Sugar is the fuel for all of our bodily systems. However, candies, sugar-coated cereals, pastries and other extremely concentrated (and relatively modern) sugars are too much for our systems to accommodate effectively. These highly refined and concentrated sugars cause the pancreas to overreact and produce too much insulin (the substance which lowers blood sugar), and this quickly and drastically lowers our blood sugar. The rapidly falling blood sugar level sets off internal alarms and generates an even greater hunger for the concentrated sugars that originally created the problem.

Only you doctor can diagnose hypoglycemia. The symptoms -- tiredness (especially morning and late afternoon), irritability, mood swings, insomnia, food cravings, blurry vision, headaches, anxiety, depression and mental sluggishness -- can be vague and can mimic symptoms of other problems. A high score on the quiz indicates that you have problems handling the sugar in your diet. Try making the recommended changes for at least two to three months and see if you feel better. Most important and probably the most difficult step is to eliminate, or cut way back on your sugar and refined carbohydrate intake. This means natural sugars such as honey and molasses must be avoided as well as refined sugar -- canned fruit, soft drinks and alcohol. Read labels closely -- words like "sucrose", "glucose", "maltose", and "corn syrup" are all sugar.

Try to eat 5-6 servings (half cup each) of fresh vegetables daily (especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, winter squash and leafy greens like kale, collards, beet greens and salad greens) -- steamed, raw, stir-fried and in soups, casseroles, pastas, etc. Eat brown rice often, as well as whole grain pastas, breads, cereals and legumes.

The more natural and unprocessed the food, the more it will stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings for sugar, white bread and white pasta, etc. Try to eat regular meals and don't skip any meals. Eat some protein at each meal and try to include more vegetable protein in your diet. Try some tofu with brown rice or whole grain noodles, lentil, bean or pea soup with whole wheat bread, hummus and pita bread, beans with brown rice or tortillas, or whole wheat bread with almond butter. Adding sprouts to any sandwich will provide extra vegetable protein. Low-fat dairy foods, fish and seafood, eggs and sea vegetables such as dulse are also good sources of protein.

Do not eat large meals. You may feel better if you eat five or six (or even more) small meals during the day, to keep your blood sugar levels up. It's best not to eat after 8pm. Try a pancreatic enzyme supplement with meals to see if it improves digestion. A cup of miso broth makes a good bedtime drink.

Eliminate alcohol and keep your coffee intake to one cup a day. If you smoke, try to at least cut back for now and plan to quit as soon as possible.

Get some exercise every day.

Chromium is a trace mineral that is necessary for the proper functioning of insulin. Eating more chromium-rich foods may help prevent food cravings. Chromium supplements have improved symptoms of hypoglycemia in some people. If your symptoms are severe try 50mcg chromium picolinate twice daily with a meal for six to eight weeks only. Take a multivitamin/mineral tablet daily with a meal.

A green food powdered supplement that is dissolved in water or diluted juice would be an excellent supplement for you. It would give you a quick green boost (minerals) and, since it is a food-source supplement, it is easily absorbed. Wheat grass, barley grass, sometimes alfalfa, spirulina and chlorella are the main ingredients. They supply an extra boost of vegetable protein, minerals, a wide range of vitamins and chlorophyl (good for your liver). Wakunaga Kyo-Green would be a good one to try (it's not too expensive) but there are others available if you can't find it. Green superfoods are really good fatigue fighters, too -- and can help prevent food cravings when taken between meals.

Are you familiar with stevia herb? It's a natural sweetener which can be used in place of sugar in baking. Studies have shown that it helps to regulate blood sugar. If you are under a doctor's care for blood sugar problems, check with them before using stevia herb.

If cravings for sweets and refined carbohydrates are your undoing when trying to eat a healthier diet and/or lose weight, I think you should look for a good book on blood sugar disturbances, as you may need more information that I can include online. It should include menus, recipes, etc.

The liver is responsible for maintaining blood glucose levels. Please also look carefully at the online liver recommendations.

You may also need adrenal support.