If symptoms of hypoglycemia increase
discomfort, patients generally take teaspoonful of sugar. However downward fluctuating
blood glucose levels does not require eating more sugar. On the contrary, all
dietary recommendations and home remedies for controlling hypoglycemia do not
revolve around taking higher sugar intake but in trying to stabilize sugar
levels, so that the body enjoys a constant source of energy during the day.
So, check out what nature provides:
Licorice root:
Licorice root is a very good natural cure for alleviating symptoms
of low blood sugar. It helps increase blood sugar levels in the body. Cut the
root in pieces and add to boiling water and boil this for five minutes, then
drink it once a day.
Licorice also relieves stress related to low blood sugar levels.
Person with high blood pressure should avoid licorice as it is known to
increase blood pressure. Even otherwise, it should be taken in moderate
quantity.
Apple:
Apples are very effective for people with low blood sugar as it
is rich in chromium and magnesium, both of which are known to regulate blood
sugar level. Two apples should be taken after meal everyday for better results.
Wild yam: Wild
yam is a very effective natural cure for low blood sugar, as it controls the
level of insulin in the body, thereby increasing the sugar level in the blood.
Yam should be boiled in water and left for an hour before drinking. The dried
powdered root can be made into a paste, and this paste should be added to a
glass of warm water and consumed.
Molasses:
Molasses is a very useful natural cure for low blood sugar.
Drinking extract of molasses provides the required glucose during exertion.
Take a little molasses and add to a glass of warm water, drink this at least
twice daily to improve blood sugar level.
Dandelion root:
Dandelion root contains large amounts of calcium, which helps in
proper functioning of pancreas and liver, which helps to keep the correct blood
sugar levels. Powder the root and mix the powder in a glass of warm water, take
this mix daily for better results. A concoction made of this root can be taken
twice daily.
Parsley:
Parsley helps in improving the functions of liver and pancreas,
making it a very effective natural cure for low blood sugar. Juice extracted
from the leaves of parsley can be taken daily to rejuvenate liver and pancreas.
Parsley leaves can also be steeped in hot water and taken internally once a day
for beneficial results in Hypoglycemia.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes contains lycopene which is a potent antioxidant which
help in improving functioning of liver and pancreas. Drinking fresh tomato
juice, twice daily, for two weeks, is very effective way to alleviating
pancreatic disorders which cause low blood sugar. Fresh tomatoes also can be
included in the diet for better results.
Sunflower seeds:
Sunflower seeds are a rich source of poly-phenols, which help
remove destructive oxidants from liver and pancreas. In particular, chlorgenic
acid promotes synthesis of glycogen in the liver and is very beneficial in
regulating sugar levels in the blood. Sunflower seeds can be eaten in raw form
or can be powdered and added to water, taking sunflower seeds daily, is a very
effective natural cure for low blood sugar.
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin
seeds are a rich source of several micronutrients including iron, magnesium and
manganese. It is also known to prevent deposition of calcium oxalate in the
kidney and helps in regulating functioning of kidney. This helps regulating the
blood sugar level and is effective in treatment of Hypoglycemia. Powder pumpkin
seeds and mix in a glass of milk or warm water and drink for beneficial
results.
Gentian root: Gentian
root is very useful natural cure for low blood sugar as it boosts the sugar
level in the body. Take gentian root and dip in boiling water, to make a
concoction and drink this twice daily.
Barley: Barley is
a first-rate food for patients if type 2 diabetes or people diagnosed with low
blood sugar. Barley is a rich source of essential minerals, vitamins and
dietary fibers. In particular, Barley contains magnesium and
beta-glucan which helps in regulating glucose absorption in blood.
Balanced meal for low blood
sugar individuals:
An ideal diet for low blood sugar patient
should be well balanced with enough nuts, fruits and fresh vegetables and
carbohydrates. Seeds and nuts should be taken in raw form and grains and seeds,
like buckwheat, should be cooked. Beans and legumes will provide balanced
protein as well.
