Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia or blood sugar is a disorder of blood
sugar metabolism which may result in diabetes in later life. It is a condition
in which the pancreas produces too much insulin, causing the blood sugar to
drop.
Hypoglycemia sometimes occurs in healthy people some
hours after a meal rich in carbohydrates, especially following muscular
exertion. It is frequently found in the first few days of life, especially
among premature infants. Hypoglycemia is a serious disorder as the brain cannot
function properly when the blood sugar level is too low. Like all other organs
of the body, the brain receives its fuel from the diet. But it can use only the
sugar produced by the body from carbohydrates. Unlike many of the body tissues,
it cannot store its fuel. Therefore, it must get a constant supply of sugar
through the bloodstream. Mental disturbances caused by subnormal blood sugar
levels can seriously affect a person’s life.
Symptoms
A craving for sweets and starches in excessive amount
between meals is the first sign of low blood sugar level. When the blood sugar
level falls much below normal, symptoms such as nervousness, irritability,
fatigue, depression, disturbed vision and headache appear. Other symptoms are
sweating, trembling, numbness, absent-mindedness, dizziness, palpitation of the
heart and some sexual disturbances. Most hypoglycemia patients feel hungry and
eat frequently to get over the feeling of weakness and emotional irritability.
They feel tense if they have to go without food for several hours.
Causes
Hypoglycemia is usually caused by an excessive intake
of refined carbohydrates and sugar foods. These substances cause the pancreas,
the adrenal gland and the liver to lose their ability to handle the sugar
properly. Other causes of low blood sugar are a tumour, disturbed functioning
of the liver, pituitary gland or adrenal glands. Stress intensifies this
condition as it weakens the adrenal glands and starts a faulty pattern of
glucose intolerance.
Treatment
The high animal protein diet generally prescribed for
hypoglycemia is not suitable for this disorder. It may help control the
condition temporarily, but it is harmful in many other respects and may result
in other diseases like heart trouble, arteries, kidney problems and cancer. The
ideal diet for hypoglycemia should be based on three basic food groups, namely
grains, seeds and nuts, vegetable oils. Seeds, nuts and grains should be the
main constituents of the diet. Seeds and nuts should be taken in their raw
form. Grains, in the form of cereals, should be cooked. Cooked grains are
digested slowly and release sugar into the blood gradually six to eight hours
after meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a
long period.
Persons suffering from low blood sugar should take
six to eight small meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw
nuts and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds or drinking milk, butter milk
or fruit juices between meals will be highly beneficial. All refined and
processed foods , white sugar, white flour and their by-products should be
completely eliminated from the diet. Coffee, alcohol and soft drinks should
also be avoided. The consumption of salt should be reduced as an excessive
intake of salt causes loss of blood potassium, which causes blood sugar to
drop. The following is the menu suggested for hypoglycemia.
On rising: Fresh
fruits such as apples, peaches, melons, berries, avocado, or a glass of fresh fruit
juice.
Breakfast: Nuts,
seeds, fruit, cottage cheese and buttermilk.
Mid-morning: Fruit, fruit juice or tomato juice.
Lunch: Cooked
cereals and milk.
Mid-afternoon: A glass of fruit or vegetable juice or a snack consisting of nuts.
Dinner: Vegetable
salad with a cooked vegetable from among those allowed, one or two slices of
whole wheat bread, cottage cheese and butter milk.
On retiring: A glass of milk or buttermilk.
Vegetables which can be taken in hypoglycemia are
asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumbers, egg-plants, peas, radishes, tomatoes,
spinach, kale, lettuce, beans, baked potatoes. Fruits which can be taken are
apples, apricots, berries, peaches, and pineapples. Consumption of citrus
fruits should be limited.
Foods rich in vitamin C, E and B-complex are highly
beneficial in the treatment of low blood sugar. Vitamins C and B increase
tolerance to sugar and arbohydrates and help normalize sugar metabolism. Pantothenic
acid, and vitamin B6 help to build up adrenals which are generally exhausted in
persons with hypoglycemia. Vitamin E improves glycogen storage in the muscles
and tissues. The patient should take vitamin C in large doses from 2,000 to
5,000 mg.; B6 50 mg. and vitamin E up to 1,600 lu daily. Proper rest is
essential for those suffering from low blood sugar. A tranquil mind is of
utmost importance in this condition. Nervous strain and anxiety should be
relieved by simple methods of meditation and relaxation.
Yogasanas like vakrasana, bhujasana, halasana,
sarbagasana and shavasana and pranayama like kapalbhati and anuloma-viloma will
be beneficial. A prolonged neutral immersion bath is also helpful in relieving
mental tension.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through www.scribd.com
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