The high animal protein diet generally prescribed for hypoglycaemia is not suitable for this disorder.It may help control the condition temporarily, but it is harmful in many other respects and may result in other diseases like heart trouble, arteries, kidney problems and cancer.
- The ideal diet for hypoglycaemia should be based on three basic food groups, namely grains, seeds and nuts, vegetable oils.
- Seeds, nuts and grains should be the main constituents of the diet. Seeds and nuts should be taken in their raw form.Grains, in the form of cereals, should be cooked.
- Cooked grains are digested slowly and release sugar into the blood gradually six to eight hours after meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a long period.
- Persons suffering from low blood sugar should take six to eight small meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw nuts and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds or drinking milk, butter milk or fruit juices between meals will be highly beneficial.
- All refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour and their by-products should be completely eliminated from the diet.
- Coffee, alcohol and soft drinks should also be avoided. The consumption of salt should be reduced as an excessive intake of salt causes loss of blood potassium, which causes blood sugar to drop.
The following is the menu suggested for hypoglycaemia.
* On rising: Fresh fruits such as apples, peaches, melons, berries, avocado or a glass of fresh fruit juice.
* Breakfast: Nuts, seeds, fruit, cottage cheese and buttermilk.
* Mid-morning: Fruit, fruit juice or tomato juice.
* Lunch: Cooked cereals and milk.
* Mid-afternoon: A glass of fruit or vegetable juice or a snack consisting of nuts.
* Dinner: Vegetable salad with a cooked vegetable from among those allowed, one or two slices of whole wheat bread, cottage cheese and butter milk.
* On retiring: A glass of milk or buttermilk.
Vegetables which can be taken in hypoglycaemia are asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumbers, egg-plants, peas, radishes, tomatoes, spinach, kale, lettuce, beans, baked potatoes. Fruits which can be taken are apples, apricots, berries, peaches, and pineapples. Consumption of citrus should be limited.