Treatment of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
By Ronnie Freedman, Ph.D.
Which came first…the shaky, weak, anxiety sensations or the drop in blood sugar levels?
Sometimes it’s rather difficult to tell since they are so closely related, and so here are a couple of tips that might help someone dealing with anxiety reactions and low blood sugar levels.
There are two ways of approaching low blood sugar reactions. One is appropriate for a sudden hypoglycemic crash and the other as a prevention method. Both work to help maintain a calm and less reactive mind and body.
There are many ways to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemic crashes:
PREVENTION
– Eat less sugar and avoid it altogether (slowly withdraw) if you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemic attacks.
– Always rule out a physical cause for low blood sugar attacks.
– Avoid sodas, juices, candies, cakes and all other refined and processed products high in sugar.
– Make sure you learn how to use meals that work for you rather than against you. Include a lean protein, good fat along with whole grain, fiber rich carbohydrates. Follow the Anxiety Neutralizing Diet for details.
– Choose to eat 6 smaller meals rather than 3 larger ones. This will aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
– Hydrate with pure water all day.
– Maintain an effective plan to lower stress in daily life. Check out Anxiety Busters Program.
– AVOID Caffeine, Nicotine, Simple Sugars.
– Learn how to “counter” carbs without giving up the foods you love. Simple effective method.
– Learn how to use the glycemic index to your best advantage.
– Use good oils (extra virgin olive oil) and natural peanut butters.
– Never skip a meal or go beyond 4 hours without eating (unless asleep)
– If you must have a sweet snack every so often, learn how to counter with carbohydrates as explained in our program.
Suggestions for Mid-Morning, Mid-Afternoon and Bedtime Snacks
Turkey and Whole Grain Crackers
Tuna on Rye
Cheese and whole grain crackers
Nuts, Seeds and Low Glycemic Fruits (berries, melons, apples)
*Avoid foods that rank 60 or above on Glycemic Index (included in program).
* Avoid Caffeine AND Decaffeinated Beverages since they do contain small to medium amounts of caffeine.
SIGNS OF BLOOD SUGAR CRASH
If by chance you have experienced a hectic day filled with a large work load (mental activity) and/or heavy physical work, stressed, rushed off without eating, or ate too many sugars, you might soon begin to feel:
– shaky
– weak
– anxiety, panic
– nausea
– dizzy
– irritable
– clumsy
– brain fog
– faint
– irregular heartbeat.
This is indicative of an attack of acute hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. The best and fastest treatment is as follows.
TREATMENT FOR LOW BLOOD SUGAR (ACUTE HYPOGLYCEMIA)
– Drink 3-4 ounces of fresh orange juice
– Wait 15 minutes and if symptoms are still strong, take another 3-4 ounces of orange juice.
– Follow this by a lean protein and good fat/good carbohydrate. Example Cheese on Rye, Chicken on Whole Wheat Pita or Glass of Milk and Peanut Butter on Whole Grain Cracker.
*Normally during the prevention stage you would not drink orange juice, unless 1/2 water, 1/2 juice, but during this acute stage the body needs a quick charge of natural sugar to restore balance. The protein that follows will help maintain an even blood sugar level as it metabolizes slowly.
It is certainly better to prevent low blood sugar crashes than having to treat it. Therefore it is important to follow all the suggestions to maintain stabilized blood sugar levels.