The high animal protein diet generally prescribed for hypoglycemia is not suitable for this disorder. It may help control the condition temporarily, but it is harmful in many other respects. Continuous intake of high protein diet may lead to other disease like heart trouble, arthritis, kidney problem and cancer.
The ideal diet for hypoglycemia should be based on three basic food groups, namely grains, seeds and nuts, vegetables and fruits, supplemented by milk, milk products and vegetable oils. Seeds, nuts and grains should be the main constituents of this 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 they release the nutrients and sugar into the blood stream gradually, six to eight hours after meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a long period.
Persons suffering from low blood sugar should take six to eight small meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw nuts and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds or drinking milk, butter-milk or fruit juices between meals will be highly beneficial. All refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour and 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.
The following is the menu suggested for low blood sugar:
Upon arising: A glass of fresh fruit juice, sweet juices should be diluted with water.
Breakfast: Nuts, seeds, fruits, cottage cheese and butter-milk.
Mid-morning: Fruit, fruit juice or tomato juice.
Lunch: Cooked cereals with oil and milk or vegetable salad with yogurt and two whole wheat chappatis and butter.
Mid-afternoon: A glass of fruit or vegetable juice or a snack consisting of nuts.
Dinner: Raw vegetable salad with a cooked vegetable from among those allowed, one or two slices of whole grain bread, cottage cheese and butter-milk.
Before retiring: A glass of milk or butter-milk.
Vegetables which can be taken in hypoglycemia are asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumbers, egg plants, peas, radishes, tomatoes, spinach, kale, lettuce, beans, baked potatoes. Fruits which can be taken are apples, apricots, berries, peaches and pineapples. Consumption of citrus fruits should be limited.
Foods rich in vitamin C, E and B -complex will be highly beneficial in the treatment of low blood sugar. Vitamin C and B increase tolerance to sugar and carbohydrates and help normalise sugar metabolism. Pantothenic acid, B6 and B complex help to build up adrenals which are generally exhausted in persons with hypoglycemia. Vitamin E improves glycogen storage in the muscles and tissues.
Proper rest is essential for those suffering from low blood 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. Yogasans like vakrasan, bhujangasan, halasan,sarvagasan and shavasan will be beneficial. A prolonged neutral immersion bath will also be helpful in relieving mental tension.