In this issue we will be taking a look at one of the most
commonly misdiagnosed diseases (conditions) of our time. This condition
being Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) and an herbal combination that have
been used in connection with the condition of hypoglycemia, HY-A by Nature’s
Sunshine.
I must make it clear that I am not a doctor and this information is
provided as a source of information and education. It is also provided to
inform on the historical uses of herbs and herbal combinations. This
information is in no way intended to replace proper medical treatment. If
you decide to use this information as a basis for self-treatment, it is
recommended that you do so with the full knowledge and cooperation of your
physician or health care provider.
I do not mind if this information is copied or distributed, as long as
the information is left in tact as it is received.
CONTENTS
Hypoglycemia
Interesting Facts
HY-A and
HY-C
Understanding Hypoglycemia
(Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are
abnormally low. Normally the body maintains the level of blood sugar
within a rather narrow range (about 70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter of
blood). In diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high; in hypoglycemia,
the blood sugar levels become too low. Low blood sugar can cause many of
the organ systems of the body to function improperly. Particularly
sensitive to low blood sugar is the brain, because glucose is the brains
main energy source. The brain responds to low blood sugar levels and,
through the nervous system, stimulates the adrenal glands to release
epinephrine (adrenaline). This in turn stimulates the liver to release
sugar to adjust the level in the blood. If the level falls too low, brain
function may be impaired.
If you have an energy dip most days in the afternoon, you might be
hypoglycemic. Even the medical profession does not seem to understand or
give this condition the attention that it demands.
Many different factors can contribute to hypoglycemia (hypo means
"low" and glycemia means "sugar"). The symptoms, too,
can be diverse. Usually when someone eats food composed of sugars
(including simple sugars as in carbohydrates) a properly functioning
adrenal gland interacts with the pancreas, which then secretes insulin to
balance the sugar level in the blood.
If the adrenal gland is sluggish, the pancreas will be in a hyper
state, which then produces too much insulin, causing the blood sugar level
to be too low.
Many hypoglycemics suffer from a rollercoaster energy level throughout
the day. The cycle usually starts in the morning when they wake up feeling
sluggish (possibly draggin' butt) accompanied possibly by headache or
depression. This happens in the morning to them because they haven't eaten
all night and the sugar level is low.
Shortly after they eat, they feel better and get an energy spurt then
the pancreas kicks in and overproduces insulin, which causes a dip, right
before they eat lunch.
Again after lunch they get a small spurt of energy, which then is
squelched by the overcompensating of the pancreas, which causes a
mid-afternoon dip. After supper, however, they get a second wind. When the
sugar levels start to go down, they then go to sleep usually very late at
night and the whole cycle starts over again the next morning.
Since the brain and nervous system needs a constant level of sugar to
function properly, symptoms of hypoglycemia usually affects these two
areas first.
Most common symptoms:
Anxiety Intense hunger
Depression Dizziness
Drowsiness Explosive emotions
Exhaustion Fainting
Headaches Impatience
Internal trembling Irritability
Inability to concentrate Nervousness
Suicidal tendencies Craving milk, alcohol or sweets
Altered sleeping patterns
Crying jags (especially in sm. children)
Less common symptoms:
Amnesia Antisocial behavior
Breathing difficulties Confusion
Constant worrying Digestive disorders
Criminal tendencies Distorted judgment
Heart palpitations Inability to cope
Insomnia Irrational behavior
Seizures Numbness
Tremors Severe Sweating
Chronic low blood sugar can contribute to permanent brain dysfunction
and should not be taken lightly.
Although the pancreas is associated with this condition, many
contributing factors can come into play.
The thyroid hormone, thyroxin, stimulates the liver to slowly release
sugar into the blood stream. If there is a demand for more energy, the
adrenal glands stimulate the liver to release sugar for fuel. Any weakness
in the chain can cause an abnormal blood sugar level.
When there is a high level of sugar in the blood, the pancreas is to
release a proportionate amount of insulin to normalize the sugar level. If
the pancreas is stressed, it will over release insulin causing the sugar
level to dip too low.
There are things to avoid to help prevent this viscous cycle. Caffeine,
stress, milk, alcohol, medications, steroids, hormones in meats, processed
foods, etc.
Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by using artificial
sweeteners such as aspartame, but they aren't.
Sugar should also be avoided because it only temporarily and
artificially raises the blood's sugar levels. This causes the pancreas to
produce too much insulin, which in effect drastically drops the blood's
sugar level.
Suggestions
Chromium is essential for glucose transportation from blood to cells
and in the utilization of insulin. GTF Chromium is suggested for maximum
absorption because it is chelated to a more stable part of niacin.
