Hypoglycemia? Waking up in the middle of the night?You may have a liver issue...
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia CAN be caused by excess insulin, usually from being administered by a diabetic. However, for most people, hypoglycemia is not an insulin issue, it is a liver issue. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by a diseased, overburdened or undernourished liver.
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The liver, not only stores glucose during digestion but it also releases stored glucose (glycogen) when needed--like when sleeping and exercising. In addition, if glucose is in short supply, the liver can produce huge quantities of sugar from proteins (ingested and your own tissue) and a much smaller amount from the glycerol part of fats.
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Basically, the liver is in charge of regulating your blood sugar levels (along with hormones like insulin, glucagon, cortisol, adrenaline, growth hormone, etc.).
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So, it would make sense, if you have a liver disease, like hepatitis, heavy metal poisoning, cirrhosis, or cancer you would suffer from hypoglycemia. It would also make sense when the liver is forced to work harder, due to excess drugs, alcohol, excess estrogen, polyunsaturated fats, and too much stress that you would also experience blood sugar issues--as your liver runs out of glucose. ie. waking up in the middle of the night.
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For your liver to work optimally (and be able to store adequate sugar for when you are NOT eating), it not only needs to be healthy, but it also needs to be well nourished.
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What does a well nourished liver look like?
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👉Adequate protein (at least 80g.)
👉B vitamins (eating liver, eggs, beef and dairy). Yes, eating liver supports the health of your liver.
👉Fuel (glucose)
👉Good thyroid function (which means lower stress/stress management, metabolic food, rest, and happiness).
-Also...
👉Caffeine/coffee (start with a small dose/ 1-2 oz.)
👉Carrot salad-->Helps remove estrogens
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In addition, regulating your blood sugar with small, frequent, balanced meals, through out the day can take some of the burden off of your liver. This allows your liver to use its stored glucose to support its own function and health. Yes, the liver fuels itself!