DEFICIENT LIVER GLYCOGEN HYPOGLYCEMIA

One of the many functions of the liver is to regulate dietary sugar flow. The body disapproves of too much sugar entering the blood stream at one time. When we eat sugar (carbohydrates), the liver first converts it to a storage sugar called glycogen. Glycogen is like a fuel reserve waiting for distribution. When needed, glycogen converts to glucose and flows into the blood stream. The liver is responsible for releasing this stored sugar during exercise, between meals, and during stress. Liver sugar management is the foundation for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. It is fast, easily accessible and effective. If the liver is unable to make glycogen, then there is no quick source of fuel for normal activities and stress adaptation. In addition, regulation of dietary sugars stops. Sugar from sweets, fruit, juice, and pastries will pass directly into the blood stream. A rush of sugar forces the body to produce large amounts of insulin. Insulin pushes sugar out of the blood stream into the cells. This event should normalize the blood sugar level, except for one slight physiological flaw. Regulation of most body’s systems is by negative feedback. When the body recognizes normal blood sugar levels exist, it cancels insulin production, but by the time the message reaches the pancreas, it produces more insulin than needed. This process removes too much sugar causing the blood sugar to drop too low and the onset of hypoglycemia symptoms.

The deficient liver glycogen hypoglycemia produces a unique set of symptoms. Any form of sugar will cause a loss of energy within thirty minutes of consumption. Going too long without eating and consuming stimulants will also produce fatigue. Eating protein and eating frequently seems to help the symptoms. There is always a feeling of vulnerability that causes withdrawn behavior. Likes to have head covered and be in closed or secluded rooms. I mentioned this symptom to a patient suffering from this form of hypoglycemia and he responded by stating he feels very comfortable while reading in his closet. Generally, there is a loss of motivation and a relative degree of pessimism. They are usually more positive in the morning but by 11AM, their energy begins to wane and they identify reasons why they cannot accomplish any of the ideas identified during the morning optimism. The deficient liver hypoglycemic will often be aware that they must get as much done as possible before noon or there is a good chance it will not get done. They tend to dwell on everything that is wrong, which verifies their decreased productivity and need for isolation. They are emotionally sensitive and tend to cry easily as children. This sensitivity develops into sullen and brooding behavior when older. Their appearance is frail often with fine features, cold hands, dark circles under sunken eyes, with poor muscular development.

Deficient liver glycogen treatment: The primary rationale for treating this condition is to make the necessary dietary corrections and support the liver with supportive supplements. Eliminate all sweets, colas, soft drinks, artificial syrups and sweeteners, sugar, honey, fruit juices, and all caffeine from the diet for a minimum of three months. During the first two weeks of treatment, avoid even whole fruit, vegetable juice, dried fruits, and real maple syrup. In addition, restrict high-glycemic grains (those that release their carbohydrate sugars rapidly) such as refined flour products, millet, quick-cooking oats, packaged cereals, quinoa, couscous, and white rice. Starches should be limited to whole grains including long grain brown rice, oat grouts, blue corn meal, and spelt products. Rice and spelt pastas and noodles are satisfactory starches. It is important to include protein with each main meal since protein stabilizes this condition more than any other type of food. The most satisfying proteins are small fish, eggs, chicken, turkey, lean meat, lamb, lentils, black-eyed peas, and black beans. As the condition improves, add low-glycemic fruits. This includes mildly sweet apples like Fuji’s or galas, bananas, pears, grapes, and papaya eaten just prior to meals, which assists to slow the absorption rate of the sugars. Finally, since a hypoglycemic liver is unable to maintain blood sugar for more than one to two hours after meals, eat four to six meals a day. Snacking in the mid-morning and afternoon is essential for stabilizing the condition in the first two to four weeks. As the condition improves, fewer meals are required.

The main supplements that assist the liver in healing are HGLiv, Hepatrophin PMG, Liver tablets, Amino Acids, Magnesium, Vitamin B-12 1000mg, and Folic acid.