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This is the term that describes low-blood sugar. Just the opposite of diabetes. Sugar, in the form of glucose, nourishes all the body cells and is the single source of food for the brain.' Unlike other organs, the brain cannot store energy and therefore must have a constant supply of glucose. If not enough glucose is delivered to the brain you can become nervous, confused, disoriented. An undersupply of nourishment in the other cells of the body leave you weak and tired. And, low levels of blood sugar also generate a constant feeling of hunger. There are two forms of Hypoglycemia: Organic- caused by am impairment in the body mechanisms which control insulin and glucose regulation. Functional- the result of oversecretion of insulin triggered by an excessive response to glucose in the bloodstream, nervous anxiety, and extreme muscular exertion. Functional Hypoglycemia appears to be triggered by excessive anxiety and an unbalanced diet rather than any physical impairment, control must come form improved food habits. A diet designed to increase sugar in the blood without over-stimulating the pancreas is required. Experiments have shown that high levels of protein, along with a moderate amount of fat and carbohydrate, slows digestion and allows sugar to trickle slowly into the bloodstream for several hours. Therefore the first step in treating hypoglycemia is to begin each day with a high - protein meal, offering a minimum of 22 grams of protein. This meal should be followed by frequent, small, high-protein meals throughout the day, as many as six, if needed. By introducing food into your system every few hours, blood sugar is kept from falling too low; by keeping these meals small, a sudden increase in blood sugar is prevented, thereby decreasing the chance of overproduction of insulin. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus mid-meal snacks follow this high-protein, moderate-fat, moderate carbohydrate pattern. At the end of the day, total intake of protein mat be as high as 120 to 140 grams, carbohydrate should be confined to 80 to 100 grams, and enough fat should be consumed to provide sufficient calories to maintain weight and appease hunger. In addition to this balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates, high levels of vitamins and minerals are essential, particularly those related to carbohydrate metabolism and regulation of nervous tension. Since potassium is easily excreted during stress periods, and magnesium is vital for control of muscle tension and irritability, these two minerals must be elevated. B vitamins are also associated with tension reduction, and since they are the catalysts of food metabolism, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin must be adequate if food is to be converted to glucose. Coffee and other caffeine-rich drinks should be avoided, for they mask fatigue, and hide the symptoms of low blood sugar. Those foods which contain concentrated sources of carbohydrates and none of the vitamins and minerals which contribute to good health should be eliminated from the diet. All cereals, flour, and grain products, plus alcohol, ice cream, syrups, dried fruits, and sweetened fruit drinks should be omitted at first. Once the condition improves, those carbohydrate foods which are well endowed with essential nutrients can be returned to the diet. You should not reinstate processed cereals, white flour, or white sugar, which do not offer the complete range of B vitamins necessary to promote adequate food metabolism. Liberal use of meat, fish, poultry, milk and other dairy products, along with fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains amounting to the recommended 80 to 100 grams of carbohydrate form the staples of the hypoglycemic diet. In this manner the illness can be reversed. However, a return to meal skipping or high carbohydrate , low-protein diet will only cause a relapse. Some Necessary Precautions People who have hypoglycemia (verified by a blood test) should eat as many as six meals a day. This is not an excuse to overeat. Balance food intake properly or you will gain unwanted weight. If you follow the recommendations of the hypoglycemic diet and maintain a high level of protein and other nutrients- you will feel better with renewed energy, a cheerful disposition, and overall good health. |
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