By Jurriaan Plesman BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
What is known as the hypoglycemic diet should really be called the “Natural Diet”. This is the diet that humans have consumed over the millions of years to which our digestive system has adapted. The “Natural Diet” is natural to the individual only and may be different from one person to another. Nordic European people who have consumed milk as part of their diet in their ancestry may have better tolerance to cow’s milk, than those people whose ancestry was not exposed to that kind of milk as in Asia or Africa. Southern European with a long history of alcohol consumption are more tolerant of alcohol than people for whom alcohol was never part in the hereditary diet, such as Australian aborigines.
Furthermore, this natural diet has to take into account quirks of inborn genetic disorders such as gluten intolerance as in coeliac disease, Crohn’s Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis.. These may well be hidden behind the mask of hypoglycemic symptoms.
The best plan is to ask yourself what diet your ancestors ate and you don’t even have to go back to very ancient times; think of your grand-parents. Think of what people ate in the 19th century without the sugar.
Whatever diet you finish up with, you must choose a diet that you enjoy. By choosing a diet that you do not enjoy – called “force-feeding” - you may not produce the first necessary enzymes in the saliva as a first step in digestion.
Probably the hypoglycemic diet differs from the natural diet in that the number of snack per day are increased.
In brief the nutritional treatment of the hypoglycemic condition consists of:
1) Avoidance of sugar, coffee, strong tea, nicotine if possible, refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, cakes and sugary drinks, candy bars, colas, cookies, ice cream sweetish fruits such as bananas, grapefruit, melons, honey and dates (these fruits may be reintroduced at a later stage in moderation) etc.
2) High protein + complex carbohydrates snacks every three hours or sooner, to provide a slow release of glucose, and to prevent the hypoglycemic dip. A high protein breakfast must be considered the most important meal of the day. ”High-protein foods, such as fish, eggs, chicken, and beef, contain all twenty-two, including the nine amino acids that are considered essential for humans.” Source Plus animal fats that are also essential for good health. Eat plenty of green vegetables and fruits and the more varied the diet the better it is.
3) Supplementation of diet with Anti-stress vitamin B-Complex tablets, including vitamin B6, B3, B12, chromium picolinate, magnesium, zinc + Vitamin C, and fishoil (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin D. For a fuller list of nutrients, deficiency of which can be responsible for mood disorders see: R Hemat, 165 See 6 studies in support of omega-3 fatty acids for Depression and Bipolar Disorder. See also Rich Rich Sources of Nutrients. Also make sure that the mineral sulphur MSM is included in your diet See: Dr Jospeh Mercola on Sulphur.
4) Other supplements that could slow down the absorption of glucose (thereby avoiding blood sugar peaks and the release of stress hormones) are: Psyllium Seeds Husks (1 tbsp per day), Glucomannan including pectin (follow instructions on bottle), and Cinnamon. Also see “Herbs with Hypoglycemic Effects “ at: Research Evidence for Hypoglycemia
5) Avoidance of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) GMO’s is having a dramatic influence on our health especially on our digestive system responsible for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, Autism, Allergies etc etc. See 59 min video.
The Hypoglycemic diet aims at normalizing blood sugar levels, thereby normalizing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, that are thought to be responsible for the symptoms of mood-swings, depression, anxiety, phobias, alcoholism and drug-addiction.
Such a diet needs to be adjusted to the individual needs and nutritional biochemistry. It needs to take into account the influence of allergies.
Furthermore, it should be realized that the beneficial effects of the hypoglycemic diet may take considerable time. If drugs or medications has been used it may take a year for damaged neuro-receptors to be repaired by a high protein diet. (Volkow ND et als. 2001). Normally, the effects of this diet is noticeable within three months. If after this time symptoms still persist, it is time to seek the help of a clinical nutritionist or nutritional doctor for further testing, diagnosis and treatment.
As a rule of thumb ask yourself: “Is what I am eating nature-made of man-made?” Nature-made food consists of complex carbohydrates and proteins, the kind of food we were meant to eat.
Try to introduce the diet slowly and gradually. A strict hypoglycemic diet may cause you to feel worst at first, because your are left with low blood sugar levels. This would last a week or so.
These symptoms can be alleviated by taking a tablespoon of GLYCERINE mixed in milk or in a diluted natural fruit juice three times day (ratio of 20 mls of glycerine to 285 mls of water) ). GLYCERINE, which can be considered a general anti-stress remedy, is metabolized in the liver before it is converted to “energy”, so it does not stimulate excess insulin secretion from the pancreas. An other alternative sweetener is FRUCTOSE, which is also metabolized in the liver into glucose. But excess fructose will be converted to triglycerides. But generally fructose should also be avoided.
When introducing a new diet we must always consider possible allergies. Many hypoglycemics have hidden allergies, that is after having been on the hypoglycemic diet for some time they discover that they are allergic to certain food items. These were there all the time, but were masked by hypoglycemic symptoms. Finding your Allergies.
