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Dizziness

Dizziness refers to a loss of balance or unsteadiness that can often be accompanied by a sensation of faintness and/or lightheadedness.

Dizziness is usually caused by a sudden drop of blood pressure in the brain as a result of standing up too quickly (postural hypotension), fatigue, stress, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), temporary blockage of blood to the brain as in a transient ischemic attack, low blood oxygenation (anemia), low blood iron, and/or certain drugs.

More severe symptoms of dizziness are often defined as vertigo. There are two types of vertigo:

  • subjective vertigo, in which the individual has impression he or she is spinning,
  • objective vertigo, in which it appears that objects are spinning around the individual.

Note
True vertigo is caused by a problem somewhere within the middle ear, eighth (acoustic) cranial nerve, the brain (brain stem), or the eyes. Unlike dizziness, vertigo is usually associated with nausea, vomiting, and severe sweating, and is mainly caused by viral infection in the canals of inner ear or Meniere's disease, which is characterized by bouts of severe nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and dizziness that can persist for days and weeks.

What To Consider

Lightheadedness, giddiness, and fear of losing one's balance may be a sign of depression or anxiety.

At the first signs of an attack of dizziness, take a few deep breaths and sit down to rest. When you feel dizzy upon standing it helps if you can immediately squat down or cross your legs (strongly pressing them against each other), as this forces circulation back up from the lower body/limbs to the trunk and head.

If dizziness is caused by standing after sitting or lying down, this can be an indication of adrenal exhaustion. The individual should take action to restore adrenal health by stopping the use of stimulants (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol) and via rest and normalization of lifestyle and nutritional balance.

Caution
Severe or prolonged dizziness needs to be evaluated by health professional and may require blood tests.

Self-Care Tips

Diet
Eat an organic, whole foods diet. If you are hypoglycemic (suffering from low blood sugar), eat smaller meals throughout the day and eliminate your intake of refined sugars, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. If you are anemic, consume more chicken, dark green vegetables, and raw seeds.

Nutritional Supplementation
Vitamin B complex, niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin E, and iron (in cases of dizziness related to anemia) are helpful supplements for preventing and minimizing the effects of dizziness.

For dizziness related to adrenal exhaustion, also include vitamin C (3-5 grams daily), vitamin B5 (500-1000 mg daily), and adrenal glandulars as part of your daily supplement program.

Flower Essences
Take Rescue Remedy for accompanying stress.

Herbs
Ginger and ginkgo leaf extract can be very helpful.

Homeopathy
Gelsemium, Phosphorus, Cocculus, Convallaria, and Granatum can help address underlying causes of dizziness.

Hydrotherapy
Hot foot bath.

Caution

If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional.

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