Hypoglycemia is a sudden drop in blood glucose that is caused by certain medications, medical conditions or lack of adequate nutrition. This condition, which is characterized by symptoms such as feeling faint, shaking and sweating, can deteriorate quickly if the person does not take steps to increase their blood glucose. For some individuals living with hypoglycemia, supplementing the diet with specific vitamins can help improve the maintenance of stable blood glucose levels. Speak with your doctor before adding any vitamins to your diet.
Step 1
Take 75 mg vitamin C daily if you are a woman and 90 mg if you are a man. Individuals with the blood sugar instability that occurs in hypoglycemia and diabetes may also have compromised immunity. Taking a vitamin C supplement can help improve your immunity.
Step 2
Take 250 to 800 micrograms of a chromium supplement daily. Eating large amounts of sugary foods can cause the body to excrete chromium, a condition that can cause hypoglycemia.
Step 3
Take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, according to manufacturer's directions. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for immune system support, much like vitamin C.
Step 4
Take a B-complex supplement daily. B-complex vitamins, which include B3, known as niacin, and B6, known as pyridoxine, are water-soluble substances used by your body to produce fuel from the foods you eat. Vitamin B3 can help raise blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
Step 5
Take 250 to 750 mg of magnesium each day. Consuming large amounts of carbohydrates can lead to a flushing of the body's magnesium. This can cause blood glucose levels to decline quickly.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Hypoglycemia
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin C
- National Institutes of Health: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Chromium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- New Treatments for Crohn's Disease, Colitis, Hypoglycemia and Many More: Hypoglycemia
