Edible Dangers
Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, happens when your blood sugar drops too low. This can make you feel shaky, dizzy or tired. Eating the right foods can help keep your blood sugar steady. Did you know that low blood sugar is a key symptom of long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders? Which is why you should watch what you eat.
Worst Foods for Low Blood Sugar
1. Sugary Snacks
Foods like candy, cookies and cakes might seem like a quick fix when your blood sugar is low. But they can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash again quickly. This can leave you feeling worse later on.
2. White Bread
White bread and other refined carbs, like white rice and pasta, are digested quickly and can cause a quick rise in blood sugar followed by a drop. Whole grains are a better choice because they keep your blood sugar steady.
3. Soda and Sugary Drinks
Sodas and sugary drinks can cause a sudden jump in blood sugar levels, but just like sugary snacks, they can also lead to a fast drop afterward. This makes low blood sugar harder to manage.
4. Fried Foods
Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts are high in unhealthy fats. They take longer to digest and can make it harder for your blood sugar to come back up when it's low.
5. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can cause your blood sugar to drop. Alcohol blocks your liver from releasing glucose (sugar), which can make low blood sugar worse.
6. Fast Food
Fast food is often full of unhealthy fats, refined carbs and added sugars. This combination can cause blood sugar spikes and drops, making it harder to manage low blood sugar.
7. Fruit Juices
While fruit juices contain natural sugars, they can still cause a quick rise and fall in blood sugar. It's better to eat whole fruits, which have fiber to help slow down sugar absorption.
8. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are loaded with sugar and caffeine. This can lead to a sudden rise in blood sugar, followed by a crash. These drinks can also make you feel jittery or anxious, which isn't good for managing low blood sugar.
Treatments for Low Blood Sugar
If you have low blood sugar, it’s important to manage it quickly. Here are some treatments:
- Glucose tablets: These are fast-acting and help raise your blood sugar quickly.
- Eat a small snack: A small snack that combines carbohydrates and protein, like a piece of fruit with peanut butter or cheese and whole-grain crackers, can help balance your blood sugar.
- Drink a small glass of juice: If you’re experiencing low blood sugar, a small amount of fruit juice (about 4 ounces) can help bring your levels back up quickly.
- Rest and relax: Once you’ve eaten or taken glucose, rest for a few minutes to let your body recover.
- Monitor your blood sugar: Use a blood sugar meter to check your levels regularly, especially if you feel symptoms of low blood sugar.
Avoiding the Worst Foods
If you experience frequent low blood sugar, talk to your doctor. They can help adjust your diet or medications to keep your blood sugar stable. Avoiding the wrong foods and choosing the right ones can make a big difference in managing low blood sugar.
Check out the worst drinks for blood disorders.