Chromium: Research
has shown that a balanced intake of chromium is very important for regulating
GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor), which is responsible for balanced metabolism of
glucose. Thus chromium helps stabilize blood sugar both in cases of hypo and
hyperglycemia. A normal adult requires a daily chromium intake of 200 mcg to
maintain optimal blood sugar level in the body. This can be taken as a
supplement or from food rich in chromium such as brewer’s yeast, potatoes,
peas, whole wheat bread, rye bread and wheat germ.
Magnesium: Magnesium
helps prevent falling of blood sugar levels in people with hypoglycemia. A
healthy adult requires round 340 mg of magnesium in his daily intake. Food rich
in magnesium include artichoke, banana, dry figs, barley, oat bran, prune
juice, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, beans, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, soybean,
spinach, sweet potatoes and potatoes.
Vitamin B3: Vitamin
B3 (niacin) has been found beneficial in regulating level of blood sugar in
hypoglycemic people. Food rich in Vitamin B3 include portabella mushrooms,
asparagus, green peas, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
Dietary fibers:
Dietary fibers allow sugars to be absorbed more slowly, which regulate glucose
in the blood. Person with low blood sugar should consume around 25-40 g of dietary
fiber per day. Psyllium, oat bran, apple pectin, whole meal cereals and ground
flax seed are rich in fiber.
Proteins: Proteins
provide the body with a more consistent source of energy that sugar or fat.
This is because they are absorbed less rapidly than fats (lipids) and sugars
(carbohydrates). Protein intake should constitute 15-20% of total energy intake
while fat should constitute around 30%. Always keep nuts and seeds, handy to
fill your protein needs on the go. Bear in mind that all vegetables contain
protein. They are the same as protein found in flesh foods except that are far
cleaner.
Other Vitamins: Vitamins
like C, E and B complex help normalize blood sugar level in the body, thus
making it a very effective natural cure for low blood sugar. The prescribed
daily doses are: Vitamin C (2000- 5000mg), Vitamin B (50mg) and Vitamin E (1600
IU). Increase the vitamins intake in the diet, to maintain proper blood sugar
levels.
Preventing
fluctuations in blood glucose levels
Taking regular small snacks, (about once every
two hours) helps prevent fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Snacks should be
rich in carbohydrates (15-30 g per snacks), dietary fibers (2-3 g) and proteins
(3-9 g). It is important to take a snack early, before feeling the loss of
energy. Eat a little more if you exercise.
Foods to be avoided in
Low Blood sugar
Concentrated sugars get rapidly absorbed in
blood and cause a sudden increase in blood sugar followed by a sharp decline
which can be very dangerous. Concentrated sugars are the most important food
content to be avoided. One must try to completely eliminate intake of
concentrated sugar. If it cannot be eliminated totally,
at least it should not be eaten alone. In any case, the amount of sugars should
not exceed 5 g per serving.
Other foods to avoid include
- Refined and processed
foods. - Canned foods
- Alcohol (especially on
empty stomach), tea and caffeinated foods - Carbonated drinks
- Foods high on salt
- Drink plenty of water: People with low blood
sugar should drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and to flush out
toxic radicals from the body. Drinking water also helps in cleaning bowel
movements by dissolving surplus intake of dietary
fibers. - Take small and regular
meals: Person
with low blood sugar levels should take small and regular meals throughout the
day rather than taking three large meals a day. This helps in keep the levels
of sugar in the blood to normal. - Take meals at fixed times. This distributes
energy absorption equally throughout the day. It is important not to skip any
meals and not to fast. - Physical activity: Exercise and relaxation
are good ways to reduce stress that is a primary cause of hypoglycemia attack.
Exercise promotes release of adrenalin and other vital hormones that help
regulate and control blood sugar. Regular exercise is recommended. Exercise
regularly but moderately. Avoid strenuous or intense exercises. - Relaxation activities: Hypoglycemia patient
should avoid stress and relax as much as possible. Yoga, Meditation,
progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises are beneficial in
curbing low blood sugar induced stress. - Sufficient sleep should be ensured.
Conclusion
If symptoms of hypoglycemia are seen, always
consult a naturopathic doctor. The MDs are brainwashed by the pharmaceutical
industry and can seldom be trusted. Hypoglycemia can usually be cured if the
exact cause is diagnosed. Hypoglycemia is also cured in many cases by a simple
reorganization of the foods you eat.
SOURCES: