Dr. Lindsay Self, ND.
  • Home
  • About Me
  • My Medicine
    • What I do and how I do it
    • What to expect
    • Qualifications
  • Clinic & Contact
  • Downloads
  • Be Healthy Blog
  • Resources and Links
  • Home
  • About Me
  • My Medicine
    • What I do and how I do it
    • What to expect
    • Qualifications
  • Clinic & Contact
  • Downloads
  • Be Healthy Blog
  • Resources and Links
Picture

Hanger. It's treatable. 

6/18/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Whoever came up with the term 'hanger', you were bang on. 

I see quite a few people in my office who can't leave the house without a snack in their pocket. First it starts with a bit of anxiety, then come slight shakes, then full on aaaaaangry... all in a span of 1 minute or less. To which I respond: I hear ya. I've had Dan run to find me a banana when we couldn't decide what to eat for dinner. Not a good scene. 

Why this happens:
When blood sugar tanks (called hypoglycemia), the symptoms can feel like an anxiety attack: irritability, shakes, sweating, nervousness, etc. A hormone called glucagon gets released in order to free sugar stores from your liver. Insulin from your pancreas tells the cells to take the sugar in. This should be enough to keep your body calm, but if the process is slow or if the cells aren't responding to sugar and insulin properly, hanger ensues. 

Problems relating to blood sugar regulation include diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, PCOS, and insulin resistance. Often, chronic stress can contribute to hanger (as if you needed something else to stress about...)

What to do:
1. Exercise. Cardio helps the body to respond to sugar and insulin in a nice, smooth fashion. 20-30 minutes, 4-5 times per week. 
2. Always have protein, fat, or fibre with your carbohydrates, especially if they're simple carbs (hint: if it will dissolve in water, it's a simple carb). Simple carbs will spike sugar and insulin, causing a subsequent crash. If you're not making this a smooth transition, get ready for the hanger. 
3. Snack. Have small snacks between meals. If you're prone to hypoglycemia during the day and also have insomnia, consider having a protein-rich snack before bed. 
4. Consider supplements. There are many herbals and minerals that can help your body respond to insulin and sugar such as gymnemma or chromium. Ask your ND which ones are best for you, and make sure you're getting safe and effective doses. Often these are short-term and can work wonders. 

Also, remember that your loved ones love you, that's why they run to get you that banana. Help return the favour. Get help your hanger. 

0 Comments
    Follow @DrLindsayND
    Tweets by @DrLindsayND

    Archives

    June 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    November 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011

    Categories

    All
    Awesome Foods
    Awesome Foods
    Clean And Green
    Conditions
    Fertility
    Fitness
    Heart Month
    Recipes
    Simple Tips
    Simple Tips

©2021 Dr. Lindsay Self, ND. Toronto, Ontario. 
Photos used under Creative Commons from betsyweber, GDS Infographics, Nesster, Old Photographs Archive Spain, quinn.anya, Bill Kasman, Neeta Lind, acidpix, FolsomNatural, scomedy, noricum, GabboT, ebbandflowphotography, blumenbiene, mealmakeovermoms, gruntzooki, Ly Thien Hoang, Hey Paul Studios, katerha, gwdexter, Alan Cleaver, law_keven, Katrin Gilger, richard_north, bradley j, jimw, frostnova, Lori Greig, biology flashcards, scottobear, liverpoolhls, katerha, TipsTimesAdmin, timsackton, AndyRobertsPhotos, Skley, jerine, babbagecabbage, Stephen Cummings, kyducks