diseases 233
situation up! Low blood sugar can also produce impatience and
aggression.
So what causes this problem? There are many things — for instance,
skipped meals and crash diets; unremitting stress; sudden weight loss; the
intake of excessive amounts of refi ned carbohydrates, such as chips, cakes,
snacks, and candy; excessive sugar intake; or excessive tea, coffee, and
alcohol intake. In women, causes may include general endocrine
imbalances, including premenstrual problems, menstrual imbalances,
pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause. For both sexes pancreatic
weakness and vitamin and mineral imbalances can contribute, including
defi ciencies of B vitamins, magnesium, chromium, manganese, zinc, and
potassium. Poor liver function, digestive excesses and insuffi ciencies, and
adrenal and thyroid function can also be factors. Candida is also a highly
likely cause.
Many people do not know that they are hypoglycemic, but
“swimming” feelings, shakiness, driven hunger, irritability, fatigue,
indigestion, head aches, hyperactivity, anxiety, paranoia, sudden energy
drops, even blackouts or “must sleep” times may all be indications of this.
The list of symptoms seems endless — sweating, bad dreams, lack of
libido, epilepsy, stomach cramps, and general allergies. It may be
necessary to fi nd a specialist to make a diagnosis for you. Very often the
problem is constantly covered up and “supported” by increasing sugar
intake when the worst feelings arrive. If left untreated, anemia, calcium
depletion, immune defi ciency, cancer, premenstrual syndrome, and many
other conditions may arise. If too many refi ned-sugar foods and drinks
are succumbed to, then protein requirements will increase. If this cycle
continues, one often sees an alternating meat and sugar desire becoming
stronger and stronger. A desire for sugar can also arise from a defi ciency of
protein, because of the controlling function that protein has on sugar; the
metabolism decreases if protein is not provided, and consequently the
sugar cravings increase. The conventional medical profession rarely
diagnoses hypoglycemia, so many people are left untreated or confused.
The truth of the matter is often seen when sugar in all its forms, apart
from fresh fruit, is removed from the diet. At fi rst this change will feel
incredibly drastic, but by exchanging sugar for food and herbs that
support blood sugar levels when they are very low, the problem will begin
to even itself out. For sugar substitutes, see chapter 4. If you treat this
condition carefully, you will avoid its possible development into
something worse.
Af Follow the diet and herbal advice for diabetes and look at the adre-
nal glands, as they need support. Pay special attention to the intake of
garlic, fi ber, and water.
233 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition