actually rev,

if we can not digest the food -we will have a reaction to it..
ie:
How does low blood sugar occur?

The intake of refined carbohydrates causes a cascade of events.

Firstly, refined carbohydrates and sugars are digested quickly because of a combination of lack of nutrients and little or no fiber content.

The surge of glucose into the blood stream causes the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Insulin is the hormone that carries glucose to the body’s cells so that energy can be made. It also helps store extra glucose in the liver and muscles called glycogen for later use.

This overproduction of insulin lowers the blood sugar to a lower level than before food was eaten. In response the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline to bring the sugar back up by pulling stored glucose from the muscles and liver. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (SAD), a fitting acronym, is loaded with lots of highly processed foods that are high in sugars and fats. For many people this continual cycle of stress on their blood sugar balancing mechanisms puts them at a greater risk of developing diabetes. In essence the glandular system is eventually run down and exhausted.

How is hypoglycemia treated?

The best way to break the cycle of hypoglycemia and achieve stable blood sugar levels is through a combination of specific dietary changes and nutritional supplementation. A wholesome diet is the most important step. This involves eating whole, unprocessed foods on a daily basis at properly spaced intervals. Many people have too long of a gap between their meals. For example, breakfast at 6 a.m., lunch between 12 to 3 p.m. and dinner between 6 to 9 p.m. These potential long gaps can really create problems. In addition to a wholesome diet it is helpful to have healthy snacks in between your main meals. Once a person has been following a wholesome diet for a significant period of time the body re-establishes balance and sustained energy is achieved.

http://www.thehealingpartnership.org...al_therapy.htm

What is a wholesome diet?

As far as guidelines the Glycemic Index (GI) has proven to be a valuable tool for determining how quickly particular foods effect the blood sugar. Many patients have utilized the glycemic index with great success. It is versatile and it’s beneficial for both diabetics and people with hypoglycemia. The GI of a particular food is based on factors like protein, fat and fiber content as well as degree of food processing. For example, a whole apple has a much lower GI compared to applesauce, apple juice or apple drink. Vegetables are free foods because their glycemic index is so low and they contain large amounts of fiber. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, yams and other starch-based foods like corn are the exception and should be greatly reduced or eliminated in the diet. Fruits are generally low glycemic except for watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple and dried fruits, which are not. Whole grains are on the lower side compared to white or wheat bread, crackers, pretzels, pastries and cookies which are all high on GI scale.

Protein based foods like chicken, eggs, fish, meat are not rated on the glycemic index since the body has to work much harder to convert protein into glucose. High fat foods like ice cream and sausages, while low on the glycemic index, are nutritionally not healthy food choices. Also a diet high in saturated fats and hydrogenated oils has a more detrimental effect on blood sugar balance. For further information on the glycemic index a special handout from the office can be helpful to you.

Foods allowed
Foods to avoid

Meat, chicken and fish Table sugar, honey
Dairy products Pie, cake, pastries, cookies
Low glycemic fruits and vegetables Candy, chocolate, ice cream
Nuts and seeds Coffee
Carob Soda, cola
Whole grain bread, pasta, cereal Refined grains and cereals
Slow cooking oatmeal White bread, most wheat breads
Legumes Products made with white flour
Unsweetened herbal teas Dried fruit
Seltzer water Fruit juice

Other important factors:

Avoid caffeine in coffee, cola and chocolate. Caffeine induces significant stress on the adrenals, liver and digestive tract.

Avoid alcohol in all forms. Alcohol is quickly absorbed and very toxic to the liver and intestinal tract. Alcohol leads to insulin resistance and large population studies have found that alcohol intake is strongly correlated with diabetes.

Do not smoke, if you do you must quit. Persons with diabetes and hypoglycemia are at more risk to the negative health effects of smoking. Smoking increases the risks for diabetic complications, heart disease and stroke.

Exercise

A well-designed exercise program is vital for blood sugar control. Exercise makes the muscles more responsive to glucose as well as improving the overall function of your metabolism. A combination of cardiovascular exercise (walking, biking, treadmill, step aerobics) and weight training (free weights, machines, push-ups, pull-ups) will provide the best results. Join a fitness center or local health club and hire a trainer for a few sessions to get you started. We also have several books available in the Vitamin Room that have diagrams of training programs. The most important thing is to have fun with whatever plan you choose. Start out slow and allow your body to adjust. Enthusiasm is critical to your success - just don’t over do it.

Follow your supplement regime faithfully

Dr. Bonnet has designed a supplement regime based on your specific needs. Vitamin, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and homeopathic remedies are critical to helping your body heal itself. Insulin resistance, a condition where the cells of the body are not able to efficiently respond to the hormone insulin, is also a well-recognized problem in relation to hypoglycemia and diabetes. This condition has been termed Syndrome X in the popular literature. Fortunately, insulin resistance responds well to dietary changes and nutritional supplements such as chromium, alpha lipoic acid, vanadium and B vitamins.

A customized dietary program can also be designed through the guidance of a naturopath like myself. Wellness education and therapeutic diets really make a difference. Call the office for details and appointment times.

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