AboutDr. Bruce Forciea Expertise Most questions on alternative medicine, wellness and holistic healing.
Experience Practiced chiropractic and alternative medicine for over 15 years. Author of Unlocking the Healing Code, a book on using alternative medicine with mainstream medicine for healing. College educator in life sciences. Conducted many presentations at regional, national and international conferences.
Publications Author of Unlocking the Healing Code published by Llewellyn Worldwide and distributed internationally. Articles on health and wellness published in print and online magazines. Mantains a website at www.informationalhealing.com and a blog.
Education/Credentials Doctor of Chiropractic.
BA Psychology
Certified in Nutritional Counseling.
Former Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Often after I haven't eaten for two hours (sometimes sooner), I feel weak and unable to concentrate very well. The meal I had two hours ago had been big enough, though. If I eat fruit when I feel like thatk, it only helps for a very short time, say ten minutes. If I eat something with grains in it, the problem goes away.
Are these symptoms a sign of low blood pressure or low sugar level? How can I find out the difference, and what can I do about it without resorting to eating? Because this is not always practical.
Thanks for your help,
Regards,
Joost
Answer Hi Joost:
Sounds more like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) than low blood pressure. Many people suffer from a condition known as rebound hypoglycemia. What happens is that once you eat a meal with a significant amount of carbohydrates your pancreas secretes insulin which lowers your blood glucose levels. The key to dealing with this is to eat meals with a larger amount of protein and less simple carbs. The protein has a lesser effect on the blood glucose and pancreas. I have the same problem and have resorted to eating more protein in the morning and carry a small bag of peanuts with me which does the trick nicely. Also, caffeine makes the situation worse.
As far as determining whether it's the blood sugar or low blood pressure you could try measuring your blood pressure when you feel symptoms and see if it's lower than normal. However, I really think that your blood pressure is not the problem.
And, as always, you should check this out with your doctor...
