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.
Oxygen circulation can be improved with vitamin E. Brain function is optimized with choline derived from lecithin. Coenzyme Q10 can also enhance circulation. If dizziness is due to low blood pressure, sex glands not functioning properly or hypoglycemia, take bee pollen.
Daily dosages:
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
Bee pollen, 1 tsp., with 1 tsp. kelp in a 1/2 cup of carrot juice
Vitamin B3, 100 mg, three times daily
Vitamin B6, 50 mg or more daily
Quercetin, 500 mg, three times daily before meals
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 2,000 mg, three times daily with meals (or to bowel tolerance, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements)
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 800 IU daily
Choline, 6 grams daily
Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies can strengthen the blood and oxygenate the brain to prevent and alleviate dizziness.
When having a dizziness attack, rub lemon balm or lavender oil on forehead and temples, or mix 1 tsp. of lavender oil with 4 tbsp. of honey and take 1/2 tsp. of this mix.
If dizzy after getting up in the morning, drink 1-2 cups of tea made with equal parts of St. John’s wort, hawthorn blossoms, rosemary and mistletoe. Bring 1 cup of cold water with 1 tbsp. of this mix to a boil, steep for ten minutes, strain and sip slowly.
With a *headache, dizziness and a tendency to fall backwards, take 5-10 drops of mistletoe extract in liquid, three times daily for a couple of weeks.
Dizziness caused by a nervous condition will be helped by taking calming teas of valerian, hops, lemon balm, St. John’s wort, peppermint, rosemary, hawthorn or wormwood.
If dizziness is due to anemia, build up the blood with dandelion, stinging nettle and watercress juice, 1 tbsp. daily.
Take 1 cup of calendula tea to prevent dizzy spells.
Once a week, take a twenty-minute fir-needle bath followed by thirty minutes of rest.
Take ginkgo extract (24% standardized extract), two 40 mg capsules or more daily, as it enhances nervous system function due to its antioxidant properties.
Ginger root used in tea, capsule form or as an additive to any food will treat the nausea that often accompanies dizziness. It also helps improve digestion and its anti-nausea benefits are superior to most commonly prescribed anti-emetic drugs.
Homeopathy
Choose one of the following according to the symptoms described below. Take the 6c strength as often as necessary for up to ten doses when dizziness comes on. For recurring or persistent problems, consult an experienced homeopath.
Take Borax for dizziness made worse by downward motion.
Calcarea is used for dizziness made worse by looking up.
Take Conium for dizziness made worse by lying down.
For trembling and dizziness, take Gelsemium.
Tissue Salts
Take 4 tablets under the tongue every hour for acute cases and have a practitioner check for causes. For more persistent problems, take 4 tablets four times daily for two weeks.
Ferr phos is useful for dizziness associated with a flow of blood to the head, flushing and throbbing *headaches. The dizziness is worst when getting up or rising and can be associated with *anemia.
Kali phos is recommended for dizziness in weak, nervous persons or when caused by worry.
Nat sulph is used in dizziness after a head injury or associated with liver or *gall-bladder problems, where there is a bitter taste in the mouth.
Choose Nat phos when dizziness is due to stomach problems, especially overly acidic conditions with poor appetite.
External/Physical Therapies
Sit or lie down and close the eyes during a dizzy spell. Loosen restricting clothing.
If the dizzy spells occur regularly, daily water stepping helps restore normal circulation.
Splash arms with cold water and, a few times daily, let cold water run over the wrists.
Regular dry brushing and aerobic exercise help normalize circulation.
For better oxygenation, sleep with the window open.
Reflexology
Work the reflexes to the side of the neck, cervicals, spine, ears and eyes, as illustrated.
Available Brand Name Products
Nutritional Supplements
Flax Oil (Flora)
Flax-O-Mega 1000mg (Flora)
Calcium and Magnesium Citrate (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil 1000mg (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Other Nutritional Supplements
Peace River Bee Pollen (Natural Factors)
Pollen Plus Energy (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
Ginger Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)
Hawthorn Tincture (Natural Factors)
St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)
Valerian Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Ginger Root (Nature’s Herbs)
Ginkgo Biloba Extract (Nature’s Herbs)
Hawthorn Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)
Hops-Valerian Combination (Nature’s Herbs)
Kelp (Norwegian) Combination (Nature’s Herbs)
St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)
Valerian-Power (Nature’s Herbs)
Homeopathy
Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd)
Rescue Remedy/Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd)
Other resources: