Your body derives energy from three main caloric sources: carbohydrates, protein and fiber. According to MayoClinic.com, carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy. As carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream they are converted into glucose, or sugar, and effectively raise blood sugar levels. This causes the pancreas to release insulin, which converts the glucose into expendable energy. Excess glucose is stored in the liver. Glucagon, another pancreatic hormone, will trigger the liver to release glucose if blood sugar levels drop below a normal level.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels. While hypoglycemia is often associated with diabetes, it can occur in people who are not diabetic, according to the National Diabetic Clearinghouse. When you are hypoglycemic, your blood sugar levels have dropped below the normal level. This occurs when your body is unable to manage glucose levels due to insulin imbalances. When too much insulin is used to convert glucose into energy, it depletes your body of the glucose that would have been stored in the liver. Without a reserve of glucose, your blood sugar levels plummet and you become hypoglycemic.
Carbs and Energy
Carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels differently, depending on the carbohydrate's glucose content. High-glucose carbohydrates cause a sudden spike, then crash, in blood sugar levels. As they are absorbed into the bloodstream they trigger your pancreas to release a massive burst of insulin, more than is necessary. This immediately depletes the glucose from your bloodstream and leaves you hypoglycemic. Carbohydrates with a lower glucose content are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream, and allow insulin to be released at a more effective rate. This provides your body with a steadier supply of energy and more stable blood sugar levels.
Eating Right
With hypoglycemia, avoid high-sugar foods as much as possible, such as soda, candy and white flour. The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation recommends monitoring your body's reaction to fruits, as some fruits are high in glucose and can negatively affect your blood sugar levels. Eat whole grain carbohydrates in the least-processed form possible. Eating smaller meals throughout the day with a small amount of low-glucose carbohydrates will also help keep blood sugar levels stable.
What to Eat
Your body can derive energy from proteins and fiber, which do not affect blood sugar levels. Focus on foods high in protein or fiber, such as nuts, seeds, vegetables, lean meat products and dairy. Do not resist eating carbohydrates. Instead, make sure you eat the right carbohydrates. Choose whole grain bread, brown rice, fresh fruit and oatmeal as your main carbohydrate sources. If you do experience a hypoglycemic episode, eat a snack high in sugar to bring blood sugar levels back up quickly, and then focus on eating healthful foods to keep blood sugar levels up.
