Dr. Nicole Sundene
Women's Health Naturopathic Doctor
Hypoglycemia is oftentimes caused by hormone imbalance such as Insulin Resistance, PMS, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and can result in dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression, screaming, crying, anger, agitation, and rage. Otherwise known as "Hangry."
Outsiders will notice that someone's behavior suddenly "flips on a dime" and they are no longer happy but tired and/or anxious and agitated.
HOW TO TREAT HYPOGLYCEMIA WITH NUTRITION
The main treatment of hypoglycemia is the use of properly "Stacking Macros" to stabilize blood sugar levels. All simple, processed, and concentrated carbohydrates must be avoided, while the consumption of complex-carbohydrate; high-fiber foods should be emphasized.
Legumes and other high fiber foods should be combined with protein, and good fats. These mini meals should then be consumed regularly ie: every three to four hours to avoid low blood sugar. Women with hypoglycemia have less fatigue, anxiety, and low blood sugar with frequent small meals are more effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Eat five to six small meals and snacks per day.
Include in your diet:
• whole grains (i.e. millet, brown rice, quinoa, wheat, amaranth, rye, barley and buckwheat)
• legumes
• fresh vegetables
• fresh raw seeds/nuts and their butters (i.e. flax, sesame, pumpkin, almonds, hazelnuts)
• garlic & onions
• avocados
• string beans
• Jerusalem artichokes
• fruit eaten in small amounts with protein or complex carbohydrates
• unprocessed soy products
Avoid consumption of:
• sugar in all it’s forms i.e. fructose, sucrose, cornsyrup, molasses, honey, rice syrup etc.
• soft drinks, fruit juices and carrot juice
• excessive protein, especially red meat
• excessive salt
• white flour and products made from it
• highly refined, processed and canned foods including t.v. dinners and breakfast cereals
• tobacco
• alcohol
• caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, drinks, aspirin, bromo-seltzer and excedrin
• Read the labels, or ask for ingredients in restaurants.
Hypoglycemic women should avoid the above high sugar processed foods because they cause blood sugar to shoot up high, and then suddenly drop low. We do not want sudden peaks and valleys with blood sugar, this causes "Neverending Hunger" along with the hypoglycemia. Therefore working to eliminate these foods while learning to "Stack Macros" together in each meal and snack will prevent hypoglycemic episodes.
Other Helpful Ideas:
• Exercise as vigorously as you can on a daily basis
• If you struggle with weight loss talk to your Naturopathic Doctor about a weight loss diet .
• You MUST add protein to each of the six meals/snacks you are eating each day or you will never fully resolve hypoglycemia
• Other helpful ideas: learn visualization/affirmation or meditation techniques.
It is important to keep your hypoglycemia under control because most of my hypoglycemic patients have Insulin Resistance and/or Prediabetes, therefore unchecked hypoglycemia may exacerbate PMS, tax your adrenal glands and eventually lead to diabetes.
To set up your new patient visit to receive a lab order, please visit our SCHEDULE page.
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
