How To Treat Hypoglycemia With Vitamins

The sudden drop in blood sugar level (lower than 70 mg per dl.) is known as hypoglycemia in medical terms. The condition occurs when your body uses sugar faster than normal or when sugar is released by the body into the blood slowly at a rate that is lower than normal.

The increased amount of insulin produced by the body also leads to hypoglycemia. Sudden drop in blood sugar level can result from certain medical conditions, medications, starvation, hormonal deficiency or poor nutrition. The common symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, cold sweats, hunger, nervousness and even fainting.

This condition is often faced by people trying to control diabetes. The condition can deteriorate if immediate steps are not taken to raise the glucose level. Recovery from sudden hypoglycemic attack can be achieved by eating carbohydrates like bread, whole grain cereals, fruits or fruit juices, raisins and figs.

Some specific vitamins have been found effective for treating and curing hypoglycemia by boosting metabolism and keeping the glucose level stable. Here are the specific vitamins that are helpful in treating hypoglycemia.

Best Treatments Of Hypoglycemia With Vitamins

Chromium

Research shows that chromium, being a co-factor of insulin, can play an important role in regulating the blood sugar levels by activating insulin receptors and converting them to energy. Adding chromium in your diet will help to improve your sensitivity to insulin.

Some foods that are high in chromium are nuts, legumes, wheat, mushrooms and seafood. You can purchase this mineral from drug stores also. Consult your doctor for the accurate dosage.

Vitamin C

Research shows that daily intake of vitamin C can cure hypoglycemia by neutralizing insulin and also balancing the level of glucose in your body, especially when you have compromised immunity.

Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes etc.  If you are taking vitamin C supplements, the recommended dose is 75mg.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also works to regulate and process glucose level as it is a powerful antioxidant. The food sources of vitamin E are egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole-grain cereals.

Vitamin B

B vitamins are beneficial for treating hypoglycemia. Vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) are most commonly used  because they help in metabolizing blood sugar by helping digestion of carbohydrates and also alleviate glucose levels.

Source: http://www.primecareofmi.com/newsletter/june2011.htm

Food sources of niacin include fish, eggs, pulses, milk and meat. Foods that are rich in vitamin B6 are whole grain cereals, soybean, wheat germ etc.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for treating hypoglycemia. Taking 350 mg of magnesium daily will prevent lowering of blood sugar level and provide the body the required energy. Studies have proven that deficiency of magnesium affects the body’s ability to maintain the glucose level.

Vitamin D

Numerous studies have shown that vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin, is found in only some selected food like in fatty fish salmon, fortified milk. The deficiency of this vitamin can put a hypoglycemic in greater risk of bone fractures. Our body can produce vitamin D on its own when it comes in contact with ultra-violet rays of the sun. But limited sun exposure makes most people vitamin D deficient.

Source: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/vitamin_d_source_000277.htm

Vitamin supplements are usually safe to use, but some people experience side effects like headache, nausea, stomach upset or allergic reactions.  So always consult your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements. Your physician can determine the right combination and right dose for you.

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