In this newsletter I would like to talk to you about reactive hypoglycemia. I also have included a cute cartoon about naturapathy (natural medicine) as well as information about a believer's identity in Christ.

Let's start with reactive hypoglycemia!

Reactive hypoglycemia is just a fancy word for low blood sugar a few hours after meals.

Many people have symptoms of hypoglycemia, but do not know that their symptoms are actually caused by low blood sugar.

Knowledge about hypoglycemia is especially important for those with autism since they can also be affected by hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar may actually be the cause of many of their behavioral problems.

So, what are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

These symptoms include but are not limited to fatigue, headaches, sweating, irritability, heart palpitations, chest tightness, constant hunger, carbohydrate craving, fainting, insomnia, confusion, dizziness, concentration difficulties, shakiness, weakness, drowsiness, anxiety, depression, and aggression.

You do not need to have all of these symptoms when you are experiencing a hypoglycemia episode. Of course, many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

These symptoms usually start within several hours after your last meal or snack particularly if the food contained high amounts of refined sugars, alcohol, or carbohydrates. The extra sugars cause blood sugar to increase rapidly and then to suddenly plunge. The adrenal glands kick out stress hormones to stimulate the release of stored sugar. These hormones actually cause many of the symptoms of hypoglycemia along with the low blood sugar itself.

Hypoglycemic episodes will make it much more difficult for an individual with autism or ADHD to control their behavior. They may more easily become irritable or aggressive or withdrawn. They may have frequent meltdowns. They may also have more anxiety and depression. They may even be erroneously diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

So, what do you do about this condition?

Start by minimizing white flour, white sugars and alcohol which all exacerbate reactive hypoglycemia. Caffeine can also make these symptoms worse.

Instead, eat small frequent meals which include fruit, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts, organic meat and organic dairy and organic eggs. Try to combine carbohydrates with proteins and fats for each meal and snack in order to stabilize your blood sugar. A healthy diet is important for all of us!

Supplements can minimize reactive hypoglycemia. I always recommend that everyone take a whole food supplement and

omega 3 fish oil product. In addition, an

herbal product specifically designed for hypoglycemia is essential.

Controlling reactive hypoglycemia may be an essential factor in improving autism and ADHD.

I found this cartoon by Dr. Mercola called The Town of Allopath which I thought that you all would enjoy!

This month I have been helping my 9 yo daughter with PDD-NOS with her Daughter of the King badge for American Heritage Girls. AHG is a Christian scouting organization which is absolutely terrific! Anyway, we have been discussing her identity in Christ as part of this badge. We came across this summary of a believer's identity in Christ. This summary helped my daughter understand her identity in Christ much better.

I hope that you have found this information useful.

Feel free to pass this newsletter along to others in its entirety so that it can help others, too.

Also, make sure to check out Autism in the Christian Home website and Autism Blog.

Take care,