Hypoglycemia is, according to the Mayo Clinic, a condition with a chronically low level of blood sugar or glucose. The condition usually comes with diabetes but a variety of conditions can cause low blood sugar without diabetes. Diet changes are an effective tool to regulate hypoglycemia and keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day.
Hypoglycemia Causes
Diabetes is one of the main causes for hypoglycemia. Diabetics, or people with high blood sugar, take insulin to lower their blood sugar levels but taking too much insulin can lower the blood sugar too far and lead to hypoglycemia. Other possible causes of hypoglycemia include medication, critical illnesses, tumors, or endocrine deficiencies. Medications can lower blood sugars while tumors or illnesses can cause an over production of insulin that in turn leads to low blood sugar levels.
Meal Frequency
People with hypoglycemia often do better with controlling low blood sugar by eating more than three meals per day. By dividing meals up into five or six balanced smaller meals the body is able to better manage and keep blood sugar levels steady. Dr. Frank Jackson of Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology says that the object is to manage the diet so glucose is released into the bloodstream slowly and evenly. Jackson advises spacing out well balanced meals evenly throughout the day.
Foods and Products to Avoid
According to Dr. Frank Jackson you should avoid alcohol and caffeine if you have hypoglycemia, because alcohol can cause hypoglycemia itself and caffeine increases adrenaline production that increases reactive hypoglycemia. Avoid simple carbs and sweets unless they are made with sugar substitutes. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology reports that simple carbohydrates and sweets are digested rapidly; therefore, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly, which can lead to hypoglycemia. You should also avoid high fat foods because, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, a low-fat diet shows effectiveness in treating hypoglycemia.
What to Eat
High fiber foods, proteins and complex carbohydrates are important in managing hypoglycemia. Fiber, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, delays absorption of glucose and slows down the absorption of sugar. That in turn helps to prevent hypoglycemia by balancing blood sugar levels. Complex carbs take longer to break down in the intestine and keep blood glucose levels consistent. Pasta, grains and potatoes are good examples of complex carbs and recommended by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Proteins are good for hypoglycemia because it takes a long time to convert them into glucose. Recommended protein sources include animal meat, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Exercise and Diet
Exercise is a great tool to use with a hypoglycemic diet especially if you are overweight. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, excess weight interferes with body functions that regulate glucose. This means that losing weight or shedding fat can help to control hypoglycemia. You should aim to exercise with both aerobic and anaerobic moves at least three times per week.
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