The term hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar and can cause a range of frustrating symptoms that mystify doctor and patient alike. It is the opposite of hyperglycemia, which is diabetes.

Hypoglycemia is one of those mystery ailments that can plague a person for years but never get diagnosed. The medical profession can diagnose it, but usually they don't consider it a problem until it becomes very severe. The medical profession only considers large shifts in blood sugar to be of any consequence and they are also more focused on hyperglycemia (diabetes). They don't seem to realize that even small fluctuations in blood sugar levels can have a big impact on how a person feels.

Symptoms can vary from person to person and you may not have all of them, but some of the more common ones are: headaches, exhaustion, irritability, depression, crying spells, phobias, quick temper, concentration problems, nightmares, forgetfulness, drowsiness, visual problems including sensitivity to light, indecision, PMS, anxiety, muscle pain, cravings, mood swing, weight problems, nervousness, cold hands and/or feet, sleep problems, anti-social feelings, confusion and dizziness.

Glucose, from carbohydrates, is the fuel our bodies use for heat and energy production. Every cell in our bodies requires this fuel. The source for this glucose is the carbohydrates in foods such as vegetables, fruit, seeds, grains and beans.

After eating, glucose molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream to be used for energy. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, regulates the glucose level by helping the cells absorb what they need and the extra glucose is stored in your liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. Your body can use this stored glycogen when it needs energy between meals and if there is extra, glycogen can also be stored as fat in the fat cells.

In people with hypoglycemia, the pancreas releases too much insulin, which tells the liver to store the glucose as glycogen. This drives the blood sugar too low for body energy needs producing the negative symptoms mentioned above (and others). The adrenal glands sense this as stress and react by releasing hormones telling the liver to release glycogen for energy to try to bring the blood sugar level back up. This is what produces the low feelings in a hypoglycemic person. This can also result in overstressed adrenal glands that respond less and less well as time goes by, causing the symptoms to get worse.

The problem can stem from any or all of the following: overactive pancreas, malfunctioning liver, food processing and absorption in the digestive system.

If you notice symptoms coming on 2-5 hours after eating, there is a chance you have hypoglycemia. Heavy starch foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and other grain products should be avoided as much as possible. Also, foods and drinks with table sugar, honey, sucrose, glucose, corn syrup and any other sweetener that is high on the Glycemic index should be avoided. There are natural sweeteners that have little or no impact on the blood sugar level.

A natural sources supplement containing chromium and vanadium should be taken. There is one very important thing you can do for free and it will have a big impact on the symptoms--chew your food till it is liquefied. This has a dramatic impact on the blood sugar level and if you do this you'll notice the difference very quickly in a reduction of symptoms.

Also, if you wish to confirm a blood sugar problem, ask a local practitioner to take a blood sample from you when you are feeling down and this can confirm if you have a low blood sugar problem. A naturopathic practitioner will probably be more open to helping you with this and the test only requires a little pinprick in the end of one of your fingers.

Your natural practitioner can also work with you to find which organs are malfunctioning and recommend supplements and procedures to build your body back up.

Don't forget to chew your food exceptionally well!!