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    Hypoglycemia (Holistic)

    Hypoglycemia (Holistic)



    About This Condition
    When blood-sugar levels fall fast, symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety may arise. Simple changes can control many cases of hypoglycemia. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
    • Choose foods with fiber

      Stabilize your blood sugar by eating fiber from whole grains, beans and other legumes, vegetables, and fruit

    • Eat light, eat often

      Spread out your meals during the day to sustain a consistent supply of absorbable sugar

    • Give chromium a go

      Take 200 mcg a day of this essential mineral to help stabilize blood sugar swings

    • Cut back on refined carbs

      Avoid carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed, such as sugar and white flour, which may trigger hypoglycemic reactions

    • Say no to alcohol and caffeine

      To improve blood-sugar control, reduce or eliminate alcoholic and caffeinated drinks

    About

    “Hypoglycemia” is the medical term for low blood sugar (glucose).

    Occasionally, hypoglycemia can be dangerous (for example, from injecting too much Reference insulin). It may also indicate a serious underlying medical condition, such as a tumor of the pancreas or liver disease. More often, however, when people say they have hypoglycemia, they are describing a group of symptoms that occur when the body overreacts to the rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating, resulting in a rapid or excessive fall in the blood sugar level. This is sometimes called “reactive hypoglycemia.”

    Many people who believe they have reactive hypoglycemia do not, in fact, have low blood sugar levels,1 and many people who do have low blood sugar levels do not have any symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia.2 Some evidence suggests that reactive hypoglycemia may be partly a psychological condition.3 Consequently, some doctors believe that reactive hypoglycemia does not exist.4 Most doctors, on the other hand, have found reactive hypoglycemia to be a common cause of the symptoms listed below.

    Symptoms

    Common symptoms of hypoglycemia are fatigue, Reference anxiety, headaches, difficulty concentrating, sweaty palms, shakiness, excessive hunger, drowsiness, abdominal pain, and Reference depression.

    Eating Right

    The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

    Recommendation Why
    Choose foods with fiber
    Stabilize your blood sugar by eating fiber from whole grains, beans and other legumes, vegetables, and fruit in small, frequent meals.

    Doctors find that people with hypoglycemia usually improve when they eliminate refined sugars and alcohol from their diet, eat foods high in Reference fiber (such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts), and eat small, frequent meals. Few studies have investigated the effects of these changes, but the research that is available generally supports the observations of doctors.5 , 6 , 7 , 8 Some symptoms of low blood sugar may be related to, or made worse by, Reference food allergies.9

    Try a high-protein, low-carb diet
    Some doctors have seen good results with high-protein (more meat or soy), low-carbohydrate diets (less pasta, breads, and pastries), particularly among people who do not improve with a high-fiber, high-complex-carbohydrate diet.

    Some people report an improvement in hypoglycemia episodes when eating a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. That observation appears to conflict with research showing that increasing protein intake can impair the body’s ability to process sugar,10 possibly because protein increases insulin levels11 (insulin reduces blood sugar levels). However, some doctors have seen good results with high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, particularly among people who do not improve with a high-fiber, high-complex-carbohydrate diet.
    Cut out caffeine
    Even modest amounts of caffeine may increase hypoglycemia symptoms, so avoid all caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas.

    Even modest amounts of Reference caffeine may increase symptoms of hypoglycemia.12 For this reason, caffeinated beverages (such as coffee, tea, and some soda pop) should be avoided.

    Supplements

    What Are "Star" Ratings?

    Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

    For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

    3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

    2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

    1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

    Supplement Why
    3 Stars
    Chromium
    200 mcg daily
    Taking chromium may help stabilize blood sugar swings.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)13 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)14 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.15 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.16 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Copper
    Refer to label instructions
    Copper helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it may be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)17 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)18 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.19 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.20 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Glucomannan
    Refer to label instructions
    Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber. In one trial, adding glucomannan to a meal prevented hypoglycemia in adults with previous stomach surgery.

