Hypoglycemia is a chronic condition characterized by low levels of glucose in your bloodstream. Glucose is a source of energy for your body and aids in the repair of bone, muscle and organ cells. This condition is typically caused by overproduction of insulin by your pancreas, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Simple strategies may help you reduce the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Step 1
Replace white-flour breads and pastas with whole-wheat or whole-grain versions. Refined flours can cause rapid blood glucose fluctuations that can increase hypoglycemia symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Whole-grain products, which are complex carbohydrates, may help your body maintain consistent glucose levels.
Step 2
Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks instead of reaching for sugary snacks, such as doughnuts, snack crackers, pies and cakes. Refined sugars can cause blood glucose spikes and crashes, increasing fatigue, headaches and confusion associated with hypoglycemia, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fresh vegetables and fruits contain dietary fiber, which may help stabilize blood glucose levels.
Step 3
Choose water, coffee or tea instead of alcoholic beverages. Your body quickly converts alcohol into sugar, which can contribute to blood glucose fluctuations, according to Balch.
Step 4
Choose lean proteins instead of fatty meats, such as pork, beef and dark-meat chicken. These meats are loaded with saturated fats, which may worsen the symptoms of hypoglycemia, according to Balch. Opt for protein sources such as fish, white-meat chicken, legumes or tofu to help avoid fatigue.
Step 5
Use soy-based milk, cheese and yogurt instead of dairy versions. Like fatty meats, dairy products are high in saturated fats. If you have a soy allergy, opt for fat-free or low-fat dairy products to minimize your intake of saturated fats.
Tips and Warnings
- Eliminate suspected allergens one at a time, and then gradually reintroduce these foods after three or four weeks to determine if symptoms worsen. Common allergens such as corn, dairy, wheat gluten and chemical preservatives and colorants may trigger hypoglycemia symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Lean proteins
- Soy products
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypoglycemia
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