Hypoglycemia: Controlling Blood Sugar Dysfunction

Do you often experience irritability, anxiety, fatigue, shakiness, headaches, foggy mind, mood swings and/or profuse perspiration? Especially when you’re hungry? If so, you are likely to suffer from this modern blood sugar dysfunction called hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is an abnormal drop in blood glucose caused by a disruption in your hormonal balance. Under normal circumstances, our blood sugar is kept within a healthy range that allows adequate nourishment of body cells. When you eat a meal, your blood sugar rises, and insulin is being released to bring it down to a healthy level. When on the contrary you are hungry, glucagon triggers the release of the sugar stored in your liver into the blood stream. If the production of these two important hormones is impaired, you can develop either hypoglycemia or diabetes.
While hypoglycemia is usually associated with the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to note that it plays a non-negligent role in other clinical conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome and mental disorders, including depression, aggressive behavior and schizophrenia. While these conditions are obviously not due solely to hypoglycemia, the later can worsen dramatically their clinical manifestation.
Among the causes of hypoglycemia, several culprits have been identified, including an increase in the consumption of refined sugars (sweets and white flour), a lack of fiber and protein in the diet, food sensitivities (especially wheat), some medications (for eg., the birth-control pill) as well as stress and emotional shocks.
Simple steps can make a big difference in controlling your hypoglycemia:
- Cut down on refined sugars and aim for whole grains as a source of carbohydrate, especially millet and buckwheat
- Include a good source of protein and fiber at each meal
- Eat plenty of vegetables and seaweeds to replenish minerals
However, if your symptoms are quite strong, it might be indicated to seek professional advice. Working with a Naturopathic Doctor will enable you to:
- Identify food sensitivities that could contribute to your condition;
- Use appropriate nutrients and herbs to rebalance your entire hormonal system, from the hypothalamus to the adrenal glands;
- Heal the emotional root of your condition by using counseling, herbs, Asian medicine and homeopathy.
For more information about
Anne-Hélène Genné ND please visit:
www.corpusdiem.ca