Hypoglycemia

Definition

Deficiency of sugar in the blood. A condition in which the glucose in the blood is abnormally low.
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Causes

Hyperfunction of the islets of Langerhans may cause it or injection of an excessive amount of insulin. The ingestion of refined simple carbohydrates can also lead to hypoglycemia, in which the body is no longer able to metabolize the sugar properly. When hypoglycemia is present, the body is under stress. If you have hypoglycemia, it is important that you do not put added stress on the body.

Some of the possible causes:

• Oversecretion of insulin by the pancreas
• Heredity
• Inadequate diet

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Symptoms

Acute fatigue, dizziness, confusion, depression, anxiety, cravings for sweets, nightsweats, weakness in the legs, swollen feet, tightness in the chest, constant hunger, pain in various parts of the body (especially the eyes), nervous habits, insomnia, headaches, restlessness, malaise, marked irritability and weakness and ultimately to other diseases such as collapse of the adrenal glands. In severe cases, mental disturbances, delirium, coma, and possibly death.

Hypoglycemia mimics many diseases. Related disorders include: allergies, asthma, hay fever, indigestion, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, colitis, constipation, and impaired memory. Abnormal protein and carbohydrate metabolism and poor adrenal function are part of hypoglycemia. Proper diet is a key factor for the hypoglycemic to maintain proper blood sugar levels.
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Nutrients

Chromium, 300 mg. per day, is vital in glucose metabolism (natural brewer’s yeast is good source).

Vitamin B complex, 50-100 mg. per day, is important to carbohydrate metabolism.

Thiamin, 100 mg. per day.

Niacin, 100 mg. per day.

Vitamin B12, 300 mg. per day.

Pantothenic acid (B6), 1,000 mg. per day in divided doses, is important in adrenal gland function and conversion of glucose to energy.

Calcium, 1,500 mg. per day in divided doses.

Magnesium, 750 mg. per day in divided doses, is important in sugar metabolism.

L-Carnitine, taken as directed on the label, converts stored body fat into energy.

L-Cysteine, taken as directed on the label, blocks the action of insulin, which lowers blood sugar.

L-Glutamine with vitamin B6 and vitamin C, 1,000 mg. per day on an empty stomach, reduces cravings for sugar.

Manganese, taken as directed on the label (often there are low levels of this trace mineral).

Pancreatin, taken with meals as directed on the label, for protein digestion.

Proteolytic enzymes, taken between meals as directed on the label, for protein digestion.

Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 3,000-8,000 mg. in divided doses per day, for adrenal glandular insufficiency.

Vitamin E, 400 IU daily, improves energy and circulation.

Zinc, 50 mg. per day, for zinc deficiency.

Dandelion root, taken as directed on the label, is an excellent source of the B vitamins and calcium.
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Herbs

• Artichoke, Jerusalem
• Avocados
• Elecampane
• Dandelion
• Goldenseal
• Kudzu root

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Recommendations

The diet should include vegetables, brown rice, avocados, Jerusalem artichokes, seeds, grains, nuts, yogurt, raw cheese, cottage cheese, and kefir milk.

Remove sugar from the diet, refined and processed foods such as instant rice and potatoes, white flour, soft drinks, alcohol, and salt. Avoid sweet fruits and juices such as grape and prune (if used, mix with water). Avoid macaroni, noodles, gravies, hominy, white rice, yams, and corn. Beans and baked potatoes twice a week is permissible.

The hypoglycemic should not go without food. Instead, he should eat 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day. A high fiber diet will help to stabilize the blood sugar swings. During a low blood sugar reaction, combine fiber with a protein food (bran or rice crackers with raw cheese or almond butter). Instead of applesauce, eat a whole apple. The fiber in the apple will inhibit fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Fiber alone (popcorn, oat bran, rice bran, crackers, and guar gum) will slow down a hypoglycemic reaction. Take fiber a half hour before meals to avoid a reaction. Spirulina tablets taken between meals will further stabilize the blood sugar.
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Suggestions

Always see the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Injections of vitamin B and liver have produced very good results. Injections should be taken twice weekly for 3 months, then once a week for 2 months. This helps the hypoglycemic to tolerate the foods that produce low blood sugar reactions. These are very important, especially in the elderly, because of common malabsorption problems.

Approximately 50% of hypoglycemics over 50 years of age have reduced thyroid function and hypothyroidism.

Caffeine, alcohol, and cigarette smoking result in profound swings and instability of the blood sugar.
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Cautions

Dandelion contact dermatitis has been reported from handling the plant, probably caused by latex in the stems and leaves.
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Bibliography

The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

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