Dizzy spells: why would this happen?

Monday 30 April 2007 19:00 EDT
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I am a 32-year-old woman and sometimes I feel dizzy after eating. It lasts for 45-60 minutes. Do you have any idea why this would happen?

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

When food enters the body it is broken down into simple molecules, which are absorbed through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars such as glucose. When the body detects a rising level of glucose in the bloodstream, the pancreas produces insulin. If too much insulin is produced, the blood glucose level may go too low. This is called reactive hypoglycaemia, and it may be the explanation for your symptoms. It would be interesting to know if the dizziness occurs more often after a meal that contains sweet things. If your blood sugar is going too low after meals, you may be able to solve the problem by changing your diet. Avoid sweet foods and eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and pasta. But before you diagnose yourself with reactive hypoglycaemia, see a doctor who can arrange blood sugar level testing.

Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.

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