Why does my blood sugar drop after eating protein?

Protein has only a small effect on blood glucose levels. In fact, protein tends to help stabilize blood sugars by blunting the absorption of carbohydrates/sugars. As protein breaks down into glucose more slowly than carbohydrate the effect of protein on blood glucose levels tends to occur gradually over a few hours.

Why is my blood sugar low after eating carbs?

It’s likely the result of your body making too much insulin after a large, carb-heavy meal. Scientists aren’t sure why, but sometimes your body continues to release extra insulin even after you’ve digested your meal. This added insulin makes your blood glucose level drop below normal.

Does eating protein with carbs lower blood sugar?

Slowing Sugar Absorption With Protein Adding protein to a carb-based meal or snack will lower your blood glucose reading.

Can too much protein cause low blood sugar?

Earlier short-term studies indicated that a high-protein diet may decrease blood sugar levels. However, on a longer-term basis, a diet that contains too much animal protein may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Does protein slow down sugar absorption?

Protein takes longer to digest, slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

What does reactive hypoglycemia feel like?

Reactive hypoglycemia is a drop in blood glucose (sugar) that occurs after eating. Symptoms usually develop within four hours of consuming food and may include shakiness, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Severe cases can lead to fainting or seizures.

Why do I feel shaky after eating carbs?

People with IPS have the symptoms of hypoglycemia 2 to 4 hours after a meal, but they don’t have low blood glucose. This usually occurs after eating a high-carbohydrate meal. Other names for IPS include: carbohydrate intolerance.

Should you combine carbs and protein?

On a food combining diet, protein and carbohydrates are never eaten together. In addition to keeping proteins and starches separated, a food combining diet suggests consuming sweet fruit only in moderation and on an empty stomach—a few hours after or 20 minutes before a meal.

Is it better to eat carbs with protein?

Proteins (and fats) take longer to digest than carbs, so eating protein along with the carb slows down digestion in the stomach and absorption in the intestines. This will help slow the rate of sugar entering the bloodstream, keeping blood sugars steady and preventing blood sugar spikes (and crashes).

Does protein cancel out sugar?

Many people may be concerned about the effect of consuming sugar with a protein rich meal. When it comes to protein absorption the evidence doesn’t suggest that sugar has any negative or positive effect. The protein digestion and absorption process does not seem to be affected by sugar.

What foods block sugar absorption?

Go nuts. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain healthy fat that slows the body’s absorption of sugar. But be sure to limit how many nuts you eat in one sitting because even healthy fats contain calories, Smithson says.