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What are the Best Foods for Hypoglycemia?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Lean meats, poultry without skin, whole grain breads and cereals, and fresh vegetables can be some of the best foods for hypoglycemia. People who are suffering from this disease may want to drink milk and tea rather than soda or alcoholic beverages. Many doctors also recommend eating fruit only in moderation, especially after first beginning a low blood sugar diet.

An ideal meal might contain protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, and complex carbohydrates, like rice or beans. It also may contain a small amount of fat. Vegetables might be served with lunch or dinner. These are ideally served in salads, but might also be steamed or boiled.

A person with hypoglycemia checking her blood glucose levels.
A person with hypoglycemia checking her blood glucose levels.

Foods containing white flour can sometimes raise glucose levels rather rapidly. According to the glycemic index, a table that measures how much a particular food raises the blood sugar, white bread can raise this level faster than those made with grains such as wheat or oats. For this reason, whole grain breads and cereals are preferred foods for hypoglycemia patients.

It is recommended that hypoglycemia sufferers increase their fluid intake to avoid symptoms.
It is recommended that hypoglycemia sufferers increase their fluid intake to avoid symptoms.

The effect of fruit on the blood sugar level varies greatly from person to person. Some people are able to eat large amounts of it with little or no effect to their systems. Other individuals may find their blood sugar levels skyrocket after eating any type of this produce. Until a person is certain how he or she might react to consuming fruit, he or she should do so sparingly.

People with hypoglycemia should consume plenty of fresh vegetables.
People with hypoglycemia should consume plenty of fresh vegetables.

Just as there are ideal foods for hypoglycemia, there can also be preferred beverages. Alcohol and caffeine can often affect the way some medicines work, so these drinks should be consumed in moderation. Many types of fruit juice could also cause a surge in blood sugar. Skim or soy-based milk, unsweetened tea, and water can be good choices for those suffering from hypoglycemia.

Whole grain breads are an excellent dietary choice for people with hypoglycemia.
Whole grain breads are an excellent dietary choice for people with hypoglycemia.

Often, a nutritionist may recommend eating four to six smaller meals each day rather than three large ones. These meals should be spaced evenly throughout the day whenever possible. Ideally, there should be no more than five to six hours between meals, at any time. They should also contain the recommended foods for hypoglycemia as often as possible.

Salads are ideal for people with hypoglycemia.
Salads are ideal for people with hypoglycemia.

Low blood sugar is normally regulated with proper diet and medication. This means eating the proper foods for hypoglycemia can be very important. People who do so typically have more energy and stamina than those who do not carefully monitor their food intake.

Discussion Comments

anon965788

I have hypoglycemia but I face a challenge. I'm allergic to all nuts. This is a really good source of protein, really the protein I need to regulate my blood sugars. Is there anything out there equivalent that I can eat?

SarahGen

I have hypoglycemia and I experience low blood sugar symptoms all the time. I get shaky, I feel disoriented and anxious.

My doctor told me to follow a diet high in protein with moderate amounts of fat. I'm allowed carbohydrates, but only brown rice and pasta. I'm eating olive oil and natural peanut butter. But I'm consuming lean meats, eggs and nuts the most. I've been feeling significantly better since I started eating this way.

burcinc

@ysmina-- That's right, the two diets are similar because both diets try to keep blood sugar levels stable. Those with hypoglycemia and diabetes should try to eat foods with a low glycemic index for this reason. Foods with a low glycemic index raise blood glucose levels slowly over a longer period of time. Foods with a high glycemic index raise blood glucose levels quickly which results in a sudden fall afterward.

Complex carbohydrates like whole-grain pasta, lentils, beans and vegetables have a low glycemic index. Processed foods, rice, sugar and some fruits have a high glycemic index. For example, grapes and watermelon are not advised for hypoglycemia and diabetes patients.

ysmina
A hypoglycemia diet sounds much like a diabetic diet. That's interesting, I would have thought that they would be the opposite of each other.
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    • A person with hypoglycemia checking her blood glucose levels.
      A person with hypoglycemia checking her blood glucose levels.
    • It is recommended that hypoglycemia sufferers increase their fluid intake to avoid symptoms.
      By: anyaivanova
      It is recommended that hypoglycemia sufferers increase their fluid intake to avoid symptoms.
    • People with hypoglycemia should consume plenty of fresh vegetables.
      By: Serghei Velusceac
      People with hypoglycemia should consume plenty of fresh vegetables.
    • Whole grain breads are an excellent dietary choice for people with hypoglycemia.
      By: AAA
      Whole grain breads are an excellent dietary choice for people with hypoglycemia.
    • Salads are ideal for people with hypoglycemia.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Salads are ideal for people with hypoglycemia.
    • Instead of soda, those with hypoglycemia may want to drink milk or tea.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Instead of soda, those with hypoglycemia may want to drink milk or tea.
    • Consuming peanuts on a regular basis can help regulate blood sugar.
      By: lirtlon
      Consuming peanuts on a regular basis can help regulate blood sugar.