Hypoglycemia Diet & Supplements

During digestion the body absorbs glucose, then stores any excess glucose in the liver and muscles. When blood sugar begins to fall, this excess glucose is released. Hypoglycemia is a condition that is characterized by the body's inability to raise blood sugar levels. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness and hunger. Find out what the best hypoglycemia diet and supplements are for you to help combat low blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia

• According to the American Diabetes Association, hypoglycemia is a condition that happens to virtually everyone who is diabetic. One of the best ways to maintain blood sugar fluctuations is to eat consistently throughout the day. An eating schedule of regular meals and snacks are recommended by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Avoid eating processed foods, sugary treats, fried foods, saturated fats and refined white flour.

Fiber

• There are two types of fiber: insoluble and soluble. Foods that do not break down and pass though the digestive tract make up insoluble fiber. These foods include oat bran, whole grains, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and corn bran. Eat insoluble fiber for flushing out toxins and excess water. Soluble fiber when digested forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. Because it takes longer to be absorbed by the body, it keeps you full longer and doesn't cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations. Incorporate in your diet barley, flax seed, apples, carrots, beans and peas.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are important, because they provide the body with fuel. Focus on including in your diet more complex carbohydrates with fiber instead of simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and cause blood sugar levels to spike. Simple carbohydrate foods are sugar, fruit, honey and concentrated sweets. Complex carbohydrates are slow to absorb, especially if they are high in fiber. Examples include brown rice, oatmeal, wheat pasta, whole grain breads and wheat crackers.

Protein

• Protein has virtually no carbohydrates and is absorbed at a slower pace than carbohydrates. Many people with hypoglycemia and diabetes are overweight, so it is important to eat lean meats or meat alternatives. Fish, turkey, chicken, egg whites, tofu and tempeh are all sources of protein. It has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get 46 grams of protein a day if you are a woman and 56 grams for a man.

Supplements

• There are a variety of supplements that can help stabilize blood sugar fluctuations. Glutathione is a supplement of three amino acids, which aid in breaking down glucose into energy. Chromium picolinate helps in the metabolizing of glucose. Also, supplements of brewer's yeast stabilizes blood sugar levels. Vitamin B complex is helpful in the digestion of food that produces low blood sugar. It also supports the production ofhydrochloric acid, which is essential in the digestion process. Zinc is a vital nutrient for the proper release of insulin. Other helpful supplements include magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, l-carnitine, l-glutamine and manganese. Ask your doctor about the right supplements and diet for you. Help from a nutritionist is also very helpful for learning how to manage hypoglycemia.