PUNE: Research by a city-based Dr Pramod Tripathi was recently published in an international journal. The paper establishes that modified plant-based diet and anti-gravity exercises improved levels of blood sugar and reduced requirement of anti-diabetic medication in Type 2 diabetics.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body fails to properly use and store glucose. It is a chronic condition that may be reversible with diet and lifestyle changes.
The recent research is published in the International Journal of Diabetes and Endocrinology. Around 386 confirmed diabetic participants enrolled in this study. Out of these 259 participants completed the study. Medication was monitored on a daily basis.
After 10 to 14 weeks of consumption of modified plant-based diet and anti-gravity exercises lead to a significant reduction in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), fat percentage and visceral fat percentage in the participants.
The paper states that a reduction in dosage and number of participants requiring oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) and insulin was observed due to improved blood sugar levels.
Speaking about the paper, Dr Pramod Tripathi, Founder, Freedom From Diabetes Research Foundation said these findings may assist in development of a standard integrated protocol for treating diabetic patients thus reducing the diabetic complications and preventing onset of diabetes complications.
He said the participants were started on a modified plant-based diet which was high in fibre and rich in anti-oxidants. “The diet prescribed was modified such that the daily micro and macro-nutrient needs of the participants were met. A nutrient dense drink called green smoothie made from locally available fresh green leafy vegetables, one low glycemic fruit and herbs was recommended on empty stomach,” said Dr Tripathi.
He said the recommended breakfast was a mix of 50 per cent of raw foods in the form of sprouts/ salads and 50 per cent cooked food made from pulses/ legume preparations.
“Lunch and dinner consisted of 25 per cent of cereals, pulses, cooked vegetables and salad. The diet had sufficient quantity of whole and sprouted pulse and legumes, raw vegetables in the form of salads. The diet provided 55 to 60 pc carbohydrates, 15 to 20 pc proteins and 20 to 25 pc fat. All the participants were asked to strictly avoid milk and milk products, non-vegetarian foods and to limit intake of alcohol and smoking. Any other dietary changes required as per individual needs were made accordingly,” noted Dr Tripathi.
PHYSICAL WORKOUT MUST
The paper states that anti-gravity exercise were complemented with the dietary modifications. This included climbing up and down stairs post 1 hour 45 minutes of lunch and dinner. The speed and duration of this activity were tailored according to individual capacity. Other workouts were also recommended.
