Dizziness is a perceived sensation of head-spinning or movement, often accompanied by nausea, confusion, and poor balance. Causes of dizziness, sometimes called vertigo, may include brain disorders, fluid in the inner ear, motion sickness, diabetes medications, tumors, allergies, and infections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), certain foods may help prevent or reduce dizziness commonly associated with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Treatment for underlying medical causes of dizziness is generally required for best results.

Protein in Vertigo Diet

Protein provides amino acids, the building blocks of lean tissue. Protein also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and may prevent or reduce dizziness caused by skipping meals, under-eating, and hypoglycemia associated with diabetes. According to the UMMC, increased dietary protein, as part of an overall balanced, nutrient-rich diet, can reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia. Optimum protein sources are low in saturated fat and include skinless white meat poultry, fish, legumes, eggs/egg whites, tofu, and low-fat dairy or soy products. The UMMC suggests that people with recurrent hypoglycemia reap roughly 30 percent of daily calories, or one-third of each meal, from protein.

Add Whole Grains

Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of important nutrients during food processing. They supply plentiful amounts of dietary fiber and nutrients, such as iron and B-vitamins. For these reasons, the UMMC suggests whole grains in place of refined grains as a means of preventing dizziness and other symptoms of hypoglycemia. People with anemia, a form of iron deficiency characterized by dizziness and fatigue, may also benefit from regular consumption of whole grains. Examples of nutrient-rich whole-grain foods include whole-grain cereals, breads, whole-grain pasta, wild rice, quinoa, spelt, barley and popcorn. To ensure proper nutrient intake when purchasing whole grain-based foods, whole grains should be listed as primary ingredients on nutrition labels.

Fruit Juice, Dried Fruit or Soda

When blood sugar drops dramatically, it may cause sudden, intense dizziness. Though such drops can affect almost anyone, they are a common complication of diabetes and diabetes treatment. In addition to regular blood glucose monitoring and an overall healthy, doctor-approved diet, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a snack containing 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates as a means of remedying sudden blood sugar decline. Examples of foods that contain 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates include four ounces (1/2 cup) of pure fruit juice, four ounces “regular” (sugar-containing) soda, and two tablespoons of unsweetened raisins or other dried fruit. If dizziness continues after a carbohydrate-containing snack is consumed, the ADA suggests prompt medical attention.

Avoid the Salt

Dizziness can also be caused by Meniere’s disease, or inflammation of the inner ear. In addition to dizziness, this condition can also cause ringing in the ears, hearing loss, nausea, loss of balance or headaches, according to HealthLine. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease can improve with dietary changes, including avoiding caffeine, limiting alcoholic beverages to one per day and keeping salt intake to less than 2,000 milligrams per day, according to a study published in 2017 by “American Family Physician.”

References:

1. University of Maryland Medical Center: Low Blood Sugar
2. Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron Fact Sheet
3. American Diabetic Association: Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
4. American Family Physician: Dizziness: Approach to Evaluation and Management
5. HealthLine: Meniere’s Disease

Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.livestrong.com by August McLaughlin where all credits are due. Reviewed by Sylvie Tremblay.

Disclaimer

The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah®. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah® are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information being provided should only be considered for education and entertainment purposes only. If you feel that anything you see or hear may be of value to you on this page or on any other medium of any kind associated with, showing, or quoting anything relating to Dr. Farrah® in any way at any time, you are encouraged to and agree to consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your area to discuss it. If you feel that you’re having a healthcare emergency, seek medical attention immediately. The views expressed here are simply either the views and opinions of Dr. Farrah® or others appearing and are protected under the first amendment.

Dr. Farrah® is a highly experienced Licensed Medical Doctor certified in evidence-based clinical nutrition, not some enthusiast, formulator, or medium promoting the wild and unrestrained use of nutrition products for health issues without clinical experience and scientific evidence of therapeutic benefit. Dr. Farrah® has personally and keenly studied everything she recommends, and more importantly, she’s closely observed the reactions and results in a clinical setting countless times over the course of her career involving the treatment of over 150,000 patients.

Dr. Farrah® promotes evidence-based natural approaches to health, which means integrating her individual scientific and clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise, I refer to the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice.

Dr. Farrah® does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of any multimedia content provided. Dr. Farrah® does not warrant the performance, effectiveness, or applicability of any sites listed, linked, or referenced to, in, or by any multimedia content.

To be clear, the multimedia content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any website, video, image, or media of any kind. Dr. Farrah® hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.