Natural Tips for Dealing With Vertigo
If you have ever had a feeling of vertigo, you know that it is not a pleasant sensation. Vertigo is the feeling that either you or your surroundings are spinning and is associated with blurred vision, loss of balance and nausea. Vertigo itself is not usually a condition on its own, but rather a symptom of a disease or other conditions.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is usually caused by problems in the inner ear or the brain that are responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Some common causes of vertigo include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which results when small crystals of calcium carbonate settle in the ear canals after head injury or as part of the aging process. The inner ear may then mistakenly detect movement, resulting in the sensation of vertigo. BPPV usually causes short but intense vertigo episodes, which are triggered by movement of the head.
- Vestibular neuritis, or inflammation in the inner ear, is a balance disorder that usually comes on suddenly and results in constant feelings of vertigo that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and loss of balance. Sometimes, vestibular neuritis causes hearing loss, resulting in a condition called labyrinthitis.
- Ménière’s disease is a disorder caused by excessive fluid buildup in the ear. Along with vertigo, this condition causes ringing in the ears, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and hearing loss. Ménière’s disease usually only affects one ear, and symptoms generally occur in “attacks.”
Vertigo may also be caused by a migraines, head or neck injuries, medications, multiple sclerosis and tumors.
Natural Tips For Vertigo Symtpoms
For many, most symptoms of vertigo will resolve within a few weeks. However, as vertigo can affect quality of life, a number of natural methods can be used to ease symptoms and promote faster recovery. The treatments or course of actions are dependent on the cause of vertigo, but there are some things can help with the common symptoms of vertigo, such as nausea.
If vertigo persists, it is important to see your health care practitioner. In some cases, head maneuvers, physical therapy and or medications may be necessary.
Diet
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that consuming a diet low in sodium and caffeine helps to ease vertigo symptoms, especially those caused by Ménière’s disease. Salt (sodium) can affect the fluid balance in the inner ear and can cause a buildup of fluid in the ear, which can trigger vertigo. Reducing salt intake can help reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes in people with Meniere's disease.
Other ways to maintain fluid balance are to drink plenty of water and limit or abstain from alcohol.
Supplements
Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. You can try drinking ginger tea, taking ginger supplements, or adding fresh ginger to your meals.
Vitamin D: Some studies have suggested that a vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of vertigo. If you are deficient in vitamin D, taking supplements may help reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo symptoms. There are tests that can determine your vitamin D levels.
Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba is an herb has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and may help alleviate symptoms of vertigo. Avoid this herb if you are on blood thinners.
If you have questions regarding vertigo, please contact Village Green Apothecary.
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