Hypoglycemia is not uncommon, especially in people with diabetes, people who diet strictly or exercise too much. When blood sugar levels decrease, the body can experience symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and even confusion. Experts recommend that in this situation, you should immediately supplement foods containing at least 15g of carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes and re-evaluate.
According to Lauren Panoff, a nutritionist (USA), "the principle of treating hypoglycemia is to prioritize foods with easily absorbed carbohydrates, low in fiber and fat so that glucose can quickly enter the blood".
Fruits that help increase blood sugar quickly
Bananas are a familiar and convenient choice. An average banana provides about 25g of carbohydrates, of which 18g is natural sugar. Due to their low fiber content, bananas are digested quickly, helping to improve blood sugar in a short time.
Pineapple has a high glycemic index (about 82), which means it increases blood sugar faster than many other fruits. A cup of chopped pineapple provides about 22g of carbohydrates, suitable for when needing to "rescue" blood sugar.
The Medjool is compact but rich in energy. Only one fruit contains about 18g of carbohydrates, mostly glucose and fructose. Thanks to the need for cold storage, dates are very convenient to bring to the room in case of sudden hypoglycemia.
Grapes are also an effective choice. Half a cup of grapes provide about 15g of carbohydrates, just enough to treat low blood sugar. Grapes are easy to eat, easy to digest and suitable for many people.
soft, easy-to-eat foods rich in natural sugars
unsweetened jujube is a belly-relieving solution, especially useful for people with hypoglycemia and nausea. Half a cup of apple sauce provides about 15g of carbohydrates, a smooth texture that helps the body absorb them faster.
Watermelon contains a lot of water and natural sugar. A cup of diced watermelon provides about 11.5g of carbohydrates, helping to improve blood sugar and rehydrate, which is very suitable for people with high sweating.
In addition to natural foods, Karina Tolentino, a nutritionist (USA), said: "In cases of severe hypoglycemia, tablets or glucose gel, fruit juice or regular soft drinks can be necessary because of their ability to absorb quickly".
However, experts emphasize that foods that increase blood sugar quickly should only be taken when necessary. In the long term, to limit hypoglycemia, it is necessary to eat enough meals, combine complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats; avoid skipping meals; drink enough water and monitor blood sugar if there is an underlying disease.
If hypoglycemia occurs frequently or is difficult to control, patients should seek advice and adjust their diet accordingly.