Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, develops when blood sugar falls below normal levels. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that hypoglycemia can occur suddenly. In most cases, hypoglycemia is mild and is easily treated by consuming glucose-containing food or beverages. If left unchecked, hypoglycemia can lead to serious health complications, including seizures, coma and death. Herbal support for hypoglycemia attempts to normalize blood sugar levels over time. Consult your doctor before taking herbs to treat a medical condition.
Hypoglycemia
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, if your blood sugar level dips below 70 mg/dL, you may be hypoglycemic. Several factors may induce hypoglycemia, including sugar that gets used up too quickly by your body, glucose that is released too slowly into your blood, and excess insulin in your bloodstream. Common signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include convulsions, cold sweats, vision problems, increased heart rate, malaise, headache, hunger, irritability, confusion, shaking and fatigue.
Herbal Support
Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that poor dietary habits and increased stress levels account for a sharp rise in the frequency of this health problem among Americans. Herbal support for hypoglycemia involves the use of herbs to normalize your blood sugar levels. Helpful herbs for this purpose, notes Balch, include angostura bitters, artichoke leaf and gentian root. Licorice, gudmar and dandelion root are also helpful, as are echinacea, parsley, pau d'arco, raspberry leaves and uva ursi.
A Commonly Used Herb
Gudmar, also known as gymnema, is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. Balch notes that gudmar suppresses your intestinal absorption of polysaccharides, which helps normalize blood sugar. According to the University of Michigan Health System, gudmar has been effective for stabilizing blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Gudmar grows in the tropical forests of India, where it has been used medicinally for centuries.
Suggestions
Hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening health complications. If you suspect you might have this condition, visit a qualified health care professional to undergo a glucose tolerance test and other diagnostic measures. If you have hypoglycemia, your doctor can prescribe various treatments to help correct your underlying health problem or treat your symptoms. Always ask your health care provider about the possible side effects associated with herbal treatments.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Hypoglycemia
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hypoglycemia
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Gymnema
