Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or blood sugar imbalance, is very common in the modern world. Most people are familiar with the mid-afternoon energy slump which disappears after eating something sweet. Sugar and carbohydrate cravings, accompanied by fatigue and swings in mood, concentration and energy levels, could be symptoms of mild blood sugar imbalance.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

A more serious episode of hypoglycemia may be signalled by:

• Weakness
• Heavy sweating - sometimes the perspiration will make the person feel very cold
• Hunger
• Nervousness and irritability
• Dizziness, feeling faint
• Trembling
• Tingling in hands and feet.

• Headache
• Nausea
• Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
• Confusion, muddled feeling suggesting drunkenness
• Unconsciousness, coma or convulsions.

Causes of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is caused when there is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. This is normally due to the over-secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

The role of insulin is to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells (especially the fat cells and muscle cells), and to initiate glucose production in the liver. When the pancreas secretes too much insulin, too much sugar is removed from the bloodstream and the blood sugar becomes low.

Symptoms occur when there is not enough sugar circulating in the bloodstream for the body to draw on to meet its energy requirements.

Hypoglycemia is particularly of concern for people with diabetes, where insulin production by the pancreas is defective. Without insulin, the glucose circulating in the bloodstream cannot be absorbed into the body tissues for energy. It is common for people with diabetes to experience both hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels).

The principal cause of hypoglycemia is the modern diet, which includes high quantities of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, alcohol and refined flour products, and low amounts of fruits and vegetables and wholegrain foods.

Foods high in simple carbohydrates are easily broken down into glucose by the body, causing the pancreas to abruptly increase the body’s insulin levels, which moves the glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells. Several hours later, the blood sugar levels will be relatively low, causing the energy slump and associated symptoms known as reactive hypoglycemia.

By contrast, if we eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates (such as vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and brown rice), the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells occurs at a slower and steadier rate, and hypoglyceemia is avoided.

Hypoglycemia can also be brought on by other factors including:

• Missed meals
• Stomach surgery
• Some types of cancer and liver disease
• Allergic reactions to food or drugs
• High fever
• Pre-menstrual syndrome.

Natural Treatment for Hypoglycemia

If you have diabetes, seek the advice of your healthcare professional before adding natural remedies to your treatment plan.

Diet and Hypoglycemia

• A good breakfast will make it easier for your body to balance blood sugar levels throughout the day. Combine a small portion of protein with complex carbohydrates, for example, unsweetened muesli and yoghurt, or wholegrain toast and eggs.

• Eat small frequent meals throughout the day made up of wholegrain foods and low fat protein (such as almonds, fish and low fat dairy products).

• Avoid sugar in all its forms until you have your hypoglycemia under control. In addition to the sugar found in soft drinks, sweets and biscuits, hidden sources of sugar include alcohol and breakfast cereals. Hint: when reading labels, look for words ending in -ose, such as glucose, maltose and lactose, as these are all forms of sugar.

• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and cigarettes, which can add to hypoglycemic symptoms by creating large swings in your blood sugar levels.

Supplements and Hypoglycemia

• Chromium is essential for insulin’s response on blood sugar, cravings, hunger and weight loss/fat burning.

• Zinc helps with appetite control and is necessary for the correct action of insulin, hence healthy blood sugar balance. It also functions together with selenium and vitamins A and E in the manufacture of thyroid hormone.

• Magnesium balances blood sugar levels. There is a strong link between magnesium deficiency and hypoglycemia.

Herbs and Hypoglycemia

• Gymnena is the herb of choice for Hypoglcemia. It stablises blood sugar levels, curbs your appetite and curbs cravings.

• Licorice root can help to relieve symptoms of tiredness associated with hypoglycaemia

NB. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.

Exercise and Hypoglycemia

Regular exercise improves many aspects of glucose metabolism, including enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose tolerance in existing diabetics. However, exercising when your blood sugar levels are low (for example, first thing in the morning before breakfast) may induce hypoglyemia. If possible, have something to eat an hour or so before training.

Important note

Although it is not recommended on a regular basis, an attack of hypoglycemia can be prevented by eating a glucose-containing food or tablet. It is best to have some protein at the same time to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and reduce blood sugar fluctuation.

If you are experiencing such hypoglycemic episodes on a regular basis, consult your healthcare professional, regardless of whether or not you are diabetic.

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