Reactive Hypoglycemia Diet Help
fieryred0424
Posts: 48 Member
Hello all! I have been on here for a while and have lost a decent amount of weight...however I feel like I am not taking care of myself. You see, I have reactive hypoglycemia, and I struggle daily with the crashes of blood sugar. I was wondering if anyone else on here who has this condition would be willing to give me examples of their daily food intakes and maybe add me as a friend so that I can really work harder on taking care of myself. This site isn't just about losing weight. It's about being healthy. I think one of my greatest struggles with this is that I am a working mother to a very vibrant/energetic girl and my husbands works...ALOT... so it leaves a lot on me to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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Replies
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hey there, i may be able to help.
i was officially diagnosed when i was about 17, but didn't notice the effects of the condition on my body/energy levels till i was about 20 (being a teen, right?! immune to everything)
it was really bad when i was overweight, but since i've lost 50-60lbs i'm able to go longer without food and be less crabby when i am hungry.
you can PM me with specific questions if you want, or friend me good luck0 -
My mom is hypoglycemic....I'm not just to note
Would it help to space your food out so you're eating smaller but more frequent meals to keep from crashing?0 -
I am prone to blood sugar crashes, but mostly if I've been eating too much refined sugar. (I have type II Diabetes, controlled with diet and exercise... no medications). I try to avoid it, but when I've eaten one cookie too many or, heaven forbid, maybe some candy, and I crash, I eat a hard candy to get back up to a normal level, then drink juice.... After that I remember how much is sucks and try to just stick with more complex carbs that take longer to digest and more protein. When I've overdone the sugar it can take a couple of days to get back on an even keel eating the right stuff. I LOVE sweets so it's not easy, but I so hate the way hypoglycemia feels that it's very motivating to avoid those simple sugars.0
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I already space my meals out while i'm at work but I don't think I am eating the right combinations of food for said meals. You see I typically eat (this week for example) 8 am 2 eggs, light greek yogurt, and a piece of fruit for breakfast. I think eat something for a snack that is quick since I am at work typically just a piece of fruit or crackers or something usually around 10. By the time I get in my car at noon to go home for lunch I can already feel my blood sugar dropping. (thank god I only live 5 minutes from my office) I know the generals of this condition but I don't think I am eating the right combinations of food at the right times. I guess I am looking for like examples of meals etc.0
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I am prone to blood sugar crashes, but mostly if I've been eating too much refined sugar. (I have type II Diabetes, controlled with diet and exercise... no medications). I try to avoid it, but when I've eaten one cookie too many or, heaven forbid, maybe some candy, and I crash, I eat a hard candy to get back up to a normal level, then drink juice.... After that I remember how much is sucks and try to just stick with more complex carbs that take longer to digest and more protein. When I've overdone the sugar it can take a couple of days to get back on an even keel eating the right stuff. I LOVE sweets so it's not easy, but I so hate the way hypoglycemia feels that it's very motivating to avoid those simple sugars.
i too struggle with a sweet tooth but have been able to eat yogurt or sugar free popsicle or 1 square dark chocolate or something to curb the craving. It's very hard. I do the same things when I crash but I also throw in a little protein with the juice. This is just becoming a nuissance. I feel like we can't go anywhere without it crashing. Crashed when we were christmas shopping this year and I almost passed out. Thank god for my husband who got me somewhere we could get food/juice to get it back up.0 -
The only thing that works for me is to have nothing sweet with my morning meal.0
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i guess my single concentrated piece of advice is, don't eat anything without a protein accompaniment!0
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i guess my single concentrated piece of advice is, don't eat anything without a protein accompaniment!
