Vertigo, also called dizziness, is the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Next to lower back pain, it is the second most common complaint heard by doctors, according to the Vestibular Disorders Association (VDA). Vertigo is not a medical condition itself but a symptom of other conditions. Depending on the underlying cause, nutritional factors may or may not impact your symptoms. For best results, talk to your doctor or dietitian before altering your diet.
Relationship
Your vestibular system includes the parts of your inner ear and brain that affect eye movement and your sense of balance. Vertigo is a common symptom of vestibular disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, migraines and Meniere’s disease. It can also stem from nonvestibular conditions, like stress, hardened or narrowed arteries and other conditions that decrease blood flow to your brain. If your symptoms involve vestibular problems, dietary changes can help by restoring fluid balance in your ears and body. Dietary changes can also reduce symptoms related to migraines. Symptoms associated with arterial narrowing may be helped through a heart-healthy diet, which can slow the progression of artery damage.
Vestibular Guidelines
To minimize vertigo related to vestibular conditions, the VDA recommends consuming food and fluids in even amounts throughout each day. In other words, aim for five or six small meals rather than two or three large ones. And sip fluid throughout each day rather than gulping it down once or twice. Avoid foods that can disrupt fluid balance, such as canned food, processed meats, snack chips and frozen entrees, which are high in salt, and sugary foods, such as candy, pancake syrup, jelly and conventional cookies, cakes and pies. Instead, emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dried beans, homemade soups and fresh fish and meats seasoned with natural herbs. Limit caffeine, which can lead to fluid loss, and alcohol, which can alter the amount and consistency of inner-ear fluid.
Heart-Healthy Guidelines
To prevent or slow arterioslcerosis -- the medical term for narrowed, hardened arteries -- focus on a diet based on vegetables, fruits and whole grains and limited in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol include red, fried and processed meats, high-fat dairy products, egg yolks and fried foods. Your diet should also help you reach or maintain a healthy body weight, because added pounds increase your risk for vertigo and other clogged arteries complications. Foods relatively low in calories yet high in fiber, which promotes appetite control, include berries, peas, lentils, beans, popcorn and other unprocessed grains. Eating a sugar-rich diet, on the other hand, may contribute to weight gain and poor arterial health.
Migraine Guidelines
Foods that may trigger vertigo associated with migraines include chocolate, red wine, aged cheeses, chocolate, smoked fish, chicken livers, nuts, dairy products and some fruits, such as citrus, bananas and avocados. Eating at proper intervals, not skipping meals and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce migraine symptoms. If you're unsure which foods affect you, keep a food journal that tracks your food intake and symptoms.
