Step 5 of Reversing Reactive Hypoglycemia: Target the Underlying Problem

Symptoms are the result of an underlying health issue and can be subtle. If you are in tune with your body you will notice minor changes such as a slight but constant headache, vision becoming a little blurry, weight gain (fat) around the abdomen that may not be noticeable to others, light headed, and other symptoms that can go unnoticed.

Symptoms indicate the existence of a disease or illness. Treating your symptoms is necessary to help you feel better but getting down to the root of the symptoms is critical in reversing your condition. Reactive hypoglycemia is the recurring episodes of low blood sugar that occurs shortly after eating. The control systems of the body responsible for balancing blood sugar are the endocrine system and the digestive system. When one gland or organ in either system malfunctions, the others are affected as well. Here we go!

The pancreas.
The pancreas as part of the endocrine system, along with other glands such as the adrenal glands and thyroid, is responsible for releasing hormones (insulin) that regulate glucose levels in blood. If the pancreas malfunctions it is incapable of releasing insulin in the proper amounts and/or at the right times. For reactive hypoglycemia sufferers, the pancreas has been on an escapade of sugar highs and lows while trying to process the excessive amounts of sugar you consume each day over years of your life. Eventually over-worked and confused, the pancreas begin to malfunction.

Adrenal glands.
This process of sugar highs and lows impacts other glands as well. The adrenal glands are responsible for the life-preserving “fight or flight” response by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, slowing your digestion, releasing energy stores, and sharpening your senses. Key responsibilities of the adrenal hormones include blood sugar regulation, anti-inflammatory actions, modifying immune response, heart and blood vessel toning, stimulating the central nervous system, fluid regulation and electrolyte balance.

If the adrenal glands are unable to slow your digestion, the sugar you take in will be digested quickly causing a rapid rise in blood sugar, which triggers the malfunctioning pancreas to potentially release too much insulin to regulate the sugar causing a sudden fall in blood sugar that is too low. In addition, if the adrenal glands have complications with releasing energy stores, you will feel weak, tired, and fatigued.

The liver.
The liver, which is part of the digestive system is responsible for making plasma proteins and storing glycogen; a reserved storage of glucose. The liver metabolizes nutrients transported from the intestines, removes waste products from your body, filters toxic substances and drugs from your blood, and helps to maintain blood sugar levels, fat and hormones.

If the liver malfunctions it will not release glycogen for energy to the cells and brain when needed or it will not be able to store an adequate amount of reserved glucose. This can impact your mental health as the brain is starved for energy.

Let's target the underlying problems.
So we now know that a diet high in refined sugar and carbohydrates provide an excessive amount of sugar to the blood and after time this impacts the digestive and endocrine systems. While there may be other issues causing hypoglycemia, someone with reactive hypoglycemia can usually target the liver, pancreas, and adrenals as sources of concern.

To reverse reactive hypoglycemia diet is key but the underlying problem(s) must be dealt with. Strengthening and rebuilding your body's control systems are wise steps to take. There are various ways of doing so. They include proper nutrients (diet), vitamins, and herbs.

A brief word about mercury toxicity.
Your body is designed to detoxify mercury and other heavy metals. An impaired metabolism or excessive exposure to mercury, such as dental amalgams, can lead to mercury toxicity. Mercury toxicity causes many health conditions and symptoms, including problems with your body's control systems, which can lead to hypoglycemia. Read Detoxifying Your Body from Mercury Exposure to learn more.


Step 6: Use Nutritional Supplements

Linked recommended readings are for informational and learning purposes only. This blog post is based on the personal experiences and expressed opinions of its author. The information is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations and advice. If you experience severe low blood sugar, seek emergency help.