Ayurveda refers to the traditional health and healing system of India. In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning “longevity,” and veda, meaning “science” – together meaning the “science of life.” The philosophy is guided by the five great elements: air, space, fire, water, and earth. Achieving balance and order in connection with these elements is considered crucial to health and wellness on all levels of being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.Ayurveda works by balancing the three basic energies, called doshas, which we all possess in unique proportions. Each dosha contains two of the five elements. The three doshas are: vata (air & space), pitta (fire & water), and kapha (water & earth). Each person usually reflects one prominent dosha, and when this dosha becomes imbalanced, the body experiences symptoms and illness related to the dosha’s properties. Ayurveda uses traditional herbal formulas and personalized diet recommendations, among other modalities, to balance the doshas and reestablish health and wellness. Currently, more than 600 herbal formulas and 250 single plant extracts are used in Ayurveda.

As an integrative medical doctor and healer, I often integrate Ayurveda modalities and principles into my practice. One specific supplement that I formulated includes several highly revered Ayurvedic herbs which have been shown in scientific studies to be beneficial in promoting healthy metabolic function. The Ayurvedic herbs in this formula help to address blood sugar imbalances and other critical health issues related to diabetes and metabolic health. I formulated this Ayurvedic blend with gymnema leaf, cassia bark, fenugreek seed, holy basil leaf, jambolan seed, and other natural ingredients, which all work synergistically to balance and maintain a healthy metabolic system, thus helping to prevent and control Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes type 2.

Studies of the effects of gymnema leaf have demonstrated its ability to support healthy insulin levels. In Hinduism, gymnema is called gurmar, which means “destroyer of sugar,” and research shows that this plant contains substances which decrease the absorption of sugar in the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and may enhance pancreatic cell growth, further benefiting insulin production in the body, as insulin is made in the pancreas.

Chromium is also included in the formula, as it has been shown to promote insulin sensitivity and have positive effects on carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. In Ayurveda, the practice of adding minerals to herbal medicine is known as “Rasa Shastra.”

Another powerful herb that I’ve added to this metabolic health formula is Cassia cinnamon, or Chinese cinnamon. Cinnamon has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic health systems for thousands of years, and research indicates that cinnamon may reduce fasting blood sugar levels, with polyphenols that help maintain insulin sensitivity. Several human intervention trials have also shown that fenugreek seed positively affects metabolic health, and Jambolan seed contains fatty oils and tannins that can lower blood sugar. Holy basil, called Tulsi in India, is also widely used for a broad range of health conditions, including blood sugar imbalances, and is an essential herb in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic formulas that promote metabolic health all contain unique blends of traditional botanical and mineral ingredients that have been shown to support healthy blood glucose levels, promote reduction of fat absorption, support healthy insulin levels, and help combat sugar cravings. Combining healthy supplementation with a mindful approach to eating and moderate exercise is an essential strategy for promoting metabolic health and a more energetic lifestyle. For more valuable information on preventing and controlling diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, download a wellness guide by visiting www.dreliaz.org/wellness-guide/metabolic.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz, M.D., MS., L.Ac. has been a pioneer in preventive medicine since the early 1980s, and serves as a respected researcher, clinical practitioner, author and lecturer. Dr. Eliaz integrates his background in Western medicine with extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese, Tibetan, Ayervedic, Homeopathic and complementary medical systems. Dr. Eliaz is also the Director of the Amitabha Medical Clinic & Healing Center (www.amitabhaclinic.com) in Sebastopol, Calif., where he and his team of integrative practitioners treat cancer and other chronically ill patients using a wide range of cutting edge and traditional therapies drawn from diverse medical systems. For more information about his work, visitwww.DrEliaz.org.