Following a correct hypoglycemia diet plan is the best way to tackle a deteriorating health condition. This Buzzle article tells you more…
The literal meaning of the word hypoglycemia is ‘under sweet blood’, a condition which is characterized by lower than normal blood sugar levels. It is a medical condition which is caused due to a variety of reasons, and manifests a diverse range of effects on the body, from feeling slightly dizzy to unconsciousness, and from seizures to brain damage. There are three common types of hypoglycemia, namely diabetic hypoglycemia, reactive hypoglycemia, and fasting hypoglycemia. Diabetic hypoglycemia is caused due to complicated treatments of diabetes mellitus. The other two types are caused due to a gamut of reasons like excessive insulin production, poisoning, inborn errors of metabolism, alcohol abuse, hormonal imbalance, hormonal deficiency, metabolic changes, organ failure, and prolonged starvation. A proper hypoglycemic diet plan is a must for the afflicted individuals.
Hypoglycemia Diet
Frequent yet smaller meals throughout the day, play a huge role in maintaining the normal blood sugar levels of a person. Hence, prior to planning the hypoglycemia diet, you need to make sure that you consume small meals at least 6 times a day (after each 3 hours). You can carry some healthy snacks with you all the time, in order to achieve this task. Practicing a healthy lifestyle is extremely important when it comes to hypoglycemia. A person with hypoglycemia should never skip meals. You can consume high fiber diet, since fibers stabilize fluids, consume healthy proteins and healthy fats, limit simple sugar products as well as limit alcohol and caffeine consumption as well. You should never skip breakfast, and should also perform a little light exercise. Here is a free diet plan for hypoglycemia, that lists the foods to eat, and those to avoid.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid sugar, since it increases insulin response, and causes sudden rise and fall in the blood sugar levels, which is even more dangerous. You also need to avoid simple carbohydrate rich foods, oily foods, processed and canned foods, and foods that are treated with white flour. These foods include: sugar, sugar syrups, sugary sweets, soft drinks, white rice, white bread, processed meats, sweetened fruit juices, canned and fried food items, junk food, white pasta, alcohol, herbal tea, coffee, and cigarettes. In short, any food item that contains around 10 g sugar per serving, needs to be avoided.
Foods to Consume
Definite and easy sources of protein, that can be consumed as snacks, are nuts, dairy products, lean meats, protein powder, etc. You also need to consume a lot of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, nut butter, eggs, plain yogurt, etc. However, some foods can trigger hypoglycemic condition (differs from person to person). Hence, keep a track on the vegetables and other foods that trigger your reactive condition, and make sure you avoid them.
Reactive Hypoglycemia Diet Plan
The rise and fall of blood sugar levels, which is experienced in reactive hypoglycemia is not restricted to only diabetic people but the non-diabetics also suffer from it. Maintaining a healthy diet is a crucial part of the daily routine of the patients. Along with frequent and small meals, you need regular exercise, and have to develop a few healthy living habits like smoking recession, weight management, alcohol recession, regular blood sugar level checkup, etc. Along with the above mentioned ‘food to avoid’ and ‘foods to consume’, you can try some healthy diabetic diet ideas like: lean meat/cheese whole wheat bread sandwich; whole grain crackers with cottage cheese, peanut butter, cheese, bean soup recipes, etc.; vegetable salad with turkey/cheese slices; low glycemic fruits with plain yogurt; vegetable salad with nuts and beans; cream cheese with whole grain bagel, baked potato (with skin), and cheese/cottage cheese, etc.
If you are still confused with the menu, and are having any difficulties in following a proper diet plan, then the best way is to contact a knowledgeable nutritionist or a registered dietitian. He/she will diagnose your exact health condition and recommend a personalized diet plan for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a dietitian or nutritionist.