuals and should always be used under supervision,' he said. According to Dr Negalur, it may be considered for adults with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes, as well as for those with insulin resistance and ongoing sugar cravings. 'It's not advisable for pregnant women, children, or anyone with unstable blood sugar levels unless prescribed by a doctor,' stressed Dr Negalur. What should people keep in mind before using it? Always consult a qualified diabetologist or nutritionist before starting Meshashringi, said Dr Negalur. 'The dosage, purity, and the form in which it's taken are crucial. Self-medication can lead to low blood sugar, especially in those already taking anti-diabetic medications,' said Dr Negalur. Even though natural, Meshashringi can still affect blood sugar control and interact with medications, cautioned Dr Negalur. 'It may hide the symptoms of low blood sugar and could lead to drops in blood sugar levels. There is also a possibility of interactions with other herbs or supplements,' said Dr Negalur. What are other effective ways to manage sugar cravings? High-fibre snacks: Foods high in fibre can keep you full longer and help stabilise blood sugar levels. Magnesium-rich foods: A lack of magnesium can trigger cravings. Include spinach, almonds, or pumpkin seeds in your diet. Mindful hydration: Sometimes, thirst can feel like a sugar craving. Chewing gum with xylitol: This can help distract you and reduce sweet cravings without impacting blood sugar. Dark chocolate with stevia (in moderation): It provides a satisfying option without causing a sugar spike. Sugar cravings often indicate deeper metabolic issues, so it's important to look beyond the symptoms and seek the appropriate tests, said Dr Negalur. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
01-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘My HbA1c is 7, fasting is 130, and PP is 200. I am not taking any medication, but four hours after meals, my sugar gets low and I feel hypoglycemic. What should I do?'
Not just high, but also low blood sugar levels are a cause for concern. Recently, we came across a Quora post that read 'My HbA1c is 7, fasting sugar is 130, and post-meal sugar is 200. I'm not on medication, but I feel low and shaky 4 hours after meals. What should I do?' So, we decided to bring this to the notice of healthcare practitioners to get expert insights. If this scenario resonates with you, read on. Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD, diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, helped us understand the numbers in detail. HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin test (7 per cent) shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. 'Ideally, it should be under 5.7 per cent. A level of 7 per cent indicates early or mild diabetes,' said Dr Negalur. Fasting glucose or blood sugar (130 mg/dL) should typically be below 100, said Dr Negalur, elaborating that it refers to the sugar in your blood after you have not consumed anything for more than eight hours. According to Dr Negalur, post-meal (PP) sugar (200 mg/dL) is higher than the ideal range, which is below 140. 'These values show that your body isn't managing sugar well, even though you're not on medication,' said Dr Negalur. So, what's the issue? According to Dr Negalur, this pattern suggests reactive hypoglycemia. 'After a high-carb meal, your sugar spikes, as shown by the 200 reading. Your body releases more insulin to lower the sugar, but it overshoots. This results in a drop in sugar around 3 to 4 hours later. That's when you feel symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, or sweating, which are classic signs of low blood sugar,' said Dr Negalur. What should I be watching for? *Sugar fluctuations, including high peaks followed by crashes. *Feeling tired or hungry shortly after meals. *Craving sweets or caffeine in the afternoon. 'These may suggest insulin resistance or early-stage diabetes. If this pattern continues, it can get worse over time,' said Dr Negalur. What can help? *Balanced meals: Include protein and fibre in every meal to slow sugar absorption. *Smaller, frequent meals: Eat every 3 to 4 hours to avoid sugar drops. *Cut refined carbs: Stay away from white bread, sugary drinks, and processed snacks. 'Cut back on simple carbs like white rice, sweets, and sugary drinks,' said Dr Aarti Ullal, physician and diabetologist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel. *Monitor regularly: Check fasting and post-meal sugars often. *Track patterns: A short-term CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) can provide more insights. 'See the diabetologist as soon as he/she may advise dietary changes or medications to prevent sugar spikes and crashes. Be attentive when it comes to your health if you have diabetes. Timely intervention is key for the successful management of diabetes,' said Dr Ullal. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
