Hypoglycemic diet?

Francl27
Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm starting to think that my PMS hunger issues might be caused by blood sugar issues (as I get all the symptoms - shaky, dizzy etc - and end up eating way too much to get rid of them), so I want to try it out this month to see if it helps at all (then I'd just eat that way 10 days a month when PMS is due).

I don't *really* want to do it, because I typically need complex carbs to feel full, but I'm just terrified of gaining back all the weight I've lost if I don't try everything.

So... Does anyone have any experience with this? I skipped coffee this morning (arguably the toughest part) and I've avoided all kind of refined carbs so far today (even flavored yogurts), but I know that I need more fiber... I'm just terrified that, if I start eating oatmeal or even whole grain pasta, my hormones will start acting up again and I'll end up way too hungry again... even if it's technically not a high glycemic index food...

I'm just clueless about that stuff. What about fruit? Potatoes? Ugh eating out is going to be a nightmare (we'll be away this week end).

Anyway, any help would be great.. so that I can at least see if it helps.

Replies

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    What about chia seeds for fiber? 1:1 carbs to fiber.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    If you think it is your blood sugar, buy a testing kit. You can get them at pretty much any pharmacy and most come with a free amount of strips. Then test to see if it really is your sugar when you feel this way. If it's not,... Time to see the doctor.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    This recommends complex carbs: http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-topics/hypoglycemia-and-diet
  • HanamiDango
    HanamiDango Posts: 456 Member
    If you are thinking your are having any blood sugar issues, time to speak with your doctor. It could be low iron or another nutrient/vitamin, or even a hormonal imbalance that intensify around your cycle.

    However, there is nothing wrong with playing around with your macros/food that you eat to find a way that satisfies you. I get the fear of gaining weight, so finding what is going to work for you is important.

    I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia when I was in middle school, and from what I remember it was not low carb, but lower refined sugar. I still had rice, fruit, vegetables, etc, and was suppose to eat more often, smaller meals, more snacks. However, that was a long time ago and not sure how that advice still stands. However, this too from what I am now finding out, is a small part of what is wrong and honestly ties into other medical issues as well. I tried lower carb, higher fat, higher protein for 3 weeks, but ended up having a binge after, I could not stay low carb, made me feel weak and sick.
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    Self diagnosis is rarely a good thing, I'd see a Dr before changing your whole diet.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I just want to try it out to see if it helps... Doctors have been brushing it off as 'being hungrier before your period is normal'.
  • 6502programmer
    6502programmer Posts: 515 Member
    If you want to get serious, you can typically find a glucose test starter kit with a meter and 30 or 50 strips for pretty cheap. Dr. Google and self-diagnosis are not typically the preferred tools of the trade, but they're there if you want to avail yourself.
  • Heartisalonelyhunter
    Heartisalonelyhunter Posts: 786 Member
    You need to see an endocrinologist. GP's and the Internet can't find and diagnose hormonal disorders.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    6502programmer wrote: »
    If you want to get serious, you can typically find a glucose test starter kit with a meter and 30 or 50 strips for pretty cheap. Dr. Google and self-diagnosis are not typically the preferred tools of the trade, but they're there if you want to avail yourself.

    Well I'm trying to prevent that but if it still happens I'll go and buy one I guess. So far it seems to help though.. yes it sucks to have to cut things for 2 weeks, but better than the alternative... and it's only 2 weeks...
  • fishshark
    fishshark Posts: 1,886 Member
    you can get a glucose test for 8 bucks on amazon.. id do that first to rule out blood sugar. I feel like complete *kitten* before my period even flu symptoms and i cry over everything.. EVERYTHING. my drs said "you are normal get used to it" so i feel your pain.
  • MondayJune22nd2015
    MondayJune22nd2015 Posts: 876 Member
    edited February 2016
    @Francl27 I have hypoglycemia. Obviously since we lose blood, during our TOM; we're also losing what's in it. I take chew-able glucose tablets. The sugar is dissolved immediately & it's about 10 calories (I believe, I don't have any currently; to look), each tablet. I take 1 of these, before reaching for a candy bar & then don't need the candy bar. However I still have to consume something nutritious, as soon as possible; after taking the glucose tablet because obviously, it doesn't provide my caloric needs. I raise my calorie intake, by 100 each day of my cycle; since my body is doing extra work & thus I am most likely, losing extra calories. I also wouldn't fast (if I could but can't anyway; due to my hypoglycemia) or bank calories, on those days either.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    MondayJune22nd2015 wrote: »
    @Francl27 I have hypoglycemia. Obviously since we lose blood, during our TOM; we're also losing what's in it. I take chew-able glucose tablets. The sugar is dissolved immediately & it's about 10 calories (I believe, I don't have any currently; to look), each tablet. I take 1 of these, before reaching for a candy bar & then don't need the candy bar. However I still have to consume something nutritious, as soon as possible; after taking the glucose tablet because obviously, it doesn't provide my caloric needs. I raise my calorie intake, by 100 each day of my cycle; since my body is doing extra work & thus I am most likely, losing extra calories. I also wouldn't fast (if I could but can't anyway; due to my hypoglycemia) or bank calories, on those days either.

    I'm actually totally ok after the second day of my period (and the 2 weeks after that), it's the 2 weeks before that are awful! I didn't know about the glucose tablets though, I'll definitely look into it if I have to.

    I'm just trying to change my diet for now to see if it helps (because at that time refined sugars just send me down a hormonal 'I need to eat all the foods' spiral anyway.. even if I have plenty of protein and fat with them, it seems)... if it doesn't, I'll get a blood sugar test for sure... then go to the doctor and/or try those tablets. The reason I'm looking into it is because I've tried so many things and it hasn't worked, and my symptoms do seem to be close to hypoglycemia at that time, so it just doesn't hurt to try.

    Thanks for the advice!
  • pdxwine
    pdxwine Posts: 389 Member
    Hypoglycemia comes in a dew different "flavors". You need to have your Dr. run tests and find out if this is truly an issue for you.

    I am a reactive hypoglycemic. This means that I need protein, to feel better. I make sure to get protein at every meal. I carry unsalted roasted almonds as a snack. I eat hummus and vegetables as a before dinner snack.

    My schedule is pretty well set:

    8:30AM-ish Breakfast

    11:00AM Almonds

    1:00PM Lunch

    5:00PM Hummus and Vegetable

    8:00PM Dinner

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