In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009, about 35.4% of American adults above the age of 40 years suffer from vestibular dysfunction or severe dizziness and lightheadedness. The same report suggested that vertigo and dizziness attributed to more than number of accidental deaths among elderly due to falls or injuries. Dizziness and vertigo also significantly affects the quality of life of elderly individuals. This article provides insights into factors contributing to dizziness or lightheadedness and simple home and natural remedies to treat dizziness effectively.
What is Dizziness? Dizziness Causes
Dizziness is a condition characterized by lightheadedness or a sensation of loss of balance and disorientation. Dizziness may be associated with symptoms like nausea, blurring of vision and a feeling of uneasiness. Often dizziness is associated with a sensation of head rush and excessive perspiration and hyperventilation. Here are some common causes that are associated with dizziness,
Here are some simple tips and home remedy suggestions for management of lightheadedness and dizziness,
For individuals with frequent episodes of dizziness, there are certain diet and food suggestions,
Here are some simple tips to treat and prevent dizziness and attacks of lightheadedness,
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| Dizziness affects Elderly Individuals |
Dizziness is a condition characterized by lightheadedness or a sensation of loss of balance and disorientation. Dizziness may be associated with symptoms like nausea, blurring of vision and a feeling of uneasiness. Often dizziness is associated with a sensation of head rush and excessive perspiration and hyperventilation. Here are some common causes that are associated with dizziness,
- Vertigo: This condition is often attributed to vestibular dysfunction which often results in the loss of control of balance with a sensation of falling. This is the most common cause of dizziness among the elderly age group.
- Altered Blood Pressure: Hypertension or elevated blood pressure can result in dizziness. On the other hand drop in blood pressure below normal due to dehydration or other factors can also result in reduced blood supply to the brain and cause dizziness.
- Inadequate nutrition, long standing fever or chronic ailment, vomiting and diarrhea can also result in episodes of giddiness and imbalance
- Cardiovascular disorders like peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, angina, etc can also contribute to dizziness.
- Panic attacks often associated with elevated levels of stress can result in episodes of dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Dizziness when associated with nausea can be indicative of gastrointestinal disorders which include gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning and even diabetes.
Here are some simple tips and home remedy suggestions for management of lightheadedness and dizziness,
- Ensure that you drink lots of water and fresh fruit juice. Often dehydration or sudden drop in blood pressure is one of the most common causes. Avoid soda drinks and caffeine as these can be dehydrating.
- Ginger is considered to be highly beneficial in treating dizziness associated with symptoms of nausea. Crush ginger roots and consume them fresh or boil them in a bowl of water and drink the decoction. Chamomile or peppermint is also good natural substitutes for ginger to manage lightheadedness.
- Wheat germ is also found to be beneficial in the management of lightheadedness. Consuming about two teaspoons of wheat germ with a glass of warm milk can help ease dizziness and lightheadedness. It is highly beneficial during pregnancy.
- Soak about five grams of coriander seeds in water overnight and consume the seeds along with a tablespoon of honey in the morning. Coriander seeds are bitter and honey helps sweeten it.
- A mixture comprising of freshly squeezed lemon juice, black pepper and salt in a glass of water is also considered to be a good treatment for vertigo.
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| Coriander Seeds for Lightheadedness |
For individuals with frequent episodes of dizziness, there are certain diet and food suggestions,
- Dizziness is linked with sudden drop in blood sugar levels and hence consuming foods like honey or fruit juices is considered to be highly beneficial. Consume coconut water and lime water to help retain normal blood sugar levels. However diabetic patients need to consult their doctors in cases of emergency.
- Anemia is another cause for dizziness. Consume foods rich in iron, Vitamin B12 and folic acid. Increase intake of chicken and lean meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, soy, etc. These foods are loaded with iron and Vitamin B12.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine in your diet. Reduce the intake of salt and sweets, especially containing refined sugar.
- Never skip a meal and eat small quantities of food frequently. Don’t stay hungry for more than four hours at a stretch.
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| Coconut Water to Treat Dizziness |
Here are some simple tips to treat and prevent dizziness and attacks of lightheadedness,
- Avoid sudden jerky movement. Avoid standing up or reclining suddenly. This can result in positional hypotension and affect the circulation of blood to the brain
- Stress management plays a crucial role in the treatment of dizziness. Yoga and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial in the management of the condition.
- In case of dizziness one must relax and take deep breaths. Press the ridge above the nose, between the two eyes for a couple of seconds with your thumb. This can provide instant relief from dizziness.
