I used to be a "carbohydrate junkie." Dairy Queen was my patron saint. I had no nutritional guidance growing up. I remember trick or treating in southern California during the 1960’s with my brother and sister. We would fill pillowcases half full with candy on Halloween. Within a couple of weeks, I had eaten all of it. This was typical behavior for me.
I did not eat much protein. I ate very little meat. My diet consisted mainly of simple carbohydrates; foods saturated with white, processed sugar and flour. I loved to eat bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, ice cream and cereal. This all ended very quickly, though, one warm September afternoon in Delta, Colorado.
I was attending a law enforcement academy. After eating lunch, I started to feel shaky and hot. When this happens I would eat something sweet. I grabbed a root beer and drank some of it. I got no better fast. I excused myself from class and ran to the bathroom. I felt like I could not catch my breath.
Sitting in an empty stall all alone, fear engulfed me. I quickly stormed out of there. I went into a nearby office for help. A woman there seeing I was in distress asked if I needed an ambulance. At first I said no and sat down. I put my head between my legs. Suddenly I leaped from the chair and hit the floor on all fours. I could not breathe and thought I would pass out. I told her to call my wife and 911.
The EMT’s soon arrived and transported me to the local hospital. What a humbling experience. This was the first time I rode in the back of an ambulance as a patient. Back home I was taking some EMT classes and very familiar with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocol. I had an IV and remember being very thirsty. The EMT would not allow me to drink anything.
We arrived at the emergency room. After about 20 minutes the doctor came in and gave me some orange juice. He also offered me some Ativan. This is commonly used to treat mild forms of anxiety. I was diagnosed with having had an acute anxiety attack. My wife arrived and drove me home.
I spent the next three weeks recovering from this experience. I remember being an emotional basket case. I could hardly function. I found no motivation to do
anything. I did not want to go out in public. I am somewhat shy, but this was not like me. I was afraid of going into a store because of the fear of losing it. What was wrong with me?
I had suffered low blood sugar attacks before. My father died from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 37 in 1968. I am sure he also suffered from low blood sugar. My brother, sister, and mother all have bouts with low blood sugar.
At 35, I was going through the trial of my life. Trying desperately to find answers, I went to see my doctor. He ran various blood tests on me. He checked my insulin and thyroid levels. They seemed normal. I had an upper GI done in December of 1992. I also had a 3-hour glucose tolerance test, which about killed me! Diagnosis: Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar. I was sent to see a nutritionist. This was the beginning of my quest to find out what was wrong with me.
I was not satisfied with the test results or doctor’s report. They were giving me information, however, I needed a cure. My body was in poor shape. I was hurting physically and emotionally. I needed answers. What I was about to learn changed my life forever in the area of health and nutrition. I want to share these things with you.
I began reading books on low blood sugar. I studied the human body and digestion. I learned about the vital organs and functions of the endocrine system. I tried a host of vitamin supplements. I began eating very differently. It was pure trial and error. I was still experiencing major anxiety.
I remember twice shivering uncontrollably. I could not seem to stop. It became difficult to talk. On one occasion, I was driving down the road with my mother. I became anxious and fear engulfed my mind. I thought I was having a heart attack. I sped to my doctor’s office. He ran an EKG. My heart was fine. He then decided to put me on Ativan. This helped take the edge off the symptoms. I started taking two, 1-mg. tablets twice a day. After a while I cut back to only one pill a day. Since I took this in the evening, my body became accustomed to. It was hard weaning myself off this drug. I successfully took myself off the Ativan after six years of usage.
From all I learned, two things helped me the most. "Blood" and "carbohydrates." "The life of the flesh is in the blood." Everything you eat or drink ends up in the blood system. A contaminated food chain has led to a polluted bloodstream. Most major diseases are traced back to a blood problem.
I can tell people who suffer with blood sugar problems. The signs are all around us. Severe mood swings, headaches, emotional problems. The list goes on. The goal in eating right is not to allow the blood sugar level to fluctuate very much. I was only aggravating my worsening condition when I drank a pop or ate candy. Eating sweets caused my blood sugar level to skyrocket, only to plummet again. I was a wreck.
Carbohydrate intake is the key to proper blood sugar management. Diabetics and hypoglycemics must carefully watch what kind of carbohydrates they consume and how much they eat. Simple carbohydrates are hidden in many of our foods. They break down very quickly in the human body (glucose) and require large amounts of insulin to carry them into the cells. If you are overweight, my guess is you consume far too many simple carbohydrates.
Complex carbohydrates are the key to controlling normal blood sugar levels. This is a long chain molecule entering slowly into the blood stream, thus avoiding the sharp peaks and valleys caused by simple sugars. You will feel better eating complex carbohydrates and be on your way to healthy blood sugar levels. Eating foods like nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables will make you feel full faster. They are full of complex carbohydrates. Organically grown whole grain bread is a good food.
Many of the items we call, "food," are not good for us. They are processed and preserved because they are a dead product. "Life produces life!" Find foods which are alive and complement your digestive tract. You can never go wrong eating foods which come from the ground.
I have increased my protein intake and eat a very natural diet today. I also drink lots of water. My life depends on it. Don’t wait until you are half-dead to change your eating habits. Start today. You can do it. You deserve it. I am in the best shape of my life. With proper rest, diet, fun, laughter, exercise and a positive mental attitude, I am enjoying life, one day at a time. It took a complete lifestyle change for me to enjoy the results I am experiencing. It can happen for you also.
Know the foods you are eating. Read the food labels. You have the right to enjoy a long life – a life full of quality.
"A Practical Guide To
Health & Nutrition"
(Low Blood Sugar Handbook)
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