Dizziness :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Dizziness

Symptoms

When dizziness strikes, our spatial understanding of the world gets distorted, causing unsteadiness and light-headedness. Vision becomes affected, along with spinning, swaying or falling. This unsteadiness often causes *nausea and *vomiting, or a loss of consciousness

Causes

Dizzy spells, or vertigo, can be a signal for all kinds of problems. In many cases, dizziness is caused by poor circulation and lack of oxygen to the brain, due to *stress, overwork or *anxiety. *Hearing problems will cause dizziness. Toxic effects of alcohol, drugs and medications can interfere with coordination by reducing oxygen to the brain, causing a spinning sensation. Tension in the shoulders or spinal alignment problems can interrupt circulation. A short episode of dizziness and blackouts when getting up too quickly are the result of short-term oxygen deprivation, often linked to low blood pressure. Chronic circulatory problems can be related to underlying circulatory-related illnesses such as *arteriosclerosis, high or low *blood pressure, *heart problems and *anemia. Short but violent attacks of dizziness can be precursors for an impending *stroke in high-risk groups. Dizziness can also occur during a *cold or flu, if the body’s circulation has been affected by illness or prolonged bedrest.

The inner ear regulates spatial awareness, and infections such as labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear) are a likely source of persistent dizziness and associated *nausea and *vomiting. *Ear ringing, dizziness and hearing problems are typical symptoms for Menire’s disease. Dizziness caused by low blood-sugar levels is a symptom of *hypoglycemia.

Nutrition

Dietary measures are effective in the long-term treatment and prevention of conditions like arteriosclerosis, blood pressure problems, *hypoglycemia or anemia, the symptoms of which often include dizziness. Reduce meats with a high saturated-fat content, which compromises oxygen flow to the brain, and avoid sweet foods which provoke sudden changes in blood-sugar levels. Emphasize complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes and starchy vegetables, which are metabolized slowly and do not destabilize blood-sugar levels. Include plenty of fresh, raw vegetable and fruit salads, rich in the vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed to promote optimal oxygen transport to the brain. Dress the salads with unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil, which contains the essential fatty acids omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. These fats, which the body cannot manufacture itself, are essential for healthy fat metabolization and keeping the arteries clear.
Certain nutrient deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) or vitamin B3 (niacin), can cause dizziness. Nutritional yeast and raw wheat germ are particularly rich sources of both niacin and pyridoxine and should be added to the daily diet if a deficiency is suspected.

To alleviate a sudden attack of dizziness, take a spoonful of honey to immediately boost blood-sugar levels.

If dizzy due to high blood pressure, eat one fresh clove of garlic daily for a couple of weeks.

A low-salt diet may be effective in some cases of dizziness caused by the accumulation of fluid in the inner ear. Aside from salt, victims of repeated attacks of dizziness of unknown origin benefit from caffeine restriction (coffee, chocolate, tea, soft drinks, analgesics) and avoidance of alcohol because all these items adversely affect the volume and concentration of fluid levels. It is also acknowledged by scientific literature that certain foods can act as triggers for attacks. Food allergy testing is certainly worth considering, especially in more resistant cases.

Mineral imbalances, especially those involving calcium, magnesium and manganese, may aggravate dizziness. A health care practitioner can test individuals to see whether or not diet changes or mineral supplementation is warranted.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements depend largely on the condition causing the dizziness. If there is no obvious cause and there is overall weakness, a vitamin B complex should be taken to strengthen the constitution. Vitamin B₃ enhances circulation (for more information, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements). Vitamin B₆ prevents fluid accumulation. Taking quercetin before meals minimizes any allergic reaction to food by stabilizing the mast cell membrane. Vitamin C also decreases the chance of an allergic reaction, due to its antihistaminic effect.

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Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona

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