Hypoglycemia

Definition

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too low.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of hypoglycemia vary from mild to serious, and include anxiety, weakness, sweating, rapid heart rate, severe hunger, lightheadedness, poor or double vision, headache, irritability, irrational conduct, memory problems, cognitive focus, and digestive problems. Symptoms most commonly occur mid-morning, and can mimic many other health problems.

Kinds

Although only classic hypoglycemia, a form of hypoglycemia that occurs within people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is recognized by traditional medicine, alternative practitioners also recognize common hypoglycemia. Common hypoglycemia is a situation that occurs during the early stages of adrenal tension and blood sugar imbalances.

Cause

Hypoglycemia has many possible causes including excess consumption of sugars and delicate carbohydrates, food allergies, thyroid problems, nutrient deficiencies, excessive exercise, stress, skipped meals (particularly breakfast), abnormal eating habits, extreme alcohol consumption, smoking, caffeinated beverages, poor protein digestion, protein deficiency, reduced digestive enzymes, low fiber diets, and consumption of processed foods. To achieve lasting relief, you must see a doctor who can pinpoint the cause of your hypoglycemia.

Chronic muscle pressure caused by tension throughout the body, particularly in the spinal areas, is another potential cause of hypoglycemia. Stressed body tissues burn energy at a rate greater than normal which creates a continuous need for sugar

Caution: Although hypoglycemia can exist alone, it may be an early warning sign for future pancreatic and diabetic problems. If your condition persists, seek immediate medical assistance.

Natural Remedies

Diet: Eat a protein packed breakfast every day. Additionally, eat several small meals throughout the day to help keep blood glucose levels up and to assist the pancreas and adrenals. Ensure your diet contains organic whole-foods and avoid caffeine, refined sugar, and alcohol. Consume fibrous meals, whole grains, seeds, nuts, fermented dairy products, and lean meat and fish. Also, be sure to identify and avoid food allergies, and eliminate processed meals, dehydrated powders or shakes, and white flour products.

Herbs: Licorice, burdock, as well as dandelion can help to regulate glucose levels.

Nutritional Supplementation: These nutrients help prevent and cure hypoglycemia: Chromium, vitamin B complicated, vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids, calcium, the mineral magnesium zinc, minerals, free-form proteins, and adrenal glandulars. If hypoglycemia is a result of incomplete assimilation of nutritional elements, take muratic acid (HCL) and digestive system enzymes. Vitamin B injections can also be a helpful way of increasing energy levels.

Optional Professional Treatment: If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional treatments have all demonstrated the ability to be helpful for treating hypoglycemia: Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Environmental Treatments, Homeopathy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Qigong, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)