Reactive Hypoglycemia
Reactive Hypoglycemia was Written by Dr. Diane Mueller
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for overall
health, but particularly important for those with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is
a complex and chronic illness that affects the immune system, making it
difficult for the body to fight off infections. Fluctuating blood sugar levels,
particularly reactive hypoglycemia, can worsen inflammation in the body and
negatively impact those with Lyme disease. If you have reactive hypoglycemia, there is a cause. Inflammation of the nervous system is one possible cause. This can occur with Lyme Disease as well as other inflammatory conditions.
Reactive hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop rapidly after eating, causing symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, shakiness, and even fainting. The overproduction of insulin, which leads to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, is often the main cause of reactive hypoglycemia. The immune system’s overreaction to the rapid change in glucose and insulin levels leads to increased inflammation in the body.
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Inflammation is a common symptom of Lyme disease, and fluctuating blood sugar levels can worsen this inflammation. This occurs due to several mechanisms. Firstly, hypoglycemia causes an increase in the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which activate the immune system and lead to increased inflammation. Secondly, hypoglycemia can lead to an increase in the production of cytokines, small proteins that play a critical role in the immune response and can cause inflammation. Finally, reactive
hypoglycemia can cause an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and increased inflammation.
To prevent reactive hypoglycemia and reduce inflammation in
the body, it’s crucial for those with Lyme disease to focus on a diet that helps to maintain healthy blood sugar. Healthy fats, such as avocado and nuts, can also
help slow down the absorption of glucose. Protein, such as chicken or fish, can
help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent sudden drops. It is very common for people to not eat enough protein.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can also
help prevent reactive hypoglycemia and reduce inflammation in the body.
Exercise helps to regulate blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity,
which can reduce the risk of sudden drops. HIIT training is particularly useful for this!
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is
critical for those with Lyme disease. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can worsen
inflammation in the body, and the mechanisms by which this occurs are
multifactorial. By avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugars, focusing on a
balanced diet, exercising regularly, and stabilizing blood sugar levels, those
with Lyme disease can reduce inflammation in the body and improve their overall
health. It’s essential to take care of your body and make healthy choices to
reduce the impact of Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses.
Nutrients & Botanicals and Reactive Hypoglycemia
In addition to proper diet and exercise, certain nutrients have been shown to be helpful for maintaining healthy blood sugar. These include the following:
Vitamin C and Vitamin E, when combined with chromium were shown to improve fasting glucose, HgA1C and insulin sensitivity.
Chromium itself has been shown to reduce elevated blood sugar levels but caution should be exercised with all hypoglycemic nutrients not to push blood sugar too low.
Magnesium is a commonly deficient nutrient and low levels have consistently been found in people with elevated insulin.
Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and has also been shown to lower triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
Berberine is an herb commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. In addition to lowering blood sugar, berberine improves triglyerides, HbA1C fasting insulin and total cholesterol. The hypoglycemic effects of berberine are well established and may be useful in RH as well. The mechanism of action for berberine is not fully understood but one primary component appears to be stimulation of the GLUT4 receptor. Glucose transporter 4, or GLUT4 shuttles glucose out of the blood stream and into skeletal muscle, thereby lowering blood sugar.
Gynostemma is another herb with hypoglyemic properties. Although not as well researched as berberine, gynostemma has shown benefit in Type 2 diabetes and may be also useful in regulating blood sugar in RH. Gynostemma appears to work by inhibiting the PTP1B enzyme. Levels of PTP1B are inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity and obesity in mice.
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