Low Blood Sugar (LBS), also known as Hypoglycemia, is a very popular subject these days as I receive numerous inquiries on a daily basis regarding this condition. It appears so many people suffer from this mysterious malady and don't know how to deal with it.
In many cases, their physician has basically discounted their concerns and after much prompting, perhaps, administered a glucose tolerance test or "challenge" to the blood sugar. Results typically are borderline, hence, the well-meaning doctor proclaims they don't have the condition!
However, the tone of the inquiries is the same: "Help! I think I have low blood sugar and I don't know how to deal with it…. And, am I crazy? My doctor/health care practitioner says there is no such thing or it's all in my head!"
Then, I pose this question. Why, if after the diet is modified, removing offending sugary foods, alcohol and caffeine and adding nutritious fresh produce, complex carbohydrates and moderate levels of lean protein do they actually feel and function so much better?
The answer being, diet is the key to such an imbalance. And, Low Blood Sugar is REAL even if sugar challenge test results state otherwise.
The typical American diet includes highly processed foods such as white flour products, foods laden with sugar and all around junk foods typically devoid of beneficial nutrients. Processed calories in the form of simple carbohydrates (which basically turn to glucose very quickly) such as these, enter the blood stream rapidly.
With a "rush" of glucose the body is thrown off "kilter" and has to compensate by working overtime in order to restore a normal sugar level in the blood. What the body truly desires are carbohydrates that release sugars slowly into the blood stream. These carbohydrates are entitled "complex".
Examples of these are unprocessed grain products such as whole wheat, rolled oats, brown rice and also legumes (beans), and starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, corn and regular potatoes.
People with Low Blood Sugar have difficulty maintaining normal levels of sugar in the bloodstream and normally throw it off by eating or drinking something they may be sensitive to. Soft drinks, alcohol and beverages with caffeine all wreak havoc on sensitive systems.
Chewing on hard candies and gum can also cause the blood sugar to nose dive just a short time afterwards. The price paid by LBS sufferers who simply desire fresher breath by popping mints all day long is truly large!
It is a vicious cycle of ups and downs throughout the day…coffee for breakfast, lower energy later, eating a candy snack or even a granola bar (usually laden with sugar), energy drop again…. etc. LBS folks need to know how to control their own blood sugar.
Self-discipline is also a must! One slip (how did that Butterfinger get in my mouth?!) can cause not only the blood sugar to drop again, but can also lead to a variety of other symptoms, including binge eating!
Here's a list of symptoms that have been associated with Low Blood Sugar:
Headaches
Fatigue and drowsiness
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
Sleeping difficulties
Allergies
Forgetfulness
Depression
Shakiness
Nervousness
Exhaustion
Mood swings
Temper outbursts
Sensitivity to light and noise
Negative thoughts
Suicidal thoughts
Low libido or sex drive
Obesity
Dizziness
Waking up tired and exhausted
PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome
Visual disturbances
Alcoholism
Indecisiveness
Family history of low blood sugar or diabetes
Are thinking.... gosh this could be me?
For me the greatest help to get my blood sugar control has been the Basics Foundation Package by Shaklee.
Learn more about Shaklee's Basics Foundation Package
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