Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low levels of glucose in your bloodstream. Glucose is a fuel that your body produces from sugars and carbohydrates in foods, and uses as energy for cell production. Hypoglycemia is typically caused by excess levels of insulin, a chemical produced by your pancreas. It may produce symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, mental confusion, irritability and sleep disturbances. Avoiding certain foods may help reduce the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Consult your physician if you plan to treat hypoglycemia with diet. This condition may require the attention of a medical professional.
Saturated Fats
Low blood sugar levels and excess insulin in your bloodstream increase your risk for high cholesterol, which may contribute to heart disease. Saturated fats, which are found in pork, beef, eggs, milk and cheese, may elevate blood cholesterol. Saturated fats may also elevate blood levels of triglycerides, which are components of cholesterol that can cause fatty blockages in your arteries and blood vessels.
Refined Flours
Foods such as white pastas, white breads, doughnuts, pastries, bagels and cakes contain refined flours, which are grains that have been subjected to extensive processing. Your body quickly converts the carbohydrates in refined flours into glucose, which causes rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes. The crash following a spike can produce fatigue, dizziness and fainting that commonly accompany hypoglycemia episodes.
Fast Foods
Fast foods may increase the risk of blood sugar crashes and high cholesterol levels associated with hypoglycemia. They are typically high in simple carbohydrates, which cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, and trans fats, which may raise triglyceride and cholesterol levels. French fries, onion rings, deep fried chicken and breaded fish patties are typically especially high in trans fats.
Alcohol
Avoid alcoholic beverages to help manage hypoglycemia symptoms. Alcohol is quickly converted into sugars in your bloodstream. The blood sugar crash following alcohol use can produce dizziness and fatigue.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypoglycemia
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