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The Low Down on Low Blood Sugar! 

By Laura Lewis

Low Blood Sugar (LBS), also known as Hypoglycemia, is a very popular subject these days as I receive numerous inquiries on a daily basis regarding this condition. It appears so many people suffer from this mysterious malady and don't know how to deal with it. In many cases, their physician has basically discounted their concerns and after much prompting, perhaps, administered a glucose tolerance test or "challenge" to the blood sugar. Results typically are borderline, hence, the well-meaning doctor proclaims they don't have the condition! However, the tone of the inquiries is the same: "Help! I think I have low blood sugar and I don't know how to deal with it…. And, am I crazy? My doctor/health care practitioner says there is no such thing or it's all in my head!"

Then, I pose this question. Why, if after the diet is modified, removing offending sugary foods, alcohol and caffeine and adding nutritious fresh produce, complex carbohydrates and moderate levels of lean protein do they actually feel and function so much better? The answer being, diet is the key to such an imbalance. And, Low Blood Sugar is REAL even if sugar challenge test results state otherwise. 

The typical American diet includes highly processed foods such as white flour products, foods laden with sugar and all around junk foods typically devoid of beneficial nutrients. Processed calories in the form of simple carbohydrates (which basically turn to glucose very quickly) such as these, enter the blood stream rapidly. With a "rush" of glucose the body is thrown off "kilter" and has to compensate by working overtime in order to restore a normal sugar level in the blood. What the body truly desires are carbohydrates that release sugars slowly into the blood stream. These carbohydrates are entitled "complex". Examples of these are unprocessed grain products such as whole wheat, rolled oats, brown rice and also legumes (beans), and starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, corn and regular potatoes.

People with Low Blood Sugar have difficulty maintaining normal levels of sugar in the bloodstream and normally throw it off by eating or drinking something they may be sensitive to. Soft drinks, alcohol and beverages with caffeine all wreak havoc on sensitive systems. Chewing on hard candies and gum can also cause the blood sugar to nose dive just a short time afterwards. The price paid by LBS sufferers who simply desire fresher breath by popping mints all day long is truly large! It is a vicious cycle of ups and downs throughout the day…coffee for breakfast, lower energy later, eating a candy snack or even a granola bar (usually laden with sugar), energy drop again…. etc. LBS folks need to know how to control their own blood sugar. Self-discipline is also a must! One slip (how did that Butterfinger get in my mouth?!) can cause not only the blood sugar to drop again, but can also lead to a variety of other symptoms, including binge eating!

Here's a list of symptoms that have been associated with Low Blood Sugar:

The Internet can be a truly wonderful resource for these Balanced Blood Sugar Seekers! Information regarding this condition may be found via a typical search on the Internet. Many may also find other LBS sufferers to talk to via various hypoglycemia support websites. However, the Internet can also be extremely confusing relative to this subject! For example, when I conducted a search at Health World Online and typed in "reactive hypoglycemia", 15 different documents were presented with headings such as alcoholism, headaches, PMS, autoimmune disorders, aggressive behavior, mental disorders, depression, insomnia, etc.…The list goes on and on! And why did I find such a diverse listing? The reason being, many of these disorders have been theorized to be linked directly to low blood sugar conditions.

So what should a person do once they identify that low blood sugar might be the cause of their discomfort/s? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Maintain a highly accurate food diary/record. Be honest and record every morsel of food, candy and all beverages that pass your lips. Do this for a period of 7 days.

2. Buy several handbooks on the subject and "go to school". 

Carlton Fredrick's "New Low Blood Sugar and You" is excellent.

Also, Edward and Patricia Krimmel's "The Low Blood Sugar Handbook" is a nice resource as well.

3. Check out these websites:

The Krimmel's Home Page

Sweet Nothings (Under Construction but looks promising!)

4. Begin to make a concerted effort to eat better. Remove refined foods from your pantry. Toss out foods which contain sugar. Buy healthy snacks such as fresh vegetables, low fat cheeses, sliced turkey, high fiber fruits such as apples or berries. (A word to LBS folks…don't eat bananas, dried fruits or drink fruit juices. Also, did you know carrots and potatoes are also known to drive the blood sugar crazy?! The natural "sugars" in them tend to enter the blood stream swiftly causing havoc in the blood sugar arena! (see more in Carlton Fredrick's book!)

5. Make bottled or filtered water your beverage of choice! Become a water addict!

In closing, if you are indeed a low blood sugar or hypoglycemia sufferer, you can take control and feel better. It's as easy as making smart choices about what you eat or drink. So, don't give in to the gluttony of the holiday and "accidentally" eat a candy cane or drink some eggnog! Be conscious every waking moment…and soon, you'll be feeling on top of the world! 

Happy Holidays!