Ask your doctor to give you a B12 injection as most hypoglycemic are deficient in this vitamin.
The Hypoglycemic Diet should not be regarded as a ‘quick fix diet’. It takes time for the body to adjust to a different nutritional lifestyle. Time is needed to absorb and metabolize nutrients to be converted to neurotransmitters, enzymes and coenzymes, and to rebuild receptors for natural neuro chemicals.
Withdrawal of drugs should always be under the supervision of your doctor.
If you find that the hypoglycemic diet is not improving your symptoms, it may be that in addition to hypoglycemia, other silent diseases as yet not identified may affect your moods. In that case, it is suggested that you seek the help of a Nutritional Doctor, Clinical Nutritionist or a Nutritional Psychotherapist for further medical testing.
Also read Simple Dietary Rules.
Please discuss this article with your health care worker, doctor or nutritional doctor or therapist.
An other interesting article mentioning candida is;
Leaky Gut Syndrome by Dr Paul Ameisen at
http://curezone.com/upload/Newsletter/Hypoglycemic_He/HYPONL2005_04.pdf
Go to page 3
Don’t suggest to people to get B-12 shots. The side effects are extreme and mess with your heart. Those side effects have cost some people their lives if not thousands of dollars in medical bills in attempt to avoid death. There has been a HUGE lawsuit that is just now finishing after over a decade because of these shots. And yes they were straight B-12 shots. Please do your research before telling people they should do something.
Yes you are right this can happen with an over-supply of a nutrient or allergic reaction to B12 injections. But remember these are given by doctors and they should know. Please read:
http://vitaminb12supplements.org/side-effects-of-b12-injections.php
What a load of rubbish. B12 is the only vitamin non-toxic even in large amounts. Please provide proof of your allegations that B12 causes these side-effects. Also, please provide the title and or link about the lawsuit.
You are right, there are no serious side effects. Nevertheless, anything in excess may cause SOME side effects. See Side Effects of B12 Injections at:
http://vitaminb12supplements.org/side-effects-of-b12-injections.php
my problem is that if i don;t eat every three hours i sweat really awful.My blood test never comes back with anything wrong.It helps for me to eat x3hrs.I have just started this,so i hope my sweats go away.I am on no Rx.for my blood sugar.I wonder tho if it is just a little off if that does mean i am hypoglycemic.My last read out was a bit off but dr.says not enough to worry about however i have all symptoms of hypoglycemic.I am going to start a hypo diet and see if after awhile my sweats and fatigue goes away.If you can comment at all to help i sure would appriciate it.
I have all the symptoms of hypoglycemia, but my numbers don’t fall into the official range either. My doctor treated me for hypoglycemia anyway. I am taking all of the supplements listed above, eating only natural foods, plus have eliminated all foods I know that I have sensitivities to, which also happen to be common allergens. I had to go on a really basic diet. It really helps. There are a lot of recipe books available to make things tasty as well as healthy.
You are fortunate your doctor recognized the hypoglycemic symptoms. The tests are not reliable IMO. Most doctors do not recognize the symptoms and very few MD Have training In nutrition according to a doctor friend. The hypoglycemic diet will work. A food journal will help you to Taylor it to your body’s specific needs. I would also recommend Dr Wilson’s book “adrenaline Fatigue”. He also has a web site. He is one of the few I have found, who undderstands the connection between hypoglycemia and adrenaline fatigue and he makes important modifications to the hypoglycemic diet. Best to you. Nancy
Hi Blossom,
I have been hypoglycemic for years and every day is a challenge. Can you please recommend the recipe books that you use.
Thanks,
Dana
The best way to get hold of recipes is going to our Facebook web site and ask.
Another sources is: Diabetic Recipes
http://www.diabeticlifestyle.com/recipes
Also go to “links” –> Index of specific topics —> Recipes
i’m nearly 60, and have dealt with low blood sugar ever since nursing school when I realized what I had! I tried the every three hr snacks but it is very difficult…..I’m not hungry, so I have to force myself to eat something. Sometimes eating just seeems to slip my mind, I just drink water all day. The trouble is I can feel my body changing back & forth all day & night. HELP!!!!!
Well I am not sure what you are eating. You nee to eat a high protein low carbohydrate diet, as in
Hypoglycemic Diet
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/2011/the-hypoglycemic-diet/
IVe hypoglosemic since I waS 11 YRS OLD. i WANTED TO FINDSOME thing tomake my hands stop trembling,so I drakmilk,this helped. I can eat a candy bar & it helps. I know eggs help at breakfast. Tjanks Mary Reimners
I don’t think candy bars will. You need to avoid sugar as much as you can and go on the hypoglycemic diet. Also try out glycerine at:
Glycerine
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/2011/research-evidence-for-hypoglycemia/#GLYCERINE
Interesting reading those who commented and their undiagnosed, yet, persistent hypoglycemic symptoms. I am creator of the SGN (saving generation next) project and offer free webinars every two weeks. For those who have hypoglycemic symptoms that is not supported in blood work, consider:
Disruptions in gut ecology change the way the body responds to food. Those with disruptions eat simple carbs. Like anyone else, we absorb the sugar from the carbs (blood sugar changes) but unlike healthy people, imbalances in gut bacteria allow the pathogenic bacteria to consumer part of that simple carb you just ate, and the by-product is ethyl alcohol. Yes, some people have their own built-in-still…. the ethyl alcohol by-product mimics hypoglycemic symptomology.
