Hypoglycemia refers to when you have unusually low blood sugar levels, which is a symptom that signals an underlying medical disease. Although the condition is frequently associated with being a diabetes medication side effect, tumors, endocrine deficiencies, severe hepatitis and some medications can cause you to experience hypoglycemia. Because maintaining proper blood sugar levels is important to your health, following a healthy diet can help you avoid hypoglycemia symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, sweating and hunger.
Complex Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates affect your blood sugar levels, this doesn't always have to be a bad thing. That's because complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread take longer for the body to break down, giving you a steady release of blood sugar in the meantime. Other examples of complex carbohydrates include potatoes and whole grain pastas. Fruits also contain complex carbohydrates, but avoid those that have added sugars or fruits like bananas, which may affect your blood sugar levels more quickly than apples or pears.
Sweets
When you have hypoglycemia, the goal is to maintain balanced -- not too high or too low -- blood sugar levels. One of the food types that can cause your blood sugar to go too high is sugar-containing dessert. These include sugary sweets like candy, cookies, cakes, ice cream and full-calorie sodas. Such foods are broken down very quickly in the body, which can set off a chain reaction in the body where too much insulin is produced and your blood sugar drops lower again. To prevent this from occurring, try eating foods made with sugar substitutes or avoid the sweet stuff altogether.
Fiber and Fats
Fats are something to be limited in a healthy hypoglycemia diet. This is because a diet high in fat can lead to weight gain, which can worsen hypoglycemia symptoms. Avoid foods like whole milk, high-fat cheeses and fatty cuts of meat. Instead, eat lean cuts of meat, skim milk and eggs in moderation. While high-fat foods may not be desirable, fiber-containing foods are. This is because fiber helps slow glucose absorption, which works to prevent blood sugar spikes and helps you maintain steady blood sugar levels. Vegetables, legumes, beans and oatmeal all are good fiber sources in your diet.
In Case of Emergency
When you have hypoglycemia, there is a chance your blood sugar could drop too low. If you feel a hypoglycemia episode coming on, it's best to carry some fast-acting foods with you. Examples include five to six pieces of hard candy, 1 tbsp. of sugar, 1/2 cup of regular fruit juice or 1/2 cup of a regular soda. After consuming these you should feel better within 15 minutes. If you do not, try eating a little more to bring your blood sugar back in line.
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