Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. Peripheral vertigo derives from a problem in your inner ear. Central vertigo derives from a problem in the back of your brain or brain stem. Numerous factors may contribute to your symptoms, including inflammation, migraines, head injuries, tumors and medications, such as aspirin and anti-convulsants. In addition to seeking treatment for the underlying cause, dietary changes, including avoiding caffeine, may help manage your symptoms.
Function
Dietary strategies for managing vertigo aim to regulate fluid balance in your ears and reduce substances that contribute to your symptoms, according to the Vestibular Disorders Association. As a stimulant with diuretic, or fluid-flushing, properties, caffeine may offset fluid levels throughout your body. Caffeine can also make tinnitus, which is the perception of "ringing" in your ears that may accompany vertigo, worse. Caffeine can also worsen migraine symptoms in some people, making way for vertigo.
Sources
Caffeine occurs naturally in plants, such as coffee, beans, cocoa beans and tea leaves. It's also used to add stimulant properties soft drinks, energy drinks and weight loss and energy-geared beverages, bars, supplements and gum. The richest sources of caffeine include energy drinks and coffee. Soft drinks and tea contain moderate amounts and chocolate contains modest amounts. Moderate intake for most healthy adults, according to MayoClinic.com, is 200 to 300 mg of caffeine per day.
Considerations
Caffeine can have significantly varying effects on people, according to the American Headache Society Committee on Headache Education. While it improves migraine pain in some people, it exacerbates symptoms in others. If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, one cup of coffee may leave you shaky and restless and have a greater potential for worsening vertigo. The amount of caffeine you consume also plays a role in its impact. An 8-oz. cup of brewed coffee provides 102 to 200 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks provide up to 300 mg per 8.4 oz. can. The more caffeine you consume, the greater your chance becomes for experiencing a fluid imbalance and vertigo.
Suggestions
If you are prone to vertigo, the VDA recommends avoiding caffeine, alcohol and foods and beverages with high sugar content. Many energy drinks, soft drinks and blended coffee drinks are rich in caffeine and sugar. For enhanced fluid balance, distribute your intake of fluid throughout the day. Water, milk, soy milk, pure juices and many herbal teas provide valuable caffeine-free options. If your symptoms are associated with migraines, avoiding common migraine triggers, such as red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats and nuts, may also help. To prevent withdrawal symptoms associated with eliminating caffeine, such as headaches, irritability and grogginess, reduce your intake gradually.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vertigo-associated Disorders
- Vestibular Disorders Association: Dietary Considerations
- American Headache Society Committee on Headache Education: Caffeine and Migraine
- MayoClinic.com: You May Like Caffeine's Effects, But How Much is Too Much?
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Caffeine Content of Food & Drugs
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