any examples of what you eat in a day?0 -
I am also hypoglycemic. I break my meals into smaller meals. Instead of eating three times a day, I eat six times a day. The same amount of calories and everything, just broken into smaller chunks. It keeps my blood sugar from dropping out.0
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feel free to check out my diary, it's spotty with consistency around the holidays + weekends, but standard breakfast is eggs, bacon, avocado, hot sauce, and protein shake with milk. on a good day i'm not hungry till lunchtime. i eat lunch, a protein often with a salad, then i'll have 2 afternoon snacks. they'll either be the rest of my big salad, or almonds, or yogurt with fruit, or cottage cheese, or ezekiel bread with almond butter. i eat again at dinner, burgers/fish/chicken with a veggie, and often have a nighttime snack of cereal, or apple and almond butter, or a sweet cause i'm bad :P
when i was heavier i had to eat every 2 hours on the dot or i'd crash hard and be really nasty to be around. since i've lost weight i can go 3-4 hours, and i'll be hungry, but i won't want to rip off someone's head for looking at me wrong. not sure if it's the exercise, or weight loss, or both but i'm doing something right.0 -
I have developed reactive hypoglycemia, and I find that I have the most problem when I eat a meal that consists of too many simple carbs. I do much better with frequent smaller meals and sticking with more complex carbs.0
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I just added you. I have the same issues. Feel free to look at my diary.0
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Hiya
I am trying to have unrefined carbs - wholemeal pasta, bread, basmati rice etc, fresh fruit, protein etc - trying to really limit sugars and refined carbs - even down to diluting fruit juice 1:10 water as the sugar is released really quickly. I've found a few almonds really help when I know my blood sugar is going down. Seem to be managing it ok with this and feeling much better than when I was eating what I wanted - and constantly wanting sugar as I was so tired. Hope you find what works for you soon.0 -
I too have struggled with this condition for years! I am nurse and know better but was to stubborn to go onto the necessary medication to help. As my hypoglycemia worsened i couldn't stand it any more and went on the medication and I feel great!! I regret putting it off for so long!! I went to a endocrinologist to ensure proper treatment. I highly recommend medication! (Btw, Im not an advocate of taking pills, but this changed my life and how i feel!!) I hope this helps!!! Message me any time if you have any other questions about my treatment!0
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bump to read later0
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I've been told I have this issue since I lost a lot of weight. I am a picky eater and a restrict my diet because I have a lactose intolerance and a gluten intolerance. I get nauseous if I have too much of either. My dietician sent me a list of foods to eat but most contained lactose and a lot contained gluten or they were foods I just can't eat. My doctor and dietician's solution for now was to always carry sugar tablets on me. Most of my issues are after I exercise or when I go on a long hike.0
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Eat every three to four hours, base your day around nine servings of low sugar fruits and non starchy vegetables, far more veggies than fruit, add in three servings of reduced fat dairy, have protein, fibre and healthy fats at every meal and snack because these slow the digestion and stabilise the blood glucose, limit yourself to small servings of the lowest glycaemic index carbs such as beans, lentils and barley.
Processed wheat, corn/ maize, white potatoes and rice are all fairly high GI so avoid if you can. Spread your calories, macros and meals out through the day fairly evenly or give yourself slightly more when you are very active or at danger times. Never eat carbs on their own unless you are about to keel over, that is the fastest way to have your blood sugar peaks and troughs.
There are no special meals just choose a protein, think of a meal that uses that, or some veggies that you think will work. So if you are having eggs for breakfast the obvious is a vegetable omelette or frittata (check out the Slimming World version using eggs with cottage cheese, hold the starches). Or adapt recipes: if you fancy a vegetable soup for lunch be sure to use a ton of non starchy vegetables, lentils or barley not white potato or bread, include plenty of protein such as meat or cheese.
Nuts and seeds whole or ground are amazing for adding protein, fibre and healthy fats to any meal or snack. If you need the occasional sweet treat you might try a sweetener like xylitol, if you like chocolate use cocoa powder - packed with minerals fibre and healthy fats.
The final thing is manage your stress levels and sleep patterns - maybe try to prioritise urgent v. important, do some relaxation exercises, let others help you with household tasks, practice sleep hygiene. Certain nutrients can help with stress including magnesium and zinc, B vitamins, omega-3s so be sure your diet is nutritious and balanced.0 -
I have severe hypoglycemia. Eat enough. That is #1! If you're not eating enough to fuel your body, you will crash. Also, fiber, protein, more fiber, more protein, rinse, repeat. Fiber is super important for me. It stabilizes my blood sugar better than protein, but protein helps as well.
Complex carbs. Limit simple sugars. Test which fruits and veggies are okay for you. I react very badly to some fruits, but most fruits I'm okay with. Same with veggies - some I cannot tolerate, others are fine.
