Hypoglacemia disorders

DISORDERS

(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,

causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)

Disorder: HYPOGLYCEMIA (Low Blood Sugar)

Description: Hypoglycemia is a condition in which there is an abnormally low level of blood sugar, secondary to an oversecretion of insulin by the pancreas (insulin acts to help clear blood of glucose).

Symptoms: Symptoms may vary from mild to severe, from once in a while to almost after every meal. They include any or all of the following: fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, headache, irritability, fainting spells, depression, anxiety, cravings for sweets, confusion, night sweats, weakness in the legs, swollen feet, a feeling of tightness in the chest, constant hunger, pain in various parts of the body (especially the eyes), poor or double vision, nervous habits, mental disturbances, and insomnia. People with hypoglycemia can become very aggressive and lose their tempers easily. The symptoms may occur a few hours after eating sweets or fats. The onset and severity of symptoms are directly related to the length of time since the last meal was eaten and the type of foods that were eaten.

Incidence: More and more Americans today may have this condition, due to poor dietary habits. High stress levels are also believed to be a contributing factor to the increasing incidence of hypoglycemia.

Causes: Hypoglycemia can be inherited, but most often it is precipitated by an inadequate diet that includes eating large quantities of simple carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks, and insufficient amount of complex carbohydrates. This is referred to as functional hypoglycemia. Many other disorders can cause hypoglycemic problems as well, among them adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, kidney disease and pancreatitis. Immune deficiency and candidiasis are strongly linked to hypoglycemia. Though it may seem paradoxical, low blood sugar can also be an early sign of diabetes (high blood sugar).

Treatments: Diagnosis of hypoglycemia can be difficult because the symptoms often mimic those of other disorders including allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive or intestinal orders and mental or neurological problems. There is much controversy as to exactly what causes hypoglycemia, who gets it, why they get it, and what to do about it. Cigarette smoking greatly aggravates stability of blood sugar, as does skipping breakfast, drinking too much caffeine in the morning, eating a diet low in fiber and high in sugar.

Following the dietary and nutritional supplement regimen outlined below may help this disorder.

Nutrients:

Supplement Dosage Comments

Brewer’s yeast	As directed on label	Aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Chromium picolinate	300-600 mcg. daily	Vital in glucose metabolism. Essential for optimal insulin activity.
Vitamin B Complex	50-100 mg. daily and up.	Important in carbohydrate and protein metabolism and proper digestion and absorption of foods; helps the body tolerate foods that product low blood sugar reactions.
Zinc	50 mg. daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg. daily from all supplements.	Needed for proper release of insulin. People with hypoglycemia are often zinc deficient.
Vitamin E	400 IU and up.	Improves energy and circulation.
Magnesium Plus Calcium	750 mg. daily, in divided doses, after meals and at bedtime. 1500 mg. daily, in divided doses, after meals and at bedtime.	Important in carbohydrate (sugar) metabolism. Works with magnesium and aids n preventing colon cancer.
L-Carnitine plus L-cysteine and L-glutamine	As directed on label.	Converts stores body fat into energy. Blocks the action of insulin, which lowers blood sugar. Reduces cravings for sugar.
Manganese	As directed on label. Take separately from calcium.	Important for the maintenance of blood glucose levels.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids	3000-8000 mg. daily, in divided doses.	For adrenal insufficiency, common in people with hypoglycemia.

Herbs:

	Bilberry and wild yam aid in controlling insulin levels.
	Dandelion root is an excellent source of calcium and supports the pancreas and liver.
	Milk thistle rejuvenates the liver.
	Licorice nourishes the adrenal glands. Caution: Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid if you have high blood pressure.

Recommendations:

Include the following in your diet:

	Large amounts of vegetables, especially broccoli, carrots, spinach, squash and string beans. Vegetables should be eaten raw or steamed.
	Beans, brown rice, lentils, potatoes, soy products (tofu) and fruits, especially apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, grapefruit, lemons and persimmons.
	For protein, eat low-fat cottage cheese, fish, grains, raw cheese, raw nuts, seeds, white turkey or chicken breast, and low-fat yogurt.
	Do not skip meals. Eat six to eight small meals throughout the day. A small snack before bedtime may help.

Eliminate the following from your diet:

	All alcohol.
	Fatty foods such as bacon, cold cuts, fried foods, gravies, ham, sausage, or dairy products (except for low-fat soured products).
	Canned and processed foods.
	Salt, sugar, saturated fats, soft drinks and white flour.
	Foods that contain artificial colors and preservatives.
	Sweet fruits and juices such as grape and prune.
	Try taking 200 mcg. of chromium picolinate daily. This can alleviate many symptoms and raise blood glucose levels if symptoms occur after sugar or a heavy meal is consumed.
	During a low blood sugar reaction, eat something that combines fiber with a protein food, such as bran or rice crackers with raw cheese or almond butter.

Considerations:

	Food allergies are often linked to hypoglycemia and can make the symptoms more pronounced. Milk allergy is common as this disorder progresses. Allergy testing is recommended.
	Avocados contain a seven-carbon sugar that depresses insulin production, which make them an excellent choice for people with hypoglycemia.
	Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco cause profound swings in blood sugar levels. Insomnia can result if any type of sugar is consumed after dinner. Consuming sugar at any time tends to cause drowsiness and fatigue.

Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:

Product No. 59618-	Description	Comments	Cost
900-15	Brewers Yeast Tablets	As directed on label.	$2.75/100
943-12	Chromium picolinate caps. 200 mcg.	1 capsule 3 times daily	$4.95/60
890-15	B Complex 100 mg.	1 tablet daily	$8.95/100
223-15	Zinc (chelated) lozenges	As directed on label.	$4.95/100
234-15	Vitamin E (D-alpha tocopheryl)	1 softgel daily	$8.95/100
112-17	Calcium Oyscal 500 mg. with D Tablets	1 tablet 3 times daily.	$5.75/120
232-15	Magnesium 200 mg. Caps.	1 capsule 3 times daily.	$4.95/100
02-282	L-Glutamine 1000 mg.	As directed on label.	$15.20/60
970-12	Vitamin C 1000 mg. with rose hips tablets.	1 tablet 3 times daily.	$5.75/60
091-15	Citrus bioflavonoids 1000 mg. tabs.	1 tablet 3 times daily	$5.95/100

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd Edition

By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide

Compiled by Burton Goldberg

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