CRAVINGS AND LOW BLOOD SUGAR

Do you get dizzy, weak, fatigued or emotionally upset if you do not eat on time or miss a meal? Do you have intense cravings for sugar, alcohol, coffee, or cola. Is this worse when you are under stress? You may be experiencing low blood sugar otherwise known as hypoglycemia. About one person in ten has this condition. Some people know for sure, by taking a clinical Glucose Tolerance Test. Others are aware because of symptoms they may experience. Here some of the odd, varied symptoms.

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

Headaches	Fatigue	Irritability	Insomina
Forgetfulness	Anxiety	Depression	Crying
Faintness	Sudden Hunger	Exhaustion	Poor Focus
Short Temper	Dizzy	Cold Sweats	Shaky
Edema	Weight Gain	Hay Fever	Hives
Sinusitis	Bad Digestion	Nightmares	Diarrhea
Fearful	Blurred Vision	Cold Hands/Feet	Moody
Cravings for sweets, alcohol, coffee, cola

Low blood sugar can occur at any time but is prevalent from ages 21-60. Some people are born with this condition. Others develop it in time, possibly from ingesting excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates. You know - white wheat, sugar and other white trash.

THE HORMONE AND GLANDULAR CONNECTION
How does this happen? The pancreas, liver and adrenal glands have been overly stressed and become less than efficient in maintaining proper hormone balance. Our bodies are not naturally equipped to handle concentrated amounts of sugar in our diets.

When we have too much (glucose) sugar in our blood, the pancreas overreacts by producing too much insulin which depletes the glucose level in the blood. This causes the body to require more food to raise the blood sugar level. Side effects of hypoglycemia can be malnutrition, hunger, overweight and cravings.

THE MECHANISM OF GLUCOSE BALANCING
Carbohydrates are converted to glucose in the GI tract. Glucose is absorbed into the blood stream, and then passes into the liver. The liver converts the sugar which is not used as energy and has been acted upon by insulin into glycogen (reserve fuel). Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles. Glucose, which is not stored as glycogen is converted into fat.

Normally, there is a mechanism which protects us against the rapid drop of blood sugar caused by too much insulin. The adrenal glands secrete a hormone which begins the process to change glycogen back to glucose. If this glycogen conversion mechanism is not working well, there is Ω backup mechanism. This consists of the conversion of amino acids and triglycerides (storage fat) into fuel. Amino acids are capable of converting to glucose but at the expense of tissue repair, enzyme and hormone production etc. All of these mechanisms are based on hormones, primarily adrenal hormones. Many are convinced that hypoglycemia is the result of hypoadrenia (low adrenal function). Sluggish adrenals will slow the conversion of glycogen to glucose in time of need, thus the craving for something sweet becomes overpowering.

Anxiety and Stress can cause low blood sugar
Low blood sugar can trigger anxiety and stress.

The good news is - this pattern can be altered. The bad news is - you must pay attention, and take action. There are dietary and lifestyle changes necessary to overcome this situation. To find out more regarding resolving this condition - Make an appointment with Laura.