Occasionally feeling run-down or tired is a normal symptom of a fast-paced life. But feeling exhausted and brain-dead day after day may be an indication of something deeper going on. You may be suffering from hypoglycemia, which creates a host of negative symptoms, most often affecting energy levels first. There are plenty of strategies to help you deal with hypoglycemia, including diet and lifestyle changes. Adding more B vitamins to your diet may be a viable option to combat condition.
Identification
Hypoglycemia is, put simply, low blood sugar. This occurs when the body can no longer maintain the normal sugar levels in the blood, according to Psychiatrist and President of the International College of Applied Nutrition Jeraldine Saunders in her book, "Hypoglycemia: The Classic Healthcare Handbook." When blood sugar levels fall below optimum, symptoms including irritability, mental confusion and even slurred speech are possible. Hypoglycemia can be a precursor to diabetes, and has a similar cause: too much sugar and lack of a balanced diet, aggravated by stress.
B-complex Benefits
B vitamins may help with hypoglycemia because they work to keep blood sugar levels stable, according to Herbalist Brigitte Mars and health writer Chrystle Fiedler in their book, "The Country Almanac of Home Remedies." B vitamins help to metabolize the carbohydrates that you eat, which in turn reduces carbs' direct impact on insulin production. B vitamins also oversee energy production in the cells, combating the fatigue that is sometimes associated with hypoglycemia.
Dosage
Due to studies on both animals and humans that suggest an association between anxiety, hypoglycemia and B vitamins, James Chow, MD advises hypoglycemics to supplement with a B-complex daily in his book, "Hypoglycemia for Dummies." He recommends 25 to 100 mg of vitamin B complex a day in single or divided doses, two to three times a day. Foods such as spinach, bell peppers, lentils and poultry are high in B vitamins, so include them in your diet along with other B complex-rich foods.
Considerations
Hypoglycemia often stems from dietary issues. It may be beneficial to cut down on sugary foods and increase the amount of protein and good fats you get in your diet. Supplementing with B vitamins alone won't rid you of symptoms. Also, lower your stress levels as much as possible, as these contribute to the ailment. Before you supplement with B vitamins, check with your doctor to determine if this is the best course of action for your condition.
References
- "Hypoglycemia: The Classic Healthcare Handbook"; Geraldine Saunders and Dr. Harvey Ross; 2002
- "The Country Almanac of Home Remedies"; Brigitte Mars and Chrystle Fiedler; 2011
- "Hypoglycemia for Dummies"; James Chow, MD; 2007
