Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are abnormally low. Hypoglycemia can be inherited but is most often caused by those treating diabetes or by an inadequate diet. If left untreated hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and death
NOTE: Hypoglycemia during pregnancy can affect the unborn child, it is important to see a physician as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.Signs and symptoms:
1. Early or common symptoms may include:
a. Palpitations (irregular or fast heartbeat)
b. Trembling or shakiness
c. Perspiration
d. Anxiety/nervousness or becoming easily irritated
e. Hunger
f. Sweating
g. Fatigue
h. Headache
i. Tingling lips
2. If left untreated the following symptoms may be present:
a. Weakness
b. Seizures or fits
c. Confusion or difficulty concentrating
d. Blurred vision
e. Slurred speech or clumsiness
f. Collapsing/passing out
g. SleepinessThe following may be helpful in treating hypoglycemia
1. Dietary and lifestyle modification will be required. Eating sugar and refined carbohydrates is a major cause of hypoglycemic reactions. When sugar is absorbed too quickly into the blood, the level of glucose rises, and the pancreas secretes large amounts of insulin, bringing the sugar levels down too quickly.
2. Stress reduction. Because stress can affect adrenal function and blood sugar levels it is often a major factor in hypoglycemia. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, massage, and deep-breathing exercises will be particularly helpful.
3. A regular exercise routine will assist in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. It is important to eat 1-3 hours prior to exercising.
Nutrients and supplements:
1. Buffered Vitamin C – may help with adrenal insufficiency common to people with hypoglycemia.
2. Vitamin B-complex – assists with helping the body tolerate foods that produce low blood sugar.
3. Chromium & Zinc – for glucose metabolism and optimal insulin activity.
4. Magnesium – is important for sugar metabolism.
5. Brewer’s Yeast – aids in stabilising blood sugar levels.
6. Quercetin – assists where food allergies may be a factor.
7. Digestive enzymes – for proper protein digestion.
8. Berberine – is effective as a blood sugar regulator.
9. Sugar check – lessens sugar cravings.Hypoglycemia is most often related to the treatment of diabetes, where a diabetic person receives too much insulin. Hypoglycemia can be inherited but can also be caused by:
1. Taking certain medications.
2. Excessive alcohol drinking.
3. Many other conditions may also cause hypoglycemia such as thyroid problems, adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disorders, and kidney disease. In some cases, hypoglycemia can also develop as a result of a poorly functioning pancreas, or tumors in the pancreas.
4. Long-term starvation or fasting.
5. Hormone deficiencies.
6. Smoking.
7. Overconsumption of caffeine
8. StressIn the family setting, you may have been made to feel less worthy than others, therefore there is an overcompensation and a giving too much of oneself with the unconscious intention and desire of being acknowledged.
There may have been times in your life when you didn’t feel part of the circumstances you found yourself in, there was no resonance and therefore no joy was felt.
There may have been times when you felt guilty or ashamed for having needs when other matters seemed more urgent.
There may be feelings of being overwhelmed by life.
There may also be unresolved generational traumas at play here.1. Avoid sugar and sugar-containing foods such as sweets, cakes, cookies, fizzy drinks, and artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners such as stevia, barley malt syrup, and molasses are acceptable. Also, avoid sweet fruits and fruit juices.
2. Eliminate or at least greatly reduce the consumption of alcohol.
3. It is better to eat 6 – 8 small meals during the day rather than consume large meals or go without food. Eating a small snack before bedtime may also assist.
4. Decrease or eliminate consumption of caffeine. Caffeine stresses the adrenal glands, which are also important in regulating sugar levels.
5. A diet high in protein rather than carbohydrates is better suited for hypoglycemia. Replace red meat with fish and chicken wherever possible, and add more beans, nuts, raw cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, and yogurt to the diet. Avoid refined carbohydrates such as white flour, pasta, and white rice.
6. Avoid fatty or fried foods, saturated fats, dried fruits, salt, processed foods, and foods containing artificial colours and preservatives wherever possible.
7. A high-fiber diet containing fresh vegetables eaten raw or steamed is indicated. When experiencing a low blood sugar reaction eating fiber-containing foods along with something containing protein may assist.Endocrine System,Nervous System