Reactive hypoglycemia is sometimes referred to as postprandial hypoglycemia. These terms refer to a condition in which an individual who does not have diabetes experiences symptoms of hypoglycemia within a few hours of consuming a meal rich in carbohydrates. It is thought that the carbohydrates trigger a flood of insulin that continues beyond digestion and metabolism of glucose from the meal. The most effective treatment for this condition is to follow a reactive hypoglycemia diet, which involves eating several small meals consisting of high-fiber and starchy foods, limiting sugar, and regular exercise.
It is difficult to say how many people are affected by this condition, as there is not one standard definition diagnostic criteria. The US National Institutes of Health defines reactive hypoglycemia as hypoglycemic symptoms accompanied by blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL, that are relieved by eating. Some doctors use the HbA1c test to measure blood sugar averages over the course of a couple of months, or a six hour glucose tolerance test. However, regardless of diagnosis, symptoms can be easily avoided by following a reactive hypoglycemia diet.
Symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia very depending on an individual's hydration and sensitivity to the drop in blood sugar concentrations. Some symptoms include visual disturbances, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias, fatigue, dizziness, sweating, headaches, depression, anxiety,irritability, sugar cravings, increased appetite, nausea or vomiting, numbness in the hands and feet, and disorientation. In severe cases, coma can also result. If you notice any of these symptoms occurring within a few hours of eating a high carbohydrate meal, consider talking with a healthcare professional about a reactive hypoglycemia diet.
Hypoglycemia is a classic symptom of adrenal fatigue, and is defined as a lower than normal blood sugar levels. However, it is difficult to determine a specific glucose value to define hypoglycemia as a number of different variables are involved. The normal blood sugar range is generally defined as 90 ā 110 mg/dL, but there is some disagreement as to how low blood sugar needs to drop before diagnosis or treatment of hypoglycemia should be considered. Most people have glucose levels that fall into the hypoglycemic range occasionally without symptoms. This further complicates defining and diagnosing hypoglycemia. However, it does not take diagnosis to get relief with the reactive hypoglycemia diet.
Individuals with adrenal fatigue often have an even more difficult time with reactive hypoglycemia, as symptoms are typically subclinical, meaning there are hypoglycemic symptoms despite having blood glucose levels in the normal range, and normal fasting glucose tolerance test results.
Compared to an individual without adrenal fatigue, even one with insulin control problems, those with adrenal fatigue will be symptomatic for hypoglycemia despite normal blood sugar levels. After a meal, an individual with advanced adrenal fatigue may have more rapid dips in blood sugar below the hypoglycemic symptom threshold compared with with a healthy individual. As adrenal fatigue becomes more advanced, dips in blood sugar and hypoglycemic symptoms occur more rapidly after eating.This is why it is so critical for individuals with advanced adrenal fatigue to eat a small snack every couple of hours. As the adrenal glands recover, the individual can go longer periods without eating without experiencing hypoglycemic symptoms. In fact, many individuals in very early stage adrenal fatigue can skip a meal entirely with no symptoms at all, though this is obviously not a good idea, as skipping meals taxes the body's reserves and increases adrenal fatigue. Even healthy individuals can benefit from following a diet similar to the reactive hypoglycemia diet, as it effectively keeps blood sugar levels stable throughout the day, providing lasting energy.
Everybody needs continuous energy to function throughout the day. The demand for energy by the cells is met by taking in food that can be converted into sugar. When the demand is not met, the body will burn stores of protein and fat to meet the need for energy. These energy sources are not as effective or efficient, but help meet some of the need. As the adrenal glands become fatigued, they slow down production of cortisol, which is needed in the conversion of various nutrients into glucose. Without adequate cortisol, the cells are not able to get the fuel they need for energy.
Acute hypoglycemia symptoms can be temporarily eased by taking 3 to 4 ounces fruit juice, though symptoms may return in a couple of hours. Every hypoglycemic episode can be more damaging to self, causing the body to hit a new low during every incident. If this occurs at the same time the cells call for glucose, conditions become right for adrenal crisis. Every dip advances adrenal fatigue a little bit more and causes hypoglycemia symptoms to worsen. Following a reactive hypoglycemia diet ensures that blood sugar levels stay well within the normal range, preventing hypoglycemia symptoms and cell damage.
Hypoglycemia that occurs as a result of adrenal fatigue needs a comprehensive approach to reverse adrenal gland symptoms and prevent further damage.The reactive hypoglycemia diet is just as much about how you eat as it is about what you eat. There are two basic types of reactive hypoglycemia diets. The first focuses on reducing all types of carbohydrates and increasing protein and fats. The second focuses on reducing refined sugars and grains, increasing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Despite the differences, these reactive hypoglycemia diets have some important similarities. In particular, reducing all sugars, including natural sugars such as molasses and honey along with refined, highly processed carbohydrates such as most breads, cereals, potatoes, and rice. Your body doesn't know or care whether the glucose it receives is natural or refined, sweet or not sweet. All it knows is what happens when glucose in the bloodstream rises and falls too quickly. While these foods are not considered to be high in sugar, they can be quickly converted into sugar in the body.
Following a reactive hypoglycemia diet is just one part of an overall lifestyle. Coping with hypoglycemia requires some extra effort on your part, but developing a few habits will make it easier. The following tips can be helpful to anyone who wishes to improve their health, whether they follow a reactive hypoglycemia diet or not: