by
Paul
BenhaimHypoglycaemia
This is one of the most common unstated problems in western
societies’ diets. It is the cause of night-time restlessness,
depression, insomnia, confusion, forgetfulness, irritability, lack of
concentration, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle
cramps, bloating, fatigue, ‘mind’ hunger and midday sleepiness
that some of us experience a few hours after lunch. This will
usually happen after eating a high glycemic or carbohydrate meal
that cause our blood sugar level to rise which boosts insulin levels.
However, when the blood sugar level falls it often drops below
normal, resulting in low blood sugar. This causes tiredness and
promotes the feeling of wanting to eat – usually something sweet
with a high glycemic index. This makes us feel better temporarily,
until the blood sugar falls again. This cycle results in fluctuations
of insulin levels, promoting unsteady levels of energy and feelings,
therefore reducing overall potential capabilities. Avocados and
sweet fruits help cancel the symptoms of hypoglycaemia by
removing the need for heavy starchy foods.
In science hypoglycaemia is stated as a disorder of too
little blood sugar, which provides the fuel for all the cells. When a
person is hypoglycaemic the liver increases the availability of
sugar from storage, the heart pumps it to all the cells, the kidney
eliminates the waste and the lungs provide oxygen to burn the
sugar. Hypoglycaemia has so many symptoms because it affects
so many organs. At a meal under healthy conditions all
carbohydrates are converted into glucose. Insulin is then produced
by the pancreas which in turn stimulates the liver to store the
glucose as glycogen which keeps the blood sugar level even.
Diabetes stems from an inadequate production of this
insulin. EFAs are less available for absorption during this time,
due to the effect of high blood sugar levels. It has been shown that
symptoms such as numbing in the extremities is relieved by daily