Clement G. Martin

What is hypoglycemia and what causes it? This book suggests many possible causes and discusses them, without drawing any conclusions. It names “many and varied” symptoms to watch for.

The treatment is dietary. The author offers three diets, to be applied sequentially: one to diagnose, one to cure, one for long-term maintenance. The diets clash with my dietary beliefs, but one can adapt them to some extent, within his or her own guiding principles. They consist of “small feedings with the object of keeping a small fire burning at all times rather than the occasional large blaze.” They are high in proteins and low in carbohydrates. When he warns against sugars does he mean to include the natural sugars in fresh fruits? Yes and no. He is not clear or consistent about that.

The author advises consulting a physician, but otherwise sees little need for professional intervention. You can diagnose and treat yourself, mostly by diet. Prognosis good.

He discusses in some detail the effects of biorhythms, emotional states, and stress on blood sugar levels, and recommends exercise to burn off “endocrine poisons.” He draws plausible connections between hypoglycemia and alcoholism, and hypoglycemia and obesity.

A quick read with few surprises and few conclusive answers.… (meer)