I agree with the hypoglycemic diet ideology, similar to low-glycemic or in the USA, the paleo diet. Eat protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, with every meal, try to eat every 3 hours, but also focus on restoring intestinal ecology with L-glutamine (intestinal inflammation, prebiotics (inulin, FOS) that acts like fertilizer for the good bacteria-probiotics…. and reduce refined sugars.
Thanks for the info. I am following a low carb diet already, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, to heal the digestion as well as reduce the hypoglycemia – I have adapted it to remove any hypo triggers such as honey or fruit as you indicate.
I am also following the Chronic Fatigue methylation protocols as per the Phoenix Rising website. The Vitamin B12 recommended is sublingual, cheaper, more convenient and apparently as effective as injections. I did alot of reading up on this, particularly from patients themselves.
My hypos are still bad despite the diet and happen almost regardless of the food I eat but I will still continue the diet as I know it is the way forward. Today I just had to keep on eating protein in several small meals until I got it under control. I think the reason I have hypos is because a lack of B12 and folic acid have destroyed my digestive system and depleted me of many nutrients, noticably chromium. I am starting just now to supplement with Chromium GTF. The lack of B12 and folic acid is due to a fairly common gene mutation, the MTHFR gene mutation, activated by some miscarriage surgery.
If you have similar CF symptoms to me consider a specialised B12 protocol as well as a suitable diet. The fatigue could have a double cause, a B12 deiciency and the hypoglycemia/insulin disturbance. Good luck to everyone trying to get well and thanks again to Jurriann for your diet tips.
Hi, this is all quite bewildering to me. For as long as i can remember ive had energy problems. I get energy in spurts and have learnt that when i have energy i must do stuff whether a convenient time or not because other times im zapped and lucky if i can move. So as a teenager i was told this is depression but was sent for blood tests repeatedly over the years as underactive thyroid and anaemia were suspected but tests always came back normal! I have now been diagnosed as having S.A.D and do definitely become a zombie in winter. Ive also been told i have layers of PTSD and from joining a group on FB ive found myself here. Now im wondering will i ever really get to the bottom of my energy problem as one seems to lead to another? I have just read all of this and just ordered Dr Wilson’s book, yet another to add to my health library. I am wondering how this hypoglycemic diet will fit with Peter J’Adamo’s Blood group diet, does anyone know please?
Read:
Depression is a Nutritional Disorder
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/2011/depression-a-nutritional-disorder/
and
Depression is a Disease of Energy Production PDF
http://curezone.com/upload/PDF/Articles/jurplesman/depression_energy3.pdf
If the hypoglycemic diet does not work in three months i suggest you see a Nutritional Doctor. Also have a look at allergies. Search our web site for “allergies”.
I have just been looking on Amazon at books relating to Hypoglycemia and i am now feeling very angry as a review has made comment to mercury fillings causing this. At the age of 5 i was given 16 mercury fillings!!! OMG. I am 41 years old and now only have my 2 canine teeth left. Healthcare in the UK really is horrendous!! :/
Read:
Dental Causes of Systemic Disease by DR Robert Gammal BDS –> page 2
http://curezone.com/upload/Newsletter/Hypoglycemic_He/HYPONL9406_.pdf –> p2
I am English, have lived in USA for 50+ years. I developed full blown h/g after my first ever serious illness (pneumonia + complications) 5 yrs. ago, which followed upon a year of extreme emotional stress & neglect of my usual healthy diet. I currently manage my h/g with 3 meals plus 3 snacks, emphasis on good protein, fresh mixed vegetables, brown rice/sweet potatoes/legumes. Also exercise is vital. Currently I am experimenting with eliminating whey. I have read that milk has the effect of raising insulin far beyond what its sugar content wd. suggest, and that the greatest effect comes from the whey in milk. I am switching to Greek yogurt (no whey), and am gradually eliminating milk, being careful to substitute the protein and calcium lost by so doing. My hope is to stabilize my insulin production. An endocrinoligst told me that my h/g was intestinal rather than pancreatic (I get a diarrheal reaction to an attack, or to wrong foods), so perhaps there is a nutritional solution.
Have a look at Dr George Samra on allergies ast:
Video by Dr George Samra on Allergies
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/2012/video-interview-with-dr-samra-on-allergies/
i am 34 with a long history of methadone use 8 yrs, only was on heroin for 1 yr previous to the methadone, i got off methadone but having a hard timne with my fatigue, i know i have got to give it time but what else will hlp?
Have a look at:
Drug Addiction is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/2011/drug-addiction-is-a-nutritional-disorder/