Lean meats, poultry without skin, whole grain breads and cereals, and fresh vegetables can be some of the best foods for hypoglycemia. People who are suffering from this disease may want to drink milk and tea rather than soda or alcoholic beverages. Many doctors also recommend eating fruit only in moderation, especially after first beginning a low blood sugar diet.
An ideal meal might contain protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, and complex carbohydrates, like rice or beans. It also may contain a small amount of fat. Vegetables might be served with lunch or dinner. These are ideally served in salads, but might also be steamed or boiled.
Foods containing white flour can sometimes raise glucose levels rather rapidly. According to the glycemic index, a table that measures how much a particular food raises the blood sugar, white bread can raise this level faster than those made with grains such as wheat or oats. For this reason, whole grain breads and cereals are preferred foods for hypoglycemia patients.
The effect of fruit on the blood sugar level varies greatly from person to person. Some people are able to eat large amounts of it with little or no effect to their systems. Other individuals may find their blood sugar levels skyrocket after eating any type of this produce. Until a person is certain how he or she might react to consuming fruit, he or she should do so sparingly.
Just as there are ideal foods for hypoglycemia, there can also be preferred beverages. Alcohol and caffeine can often affect the way some medicines work, so these drinks should be consumed in moderation. Many types of fruit juice could also cause a surge in blood sugar. Skim or soy-based milk, unsweetened tea, and water can be good choices for those suffering from hypoglycemia.
Often, a nutritionist may recommend eating four to six smaller meals each day rather than three large ones. These meals should be spaced evenly throughout the day whenever possible. Ideally, there should be no more than five to six hours between meals, at any time. They should also contain the recommended foods for hypoglycemia as often as possible.
Low blood sugar is normally regulated with proper diet and medication. This means eating the proper foods for hypoglycemia can be very important. People who do so typically have more energy and stamina than those who do not carefully monitor their food intake.