The condition where your blood sugar reaches a low level after taking a meal is known as Reactive (or alimentary) Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia or the low blood sugar condition typically happens when a person is fasting.
Symptoms. Telltale signs that you are suffering from reactive hypoglycemia are weakness, hunger, sleepiness, shakiness, anxiety, lightheadedness and feeling of confusion.
Diagnosis. Since it is possible that symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia are common signs observed in other conditions; diagnosing it may be difficult. Medical evaluations are generally performed to actually determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed caused by reduced blood sugar. The evaluations may also involve determining whether the symptoms will be resolved if the blood sugar has returned to normal.
In most cases, however, reactive hypoglycemia would not need particular medical treatment. Right inside your home and on your own, you could already do something to properly address the problem; and it is by paying details and attention to your diet.
€ The timing or frequency of eating meals is important in dealing with reactive hypoglycemia. You need to eat several meals or snacks throughout the day; each small meal should not exceed more than three hours after you have taken the last meal. Ideally, you need to eat for every two hours in order to prevent blood sugar crash.
€ Your diet should be well-balanced. It should include lean protein and high fiber such as in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods. Complex carbohydrates are what should be found in your meals since they take a lot longer to be digested. It will help maintain the glucose levels consistently. Breads and pastas made with whole grains are recommended. Chicken, turkey and beef will supply your body with protein; as well as legumes, seeds, nuts and eggs.
€ Foods to be avoided are simple carbohydrates like corn syrup and sugar. They are easily broken down, digested and converted into blood glucose. With the high glucose levels, the body will respond quickly by producing insulin that can substantially reduce glucose level. Limit or avoid eating too sweet foods like candy, ice cream and cookies. Keep this in mind especially when your stomach is empty.
€ Your diet should not be comprised by foods that can worse your symptoms. Caffeine and alcohol must also be avoided. If you really cannot give up your coffee, then opt for the non-caffeinated variety. Limit your coffee intake to just one small cup a day. Drinking more will only hasten a blood sugar crash. Instead of soda, drink water that can be flavored with lime.
€ When shopping for foods and other food items, it is always smart to check the labels. This is very important whether or not you have reactive hypoglycemia. It makes you well aware of what ingredients are present in the foods you are eating. You ought to look carefully at labels to find out if the foods contain too much sweeteners or sugars that can spike your glucose levels. If possible, choose items that are sweetened using evaporated cane syrup as it will not produce spikes unlike sugar or high fructose syrup.