Hypoglycemia is the term given to low blood sugar levels – it refers to a drop in the body’s level of blood glucose to a point where cells are being deprived of vital energy.
When this occurs, a message is sent to the brain asking that glucose levels be restored, and a craving for sugar results.
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger – with cravings for sugar, chocolate, sweets, cakes, coffee, and alcohol; mood swings, irritability, depression or anxiety; weakness, disorientation, headaches, fainting spells, fatigue, sweating, and shaking.
Hypoglycemia may be caused by chronic dieting, irregular eating patterns, or a diet rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and stimulants such as alcohol, tea, and coffee.
Stress and exercise can contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar levels by causing adrenal function problems, as can vitamin and mineral deficiencies and food allergies.
Adrenal fatigue will also be a cause behind hypoglycemia, and all of the symptoms of low blood sugar levels.
Click Here to discover the best test for Adrenal function
The purpose of this eating plan is to stabilize and avoid rapid rises and falls in the body’s blood sugar levels, whilst maintaining energy levels using dietary measures.
Changing how your body operates from inefficiently burning carbohydrates for fuel to burning fats for fuel will give you a lot more energy, without the crashes!
Many people feel like they can’t stop eating sugar and processed carbs, it can be an addiction …. if you can get through the first 2-3 weeks it does get easier, the cravings lessen and your energy levels go up. The longer you do it, the better you will feel so stay motivated!
There are some supplements like the herb Gymnema, nutrients like chromium, cinnamon, B vitamins and lipoic acid that can help balance blood sugar levels and help to get you over that first hurdle of sugar addiction.
Gymnema sylevestre 1 capsule with each meal to reduce sugar cravings, available from Amazon or www.iherb.com
Lipoic Acid 1 capsule daily to support blood sugar levels and help with liver function, available from Amazon or www.iherb.com
Blood Sugar Support formulas can also be good to help maintain blood sugar levels, they usually contain Gymnema and lipoic acid but not in the higher dose like an individual supplement but for many people, a formula like this is enough to get them on track.
These products are available from Amazon or www.iherb.com
If you need help with testing to identify the underlying cause of your energy, blood sugar issues, or simply need help with your diet, the best option is to schedule a consultation with Planet Naturopath. All consultations are done either via video or phone so you don’t have to travel to appointments and we can consult with people all over the world.
Michael is head consultant at Planet Naturopath - Functional Medicine and Nutrition Solutions. He is a registered naturopath with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and works with clients from all over the world via video or phone consultations. He is a degree qualified naturopath from the Endeavour College of Natural Medicine in Australia with 18 years of experience. He uses advanced testing methods, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice to help you stay healthy. He is a Kalish Method-trained practitioner that keeps updating his education with Chris Kresser. Michael completed Dr. Terry Wahls practitioner training program, a 12-month program with ongoing training that helps understand the underlying cause and treatment of MS and autoimmune conditions. He keeps up to date with the latest research into health and natural medicine through the Metabolic Fitness Pro course with Dr. Bryan Walsh.