Diet and mood?

Hi, community!

I have reactive hypoglycemia. The long-and-short: I need to eat every 2-3 hours because my body doesn't regulate blood sugar correctly. It differs from regular hypoglycemia in that it is unrelated to diabetes and that certain foods can trigger it. The culprits are usually anything with refined carbohydrates, like pasta and soda (both of which I have mostly cut from my diet). Symptoms of a "low" are shakiness, fainting, mood-swings, and confusion.

As a student, I honestly do not have the ability to eat cheese cubes and apple slices every two hours. Though I pack healthy snacks, blood sugar lows still occur and with them I get some wicked mood-swings. It exacerbates my anxiety like nothing else. I can't stand the loss of control over my feelings (I get so crazy angry and hateful, and then terrified because I feel like I'm spinning out) and being so vulnerable because my body fails at something so normal. I can't even drive when I'm like this. So not only am I shaking and distressed, I can't get myself someplace safe (hence why I never leave the house alone).

Has anyone else noticed that what they eat can help them remain "stable"?

I wonder how many neurological mishaps are related to or aggravated by dietary needs.

Hi S.C.,

That's actually very reassuring to hear! I'm thankful that I don't have panic attacks during these episodes, and my heart goes out to your doctor's daughter. That can't be fun at all.

Dried fruit, depending on what the fruit is, can have many and varied affects. Sometimes it helps if I mix it with a fatty nut like cashews, but even a few raisins on their own make me feel terrible. I seem to react poorly to sugars in general, unless they are coupled with protein or fat.

I found high-fiber bars and good trail mix/granola bars with lots of nuts in them and low carbohydrates with a good amount of protein. They are also cheap, for which I am thankful!

I don't think I've ever heard of sports goo, but I'll check it out. Usually I stave off my problems with something full of protein and a bit of fat, like certain nuts or jerky. I haven't been able to find jerky that doesn't require refrigeration these days, but I'll have to keep looking.

I haven't worked with a nutritionalist beyond comparing notes with the pre-med students in my department and doing research in the evenings. Talking to a professional, though, sounds like a painless and. good idea.

Thank you for the thoughtful advice and encouragement!

My husband it type 1 and he snacks of nuts (almonds mostly) all of the time.:)

It is good for him, and doesn't bring his BGL's up.

With reactive though...I thought that you would want to bring your glucose up?

I guess it is a balance and somewhat of a guessing game. It is hard not to swing too far the other way I bet.

Wishing you the best with this!

S.C.