Diets for hypoglycemia largely come down to personal choice within recognized guidelines. While there are quick remedies for hypoglycemia, the more appropriate approach for long-term recuperation is through following strict diets for hypoglycemia. The goal of this form of treatment is to prevent sudden rises of sugar levels in your blood. This can be achieved in various ways that will be discussed briefly in this article.
1. Eat complex carbohydrates.
It would be crazy to completely eliminate carbohydrates from your diet because your body needs them. Glucose is important because it provides your body cells with energy. However, you can control the way glucose enters your system through eating complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly. Slow break down of carbohydrates leads to a steady introduction of glucose into the bloodstream, reducing chances of hypoglycemia. Complex carbohydrates come from vegetables, pasta, legumes, and whole grains.
2. Avoid foods with high glycemic index.
These foods are made of simple carbohydrates that quickly raise your sugar levels after eating. Examples of these foods are table sugar, honey, candies, cakes, cookies, soda, and jams. These foods are not recommended for people with diabetes, too, because they cause fluctuations in the blood sugar levels. Extreme fluctuations in your sugar levels are unwise and should be avoided at all costs as they can lead to serious diseases down the road.
3. Spread your meals.
Instead of having three full meals in a day, have six small meals. Large meals can drastically raise your glucose levels within an hour. Then two or three hours later, your glucose levels drop. You can avoid this by eating small meals throughout the day so as to keep your glucose levels stable.
4. Take in more fiber.
Diets for hypoglycemia should include lots of fiber, from vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. It serves as added bulk to the food you eat, hence reducing your carbohydrate intake. Fiber also slows down digestion of sugars, causing a steady introduction of glucose into your bloodstream.
5. Caffeinated beverages should be passed up.
Caffeine stimulates the release of cortisol, which is a stress hormone responsible for raising your sugar levels. It is believed that cortisol is responsible for felt symptoms of hypoglycemia. Caffeine drains your energy reserves and then makes you feel lethargic when its effects wane.
6. Increase your protein intake too.
A high-fat diet is not recommended for people with hypoglycemia. Instead, a moderate intake of protein-rich foods is advised. Protein also slows down the digestion of sugars, preventing the sudden rise of glucose levels. Hence, it should be part of people's diets for hypoglycemia.
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