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A few months ago I started working out, again. I had tried a few times over the past few years but after exercising for a few weeks, anxiety returned. I couldn’t figure out what was causing it. Then, a week ago I had to prepare a lecture on blood sugar. As I did my research, I read that exercise induced hypoglycemia can happen up to 24 hours after physical activity. “Ah ha!” I thought. Maybe now I can get this anxiety cause handled!
Pre and post work out I would check my blood sugar levels and they would test within normal range. This didn’t make sense because I was showing classic signs of hypoglycemia, including anxiety. Sheri Colberg mentioned in her article Dealing with Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia that blood sugar levels may test normal during a hypoglycemic episode, especially during and post exercise. Symptoms occur due to rapid blood sugar changes, so a person needs to know the signs their body gives to identify when there’s a problem.
When the glycogen is depleted from the muscles during exercise symptoms like shakiness, weakness, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, profuse sweating, and extreme muscle fatigue may occur. Know these first hand! I consulted with a personal trainer who is well versed in nutrition. He said to try consuming some kind of carbohydrate and protein when symptoms occur and during the cool down.
I have experimented with this and have had great results. I’ve been using Young Living’s Ningxia Red because it is low glycemic and is full of amino acids. I add 2 ounces to my water bottle at the end of my work out. Within a few minutes the shakes and fatigue is gone. Plus, the next day I’m fine – no hypoglycemic drops or anxiety.
On the other hand, I’ve even experimented with just a simple carb (like a fruit juice) without the protein, that did NOT work! Hypoglycemic symptoms lasted for over an hour and the next day I was wiped out. Pretty good indicator it didn’t work.
Exercise is an important part of repairing the damage from insulin resistance. Also, it helps balance the feel good chemicals in the body that fight anxiety. Figuring out what works takes experimentation and patience. It can be frustrating at times but when the solutions are all figured out, it’s worth it!
