Easiest Foods To Eat With Hypoglycemia

If you've ever gone too long without eating, you probably know what hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, feels like. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, poor coordination, trembling, irritability, anxiety, fatigue and, in severe cases, seizures. While hypoglycemia is often associated with diabetes, it can also stem from fasting, certain medications, strenuous exercise and autoimmune disorders. In addition to reaping treatment for underlying medical causes and avoiding potential triggers, certain foods may help keep your blood sugar in check.

Whole Grains

Carbohydrates provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. If you're prone to hypoglycemia, the type of carbohydrate sources you choose may be particularly important. Whole grains are considered low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. Reducing your glycemic load may enhance blood sugar regulation throughout the day and reduce your risk for insulin resistance, according to MayoClinic.com. One simple way to accomplish this involves swapping enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods in your diet out for whole grains such as oats, brown rice, wild rice, barley and popcorn. When purchasing breads, pasta and cereals, select those that list whole grains, rather than enriched flour, as primary ingredients.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of antioxidants, which help your body fend off infections and disease, and fiber, which slows digestion and helps reduce blood sugar abnormalities. Authors of "Hypoglycemia: the Classic Healthcare Handbook," Jeraldine Saunders and Harvey M. Ros, recommend whole fruits and vegetables over sugary sweets and fruit juices, which may disrupt your blood sugar. If your blood sugar drops suddenly, however, drinking 4 oz. of fruit juice may help bring it back to a normal healthy place. If you are particularly sensitive to sugars, Saunders and Ros recommend pairing fruits, particularly sweet fruits, such as pineapple and dried fruit, with protein-rich foods, such as low-fat milk or yogurt, for improved results. Fruits and vegetables particularly fiber and nutrient-rich include berries, pears, apples, broccoli, peas, dark leafy greens and artichokes.

Lean Protein-Rich Foods

Protein-rich foods digest slower than starches, such as bread, pasta and potatoes. While the issue remains controversial, some doctors recommend a high protein diet as dietary treatment for hypoglycemia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which suggests lean varieties, such as lean meats, legumes and fish as healthy options. Simple protein-rich foods to incorporate into your diet include low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese and yogurt, pre-baked skinless chicken breasts, boiled or scrambled egg whites and water-packed tuna, salmon and sardines. Tuna, salmon and sardines also provide omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats linked with positive brain function and heart-health Aim for balanced meals such as oatmeal topped with fruit and low-fat yogurt or brown rice with steamed vegetables and grilled fish.

"Quick-Fix" Foods

Sudden blood sugar decline can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated, particularly if you have diabetes. If your symptoms come on severely or suddenly, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends consuming 4 oz. of a regular soft drink or fruit juice, 8 oz. of milk. 5 to 6 pieces of heart candy or 1 tbsp. of honey or sugar. If your blood sugar levels do not improve, repeat the process every 15 minutes. If your symptoms persist regardless, seek medical guidance.