(Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycaemia is probably one of the most widespread disorders in the Western world. It is also almost certainly the most mis-diagnosed of all problems. Just look at the common symptoms:

Nervousness, irritability, depression, fatigue, dizziness, trembling, blurred vision, nausea, hyperactivity, cold extremities, fainting.

No prizes for guessing which will be the most common diagnoses. You're right; stress or depression, for which are prescribed tranquillisers or anti-depressants. Will either help to correct the problem? No.

Discussion

The body needs a steady supply of available energy in order to function. This is mostly derived from carbohydrates, which are converted to the body's main fuel, glucose. This is the main fuel for the brain and nervous system. Evolution has designed the body to operate with a level of glucose in the bloodstream which is kept within a fairly narrow range. In nature, almost all carbohydrate available to us is enmeshed in fibre (in vegetables and grains) which allow it to be steadily absorbed. Nowadays, much carbohydrate is almost instantly available, and this can place strains on the body's control system.

If there is a sudden large intake of sugar, the blood glucose level goes up to what the body recognises as excessive levels, and a great burst of insulin is released. The result of this is that an over-compensation takes place, and blood glucose can be forced to a dangerously low level, leading to pallor, fainting, giddiness or, less seriously, "nervous" stomach. A more long-term effect is that in certain cells - in the eyes, kidneys, the  myelin sheath of nerves, and red blood cells - the glucose is converted into fructose and sorbitol, which can crystallise within cells, leading to cataracts, kidney membrane thickening and damage to nerves. The red blood cells can also become less efficient in oxygen-carrying capacity.

Effects on adrenal glands

Each time the blood glucose levels are driven too low by an over-secretion of insulin, the brain alerts the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands release their hormones, and the "fight or flight" reaction is started, causing the nerviness in the early days of hypoglycaemia. After excessive response over time, the adrenals become exhausted and almost total fatigue can result.

Treatment

The main cure is the removal of the original causes; that is the frequent assaults on the body's control mechanisms caused by consumption of sugars, refined carbohydrates and stimulants. Certain supplements can help the body's return to normality.

Diet

The old-fashioned view is that carbohydrates should be restricted to very low levels, and that proteins should constitute the major part of the diet. This is not the best way. The rules are:

1)      Forget 3 meals per day. Eat six small meals or three meals and three snacks.

2)      The first meal should be as soon as possible after waking. The last snack should be just before sleeping.

Totally avoid refined carbohydrates; sugar, biscuits, white bread, white pasta, white rice, peeled potatoes.

3)      Whole grains, particularly oats, are beneficial.

4)      Eat plenty of vegetables.

5)      Treat fruit with caution; always take fruit with a protein source (this is different from the advice for candidiasis).

6)      Avoid honey and undiluted fruit juices.

Supplements

1)      Chromium picolinate 200mcg per day

2)      Magnesium 500mg per day

3)      B complex; for  carbohydrate metabolism and the adrenals.

4)   Zinc 15-20mg per day.

To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk