Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims one can cure diabetes by not eating and consuming only water, juice and herbs for 90 days. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
In a Facebook reel, Dr. Sebi, who is widely known for various false cure claims says, “This Mexican came and said to me, ‘Stop eating. Stop eating!’ I said ‘How long, a day?’ He said ‘No, no, no, no: at least 90 days.’ I said ‘You out of your mind.’ He said ‘I may be out of my mind but I’m 94. But you are full of shit.’ He gave me these herbs, I went home, I took them as prescribed. Herbs, water and juice; herbs, water and juice. But then, at the ending of 94 days, everything that I had before was gone: from diabetes, the impotence.”
Fact Check
Can Diabetes be cured through diet?
No. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Diabetes.org.uk clearly mentions, “there is no cure for diabetes.” However, diabetes can go into remission (it happens when the blood sugar levels are in a normal range again) by following a multidisciplinary approach that includes medication and changes in lifestyle, including diet and weight loss.
Kajal Gupta, Dietician and Nutritionist, says, “Diabetes occurs due to permanent damage of pancreatic cells, or it becomes sensitive to insulin, so it can’t be cured completely but can be managed through proper medication, diet and lifestyle changes.”
While there is increasing research on how to ‘reverse’ or ‘cure’ Type 2 Diabetes, there is no conclusive evidence on the same. Type 1 Diabetes, a chronic condition where insulin production is impaired, has found no cure.
Nutritionist Dr. Avni Kaul also comments by stating,” Diabetes cannot be cured. It is a progressive disease. However, it can be managed and controlled with diet and lifestyle.”
Can diabetes be cured with water, juice, and herbs in 90 days?
No. Diabetes cannot be cured with water, juice, and herbs alone in 90 days, and there is no credible scientific evidence which can prove this. While a healthy diet, regular exercise, and certain herbs and supplements can be beneficial for people with diabetes, these interventions are not a substitute for medical treatment, which may include medications like insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and other therapies.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states, “We don’t have reliable evidence that any herbal supplements can help to control diabetes or its complications.”
Dr. Ayush Chandra, Consultant Diabetologist and Founder of Nivaran Health, Delhi NCR, further elaborates on this by stating, “ No, not at all. Diabetes management should include proper medications and insulin therapy if required, and that too under the guidance of a clinician. It also requires a balanced diet with macro & micronutrients, daily physical captivity, adequate consumption of water, mental wellness and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Drinking water instead of aerated drinks and caffeinated drinks helps to control sugar levels a bit. Daily, 2-3 litres of water is advised, along with workouts. It helps in improving metabolism, immunity, Prevention of diseases and flushing out of toxins from the body. In diabetes, drinking water helps to flush out extra sugar via urine.
Dr Utsav Sahu, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist states, “No, diabetes cannot be cured by consuming only water, juice, and herbs for 90 days. In fact, such a diet could be dangerous, as it would not provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. People with diabetes need to carefully manage their blood sugar levels in order to avoid serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. This means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed by their doctor.”
Additionally, juices can’t help in reducing sugar levels. In fact, some can spike up the values. Look out for the right glycaemic index of the fruits. Increase fibre-rich fruits in your diet and try to eat fruits. Herbs and supplements can be used only as complementary support to the main allopathic treatment that too in limited amounts if approved by your doctor as they can cause side effects too.
In conclusion, the first line of treatment for managing diabetes should always be allopathic medications recommended as per the scientific researches and clinical trails under the norms of medical council combined with diet & lifestyle changes.”
Moreover, it’s important to remember that diabetes is a complex condition with many factors that contribute to its development, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
In short, while home remedies may offer some benefits for people with diabetes, they are not a substitute for proper medical care and cannot cure the condition on their own.
We checked with Dr. Ritesh Bansal, the founder and Senior Consultant Diabetologist at the Delhi-based Saroj Diabetes & Research Center, about the claim. He advised, “Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which requires a balanced diet with the right amount of Carbohydrates, protein and fat. Consuming just water and juices will only make a person prone to Starvation ketoacidosis rather than helping a diabetic in blood sugar management. The majority of diabetic patients constantly search for alternative medical treatments that might be helpful. This is due to the fact that all diabetic patients are instructed to maintain a specific blood sugar level through diet, lifestyle changes, and allopathic medications. Regarding the claim, the herbs and juices serve a supportive role. Therefore, these natural therapies can benefit those who have lifestyle issues. Still, the patient needs to be closely monitored while using such natural remedies and is advised to follow his/her medical treatment as suggested by their doctors.”
Remember, if you have diabetes, it’s important to work closely with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and any necessary medications or therapies.
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