November 2008 Schick Connections > Staying Healthy for the Holidays
Staying Healthy for the Holidays
Regulating Blood Sugar to Avoid Cravings
Holidays are a time spent with family giving thanks and eating goodies. For people with hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar) this may be a more difficult time of year. Cookies, cakes and candies bring the opportunity for loads of sugar and carbohydrates, which can lead to cravings for more sugar...or even alcohol.
These cravings can be caused by the body’s need for quick energy resulting from weak adrenal glands. Multiple studies have shown the majority of alcoholics are hypoglycemic. On top of that, if you have adrenal fatigue you’re more prone to hypoglycemia when under stress.
Once alcohol is out of the picture, many people start craving sugar to fill the void. The high energy level sugar provides falls off rapidly as the cells use up the fuel quickly, leaving you tired, faint, anxious, shaky, a bit irritable and craving sugar or possibly alcohol. Studies have shown that reducing the intake of sugar, caffeine and nicotine can directly lower alcohol cravings.
Here are a few key nutrients that can help block sugar cravings: Niacin is said to help prevent the abnormal drop of blood sugar associated with hypoglycemia. Chromium is a mineral needed for sugar metabolism. Glutamine is a nutrient that can help stave off sugar cravings and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Vitamin C is important in dealing with stress since the adrenal glands use large amounts of it for hormone production. (You’ll find more information in Seven Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Mathews Larson.)
Studies have shown that reducing the intake of sugar, caffeine and nicotine can directly lower alcohol cravings.
Below is a recipe for a low-carb cookie sweetened with agave nectar. This sweetener has a low glycemic index, which is absorbed more slowly into the blood stream preventing a dramatic rise and fall in blood sugar levels. Almonds are low carb (glycemic index of 0). By replacing flour with almond meal you can enjoy a sweet treat while helping to keep your blood sugar from dropping too low. 
