(also referred to as...) Fasting Hypoglycemia, Reactive Hypoglycemia
Description Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels are too low. The pancreas regulates the body's blood sugar level with the use of beta cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by increasing the amount of glucose that is released in the body and used by cells. If these functions are altered, hypoglycemia can arise.
Reactive Hypoglycemia Reactive hypoglycemia the most common and occurs three to five hours after a meal.
Fasting Hypoglycemia Fasting hypoglycemia rare but occurs in severe disease states, such as; pancreatic tumors, extensive liver damage, prolonged starvation, and various forms of cancer.
Symptoms and Signs: Glucose is known to be food for the brain and low levels of glucose could result in headaches, depression, anxiety, irritability, blurred vision, profuse sweating, mental confusion, convulsions. extreme hunger, weakness.
Causes:
The primary reason for developing hypoglycemia is due to the excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates. No more then 10% of a person's total caloric intake should be from refined sugars, yet approximately 30% of the daily caloric intake is from this source. One consequence of a diet high in refined sugars is faulty carbohydrate metabolism that can result in hypoglycemia. Other causes include food allergies, excessive exercise, irregular eating habits, excessive alcohol, poor protein digestion, low level of digestive enzymes, and stress. Hypoglycemia can also be hereditary
What to Expect: Hypoglycemia can lead to anxiety disorder, due to chemical imbalances within the body.
Remedies
The goal of hypoglycemic sufferers should be to reestablish proper blood sugar levels, which can be achieved by focusing on healthy dietary factors.
Foods A diet high in fibre and complex carbohydrates and low in sugar should be the primary focus. Simple carbohydrates, or sugars, are quickly absorbed by the body, causing an increase in blood sugar levels. Refined carbohydrates are stripped of their nutrients and take longer to be absorbed in the body. Most of the vitamin and mineral content of white processed foods have been depleted. Large amount of simple sugars, such as sucrose, honey, or maple syrup can also be problematic for hypogylcemics. Be careful with the amount of fruit or vegetable juice consumed, as juicing increases the absorption rate of the sugars in the juice. When reading food labels remember that: sucrose, glucose, maltose. lactose. fructose, corn syrup, or white grape juice concentrate all really mean sugar! Fructose or fruit sugars are very sweet, but are safe to eat as fructose does not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Check with your physician as to which fruits are most suitable for you. Often blood sugar disorders are correlated with inadequate intake of dietary fibre. Fibre helps regulate cell sensitivity to insulin, slows the digestion of carbohydrates, and improves the uptake of glucose by the liver and tissues. Sources include water-soluble fiber such as legumes, oat bran, nuts, seeds, psyllium-seed husk, pears, apples, and most vegetables.
Herbs Ginseng regulates blood sugar, helps increase energy, and increases stimulation of the pituitary gland. Mugwort stimulates pancreatic activity. Dandelion, gentian, feverfew, plantain, violet, coltsfoot, chicory, and lovage may also prove helpful. Consult with your herbalist or naturopath to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs
Minerals Chromium which is vital to the regulation of blood sugar must be maintained. Without chromium, insulin's action is blocked and glucose levels are elevated. Take 200mcg twice daily.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More Regular exercise helps regulate insulin levels.
Vitamins Vitamin B complex will help counteract blood sugar imbalances caused by certain foods. It also helps counter complications associated with malabsorption disorders. Take one 50mg capsule daily. Vitamin C supports adrenal function. Take 1,000 to 3,000mg daily. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance. Vitamin E also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Take 400 IU daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Anxiety Disorder
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