A blood sugar level of 70 or less is known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition most commonly seen in people with diabetes and liver disease. But it can also occur without a known cause. Low blood sugars are dangerous and can lead to fainting, seizures and even coma, according to Medline Plus. If you suffer from hypoglycemia, modifying your diet can help you better manage your low blood sugars.
Whole Grain Starches
Whole grain starches contain fiber. Fiber in food, specifically soluble fiber, takes the body longer to digest and allows for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. This slow release helps to keep a more even and consistent blood sugar. Whole grain starches for hypoglycemia include whole wheat bread, brown rice, barley, potatoes with the skin, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereal, whole grain crackers and popcorn.
Fruits
Whole fruits also contain fiber and make a healthy choice to help prevent hypoglycemia. Choices include apples, oranges, pears, melons, berries and grapes. Unsweetened canned fruits are also acceptable, according to the Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. You should avoid juice if you have episodes of hypoglycemia. Juice digests very quickly and can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, leading to sudden drop due to an excessive release of insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for getting sugar from the bloodstream into the cell.
Vegetables
Vegetables make a healthy contribution to any diet. As a source of fiber, vegetables can also decrease the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Healthy vegetable choices for hypoglycemia include leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, eggplant, mushrooms and peppers.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods are also allowed on the diet for hypoglycemia. Protein in dairy foods takes the body longer to digest also slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Choose low-fat and nonfat dairy foods to limit your intake of saturated fat. Hypoglycemic dairy food choices include nonfat milk, 1-percent fat milk, nonfat and low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese.
Lean Meats
Lean meats also contain protein. Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology group recommends you eat a source of protein with each meal to help prevent low blood sugars. Some doctors may recommend a high-protein diet to help manage hypoglycemia, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, but research has not proven its effectiveness for hypoglycemia. Lean proteins to include in your diet for hypoglycemia include skinless poultry, fish, lean pork chops, beef tenderloin, veal and lamb chops.
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