HYPOGLYCAEMIA (LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE)
Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH
High sugar consumption is the key cause of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL) which is another serious problem that greatly contributes to obesity and may trigger many unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms. According to some specialists hypoglycaemia is a rampant problem which leads to obesity because people with low blood sugar levels have tendency to overeat.
High refined sugar intake and white flour products consumption often stimulate pancreas to flood the body with insulin which leads to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level), and since glucose (blood sugar) is brain’s primary energy source its insufficient levels may trigger symptoms of fatigue, inability to concentrate, depression, suicidal thoughts, anger, anxiety, panic attacks, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, hot flashes, craving for sweets, chocolate or caffeine. The brain requires a constant adequate level of blood sugar to function properly. It is more dependent on blood sugar or glucose than any other organ. Low glucose levels resulting from the severe dip after a high sugar intake tax the brain and cause the symptoms that plague sugar addicts.
When you eat too much sugar the level of glucose in your blood rise to abnormal heights. In an effort to return things to normal, your pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar levels. If you don’t regularly eat too much sugar – your pancreas can easily handle isolated overdoses of sugar. But if you consume foods high in sugar on a regular basis then every time your sugar level gets high your pancreas overreacts, flooding your body with insulin causing now the blood sugar level to be way too low. In response, because there is not enough sugar in the blood, the adrenal glands release anti-stress hormones that in turn release the sugar stored in the liver for emergencies. As a result everything gets worn out – the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the liver and the brain. And your symptoms are fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, palpitations, headaches, butterflies in the stomach, and so on. Apart from that, hypoglycaemia, causes brain to secrete glutamate in levels that can trigger the similar symptoms.
TREATMENT
In order to recover from hypoglycaemia and its symptoms it is necessary to avoid all the products which contain refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates (including white flour products, refined pasta, white rice, etc.) and also all stimulants (caffeine, tea, chocolate, alcohol, etc.).
Since scientific research proved that caffeine interferes with glucose metabolism you need to stay away from caffeine products to prevent low blood sugar levels.
If you still need a sweetener try to use more natural ones such as date sugar, blackstrap molasses, raw honey, or sometimes small doses of Erythritol, Xylitol and Stevia. Do not use any artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame, because they make recovery from hypoglycaemia much more difficult and are a major health hazard.
Apart from these dietary changes a patience is required as positive results are sometimes seen only after longer periods of time, even months. All refined carbohydrates must be replaced with foods high in fibre (whole grains, raw vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, seeds, nuts, legumes) as fibre in these foods causes sugar to be released in intestines slowly without stimulating pancreas to release large amounts of insulin to lower blood sugar.
Another very important cure in case of hypoglycaemia is regular exercise which is also very effective in regulating blood glucose levels.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBAL REMEDIES
– The most important supplement to treat hypoglycaemia is Chromium (100 mcg 2-3 times a day before meals). Chromium is also needed in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which also prevents hypoglycaemia. Good natural sources of chromium include wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and broccoli, but in diabetes and hypoglycaemia supplemention in the form of chromium picolinate is necessary.
– High doses of vitamin C (even 10 grams or 10,000 milligrams per day). Vitamin C is the primary support for the adrenal gland and chromium is a trace mineral which prevents hypoglycaemia by helping the body to use insulin properly, control blood sugar, and reduce sweet cravings.
– Since also Magnesium helps to maintain the blood sugar level try to include more magnesium rich food in the diet such as green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains and pulses. Good quality magnesium supplements such as magnesium citrate tablets (400 – 700 mg a day) or magnesium chloride oil (used externelly) should be included too.
– The herbal remedies including Pau d’Arco, Nettle leaf powder, Nettle tea, Star flower oil, Evening Primrose oil, Flax seed oil (omega 3) are very helpful in normalising sugar in the blood and treating hypoglycaemia.
– Licorice root is often regarded as the most beneficial herb for hypoglycaemia, especially in children. It helps to balance blood sugar and reduce the craving for sweets. The standard recommendation is two capsules of the regular licorice root (or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the liquid extract) two to three times a day with meals. Another supplement that helps is Spirulina which supplies amino acids (the building blocks of protein) which can stimulate liver to produce more glucagon which is used by brain when glucose in the blood is too low.
HEALING RECIPES >
SOURCES
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