If you suffer low blood sugar after consuming foods, you might be suffering from reactive hypoglycemia. Based on the study of McKinley Health Center in the College of Illinois, this is typically experienced by obese women. Reactive hypoglycemia is found in almost 30 % of women under forty-five years of age. Though it can cause bothersome effects, it rarely requires treatment or any kind of medication. Several changes in your meal plan may help you stabilize your glucose levels.
Reactive Hypoglycemia Causes
What can cause reactive hypoglycemia is unknown. However, there are several factors, which may play a special role in developing reactive hypoglycemia. It may be a sign to diabetes type 2 symptoms, although majority of people with reactive hypoglycemia never develop diabetes. It does not necessarily mean that if you have symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia, you will also have diabetes. However, reactive hypoglycemia can be triggered by acquiring a hormonal discrepancy. Hormonal discrepancy may occur when the body produces lots of epinephrine, which controls the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Likewise, glucagon production can trigger symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Another possible reason behind reactive hypoglycemia is gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass surgery may cause food to supply too rapidly for that small intestine. In addition, certain genetics enzyme deficiencies, like fructose intolerance, may also be the culprit of reactive hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia
Several symptoms of reactive may mimic the symptoms of a diabetic hypoglycemia. Some of the symptoms may include:
- Easily Hunger
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Dizzy
- Sleepy
- Sweating
- State of confusion
- Fainting
Some of these symptoms do not need urgent medical treatment however if you are prone to episodic attacks of reactive hypoglycemia, you may consider to bring healthy snacks everywhere you go. A healthy snack in your bag, office or car can help you avoid any possible attacks.
Foods
If you have reactive hypoglycemia, it is important that you know the foods you should eat and the foods that you should avoid. Some of the foods to eat may include:
- Whole grain bread
- Legumes
- Brown rice
These foods are rich in complex carbs that are great for your condition. Do not take any foods that are just rich in carbohydrates since it can make your symptoms worse.
Some of the foods to avoid may include:
- Candy bars
- Fatty foods
- Soda beverages
- Fruit juices
- Caffeinated drinks
Eating candy bars is not recommended with reactive hypoglycemia because too much sugar found in candies can increase the blood sugar however, it may also drop down quickly thus resulting to rebound hypoglycemia.
Avoiding fatty foods is also recommended if you have reactive hypoglycemia. Instead of eating fatty foods, you may eat low-fat dairy products, lean meat and legumes
Soda beverages and fruit juices all has high sugar levels which may cause your sugar to spike and decrease rapidly afterwards. Instead high sugary beverages, drinking lots of water is a better alternative.
Caffeine found in caffeinated drinks may worsen your symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia. Limiting your intake may be good for your condition.