HYPOGLYCEMIA


What Is Hypoglycemia And How Can SuperFood Plus Help?

A particularly good example of the positive effects of SuperFood Plus is its role in helping to counteract hypoglycemia. We have chosen to spotlight hypoglycemia because one in three people have it. Hypoglycemia is when a person has too little sugar in their blood, which can cause a wide range of bodily dysfunctions. If a person finds relief upon eating food and especially if their preference is for something sweet, then it is likely that hypoglycemia is present 

Symptoms include feelings of confusion, mind fogginess, an inability to think clearly or make decisions and, in some cases, extreme hunger.

More severe symptoms include shakiness, dizziness and exhaustion, sometimes resulting in the need to lie or sit down – occasionally fainting can occur.

Other less immediately associated symptoms are irritability, constant fatigue even after adequate sleep, impatience and sudden outbursts of annoyance or anger.

Symptoms that occur due to the sugar deficit and subsequent neurotransmitter confusion include depression, cold sweats, digestive disturbance, insomnia, worry, nervousness, anxiety and allergy.

What Causes All Of The Above And What Are The Outcomes?

When blood-sugar drops too low and too quickly it causes significant stress on the body, and can result in severe physical symptoms. Adrenaline is released, which will quickly release stored carbohydrates, but it can also cause aggressive or depressive behaviour.

Blood sugar imbalances greatly alter hormone function, particularly in women. This can give rise to disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome or immune difficulties surrounding menstruation, pregnancy and the menopause. It can also cause excessive weight gain.

SuperFood Plus can help because it is high in easily utilized protein and a wide range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It is especially rich in B vitamins, which are very important for the chemical processes involved in carbohydrate utilization and blood sugar stability. Even if hypoglycemia is not an issue, it can help stabilize blood sugar levels during the pancreas 'low' times. These are traditionally the ‘between meals’ times of 11am and 4pm when blood sugar levels tend to drop.

SuperFood Plus Support Strategies With Everyday Foods

  • Food that gives you instant energy will be addictive and its empty calories will make you feel worse. 
  • Do not eat excessive amounts of high glycemic index foods e.g. bananas, sweet root vegetables, corn on the cob. (Google ‘glycemic index foods’ for more information.)
  • Cut out all stimulants e.g. coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar and even honey. They are all empty carbohydrates that only spark off greater low blood sugar imbalance and excessive adrenaline response.
  • Avoid all processed carbohydrates e.g. most breads, pasta etc.
  • Try corn and rice cakes, oat cakes and a little wholemeal bread.
  • Eat moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates e.g. Basmati brown rice, Quinoa, whole oats.
  • Low glycemic index foods include all the beans – cannellini, kidney, lentils, butter, soy, lima, navy. Barley, oats, pumpernickel and sourdough can be used as bread and grain substitutes.
  • Eat moderate amounts of animal protein, fats and fruit and a greater quantity of vegetables.
  • Eat six or more small meals a day. Never eat till full, just eat enough to feel sufficient. 
  • Watch the clock to avoid forgetting – even set an alarm for the first week!
  • Drink plenty of water – energy levels are determined by hydration levels and drinking water can often dispel sugar cravings.
  • Eat or drink something bitter or sour. The Ayurvedic and Chinese systems both apply this way of rerouting the sweet craving. These two flavours additionally strengthen the organs involved e.g. the gut, pancreas and spleen.

Hibiscus Herb Tea

Useful because it is rich in chromium, which is vital to proper glucose metabolism. Drink two cups daily.

Nettle Tea

Rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals that strongly support sugar and/or alcohol cravings and keep blood sugar levels steady. It also contains chromium in significant quantities. As highlighted in the glycemic index chart below, it is necessary to avoid wheat and to be careful with grains, though some fruits also achieve high glycemic indices. 

Chronic cases need one-to-one supervision with an appropriately trained nutritionist. (For information contact Herbs Hands Healing Ltd on 0870 755 4848)