Introduction
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a common problem for people with diabetes. It can cause a range of symptoms, from feeling tired and weak to having difficulty concentrating. One of the first signs of low blood sugar is feeling hungry. Eating the right foods can help to raise your blood sugar levels and prevent further symptoms. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best foods to eat when you’re feeling low blood sugar, as well as some of the foods you should avoid.
This is Normally the First Sign of Low Blood Sugar — Eat This Not That
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels drop too low. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, skipping meals, or exercising too much. Symptoms of low blood sugar can range from mild to severe, and can include dizziness, confusion, sweating, and even loss of consciousness. One of the most common signs of low blood sugar is feeling hungry.
If you experience any of the symptoms of low blood sugar, it’s important to take action right away. Eating something that contains sugar is the best way to raise your blood sugar levels quickly. But it’s important to choose the right foods. Eating sugary snacks like candy bars or soda can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, making your symptoms worse. Instead, opt for foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Here are some of the best foods to eat when you’re experiencing low blood sugar:
- Whole grain toast with peanut butter
- Oatmeal with fruit
- Yogurt with granola
- Fruit smoothie
- Apple with cheese
- Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
It’s also important to remember to drink plenty of water when you’re experiencing low blood sugar. Staying hydrated can help your body regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent further drops.
If you experience low blood sugar often, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the underlying cause and develop a plan to help you manage your symptoms.
Blood sugar is your body’s main source of energy and when it’s low, you will feel it. The condition is commonly linked to diabetes and there’s several causes of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia such as taking too much insulin, drinking too much alcohol, not eating for several hours and more. If left untreated hypoglycemia can lead to serious health issues like seizures, coma or death. Knowing the signs of low blood sugar is important for your overall well-being and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, MBBS, Ph.D., a professor of public health at New Mexico State University who shares seven signs of hypoglycemia to be aware of. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Khubchandani tells us, “Our sugar levels may fluctuate throughout the day and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen due to a variety of reasons (e.g., medication use, alcohol over consumption, vigorous exercise, skipping meals, etc.). However, the symptoms may not follow a certain sequence. At the best, we can categorize the symptoms as early and delayed symptom constellations. Also, there can be multiple symptoms at a time that can be very non-specific.”
Dr. Khubchandani explains, “Low blood sugar equates to lack of sugar supply to body cells for energy production. This would result in symptoms that make a person feel weak due to lack of energy supplies. The weakness, dizziness, and a feeling of exhaustion may follow immediately.”
According to Dr. Khubchandani, “Low blood sugar may trigger neurotransmitters that make a person feel hungry or thirsty. Our body sends these signals to the brain to fight energy deprivation so that we start consuming foods and drinks.”
“The irritation, anxiousness, or mood change is due to lack of sugar supply to brain cells,” Dr. Khubchandani states. “The body gets into flight or fight mode as a result of sugar deprivation and these symptoms manifest as the body senses threats. The psychiatric type symptoms may appear due to neurotransmitter activity that arises when sugar supplies are low.”
Dr. Khubchandani states, “Blood sugar that is consumed by body cells is also involved in energy metabolism processes. When the brain senses low blood sugar, a variety of peripheral body activities may occur as a result of stimulation of our nervous system. Sweating and chills can be a manifestation of such nervous system activations due to low blood sugar.”
Dr. Khubchandani says, “Other moderate symptoms may manifest as inability to concentrate, confusion, lack of coordination in walking or movements, muscle twitches, and mood changes.”
Dr. Khubchandani tells us, “These are the more serious symptoms where the body is in deep exhaustion due to lack of sugar supply that is responsible for energy balance and production. The exhaustion may limit our daily functions due to energy gaps and other nervous system actions.”
Dr. Khubchandani says, “Possibly the most serious symptoms of the spectrum of symptoms, these are a result of dramatic, profound, and sustained low blood sugar. Prompt action and treatment is needed. First thing, get to a source of energy (juice, soda, water with sugar, etc.). Call 911 if needed as there could be a serious underlying medical disorder that may go undiagnosed if help is not sought (even if you recover from the episode of hypoglycemia).”
Heather Newgen