Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded? Are your dealing with vertigo? If yes, you may wonder what is causing the problem. Since dizziness and its associated symptoms are caused by various conditions, identifying the underlying issue is the first step in getting the right kind of care. Here are 5 possible causes of dizziness and some natural ways to get relief.
#1 Dehydration
Dizziness is actually one of the earliest signs of dehydration. The good news is that most people can resolve this issue easily by just increasing water intake. If you are having trouble keeping down fluids, you may require further medical attention. This is to get the necessary fluids into you by other means. But if you simply haven’t been drinking enough water daily, changing your attitude toward water itself is the natural way to get relief.
You may want to try tracking your water intake for a week. Do you get the 8 cups of water as a minimum on a daily basis? Do you even get close? Most people are shocked to learn that while they thought they drank plenty of water, they were only taking in the equivalent of 4 to 5 cups per day. Some people need well over the minimum, especially if you live in a hot or dry climate and if you drink other beverages that dry you out like coffee, tea, and soda. A full lifestyle change may be in order if you want to rehydrate your body long-term.
#2 Medications
A doctor will rarely warn you about dizziness being a side effect of a medication. If you get a prescription, the doctor has already decided that the potential side effects are outweighed by how badly you need the medication. So then, is there nothing you can do?
If your dizzy spells coincide with a starting on a new medication, talk to your physician about the dosage. You may be able to get by with a little less of the medication, and that may be enough to reduce the side effects that you experience. On the other hand, there may be another medication that does the same thing. Your doctor may want to try switching to a comparable medication to see if it provides the right results with fewer side effects.
#3 Blood Pressure
Both high or low blood pressure can make you dizzy. In fact, blood pressure medications are among those noted above that have dizziness as a side effect because sometimes they drop the blood pressure down too low until you find the right dosage. High blood pressure is dangerous for a number of reasons and needs to be addressed right away.
Another cause of low blood pressure is when the body doesn’t adjust properly to changes in position. If you get dizzy when you stand up too fast, this may be the problem you are experiencing. Since the ears let the body know you are moving and trigger the increase in blood pressure as you stand up, this low blood pressure issue may be related to a larger overall balance issue in the body that is rooted in the vestibular system (which includes the inner ear and the vestibular nerve that sends messages between the ear and the brain).
#4 Blood Sugar
This is another issue that can lead to dizziness regardless of whether the problem is too little or too much. Diabetics can suffer from both high and low blood sugar issues, so don’t assume your only issue is low blood sugar. Try to eat smaller meals on a regular schedule to regulate your blood sugar and have your blood levels tested so you know if you need further care. Blood sugar problems can become dangerous quickly if you try to adjust your diet and exercise routine without knowing exactly what is wrong.
#5 Stroke or Heart Attack
Don’t panic. While this is the most serious of the causes of dizziness, it is also one of the less likely. Of course, if you have other symptoms that indicate a heart attack or stroke, you should seek emergency attention immediately. A heart attack would normally be accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, and pain in the arm, jaw, or back. A stroke will also cause sudden slurred speech, walking problems, vision changes, numbness, a headache, or weakness. If you are feeling lightheaded for a long time and it simply won’t go away, even if you don’t have any other symptoms, you should still get checked out by a medical professional just to be sure.
The Smart Way to Get Natural Relief from Dizziness
If you experience dizziness on a regular basis, the underlying issue may be in your neck. An upper cervical misalignment can affect blood flow to the brain, communication between the brain and ears, and even blood pressure. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in precisely measuring and gently adjusting the vertebrae at the top of the neck. There’s no popping or twisting required, just a low force correction.
If you suffer from chronic bouts of dizziness or vertigo, especially if you have a history of neck or head injuries, contact an upper cervical practitioner in your local area to learn more. A consultation may be your first step on the path to finding natural, long-term relief from your symptoms.
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