Also, test yourself with grains. I cannot eat couscous. If I eat it I have a major crash. There are a few other grains that bother me as well.
It's really a lot of trial and error to find what you can eat and what you can't.
Feel free to friend me! I'll answer any questions I can.
P.S. Avoid, or limit, alcohol. It is no good for hypos!0 -
I've suffered from hypoglycemia for over 20 years now. For me a Zone diet works best so, that's what I set my goals for. I'm definitely not perfect, but the closer I get to these goals the better I feel.
My food diary is open, Feel free to check it out for ideas and/or add me as a friend.0 -
So glad I found this board! I was diagnosed over ten years ago with Reactive Hypoglycemia and it has been a battle. My Dr. at the time said to do Adkins, which is fine for a week or two but awful for a lifetime way to eat. It did not work for me. At this time I do a quasai South Beach but sure could use some help. Looking forward to gleening some good ideas here.0
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I have not formally been diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia but am almost positive that is what I have. I go to.the doctor 1/8/14 and hopefully I will get my answers. I am a 8.5 year post op gastric bypass patient and just in the past 2/3 years have been effected by low blood sugar. For the longest I have been going through some realll bad effects of reactive hypoglycemia. For one I get distorted vision and sometime have black outs where I can not see anything for a few seconds then.it clears up only to.happen again. I also get the shakes, confusion, sweats,hunger after just eating 30 minutesto a few hours earlier. I have just recently been checking my blood sugar with a blood sugar meter and at my lowest it has been in the upper 40's. The highest I have seen it was in the 130's and that was 30 minutes after eating lunch but soon afterwards went down to the 60's. I was wondering if anyone else on here that had reactive hypoglycemia is a post gastric bypass patient. I would love to here your symptoms..Also do any of you have any of the symptoms I have described? Please send me a fitness pal friend request
I would love to be your friend on here. I have gained about 40 pounds back since losing my.weigjt from surgery. I am working hard to.get it off but don't really know how to eat without effecting my reactive hypoglycemia. Any and all help and suggestions are appreciated nd welcomed.0 -
I already space my meals out while i'm at work but I don't think I am eating the right combinations of food for said meals. You see I typically eat (this week for example) 8 am 2 eggs, light greek yogurt, and a piece of fruit for breakfast. I think eat something for a snack that is quick since I am at work typically just a piece of fruit or crackers or something usually around 10. By the time I get in my car at noon to go home for lunch I can already feel my blood sugar dropping. (thank god I only live 5 minutes from my office) I know the generals of this condition but I don't think I am eating the right combinations of food at the right times. I guess I am looking for like examples of meals etc.
The examples of foods you gave seem low in fat (all except for eggs). My blood sugar goes crazy when I don't have sufficient fat in my diet. I eat an LCHF diet, which is high fat, moderate protein and low carb, it works for me, I hope you find what works for you.0 -
I have really bad reactive hypoglycemia too! Feel free to add me.
Yes and celiac soy corn allergy so almost no grains.
Upping protein quantity at meals (even if has led to weight gain cause of sweet tooth which always hungers)
Has changed helped my blood sugar tremendously!! Wow I can for hours longer than before than in years.
My weakness is berries. I try to pair them always with plain greek yogurt to balance out the fructose but its still too much for my insulin tolerance and I get a rush crash. Sometes before bed that helps me fall asleep but otherwise not recommended.
Yeah protein has made a huge differrence! Sometimes I have to force it but the benefit is joyous. Not that I've reached anywhere near perfection but can endure a lot more.
Feel free to add me for support sharing ideas and camaraderie ????
Cheers!!0 -
Recently had massive episodes of blood sugar crashing 2 hours after eating. These would lead to panic attacks and my body tingling. I use to have this episodes randomly and didn't think too much of them but since thanksgiving I have attack after attack and ended up at urgent care. So finally went to the doctor and yes it is reactive hypoglycemia.
I am trying to find the balance that works for me, right now I seem to have to eat about every 2 hours to stop another major crash. I am looking for diet ideas, I will be visiting a nutritionist soon, but I can't function right now so I need to modify it now. I have been trying to go heavy on protein and fats and vegetables. I add a little complex carbs from rice and it seems to be working okay.
