Hypoglycemia []

Also known as: Hypoglycaemia; Low Blood Sugar

Description

Hypoglycemia is a "catch-22" disease where Insulin over-counteracts high Blood-Sugar levels, leading to low Blood Sugar leading to a craving for more Sugar.

These Substances Alleviate Hypoglycemia

Amino Acids

Alanine (300 - 600 mg per day) alleviates Hypoglycemia by converting to endogenous Glucose within the Liver or Muscles as Energy is required (thereby bypassing the Glucagon deficiency that is implicit in Hypoglycemia). Glutamine (and its "sister" Amino Acid - Glutamic Acid) alleviate Hypoglycemia (by raising Blood Sugar levels).

Glycine alleviates Hypoglycemia (by stimulating the release of Glucagon which then stimulates the release of Glucose into the bloodstream). Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of Isoleucine deficiency. Leucine deficiency can cause Hypoglycemia in infants. Hypoglycemia causes Tyrosine to be converted into Glucose which leads to a Tyrosine deficiency.

Hormones

Adrenaline temporarily raises Blood Sugar levels in Hypoglycemia patients (by converting Glycogen into Glucose) -Adrenaline is secondary to Glucagon in this function. Glucagon raises Blood Sugar levels in Hypoglycemia patients (although individuals are often susceptible to Hypoglycemia due to defects in or lack of production of Glucagon) by stimulating the conversion of the body's stores of Glycogen into Glucose.

Lipids

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) help to prevent Hypoglycemia. research

Minerals

Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of Chromium deficiency. research Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of Magnesium deficiency. research Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of Potassium deficiency.

Smart Drugs

Dilantin alleviates Hypoglycemia.

Vitamins

Vitamin B3 (100 mg per kg per day of the Niacinamide form of Vitamin B3) alleviates Hypoglycemia. research Hypoglycemia can occur as a result of Vitamin B5 deficiency. research

These Foods or Herbs Alleviate Hypoglycemia

Algae

Spirulina alleviates Hypoglycemia.

Fruit

Bilberries are claimed to alleviate Hypoglycemia. Blueberries are claimed to alleviate Hypoglycemia. research

Herbs

Asiatic Ginseng stabilizes Blood Sugar levels in Hypoglycemia patients. Golden Root prevents Hypoglycemia. Goldenseal alleviates Hypoglycemia (according to folklore). Licorice (root) is an adjunct to the treatment of Hypoglycemia (due to its capability of increasing the effectiveness of Adrenal Hormones).

Sanchi Ginseng increases Blood Sugar levels in Hypoglycemia patients. research Siberian Ginseng increases Blood Sugar levels in Hypoglycemia patients. research Suma has been used in the treatment of Hypoglycemia (it is a folklore remedy from South America).

Vegetables

Parsnip increases Blood Sugar levels in Hypoglycemia patients.

These Substances can cause Hypoglycemia

Alcohols

Alcohol can induce reactive Hypoglycemia. research

Hormones

Hypoglycemia can be caused by Insulin over-compensating for high Blood Sugar levels and lowering Blood Sugar to the extent that Hypoglycemia results (from excessive Insulin).

Hypoglycemia Sufferers Should not Consume these Substances

Amino Acids

Hypoglycemia patients should avoid supplemental Arginine as it potentiates the effects of Insulin. Hypoglycemia patients should avoid supplemental Taurine as it potentiates the effects of Insulin.

Side-Effects of Hypoglycemia

Appetite

Hypoglycemia causes a craving for Simple Sugars.

Metabolism

Hypoglycemia can cause lack of Energy. research

Nervous System

Confusion is a symptom of Hypoglycemia. Nervousness is a symptom of Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause a deficiency of Norepinephrine.

Metabolism

Fatigue is a symptom of Hypoglycemia.

Recreational Drugs

Hypoglycemia increases the craving for Alcohol (Ethanol), increasing the risk of Alcoholism.

Possible Causes of Hypoglycemia

Adrenal System

Adrenal Insufficiency is often an underlying cause of Hypoglycemia.

Related Topics

Blood Sugar Diabetes Mellitus Insulin

Copyright (from Hyperhealth Natural Health & Nutrition CD-ROM: 2000 Version)

In-Tele-Health © 1999 (from Hyperhealth CD-ROM)