    Reference Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). In a preliminary trial,21 addition of either 2.6 or 5.2 grams of glucomannan to a meal prevented hypoglycemia in adults with previous stomach surgery. A trial of glucomannan in children with hypoglycemia due to a condition known as “dumping syndrome” produced inconsistent results.22

    1 Star
    Magnesium
    Refer to label instructions
    Research has shown that supplementing with or magnesium can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)23 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)24 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.25 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.26 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Manganese
    Refer to label instructions
    Manganese helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)27 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)28 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.29 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.30 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Vitamin B3
    Refer to label instructions
    Research has shown that supplementing with niacinamide (vitamin B3) can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)31 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)32 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.33 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.34 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Vitamin B6
    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin B6 helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)35 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)36 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.37 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.38 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Vitamin C
    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin C helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)39 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)40 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.41 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.42 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Vitamin E
    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin E helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)43 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)44 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.45 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.46 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.
    1 Star
    Zinc
    Refer to label instructions
    Zinc helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.

    Research has shown that supplementing with Reference chromium (200 mcg per day)47 or Reference magnesium (340 mg per day)48 can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Reference Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.49 Other nutrients, including Reference vitamin C, Reference vitamin E, Reference zinc, Reference copper, Reference manganese, and Reference vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in Reference diabetics.50 Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known.

    Related Information
    Hypoglycemia
    1. Find Drug Interaction Information

    References

    1. Palardy J, Havrankova J, Lepage R, et al. Blood glucose measurements during symptomatic episodes in patients with suspected postprandial hypoglycemia. N Engl J Med 1989;321:1421–5.

    2. Kwentus, JA, Achilles JT, Goyer PF. Hypoglycemia etiologic and psychosomatic aspects of diagnosis. Postgrad Med 1982;71(6):99–104.

    3. Johnson DD, Dorr KE, Swenson WM, Service J. Reactive hypoglycemia. JAMA 1980;243:1151–5.

    4. Yager J, Young RT. A non-editorial on non-hypoglycemia. N Engl J Med 1974;291:905–8.

    5. Sanders LR, Hofeldt FD, Kirk MC, Levin J. Refined carbohydrate as a contributing factor in reactive hypoglycemia. South Med J 1982;75:1072–5.

    6. Permutt MA. Postprandial hypoglycemia. Diabetes 1976;25:719–33.

    7. O’Keefe SJD, Marks V. Lunchtime gin and tonic as a cause of reactive hypoglycemia. Lancet 1977;1:1286–8.

    8. Hofeldt FD. Reactive hypoglycemia. Metabolism 1975;24:1193–208.

    9. Rippere V. “A little something between meals”: masked addiction not low blood blood-sugar. Lancet 1979;1:1349 [letter].

    10. Anderson JW, Herman RH. Effects of carbohydrate restriction on glucose tolerance of normal men and reactive hypoglycemic patients. Am J Clin Nutr 1975;28:748–55.

    11. Ullrich IH, Peters PJ, Albrink JA. Effect of low-carbohydrate diets high in either fat or protein on thyroid function, plasma insulin, glucose, and triglycerides in healthy young adults. J Am Coll Nutr 1985;4:451–9.

    12. Watson JM, Jenkins EJ, Hamilton P, et al. Influence of caffeine on the frequency and perception of hypoglycemia in free-living patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2000;23:455–9.

    13. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    14. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    15. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    16. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    17. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    18. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    19. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    20. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    21. Hopman WP, Houben PG, Speth PA, Lamers CB. Glucomannan prevents postprandial hypoglycaemia in patients with previous gastric surgery. Gut 1988;29:930–4.

    22. Kneepkens CM, Fernandes J, Vonk RJ. Dumping syndrome in children. Diagnosis and effect of glucomannan on glucose tolerance and absorption. Acta Paediatr Scand 1988;77:279–86.

    23. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    24. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    25. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    26. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    27. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    28. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    29. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    30. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    31. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    32. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    33. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    34. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    35. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    36. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    37. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    38. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    39. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    40. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    41. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    42. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    43. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    44. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    45. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    46. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    47. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

    48. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 1982;2:131–4.

    49. Shansky A. Vitamin B3 in the alleviation of hypoglycemia. Drug Cosm Ind 1981;129(4):68–69,104–5.

    50. Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4:57–71.

    Last Review: 11-07-2012

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    The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.



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