Many people also include pantothenic acid (B-5) especially if they want
to stay up late at night, but find it hard to get up out of bed in the
morning. Another symptom of B-5 deficiency is a mid-afternoon energy dip.
I suggest eating a small amount of protein for breakfast. Proteins are
digested and released more slowly into the bloodstream, which helps the
roller coaster blood sugar levels.
The energy dips of a hypoglycemic can be quite dramatic. As a matter of
fact one study showed that 80 to 85% of all criminals are hypoglycemic.
And don't let us forget the twinkie defense. Most hypoglycemics will not
turn to violence but most of them, if not put under control, will feel
lousy and can develop adrenal diseases of diabetes.
Dietary Suggestions: (very important)
Large amounts of vegetables, eaten steamed or raw.
Control with high carbohydrate – low animal protein based on
grains, seeds, nuts, low-fat yogurt, buttermilk, and cottage cheese.
Avoid all sugars if at all possible, including fruit and fruit sugars,
as well as white flour and white flour products.
High fiber diet will stabilize blood sugar swings, (popcorn, oat
bran, or rice bran).
To induce a reaction: Combine fiber with a protein food (rice
cracker with raw cheese or almond butter). Protein shake.
Spirulina between meals will help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
4 capsules are equivalent to a small steak. 71% digestible protein
compared to meats 37%.
Other suggestions:
Diet, combined with moderate exercise and proper sleeping habits
has been known to control minor cases of hypoglycemia.
Individuals with this disorder usually have poor digestion and a
dietary enzyme program can be most helpful.
Licorice root or
HY-C or
HY-A is suggested for hypoglycemia because it
raises the blood's sugar level without stimulating the production of
insulin. 2 capsules 3x daily are usually sufficient.
Saw Palmetto can be helpful if the Hypothalamus is a problem.
Super Algae – this product is marketed by Nature’s Sunshine and is
in the same category as spirulina in that it provides additional protein
at breakfast time and in between meals. 4 capsules twice daily is the
recommended dosage.
Milk
Thistle Combination to support the liver.
Pantothenic acid – up to 1200 mg daily.
Vitamin C – large doses
Vitamin E
– 800 IU daily.
Free Amino acids
– very important
Potassium
Combination
B-Complex
– 1 – 3x per day plus B-12 @ 5,000 mcg.
Black Currant – 2 capsules 3x daily.
Bifidophilus
– 3x daily for intestinal and colon support.
Other things to check when dealing with Hypoglycemia:
Kinesiology provides an excellent way to check the following area. It
is best to find someone knowledgeable in muscle testing (kinesiology).
Hypothyroidism
Pituitary and Hypothalamus
Candida
Food allergies
Emotional Seat of Hypoglycemia:
Being overwhelmed by the burdens of everyday life. "What's the
use."
New Thought Pattern:
I choose to allow joy into my life and to make it as easy and unencumbered
as possible.
Sources:
Merck Manual of Medical Information Home
Edition (Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Inc., New York,
NY, 1997).
Mary’s Herbs
The Little Herb Encyclopedia
by Jack Ritchason, N.D., Woodland Health Books, Pleasant Grove, UT, 1995.
Heal Your Body by
Louise L. Hay (Hay House, Inc, Carlsbad, California, 1988).
Interesting Facts
Most studies that examine the role of alcohol consumption in
atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease have overlooked the possible
effect of drinking pattern. A study investigated the association between
the habit of heavy acute intake of beer and spirits (bingeing) and the
4-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis in 1635 middle-aged
Finnish men. Changes were estimated in maximum and mean intima-media
thickness (IMT) and the maximum plaque height. After adjustment for age,
baseline carotid atherosclerosis, and average weekly alcohol consumption
level, the highest atherosclerosis progression in men was observed for
those who consumed a whole bottle of vodka or more in one session. For
beer bingeing (> 6 beers at one time), the magnitude of IMT
progression was even higher, although this association was only
marginally significant because of smaller numbers. The associations were
largely unaffected by adjustments for blood pressure, lipids, smoking,
BMI, and medication. The magnitude of the difference was generally
higher in a subgroup that was free of ischemic heart disease (IHD) at
baseline. Thus, the pattern of drinking is associated with the
progression of carotid atherosclerosis independently of the total level
of alcohol consumption and risk factors. Arterioscler
Thromb Vasc Biol 99, Vol. 19, Iss. 12, Pgs. 3001-3006.
