A specialized diet plan becomes important to garner in when a person is suffering from hypoglycemia. In the article that follows, we will look through the ways of planning a hypoglycemia diet and how to follow it .
Reactive hypoglycemia is a condition which is characterized by the inability of the blood to maintain proper levels of glucose (blood sugar) in the body. As a result of which there are several symptoms that come about and cause several bodily and mental changes. The plummeting and falling levels of glucose in the body needs to be dealt with effectively or else it can lead to complications.
This condition can be brought under control by supplying the body with a regular amount of glucose from time to time. For that reason, following a reactive hypoglycemia diet plan becomes very important. In the sections that follow, we will provide you with a proper meal plan, a food list and the correct eating habits to follow in order to bring this condition under control.
Symptoms and Causes
The reasons that lead to this condition are touted to be several and confining. Some believe it has to do with the deficiency of the Glucagon hormone, others of the over secretion of the insulin and some others point it to the secretion of the epinephrine hormone. Even though the reasons could be any of these, it leads to certain symptoms like―runny nose, fainting spells, body parts going numb or turning cold, panic attacks, excessive and unexplained hunger, feeling dizzy, irritation, nausea and vomiting, flushing of skin, depression, and chronic fatigue among others.
In order to avoid the occurrence of these symptoms, it is important to maintain a proper diet plan that will keep the condition under control.
Foods to Eat
There are certain types of foods that are needed to be consumed in order to keep this condition under control. These are the kind of foods that one needs to include as a part of their diet.
Fruits
Fruits like oranges, pears, apples, strawberries, melons, grapes, berries, peaches, and plums are known to be very effective in keeping this condition under control. Fruits that are high in fiber are known to be extremely effective.
Vegetables
White potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, carrots, spinach, green beans, eggplant, cucumbers, mushrooms, asparagus, corn, peas, legumes, and broccoli―all these are known to be good sources of protein and fiber which prevent the blood sugar from dropping.
Whole Grains
These are excellent sources for providing carbohydrates. These include products like brown rice, oatmeal, cereals, bran, and wheat bread.
Dairy
Dairy in the form of low-fat, skimmed milk, non-fat cheese, and yogurt are excellent choices for getting the daily supply.
Meats
Lean meats are a great option to look into for people who are looking for a good diet plan. These include things like poultry, veal, fish, pork chops, and eggs.
Foods to Avoid
An important pointer to keep in mind is that it is not only imperative to consume certain food forms, but avoiding certain others that lead to intensifying of the symptoms is also necessary. Some of the foods that should be avoided are sweets and candies, foods that contain high amounts of sugar, aerated and carbonated drinks like cold beverages, sodas, energy drinks and colas, alcohol, juices, and drinks that contain caffeine. Similarly, processed and fatty foods should be avoided as well. Rich oils and butter should also be avoided by people who suffer from this condition.
Other than following this diet plan, it is also important to understand that the food needs to be distributed throughout the day. This will allow the glucose to be distributed equally through the day and will therefore not result in a dip or a shooting of the glucose levels. Having 4-6 small meals, rather than having 3 large ones is something that needs to be followed for effective treatment.
