|
|
|
Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the pancreas regularly
overacts to repeated high sugar intake by producing too much insulin. Excess
insulin results in lowering blood sugar too much as the body strives to
achieve proper glugose/insulin balance. This is particularly harmful to
the brain, the most senstive organ to blood sugar levels, which requires
glucose as an energy source to think clearly.
Hypoglycemia causes a change in the way the brain functions. Small fluctuations
disturb one's feeling of well-being. Large fluctuations cause feelings of
depression, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue and even aggressive behavior.
Proper sugar balance is also needed for muscle contractions, the digestive
system and nerve health. Additional symptoms are: restlessness, insomnia,
dizziness, general shakiness and trembling, ravenous hunger and craving
for sweets, heart problems, nausea, blurry vision, and frequesnt headaches
or migraines.
Common Causes: Poor diet or excess sugar consumption of diet, poor pancreas
funciton, drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, prolonged fasting or dieting
for weight loss,food allergies, caffeine or necotine, stress, exhausted
adrenals, kidney failure or liver damage, and low thyroid.
Helpful herbs and supplements:
drhealth Vitamin C 1000 mg with 200
Bioflavonoids (2000 to 5000 mg) is helpful in improving the immune function
which is depressed in hypoglycemia. Vitamin C is helpful in wound healing
and increasing permeability of capillaries which tend to bleed. Vitamin
C also reduces the accumulation of factors leading to eye and nerve complications.
Chromium GTF or picolinate (200 mcg
2X daily) deficiency will block insulin's action and glucose levels will
elevate. If the cells of the body aren't doing their job, the transport
of vitamin C into the cells of the body is hindered, because this transport
is factilitated by chromium.
Country Life Glycemic Factors or Enzymatic Therapy
HYPO-ADE both products are helpful in controling low blood sugar.
drhealth Super Stress Complex (3X
daily) provides B complex with helpful herbs for stress.
drhealth Evening Primrose (1300 mg
caps 3X daily) GLA aids in supplying needed EFAs. GLA is a source of energy
for the cells, electrical insulation for nerve fibers, a precursor of prostaglandins
which regulate hormone and metabolic functions. GLA is also helpful for
PMS, menopause symptoms, low blood sugar, and to help in nerve transmission
for M.S. and muscular dystrophy.
drhealth 5-HTP (50 mg 1 or 2X daily
or 100 mg once daily) is helpful for anxiety relief. Ten patients diagnosed
with anxiety syndromes were treated with 5-HTP. A significant reduction
in anxiety was observed on three different scales designed to measure anxiety.
In a study of 20 people with panic disorders, several experienced a feeling
of "relief" after receiving 5-HTP.
Diet Considerations: Nutrient deficiencies always accompany hypoglycemia.
A healthy diet is critical. Sugar and refined carbohydrates must be avoided.
Omit natural sugars, too, such as honey, molasses, maple syrup, and alcohol
until sugar balance is achieved.
Eat 5 small meals containing some kind of vegetable protein though
out the day. Include high fiber foods to help stabilize blood sugar swings.
Add whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, seafoods,
soy foods and brown rice frequently.
Eliminate alcohol , refined foods, caffeine, preserved foods and red
meats.
|
