Hypoglycaemia, or blood sugar imbalance, is very common in the modern world – most people are familiar with the mid-afternoon energy slump which disappears after eating something sweet.Sugar and carbohydrate cravings, accompanied by fatigue and swings in mood, concentration and energy levels, could be symptoms of mild blood sugar imbalance.

Symptoms

A more serious episode of hypoglycaemia may be signalled by:

• Weakness
• Heavy sweating – sometimes the perspiration will make the person feel very cold
• Hunger
• Nervousness and irritability
• Dizziness, feeling faint
• Trembling
• Tingling in hands and feet

In people with diabetes, hypoglycaemic symptoms might also include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
• Confusion, muddled feeling suggesting drunkenness
• Unconsciousness, coma, or convulsions

Causes

Hypoglycaemia is caused when there is an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood. This is normally due to the over-secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

The role of insulin is to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells (especially the fat cells and muscle cells), and to initiate glucose production in the liver. When the pancreas secretes too much insulin, too much sugar is removed from the bloodstream and the blood sugar becomes low.

Symptoms occur when there is not enough sugar circulating in the bloodstream for the body to draw on to meet its energy requirements.

Hypoglycaemia is particularly of concern for people with diabetes, where insulin production by the pancreas is defective. Without insulin, the glucose circulating in the bloodstream cannot be absorbed into the body tissues for energy. It is common for people with diabetes to experience both hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels).

The principal cause of hypoglycaemia is the modern diet which includes high quantities of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, alcohol and refined flour products, and low amounts of fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain foods.

Foods high in simple carbohydrates are easily broken down into glucose by the body, causing the pancreas to abruptly increase the body’s insulin levels, which moves the glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells. Several hours later, the blood sugar levels will be relatively low, causing the energy slump and associated symptoms known as reactive hypoglycaemia.

By contrast, if we eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates (such as vegetables, whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice), the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells occurs at a slower and more steady rate, and the hypoglycaemia is avoided.

Hypoglycaemia can also be brought on by other factors including:

• Missed meals
• Stomach surgery
• Some types of cancer and liver disease
• Allergic reactions to food or drugs
• High fever
• Pre-menstrual syndrome

Natural Therapies

If you have diabetes seek the advice of your healthcare professional before adding natural remedies to your treatment plan.

• Chromium helps the body to use glucose effectively, and supplementation can help to relieve the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, including sugar cravings; for best results use a chromium supplement that also contains magnesium and zinc
• Licorice root can help to relieve symptoms of tiredness associated with hypoglycaemia (Licorice should not be taken for long periods of time unless under professional supervision)

Lifestyle Factors

Having a good breakfast will make it easier for your body to balance blood sugar levels throughout the day. Try to combine a small portion of protein with complex carbohydrates – for example unsweetened muesli and yoghurt, or whole grain toast and egg.

Eat small frequent meals throughout the day made up of whole grain foods and low fat protein (such as almonds, fish, and low fat dairy products).

Strictly avoid sugar in all its forms until you have your hypoglycaemia under control. In addition to the sugar found in soft drinks, sweets and biscuits, hidden sources of sugar include alcohol and breakfast cereals. (Hint: When reading labels, look for words ending in -ose, such as glucose, maltose, lactose as these are all forms of sugar).

Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and cigarettes, which can add to hypoglycaemic symptoms by creating large swings in your blood sugar levels.

Remedy

A good diet can prevent hypoglycaemia. Eat a high-fibre diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other complex carbohydrates, and ensure that you are eating a small portion of protein every day. Don’t forget to eat breakfast!

Avoiding sugar, alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine will help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Regular exercise improves many aspects of glucose metabolism including enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose tolerance in existing diabetics. However, exercising when your blood sugar levels are low (for example first thing in the morning before breakfast) may induce hypoglycaemia – if possible have something to eat an hour or so before training.

