The Hanger is Real

My friends affectionately (I think?) call me Roxy when I’m hungry. It’s truly like I become a different person. My vision starts to tunnel, my stomach starts to hurt, I feel lightheaded, anxiety starts to bubble up - and I get HANGRY.

If you’ve ever experienced difficult concentrating, a sudden drop in energy, or most important in my case - feeling hangry (angry and hungry) at the same time, you may have been experiencing symptoms of unbalanced blood sugar. Blood sugar is the primary source of energy for your body’s cells, and it is crucial to keep it within a healthy range for optimal health and wellness. This is ESPECIALLY true for people with POTS.

When trying to keep a normal blood sugar level, it's not just about food. It is important to look at the following factors:

Diet: Eating too many carbohydrates, especially those with a high glycemic index (GI), can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a specific food raises your blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index, such as white bread, sugary drinks, and candy, cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a quick drop. For those with POTS, it is especially important to avoid foods that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, such as processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates. Instead, to keep a normal blood sugar level it is recommended to focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day. This includes foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It is also important to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day to prevent dips in blood sugar levels.

Stress: When you're under stress, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which are hormones that can cause your blood sugar to rise. This is because these hormones stimulate your liver to release glucose into your bloodstream to provide energy for the "fight or flight" response. Chronic stress can lead to chronically elevated blood sugar levels, which can increase your risk of developing health problems. For those with POTS it is important to find a mindfulness practice that resonates with you. Think meditation, going for a walk, breath work, or anything else that helps you to feel calm and centred.

Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is essential for regulating your blood sugar levels. When you don't get enough sleep, your body produces too much cortisol and other stress hormones, which can cause your blood sugar to rise. Lack of sleep also affects the hormones that regulate appetite, causing you to crave more sugary or starchy foods, which can contribute to blood sugar imbalances. Try creating a relaxing bedtime routine and turning electronic devices off before you go to sleep.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate your blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by your muscles. With POTS it is important to start your exercise low and slow and build up your strength. You may even want to start exercising seating or laying down before you try exercising on your feet. Keeping hydrated is also a must. Pay attention to how you feel while exercising and after the exercise - don’t push beyond your limits!

While trying to manage my blood sugar - and all of my POTS symptoms in general - I have found it really helpful to create a routine for myself that revolves around those four elements. It has helped to stabilize my nervous system and has generally created much more healthy habits that are helping me to live a more balanced life. I will be posting lots of great information and coping tactics to do with diet, stress, sleep, and exercise on the blog as it evolves. Stay tuned!