Hypoglycemia cause and treatment by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Diet, supplements, vitamins, herbs

Hypoglycemia is the clinical syndrome that results from low blood sugar. Some people ascribe their symptoms of fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness to hypoglycemia even though other conditions may be causing these symptoms. To confirm that the cause of these symptoms is due to hypoglycemia, the most definitive way is to test the blood sugar level while these symptoms are occurring.

Hypoglycemia symptoms
The severity of the symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. Hypoglycemia often causes symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, nervousness, hunger, dizziness or light-headedness, confusion, and weakness.

Hypoglycemia diet
For breakfast and lunch eat more fish, meat, chicken, or eggs as opposed to carbohydrate rich foods such as refined cereals, sweets, pancakes, pastries, and fruit juices. Avoid or reduce your intake of any juices with high sugar content, including fruit juices, fruit drinks, and sodas.

Diagnosis of hypoglycemia
A medical history done by a doctor may help with the diagnosis of hypoglycemia. The best way to diagnose hypoglycemia is to * test blood glucose while the patient is having symptoms by taking a blood sample from the arm and sending it to a laboratory for analysis and to see whether the symptoms ease after the patient’s blood glucose returns to 70 mg/dL or above after eating or drinking.

Hypoglycemia natural treatment questions
Q. I would also be interested in your opinion on hypoglycemia, or blood sugar high and lows. Could hypoglycemia have anything to do with cancer. I hear some cancers can have an insulin source. I have breast cancer 2 years ago, and my doctor says breast cancer is not caused by blood sugar.
   A. Breast cancer is not caused by hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. But, over decades, diets that are unhealthy -- such as eating a lot of simple carbohydrates and not enough fresh vegetables -- can cause imbalances in blood sugar levels and also stimulate breast tissue to turn into tumors. Over the long run, diet does have an influence of cancer. In very rare instances, some cancers such as breast cancer may cause hypoglycemia perhaps through secretion of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor.

Q. Are you aware of any herbs that can help a person with hypoglycemia?
   A. I am not aware of any herbs that are effective for hypoglycemia. Diet is the predominant way to reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia, along with daily walking for 20 to 30 minutes.

Would maca herb be ok for a hypoglycemic? At present I am struggling with hypoglycemic symptoms and attendant tiredness and depression. I would love to try some form of endocrine balancer and energiser- would you recommend maca as remedy that would not cause low blood sugar? Any other suggestions would be appreciated (I'm already on a modified diet, chromium, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals.
   I have not had feedback from anyone using maca herb for hypoglycemia symptoms. If you do try it, use low dosages.