From: abulsari@aton.abo.fi
Subject: Hypoglycemia
Organization: Abo Akademi University
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 08:38:48 GMT

I got  this from Michael Traub a  few months back. He  probably got it
from Ferrell Wheeler.

HYPOGLYCEMIA AND DIET

* What is Hypoglycemia?

     Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a relatively rare
condition.   The  symptoms  include  shakiness,  weakness,  faintness,
headaches, mental dullness, and confusion. Such symptoms can be caused
by  any number  of other problems, including stress.  The only  way to
diagnose  hypoglycemia  is through a  glucose tolerance  test the same
type of test used to diagnose diabetes.

* Effects of Hypoglycemia

     Glucose  is a type of  sugar  found in  the blood. Eating  a meal
causes blood glucose levels to rise. Normally, as levels of glucose in
the blood increase, the pancreas produces  insulin. The insulin causes
body cells to absorb the glucose and a gradual drop in the blood sugar
level results. In  a  person with hypoglycemia, the body  produces too
much insulin in the presence of glucose. This  causes a sudden drop in
the blood sugar level.

* The High-Protein Myth

     Doctors used  to recommend eating  sugar-restricted, high-protein
meals four or more times a  day to help control hypoglycemia. But such
treatment may actually impair glucose tolerance in patients.1 The main
sources of  protein  for many individuals,  animal  products, are also
high in fat which  can contribute to the development of diabetes2,3 as
well  as numerous  other health problems, from heart disease to breast
cancer.

* Hypoglycemia and Diet

     The best way to control hypoglycemia is through a diet similar to
that used to control diabetes mellitus:  a reduction in simple sugars,
a large intake of complex carbohydrates, and frequent feedings. Candy,
sodas, and even fruit juices  (which manufacturers often  sweeten with
lots of sugar) are all high in sugar and should be avoided. Foods that
are high  in  soluble dietary fiber  slow carbohydrate  absorption and
help to prevent swings  in blood  sugar levels. For  some, fruits  may
also  be  a  good addition  as  fructose the  natural  sugar  in  most
fruits does not require insulin to be absorbed into the body cells.
     Also  advised is an increase in meal  frequency. Eating more than
three  meals  per  day helps  to maintain  blood  sugar  levels and to
prevent  the  onset of  hypoglycemic  symptoms.  The menu  below  is a
one-day meal plan that puts these hypoglycemia guidelines into action.

Breakfast

 1 cup of hot whole grain cereal like oatmeal, oatbran, or Wheetena
 1 slice of whole grain bread
 1 piece of fruit

Snack

 1 slice of slice of whole grain bread
 carrot and celery sticks

Lunch

 Salad with raw vegetables, beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.), sunflower
seeds, and a non-fat dressing
 1 slice whole grain bread
 1 piece of fruit

Snack

 4 crackers (preferably whole wheat)
 1 piece of fruit

Dinner

 1 cup brown rice, pasta, bulgur, or 1 large baked potato
 1/2 cup beans or tofu
 1 to 2 cups cooked vegetables

Snack

 2 cups plain popcorn
 1 piece fruit

References:

1. Anderson JW, Herman RH. Effects of carbohydrate restriction on glucose
tolerance of normal men and reactive hypoglycemic patients. Am J Clin Nurt
1975;28:748.
2. Hindsworth H. The physiological activation of insulin. Clin Sci 1933;1:1.
3. Anderson J. Update on HCF diet results. HCF Newsletter 4: June 1982,
Lexington, KY.

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
P.O. Box 6322
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 686-2210

Newsgroups: rec.food.veg