Every person’s health story is different. The information below explains common causes and contributing factors for this issue, but it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all prescription.
As a qualified naturopath practising in Adelaide’s CBD, I take the time to understand your unique circumstances, use targeted testing when needed, and design a personalised care plan so you can feel and function at your best.
Blood Sugar Stability
Whenever you eat foods with a high Glycaemic Index, your body response will rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Next, your body responds with an insulin release. This leads to a drop in blood sugar levels and a range of unpleasant symptoms that disrupt your energy and well-being.
Some people have a more exaggerated response than others, called Hypoglycaemia.
Possible low blood sugar level symptoms:
- Cravings for sugar, alcohol, or cigarettes
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Mid-afternoon fatigue
- Irritability, anxiety, unstable moods, or depression
- Feeling shaky, light-headed, or vague
- Poor concentration and memory
Contributing Factors:
- Nutrient deficiencies may reduce your capacity to use glucose effectively. Most likely would include low levels of magnesium, calcium, chromium, zinc, manganese, and the B vitamins.
- Imbalance of protein to carbohydrate ratio. The key nutrient is protein for stability.
- Chronic stress.
- Dietary habits include following extreme weight loss diets, eating too high levels of carbohydrates, or high alcohol intake.
- Candida albicans (associated with thrush)
Treatment Guidelines
Dietary changes are the most effective way to stabilise blood sugar levels. You will notice the difference within 24 hours!
General guidelines:
- Reduce all sugar, rice, noodles, potatoes, and white flour-based foods.
- Reduce stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks and cigarettes.
- Eliminate fruit juices and dried or tinned fruit.
- Never skip breakfast.
- Use whole grains only- avoid refined cereals, biscuits or cake.
- Ensure protein is generous in each of your meals, along with complex carbohydrate foods (low GI) and good fats and oils.
- Include legumes to replace the high GI carbs.
- You can reduce blood sugar spikes by consuming the protein and fat portion of your meal before the carb. Avoiding eating carb foods on their own. (For example, if you want a bit of chocolate at mid-p.m., eat some raw nuts first and choose dark chocolate for less sugar).
