The hypoglycemic diet is designed for people with a tendency to experience low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, that is not connected with another health problem. The diet is useful for preventing drops in blood sugar that cause unpleasant symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness and feeling faint. When used in a strict form, the hypoglycemic diet can help people lose weight, according to Fibromyalgia Treatment Center.
Identification
Most people do not have problems with glucose absorption, but some regularly experience an overreaction by the body that drives blood sugar too low, according to Dr. Frank W. Jackson at the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. The technical name for this condition is reactive hypoglycemia. It usually occurs within three hours after eating a meal.
Considerations
Excess weight can cause problems with blood sugar regulation, as it interferes with body functions that regulate glucose, according to Jackson. A weight loss plan that brings you to a proper body weight may stop reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia also may be a precursor to type 2 diabetes, another condition associated with excess weight.
Technique
To manage reactive hypoglycemia, change your eating habits so glucose enters your bloodstream at an even rate, advises Jackson. Eating simple carbohydrates moves glucose into the bloodstream rapidly, whereas eating complex carbohydrates and protein help prevent reactive hypoglycemia. Simple carbohydrates include sweet foods and refined baked goods, such as those made with white flour. White pasta and white rice also are simple carbohydrates, as are fruit juice and soft drinks containing sugar. Read labels to limit your intake of foods containing sugar, honey, dextrose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, fructose, corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup.
Specifics
To lose weight on a hypoglycemic diet, follow a list of specific guidelines for at least two months without cheating, recommends Fibromyalgia Treatment Center. You may eat all types of meat, poultry, wild game, fish and shellfish, except processed meats containing sugars or dextrose. Eggs, butter, sour cream and non-processed cheese are allowed, including a half-cup per day of cottage or ricotta cheese. You may eat small portions of avocado, cantaloupe and strawberries, as well as 2 teaspoons of lime or lemon juice for flavoring per day. All vegetables are acceptable except artichokes, beets, carrots, corn, onions, peas, potatoes, pumpkin and squash, rutabagas and turnips. Do not eat baked beans, black-eyed peas, lima beans, refried beans, barley, rice, pasta, and flour or corn tortillas. Sauces and salad dressings must be sugar-free, and no sweets are allowed.
Tips
Do not skip meals on a hypoglycemic diet, advises Jackson. Start with three balanced meals and three small snacks. If symptoms persist, change the plan to five or six smaller balanced meals evenly spaced throughout the day. Restrict caffeine and alcohol intake.
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