A study showed that curcumin inhibited cancer cell growth in a
dose-dependent manner. Curcumin depressed the ability of special Love
cells to form colonies and showed that curcumin was cytotoxic to these
cells. The Love cells treated with curcumin mostly stayed in the G(2)
growth phase, which prevented cells from entering the next cell growth
cycle, thus inducing apoptic cell death. Anticancer
Res 99, Vol. 19, Iss. 5A, Pgs. 3675-3680.
In Asian countries, the relatively high content of the non-fatty acid
components of rice bran oil (RBO) are known to have beneficial health
benefits. Components that are specific to (RBO) are gamma-oryzanol and
tocotrienols. (RBO) lowers cholesterol better than more commonly used
vegetable oils. In addition, blending RBO with safflower oil, but not
with sunflower oil, may magnify the cholesterolemic-lowering efficacy.
Anticancer Res 99, Vol. 19, Iss. 5A, Pgs. 3651-3657.
HY-A
Hypoglycemic Formula and Digestive Aid
This four herb formula stabilizes the body’s metabolic rate by
minimizing blood sugar changes. It accomplishes this effect by encouraging
the proper functioning of the liver, adrenal glands, pancreas, and by
helping to regulate the digestive system. HY-A has a history of use in
treating hypoglycemia, anemia, fatigue, and restlessness. Its
effectiveness may be increased by taking it with pantothentic acid. The
specific components are as follows:
Licorice is indeed 50 times sweeter than
sugar, and contains the highly beneficial cortisone-like constituent
glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). It stimulates the adrenal cortex and helps to
maintain energy levels, stamina, and endurance. Licorice root is probably
one of the most important herbs for hypoglycemia. It not only stabilizes
blood sugar levels; it also reduces sugar and caffeine cravings.
In the digestive tract, licorice root acts as a digestive tonic,
increasing the body’s ability to digest food and build up muscle tissue.
It soothes stomach and intestinal irritation and reduces inflammation
levels throughout the body.
Licorice should be used cautiously by persons with high blood pressure
because excessive use can elevate blood pressure and contribute to water
retention.
Safflower is probably best known as a source
for the oil derived from its seeds, but the traditional herbal healing
benefits of the plant are taken from its flowers, which exhibit gentle
blood cleansing and diuretic effects when ingested. In folk medicine,
safflowers have been used to treat various childhood diseases such as
measles and chicken pox. It is thought that safflowers may also help
regulate menstrual disorders and soothe the nerves. Safflowers are a good
source of chromium and essential fatty acids.
This herb improves digestive function, relieving colic and gas. It also
helps to neutralize waste acids in the body, reducing muscle stiffness
after exercise. Its ability to help the body digest protein accounts for
its presence in this formula.
Dandelion has a long history of medicinal
use, the first record of which dates to the middle of the 7th
century in Chinese herbal medicine. Traditionally, dandelion root extracts
have been used to dissipate heat and inflammation in the body and to
detoxify. In this herbal combination, the root acts as a digestive and
liver tonic. The liver is very involved in the process of regulating blood
sugar levels and dandelion may assist the liver in performing this job.
The plant also acts as a diuretic and kidney remedy.
Horseradish root grated as a condiment often
accompanies heavy meals (especially red meats) and is considered a
digestive aid. The herb stimulates the stomach linings, liver, pancreas,
and gall bladder, and increases the production of gastric juices vital for
digestion. Horseradish is a powerful stimulant when applied both
internally and externally. It is one of the very best remedies for helping
the body to digest heavy proteins. Hypoglycemics often need assistance in
digesting protein because it helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Dosage: Use 2 capsules three times daily with your meals as a
digestive aid and blood sugar regulator.
Sources:
"Clearing the Body with Horseradish"
by Dian Dincin Buchman in The Herbalist (April 1979).
Creating Your Herbal Profile by Dorothy Hall (New Canaan,
connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1988).
The Energetics of Western Herbs by Peter Holmes (Boulder, Colorado:
Artemis Press, 1989).
The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman (Emmaus, Pennsylvania:
Rodale Press, 1991).
Herbal Healing: A Practical Introduction to Medicinal Herbs by
Michael J. Hallowell (Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group,
Inc., 1985).
Herbs that Heal by Michael A. Weiner, Ph. D. and Janet Weiner (Mill
Valley, California: Quantum Books, 1994).
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pederson (Warsaw, Indiana: Wendell W.
Whitman Company, 1994).
The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal by Terry Willard, Ph.D. (Calgary,
Alberta, Canada: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd., 1991).
Wise Woman Herbal by Susan S. Weed (Woodstock, New York: Ash Tree
Publishing, 1989).
For Educational Purposes Only
This handout was prepared by Nature’s Field
P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt, UT 84066
Copyright 1998
