Health Update
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Health Update

Hypoglycemia in Anorexia and Bulimia


by Susie Thurmond with Shiromi Geoffries, R.D.

Hypoglycemia, low blood sugar, is common in anorexics and bulimics. While most people associate hypoglycemia with diabetics, anorexics and bulimics who binge-fast often experience the syndrome. The main cause for anorexics and bulimics is an abscence of food.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: dizziness, shaking of extremities, headaches, and sweating. What happens is that since the body cannot metabolize food, the blood sugar level is reduced. When this occurs, the above symptoms ensue.

The fastest way to raise blood sugar is by drinking juice, especially orange juice. The fructose sugar in the juice is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Fruit itself is not efficient as the fiber slows down it's abosorption. Protein like P-nut butter, and crackers, is also recommended to stabilize the blood sugar. These are metabolized quickly to stabilize blood sugar.

A related phenomenon is queasiness after eating a meal after fasting. This is caused by a sudden surge in blood sugar called hyperglycemia. It is a good idea to rest for about half an hour before driving when this happens.

October 24, 1997

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