The Response of Modern Medicine
Most modern medicine doctors do not test thoroughly for hypoglycemia. They will simply examine a patient's blood sugar levels without stressing the body with a glucose load, which can lead to false negative results. In the cases where hypoglycemia is correctly diagnosed, traditional doctors recommend dietary changes to help return low blood sugar to normal levels. This is an important step in treating hypoglycemia but does not do enough to fully resolve the problem.
The Natural Medicine Approach to Hypoglycemia
The reason for low blood sugar is that a person has too much insulin and not enough cortisol in their body. Production of cortisol, the hormone that raises blood sugar, takes place in the adrenal gland. Nearly all cases of hypoglycemia go hand in hand with adrenal insufficiency. Natural medicine specialists understand the importance of both correctly diagnosing the condition and of treating the adrenal insufficiency in order to affect a patient's hypoglycemia.
How Hypoglycemia Is Identified
Hypoglycemia is documented by a glucose insulin tolerance test (GITT) which is part of Diet Typing. Another test that will check for this condition is a NOVA 8 test for blood pH. Typically people with hypoglycemia have acid blood, meaning that blood pH is lower than normal. To administer the GITT and NOVA 8, a patient (who has fasted overnight) is given a "glucose load," usually a fruit drink, and then blood sugar and insulin levels are monitored, and blood pH and mineral levels are measured. From these tests, an accurate diagnosis can be made.
How Hypoglycemia Can Be Treated Naturally
Treatment of adrenal insufficiency begins with reducing stress. Natural herbs are also used, including Asian and Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, astragalus and licorice root. Eliminating caffeine, alcohol, sugar, fruit juice and refined grains, along with adding sufficient protein and vegetables to the diet is also recommended. Natural hormones also may be prescribed and provide perhaps the easiest solution to resting the adrenal (or "stress") gland.
Once the adrenal insufficiency is addressed, a person's hypoglycemia can be effectively treated. Most commonly this is handled with a high protein/low carbohydrate diet. The Hauser Diet offers an effective and easy-to-follow plan for making these changes in eating habits. (It's also a recommended diet for cancer prevention and treatment.) In addition, natural supplements such as Beulah's GTF can help stabilize blood sugar and control carbohydrate cravings.
If you are interested in more information about our natural medicine program, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hauser, please contact Caring Medical at 708-848-7789 or online using our contact form.
Click here to receive our FREE electronic newsletter.