To make things more complicated I also have eosinophilic esophagitis which makes it hard to swallow, scarring of the esophagus, heartburn, etc. Was recently diagnosed this in September. This is brought upon by food allergies and environment allergies. So I am suppose to avoid eggs, corn, wheat, peanuts, soy, walnuts, and mustard. The peanuts, eggs, and soy are very tricky as I would love to eat those for sources of protein. I also travel 99% for work so if anyone has suggestions for diets with travel, namely with snacks. It would be hard for me to get every two hours and grab a piece of meat and cheese from the fridge at the client site.
Looking for some idea!0 -
I've been hypoglycemic for almost 30 years. Here's what keeps my sugar in control:
- Eating every few hours. Protein heavy breakfast, veggies or yogurt for the morning snack, protein rich lunch, fruits in the afternoon (your sugar is naturally lower in the afternoon and the sugar boost will be used properly at that point), protein rich dinner, fiber snack (good one is popcorn!).
- Low carbs. Carbs cause sugar spikes.
- Dark green veggies like spinach, broccoli, okra, green beans, etc. will help.
- Lots of water!
- A form of protein nearly every time you eat.
- Avoid sugary foods as much as possible. If you have a piece of holiday pie, cut it in half and make sure you eat a lot of protein, too!
If you find you're crashing:
- Drink a glass of orange juice. It will bring your sugar slowly back into control and then eat something high protein.
- A spoonful of peanut butter will do the same thing.
Do not:
- Eat a piece of candy to stop a reaction--this will just make things horribly worse and take longer to recover.
- Choose fruits that are high in sugar naturally (watermelon is my biggest weakness).
Everyone is different, but this is what I generally follow and it works really well for me.
Hopefully that helps!0 -
Your snacks of crackers and fruit are almost straight carbs. I always keep protein bars and packs of almonds on hand. They are in my purse, my bag, and in my box and closet at work. Busy days can get kind of crazy and we don't always get to eat when we should. I really like quest bars, Dr. Schulze superfood apple cinnamon crunch bars, and emerald 100 calorie packs cocoa roast almonds. Plain almonds are probably better, but I like the pre-made packages and LOVE chocolate:)0
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So glad I found this board! I was diagnosed over ten years ago with Reactive Hypoglycemia and it has been a battle. My Dr. at the time said to do Adkins, which is fine for a week or two but awful for a lifetime way to eat. It did not work for me. At this time I do a quasai South Beach but sure could use some help. Looking forward to gleening some good ideas here.
Me too! I had been tested for Diabetes as it runs in my family but that came up negative so my doctor said it had to be Hypoglycemia!0 -
Are you still on here? I have been dx with Reactive Hypoglycemia due to a adrenal gland disease. Its been the hardest thing I have ever been through. I have had it for 10 months now. Makes you feel terrible. Trying to eat right is the hardest, not knowing what to eat is my thing. I got my breakfast down to a science but the rest is a challenge because I am never hungry. Vision is Blurry Excessive Fatigue. I take steroids for my adrenal disease and it seems to make it worse. I too have had alot of test done all negative. I read it takes awhile of eating right without sugars and NO CAFFEINE before you level out. How does one eat when your not hungry? I am a part of a Reactive Hypoglycemia support group on Facebook and it has helped me alot. Join us0
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Hi! I'm much older than you, but it appears that we are up against the same battle. I am now trying hard to be proactive and eat before my blood sugar drops, which allows me to eat more sensibly. I eat something every 2-3 hours. It may be a stick of Weight Watcher cheese, a Tblsp. of Peter Pan "Whipped" peanut butter, a few nuts (no more than 8), a hard-boiled egg or a Tblsp of hummus. It doesn't take much to curb the BS drop, but it is important to keep it moderated. I have reduced breads, white rice and white pastas 95%, sweets (other than low fat) by 90%. I feel so much better! I am eating as healthy as possible and eat three meals and three snacks during the day. I am 60 years old, started MFP at 161.4 lbs in Sept. and am now at 144.9 and have lost over 17' (total). Weight loss for me is slow, but I have learned to accept and deal with slow. Please feel free to respond if you want or send me a friend request.0
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