The problem frequently occurs when after advising them that they need to increase the sugars they eat, they fall upon the idea that honey is the best, most 'natural' option. Eating honey seems to exacerbate the symptoms of hypoglycemia such as;
- Confusion
- Fogginess
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Pounding heart
- Racing pulse
- Pale skin
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
If left these symptoms can extend to;
- Passing out
- Numbness in mouth or tongue
- Nightmares
- Coma
So, what is it in honey that causes these symptoms to get worse? To look into the phenomena I thought we'd take a look at Mad Honey Disease as I feel their may be a link.
The honey that's most likely to cause you harm comes from Turkey, in a region by the Black Sea. Toxins found in local rhododendrons and azaleas are poisonous to us frail humans. The toxins known as grayanotoxins are pretty dangerous. Having spoken with a few people who suffered at its hands, its not something I'd want to risk.
Symptoms include;
- Hallucinations
- Convulsions
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Death
Its incidences are rare but definitely on the increase, could the symptoms seen in my clients be similar albeit milder, to the ones seen in mad honey disease?