Hypoglycemia

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Misty L. Trepke

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Good Morning!

 

Hypoglycemia

 

Hypoglycemia or blood sugar is a disorder of blood sugar metabolism

which may result in diabetes in later life. It is a condition in

which the pancreas produces too much insulin, causing the blood sugar

to drop.

 

Hypoglycemia sometimes occurs in healthy people some hours after a

meal rich in carbohydrates, especially following muscular exertion.

It is frequently found in the first few days of life, especially

among premature infants.

 

Hypoglycemia is a serious disorder as the brain cannot function

properly when the blood sugar level is too low. Like all other organs

of the body, the brain receive its fuel from the diet. But it can use

only the sugar produced by the body from carbohydrates. Unlike many

of the body tissues, it cannot store its fuel. Therefore, it must get

a constant supply of sugar through the bloodstream. Mental

disturbances caused by subnormal blood sugar levels can seriously

affect a person's life.

 

A craving for sweets and starches in excessive amount between meals

is the first sign of low blood sugar level . When the blood sugar

level falls much below normal, symptoms such as nervousness,

irritability, fatigue, depression, disturbed vision and headache

appear. Other symptoms are sweating, trembling, numbness, absent-

mindedness, dizziness, palpitation of the heart and some sexual

disturbances. Most hypoglycemia patients feel hungry and eat

frequently to get over the feeling of weakness and emotional

irritability. They feel tense if they have to go without food for

several hours.

 

Hypoglycemia is usually caused by an excessive intake of refined

carbohydrates and sugar foods. These substances cause the pancreas,

the adrenal gland and the liver to lose their ability to handle the

sugar properly. Other possible causes of low blood sugar are a

tumour, disturbed functions of the liver, pituitary gland or adrenal

glands. Stress intensifies this condition as it weakens the adrenal

glands and starts a faulty pattern of glucose intolerance.

 

The high animal protein diet generally prescribed for hypoglycemia

is not suitable for this disorder. It may help control the condition

temporarily, but it is harmful in many other respects and may result

in other diseases like heart trouble, arteries, kidney problems and

cancer.

 

The ideal diet for hypoglycemia should be based on three basic food

groups:

 

1. grains

2. seeds and nuts

3. vegetable oils.

 

Seeds, nuts and grains should be the main constituents of the diet.

Seeds and nuts should be taken in their raw form. Grains, in the

form of cereals,should be cooked. Cooked grains are digested slowly

and release sugar into the blood gradually six to eight hours after

meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a

long period.

 

Persons suffering from low blood sugar should take six to eight small

meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw nuts and

seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds or drinking milk, butter

milk or NATURAL fruit juices between meals will be highly

beneficial. All refined and processed foods, white sugar, white

flour and their by- products should be completely eliminated from

the diet. Coffee, alcohol and soft drinks should also be avoided.

The consumption of salt should be reduced as an excessive intake of

salt causes loss of blood potassium, which causes blood sugar to

drop. The following foods should be APART of your intake suggested

for hypoglycemia:

 

On rising : Fresh fruits such as apples, peaches, melons, berries,

avocado or a glass of fresh fruit juice.

 

Breakfast : Nuts, seeds, fruit, cottage cheese and buttermilk,

cereal or congee.

 

Mid-morning : Fruit, natural fruit juice or tomato juice.

 

Lunch : Cooked cereals and milk or small portion of tuna, chicken,

fish or beef.

 

Mid-afternoon : A glass of fruit or vegetable juice or a snack

consisting of nuts.

 

Dinner : Vegetable salad with a cooked vegetable from among those

allowed, one or two slices of whole wheat bread, cottage cheese and

butter milk.

 

On retiring : A glass of milk or buttermilk.

 

Vegetables which can be taken in hypoglycemia are asparagus, beets,

carrots, cucumbers, egg-plants, peas, radishes, tomatoes, spinach,

kale, lettuce, beans, baked potatoes. Fruits which can be taken are

apples, apricots, berries, peaches, and pineapples. Consumption of

citrus fruits should be limited.

 

Foods rich in vitamin C , E and B-complex are highly beneficial in

the treatment of low blood sugar. Vitamins C and B increase tolerance

to sugar and carbohydrates and help normalize sugar metabolism.

Pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6 help to build up adrenals which are

generally exhausted in persons with hypoglycemia. Vitamin E improves

glycogen storage in the muscles and tissues. The patient should take

vitamin C in large doses from 2,000 to 5,000 mg. (depending on how

much the bowels can tolerate); B6 50 mg. and vitamin E 800 - 1,200

iu daily.

 

Proper rest is essential for those suffering from low blood sugar. A

tranquil mind is of utmost importance in this condition. Nervous

strain and anxiety should be relieved by simple methods of meditation

and relaxation.

 

Yogasanas like vakrasana, bhujasana, halasana, sarbagasana and

shavasana and pranayama like kapalbhati and anulomaviloma will

be beneficial.

 

A prolonged neutral immersion bath is also helpful in relieving

mental tension.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk L.Ac. MSTOM

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!