Important Notes

Although it is not recommended on a regular basis, an attack of hypoglycaemia can be prevented by eating a glucose-containing food or tablet. It is best to have some protein at the same time, to slow the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream and reduce the blood sugar fluctuation.

If you are experiencing such hypoglycaemic episodes on a regular basis, consult your healthcare professional, regardless of whether or not you are diabetic.

Source: www.blackmores.com.au

Symptoms

• Flakes of skin that range from small and white to large, greasy, and yellow
• Itchy flaking that appears on the scalp or eyebrows, or around the hairline, ears, or nose

Causes

Dandruff is caused by skin cells that grow and die off too fast, but the reason that this occurs is not clear.

Factors which may be involved include:

• Over-active sebaceous glands
• Inherited tendencies
• Food allergy
• Excessive sweating
• Use of strong shampoos
• Yeast infections
• Stress

Natural Therapies

Anti-dandruff shampoo will help treat most forms of dandruff, however more stubborn forms may require stronger tar-based products to remove the greasy scales.

• Evening Primrose Oil and Fish Oil contain essential fatty acids which are required for the oil balance of the scalp
• B Complex vitamins may be beneficial to help relieve stress – look for a formula containing biotin
• Essential fatty acids are important for the function of cell membranes. They are essential for energy production, particularly of skin and hair

Lifestyle Factors

Avoid fried foods, dairy products, sugar and chocolate, and eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables.

Do not scratch or pick at the scalp as this may break the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.

Brushing your hair with a natural-bristle brush to stimulate hair follicles can prove beneficial.

Remedy

Make sure you use a gentle shampoo suited to your hair type. Washing your hair too frequently and using shampoo that upsets the delicate oil balance of the scalp will make your hair more prone to dandruff.

Important Notes

Consult your healthcare professional if your dandruff is greasy and yellow, and does not respond to over-the-counter dandruff shampoos and lotions – you may have seborrheic dermatitis and need more aggressive treatment to relieve the itching and flaking.

Source: www.blackmores.com.au

Symptoms

• Itching or tingling of the skin in the affected area (normally the lips) – this may precede the appearance of the cold sore
• One or many clusters of small blisters forming over inflamed skin and filled with a yellowish or white fluid
• Red, painful sores on or near the mouth and lips, or on fingers
• Swollen, sensitive gums of a deep red colour
• A fever and/or flu-like symptoms

Causes

Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted by contact such as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils.

The virus may lie dormant in the body for years, sometimes without causing any symptoms, only to be activated during periods of low immune status, stress, exposure to cold, and sunburn. Some women also find that menstruation can trigger cold sores.

Natural Therapies

• The amino acid L-lysine helps to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks
• Zinc, Echinacea and Vitamin C help to keep the immune system strong, and help to fight the Herpes virus
• The NES system has many preparations to help beat this virus effectively and is well worth your time to consider.

Lifestyle Factors

The Herpes virus is made stronger by the amino acid L-arginine and weaker by L-lysine. Avoid foods rich in L-arginine (such as nuts, chocolate, carob, coconut, soya beans and oats). At the same time, increase foods high in L-lysine, (such as kidney beans, split peas, fish, lamb, milk, cheese and sprouts), and consider taking an L-lysine supplement.

Stress can be a trigger for cold sore outbreak – if you are getting lots of cold sores your stress levels may be to blame – look for ways to cope better. This can also be an indicator of your system becoming run down and immune system is compromised as a result.

Remedy

Hygiene is an important factor in cold sore prevention. Be careful not to kiss someone who has a cold sore, or use the same utensils, towels, or razors. Always wash your hands after touching a cold sore, and be sure not to touch your eyes or genitals after touching your cold sore.

If you know that sun exposure is a trigger for cold sore outbreak in you, be very careful to avoid the sun.

Important Notes

Consult your healthcare professional if:

• Cold sores develop near the eyes or on eyes
• You develop a high fever or chills
• Your sores are very painful