What is Hypoglycemia and how can food, herbs and SuperFood plus can help?
Hypoglycemia is when a person has too little sugar in their blood, which means dysfunction of a range of bodily functions occurring from faulty bio-chemistry. If a person finds relief upon eating food and especially if the food preference is something sweet, then it is likely that hypoglycemia is present - below is a quick check list of symptoms:
The Symptoms:
Feelings of confusion, mind fogginess and an inability to think clearly or make decisions.
Shakiness, dizziness and sometimes extreme exhaustion resulting in feeling the need to lie or sit down; occasionally fainting can occur.
Extreme hunger
Other less immediately associated symptoms are irritability resulting in unpleasant verbal exchanges, impatience, sudden and explosive anger which can quickly evaporate once vented. There is always a sense of fatigue even if adequate hours of sleep are in place.
Even more symptoms can occur due to the sugar deficit and subsequent neurotransmitter confusion - depression, cold sweats, digestive disturbance, insomnia, worry, nervousness, anxiety and allergy. (For more symptoms read Hypoglycemia by Jeraldine Saunders and Dr Harvey Ross, Publisher Kensington Books)
What causes all of the above and what are the outcomes?
It seems that the body needs to go through some very arduous tasks in order to try and maintain normal function when blood sugar levels are dropping. When blood-sugar drops too low and too quickly, then the stress on the body is very significant and results in some very severe physical symptoms and anti-social behavior. This is partly because adrenaline is released which will quickly provide stored carbohydrates. Adrenaline release can cause aggressive or depressive behavior – it is, after all, the fight or flight hormone. If neither or these extremes are produced then irritability simmers away.
If you feel you may be hypoglycemic then you can be diagnosed. For a private laboratory there is a cost but it can be very worthwhile. (Contact Herbs Hands Healing Ltd. on 0870 755 4848)
Other outcomes can be very physical; blood sugar imbalances greatly alter hormone function particularly in women difficulties can arise with actual disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome or immune difficulties surrounding menstruation, pregnancy and the menopause. It can also cause excessive weight gain.
Food Help
Food, which gives you instant energy will be addictive, these empty calories will make you worse.
Do not eat excessive amounts of high glycemic index foods e.g. bananas, sweet root vegetables, corn on the cob.
Cut out all stimulants e.g. coffee, tea, alcohol and of course sugar and even honey. They are all empty carbohydrates which only spark off greater low blood sugar imbalance and excessive adrenaline response.
Avoid all processed carbohydrates e.g. Most breads, pasta etc. Try corn and rice cakes, oat cakes and a little wholemeal bread.
Eat moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates e.g. Basmati brown rice, Quinoa, whole oats.
Eat moderate amounts of protein, fats and fruit and much more vegetables.
Eat six or more small meals a day. Never eat till full, just eat enough to feel sufficient. Watch the clock and eat accordingly to avoid forgetting. -Even set an alarm for the first week!
Drink plenty of water, energy levels are determined by how much dehydration the body experiencing and drinking water can often dispel sugar cravings.
Eat or drink something bitter or sour. The Ayurvedic and Chinese systems both apply this very profound way of re-routing the sweet craving. These two flavours additionally strengthen the organs involved e.g. the gut, pancreas and spleen.
I'm not going to go into more detail because I think that chronic cases need one to one supervision by someone familiar with the subject and so find an appropriately trained nutritionist. Do also read the Jeraldine Saunders book.
SuperFood plus can help because it is high in easily utilized protein and a wide range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It is based on green vegetables of the sea and land with the addition of a little fruit rind. It is especially rich in B vitamins, which are very important for the chemical processes involved in carbohydrate utilization and blood sugar stability, B vitamins can also reverse addictions to alcohol. The B3 (Niacin), which sometimes causes the skin to flush for half an hour after drinking SuperFood plus is of no concern and is simply a reminder of how high it is in available B vitamins. It can also be very helpful at other pancreas 'low' times where meals are hard to come by, especially perhaps 11.00am and 4.00pm.
SuperFood plus is not a mega vitamin supplement, which means it doesn't use up vital bodily reserves in other areas in order to be fully metabolized. It is pollutant free being organic so vital for hypoglycemic sensitivity.
Rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals which strongly support sugar or / and alcohol cravings and keep blood sugar levels steady. It also contains chromium in significant quantities.
This twenty-two herb formula is designed to support many of the symptoms and causes of low blood sugar. It primarily addresses fatigue, insomnia and decreased energy partly because the adrenal glands are vitally supported. Herbs like the Burdock, Liquorice and Elecampane help to stabilize blood sugar levels by balancing the pancreatic enzymes. Others herbs support lowered immune function. It is a good all rounder for concerted restoration of the problem.
If specific areas are particularly bad like brain fogginess and constant poor concentration then try the Prickly Ash & Rosemary Formula.
As highlighted in the glycemic index chart below, it is necessary to avoid wheat and to be careful with grains, though some fruits also achieve high glycemic indices.
Low Glycemic Index foods include all the beans: Cannellini, kidney, lentils, butter, soy, lima, navy and so on. Barley, oats, pumpernickel and sourdough as bread and grain substitutes.
