Low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia is a disorder of blood sugar metabolism. Hypoglycemia is the medical term for the condition in which blood glucose or blood sugar levels are lower than the normal and healthy levels. Glucose, which is one of the main sources of energy for the human body is mainly derived from carbohydrate rich foods. Foods like potatoes, rice, various fruits, the different cereals, and dairy products like milk and sweets are also rich sources of carbohydrates.



Under normal circumstances glucose that is present in foods is absorbed in to the bloodstream to be supplied to the body cells. The energy conversion process by which glucose is used for energy is regulated by insulin, which is a hormone produced in the pancreas. Our diets are often deficient or excessive in certain ingredients and even the healthiest diets will have some nutrient in abundance or lacking. If your glucose intake is higher than that required by your body then the excess is stored in the liver as glycogen. These are like glucose reserves that are used to meet the energy requirements of your body in between meals, in the absence of a fresh supply of energy. Extra glucose may also be converted to fat and stored in fat cells that can again be used as energy.



If there are low blood sugar levels, the pancreas release glucagon, which triggers the breakdown of glycogen by the liver for the release of glucose into the bloodstream. This will lead to a stabilization or normalization of blood sugar levels. In some individuals this response may be impaired and glucose levels cannot return to the normal range very easily. Low blood sugar signs and symptoms, with or without diabetes may develop very suddenly. In most cases low blood sugar is mild and can be easily addressed by simply consuming a small amount of glucose rich food or drinks.



Those unfamiliar with condition may confuse low blood sugar or diabetes symptoms with dehydration symptoms, anemia symptoms or thyroid symptoms. Better awareness of the specific symptoms associated with the condition should however help recognize the condition. It is important to address any such early warning signs, no matter how trivial they may seem, as low blood sugar symptoms if neglected can cause serious health conditions, even proving fatal.



Low blood sugar symptoms in children or kids should be treated seriously, but the condition is usually uncommon in children older than ten and in adults, except as a consequence of diabetes drugs. Low blood sugar symptoms in kids should be brought to your doctor’s notice promptly. Low blood sugar symptoms during pregnancy can also be quite disturbing, but this is not uncommon in pregnancy.

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms

Craving for Sweets

A craving for sweets and starch in excessive amounts between meals is the first sign of a low blood sugar level.

Nervousness, Irritability, Fatigue

When the blood sugar level falls much below normal, symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, fatigue, depression, disturbed vision, and headaches appear.

Sweating, Trmbling, numbness

Other symptoms are sweating, trembling, numbness, absent-mindedness, dizziness, palpitations of the heart, and some sexual disturbances. Most hypoglycaemia patients feel hungry and eat frequently to get over the feeling of weakness and emotional irritability. They feel tense if they have to go without food for several hours. When the patient experiences any symptoms that indicate a fall in blood sugar, he should immediately take a heaped teaspoonful of sugar and then seek medical help.

Low Blood Sugar Causes

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates

Low blood sugar is usually caused by an excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. These substances cause the pancreas, the adrenal glands, and the liver to lose their ability to handle the sugar properly.

Tumor or disturbed functoning of liver, pituitary gland

Other causes of low blood sugar are a tumour or a disturbed functioning of the liver, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands. Stress intensifies this condition.

Low Blood Sugar Remedies

Low Blood Sugar home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers

Treatment for Low Blood Sugar using Vitamins

Certain vitamins have been found effective in the treatment of low blood sugar. These are vitamins C, E, and B complex. Foods rich in these vitamins are therefore valuable in low blood sugar. Vitamins C and B increase tolerance of sugar and carbohydrates, and help normalise sugar metabolism, Pantothenic acid and vitamin B6 help to build up adrenals which are generally exhausted in persons with low blood sugar. Vitamin E improves glycogen storage in the muscles and tissues. The patient should take vitamin C in large doses from 2,000 to 5,000 mg B6 - 50 mg, and vitamin E - upto 1600 IU daily

Treatment for Low Blood Sugar using Apple

Apples are considered valuable in low blood sugar. Two small apples with their peels should be taken after each meal for treating this condition.

Treatment for Low Blood Sugar using Molasses

The use of molasses has been found very useful in low blood sugar. When blood sugar becomes abnormally low as a result of over exertion or under-nutrition, a glass of sherbet made of molasses will serve as a tonic and prevent the feeling of faintness. It serves the same purpose in the body as glucose.

Low Blood Sugar Diet

Low Blood Sugar : Home Remedies suggested by users

Grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables

The ideal diet for low blood sugar should be based on three basic food groups, namely, grains, seeds and nuts, vegetables and fruits supplemented by milk and milk products, and vegetable oils. Seeds, nuts and grains should be the main constituent of the diet. Seeds and nuts should be taken in their raw form. Grains in the form of cereals, should be cooked. Cooked grains are digested slowly and release sugar into the blood gradually, six to eight hours after meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a long period.

6-8 smaller meals per day

Persons suffering from a low blood sugar should take six to eight meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw nuts and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or drinking milk, buttermilk, or fruit juices between meals will be beneficial.

Avoid refined and processed foods, reduce salt intake

All refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour and all their by-products should be completely eliminated from the diet. Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks should also be avoided. The consumption of salt should be reduced as an excessive intake of salt causes loss of blood potassium, which causes blood sugar to drop.

Other Low Blood Sugar Treatment

Rest, relaxation, meditation

Proper rest is essential for those suffering from low blond sugar. A tranquil mind is of utmost importance in this condition. Nervous strain and anxiety should be relieved by simple methods of meditation and relaxation. A prolonged bath at room temperature will also be helpful in relieving mental tension.

Yogasanas

Yogasanas like vakrasana, bhujangasana, halasana, sarvangasana; and pranayama like kapalbhati and anuloma-viloma will be beneficial.