Health Conditions from A to Z

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia is a condition that causes abnormally low blood sugar (glucose) levels or abnormal fluctuations of blood sugar levels due to over secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia vary from mild to severe, and range from anxiety, weakness, sweating, rapid heart rate, extreme hunger, dizziness, poor or double vision, headache, irritability, irrational behavior, problems with memory, cognitive focus, learning, and digestive problems. Symptoms most commonly occur in the mid-afternoon, and can mimic many other health problems or co-exist with them.

Although only classic hypoglycemia, a form of hypoglycemia that occurs in people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is recognized by conventional medicine, alternative practitioners recognize general hypoglycemia to be well-established condition that occurs during the early stages of adrenal stress and blood sugar imbalance problems.

What To Consider

Hypoglycemia can be caused by excess consumption of simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, food allergies, low thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamin B6, chromium, zinc, essential fatty acids and amino acids such as alanine), excessive exercise, stress, skipped meals (especially breakfast), irregular eating habits, excessive alcohol, drug, or cigarette consumption, over consumption of caffeine beverages, poor protein digestion, protein deficiency, poor digestion due to other factors, low digestive enzymes, low fiber diets, and an excessively refined and processed diet. To achieve lasting relief of hypoglycemia symptoms, all of these factors must be screened for and addressed.

Chronic muscular tension caused by stress throughout the body, particularly in the spinal regions, is another potential cause of hypoglycemia, since stressed body tissues burn fuel at a higher than normal rate, creating a constant need for glucose.

Caution
Although hypoglycemia can exist by itself, it may an early warning sign for pancreatic and diabetic problems. If your condition persists, seek immediate medical attention.

Self-Care Tips

Diet
Be sure to have breakfast and make it a protein rich meal. Also eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help keep blood glucose levels up and to help heal the pancreas and adrenals. Be sure your diet consists of organic, whole foods diet and avoid stressor foods such as caffeine, refined sugars, and alcohol. Instead, emphasize fibrous foods, whole grains, seeds, nuts, fermented dairy products, and lean meats and fish. Also be sure to identify and avoid food allergies, and eliminate processed foods, dehydrated powders, and white flour products.

Nutritional Supplementation
The following nutrients can be helpful in preventing and reversing hypoglycemia: chromium, vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, niacin or niacinimide, pantothenic acid, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium zinc, trace minerals, free-form amino acids, and adrenal glandulars. If hypoglemia is due to incomplete absorption of nutrients from food, take hydrochloric acid (HCl) and digestive enzymes. Vitamin B injections can also be helpful as a means of increasing energy levels.

Herbs
Licorice, burdock, and dandelion can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Juice Therapy
Combine the juice of carrot, beet, burdock root, Jerusalem artichoke, and garlic and drink an 8-ounce glass once or twice a day.

Caution

Back to Health Conditions A to Z