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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