Hypoglycemia Diet Foods
When blood glucose levels in the body drop, hypoglycemia---or low blood sugar--can happen without warning. According to the National Diabetes Clearinghouse, hypoglycemia is a rare occurrence outside of diabetes. However, if you have hypoglycemia, knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid can help you manage your blood sugar and avoid blood sugar crashes.
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Low Glycemic Food
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Food is turned into glucose by the body. However, not all foods are created equal; high glycemic food , like soda and potato chips, are rapidly turned into fuel for the body. Low glycemic foods are processed more slowly by the body, creating a steady stream of glucose. The hypoglycemic diet should therefore be concentrated around low glycemic foods to avoid the blood glucose ups and downs associated with a high glycemic diet.
Whole Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables
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A high-fiber diet centered around fruits and vegetables is the basis for a reactive hypoglycemic diet.
Whole grain foods are complex carbohydrates that are slowly absorbed into the body. Choose whole grain crackers over buttery crackers, whole grain breads over white breads, and kamut flakes over frosted cereals. Choose products that are labeled low glycemic if possible, such as Clif Luna bars and Ezekiel 4:9 flourless bread.
Beverages
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That decaf, low-fat mochacchino might sound healthy---but do you know how much sugar is in it? Most coffee chain stores post their nutritional information online: check for sugar and carbohydrate content before you purchase. Avoid soda and drink water instead. Herbal or decaffeinated teas are also a good choice. Caffeine can contribute to low blood sugar conditions---hypoglycemics should severely restrict their caffeine intake or better yet: eliminate it completely.
Read Food Labels Carefully
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Many commonplace foods have sugar and/or high fructose as an ingredient. You will find high fructose corn syrup on the ingredient list for many commercial cereals and bakery products, but did you also know that dry roasted peanuts, sushi rolls, specialty vinegars and baked beans also commonly have high fructose corn syrup added? Hidden sugars can crop up in just about every supermarket product, so check labels carefully and avoid products with added sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
What To Eat If Your Blood Glucose Drops
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Hypoglycemics should eat when mild symptoms are first noticeable (ie., sweaty hands, hunger, and irritiability). If the hypoglycemic symptoms are severe, glucose tablets (available in most pharmacies) can quickly raise your blood sugar level. This should be followed by a protein such as nuts or a small peanut butter on wholegrain sandwich.
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