AFTERN OON SLUMP �?nbsp;Hypoglycaemia

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Hypoglycaemia, or blood sugar imbalance, is very common in the modern world - most people are familiar with the mid-afternoon energy slump which disappears after eating something sweet.

Sugar and carbohydrate cravings, accompanied by fatigue and swings in mood, concentration and energy levels, could be symptoms of mild blood sugar imbalance

SYMPTOMS

A more serious episode of hypoglycaemia may be signalled by:

Weakness

Heavy sweating - sometimes the perspiration will make the person feel very cold

Hunger

Nervousness and irritability

Dizziness, feeling faint

Trembling

Tingling in hands and feet

In people with diabetes, hypoglycaemic symptoms might also include:

Headache

Nausea

Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)

Confusion, muddled feeling suggesting drunkenness

Unconsciousness, coma, or convulsions

CAUSES Hypoglycaemia is caused when there is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. This is normally due to the over-secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

The role of insulin is to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells (especially the fat cells and muscle cells), and to initiate glucose production in the liver. When the pancreas secretes too much insulin, too much sugar is removed from the bloodstream and the blood sugar becomes low.

Symptoms occur when there is not enough sugar circulating in the bloodstream for the body to draw on to meet its energy requirements.

Hypoglycaemia is particularly of concern for people with diabetes, where insulin production by the pancreas is defective. Without insulin, the glucose circulating in the bloodstream cannot be absorbed into the body tissues for energy. It is common for people with diabetes to experience both:

 hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

and

hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels).

The principal cause of hypoglycaemia is the modern diet which includes high quantities of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, alcohol and refined flour products, and low amounts of fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain foods.

Foods high in simple carbohydrates are easily broken down into glucose by the body, causing the pancreas to abruptly increase the body's insulin levels, which moves the glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells. Several hours later, the blood sugar levels will be relatively low, causing the energy slump and associated symptoms known as reactive hypoglycaemia.

By contrast, if we eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates (such as vegetables, whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice), the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells occurs at a slower and more steady rate, and the hypoglycaemia is avoided.

Hypoglycaemia can also be brought on by other factors including:

Missed meals

Stomach surgery

Some types of cancer and liver disease

Allergic reactions to food or drugs

High fever

Pre-menstrual syndrome

NATURAL THERAPIES

If you have diabetes seek the advice of your healthcare professional before adding natural remedies to your treatment plan.

Chromium helps the body to use glucose effectively, and supplementation can help to relieve the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, including sugar cravings; for best results use a chromium supplement that also contains magnesium and zinc

Licorice root can help to relieve symptoms of tiredness associated with hypoglycaemia (Licorice should not be taken for long periods of time unless under professional supervision)

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

the day. Try to combine a small portion of protein with complex carbohydrates - for example unsweetened muesli and yoghurt, or whole grain toast and egg.

Eat small frequent meals throughout the day made up of whole grain foods and low fat protein (such as almonds, fish, and low fat dairy products)