Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can be caused by diabetes or other conditions. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, irritability, shakiness, dizziness and even unconsciousness in extreme cases. With the right diagnosis and care, hypoglycemia can be treated. Proper diet and exercise, including bodybuilding, can benefit those with hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia Definition
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar or glucose levels become unusually low. Glucose is the body's major source of energy, and the body cannot function properly without it. If you experience hypoglycemia, it's typically due to one of two reasons: your blood sugar levels become too elevated and trigger the pancreas to let go of too much insulin at once, or the liver simply runs out of stored sugar.
Metabolism and Energy
Whenever you digest food, your body initiates essential processes, such as the metabolic process. Carbohydrates, such as pasta and bread, are broken down into different sugar molecules, including glucose which is absorbed straight into the bloodstream. Cells need glucose for energy and to function properly, but glucose must enter a cell to do its job. Without the aid of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, glucose cannot enter most cells. Glucose fuels cells with the help of insulin, and the body stores any extra glucose in the liver and muscles as glycogen. During this process, glucose levels in the bloodstream are regulated, and stored glycogen is used at a later time for an activity such as bodybuilding. Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, thwarts the metabolic process and diminishes available energy.
Hypoglycemia Causes
Various situations and conditions can cause hypoglycemia, including diabetes, poor nutrition, prolonged stress and overexertion. For example, normally when you don't eat for a long period of time, your blood sugar levels naturally drop, and glucagon, which is also produced by the pancreas, prompts your liver to use stored glycogen for fuel. This releases glucose into your bloodstream again and keeps your blood sugar levels normal until you can eat. The body also calls upon other processes to produce needed glucose. However, maintaining an inadequate diet long-term can increase hypoglycemic attacks, according to Bodybuilding.com. Athletes, including bodybuilders, may start to experience regular blood sugar level drops while training for an upcoming sports event or competition without proper nutrition.
Nutrition for Bodybuilders
Athletes need extra glucose for prolonged workouts, but bodybuilders require sustainable glucose for muscle growth. Although natural supplements can be beneficial, they are no substitute for the solid nutrition found in whole foods. Developing muscle mass is impossible without proper nutrition, especially when you have hypoglycemia issues. When training, your body needs extra carbohydrates for fuel. Complex carbs, such as whole breads, pastas, oatmeal, rice and other grain-based foods, give you the long-term energy you need for high intensity workouts, and simple carbohydrates, such as fruit and honey, will give you a quick energy boost. Include complex carbs in meals a few hours before strength-training sessions, and then snack on simple carbs for quick energy right before you train.
Bodybuilding Benefits
Exercise such as bodybuilding encourages good health by promoting natural processes in the body, such as metabolism function. However, regularly experiencing hypoglycemia, may hinder your muscle-building efforts since muscles need more glycogen, or stored glucose, for growth, according to TeenBodybuilding.com. Following a healthy meal plan and consuming plenty of wholesome carbs at the right time of the day not only help to increase energy levels for strength building workouts, but also help to better regulate blood sugar levels.
