Vertigo is when you feel as though the world around you is spinning. The University of California, Irvine, states that there are two principal types of vertigo, central and peripheral, and that peripheral vertigo, which is often caused by inner ear problems, is the most commonly experienced type. Dietary changes may be helpful in treating some cases of vertigo, although you should always discuss the safety and efficacy of this approach with your doctor beforehand.
Vertigo Info
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is one of the leading causes of vertigo. It involves brief episodes of mild to severe dizziness and is caused by changes in your head position. According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, BPPV is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the diagnoses made by health care professionals who treat vestibular disorders and dizziness. BPPV is a particularly common cause of vertigo in seniors, notes the Association. BPPV and other types of vertigo are a common cause of lost work time and reduced quality of life.
Helpful Diet
Several dietary changes may be helpful in treating your vertigo. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that reducing your total sodium intake to under 2,000 mg each day may be beneficial in treating your vertigo. Excess sodium can impair your inner ear function. Foods containing zinc, vitamins A, C and E and brewer's yeast may also help. Consider avoiding caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and fried foods.
Beneficial Food
Calf's liver contains a significant number of nutrients and may be helpful in treating your vertigo. Calf's liver, notes biologist and nutritionist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," contains both zinc and vitamin A, which help support the function of your immune system and are an important inclusion in a well-rounded treatment plan for vertigo. Calf's liver has also historically been used in promoting bone health, heart health and increasing energy production.
Additional Information
Vertigo is a troublesome condition that can significantly affect your ability to perform daily activities. If you are diagnosed with this health problem, review your treatment options -- including natural therapeutic measures such as diet and nutrition -- with your doctor. Although dietary changes may be helpful in treating your vertigo, some foods traditionally used for this health purpose may require a larger body of scientific research evidence to support their use.
References
- University of California-Irvine: Vertigo and Dizziness
- Vestibular Disorders Association: Statistics
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
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