Vertigo is a symptom rather than a condition and is often categorized as a form of dizziness. When one is experiencing vertigo, he feels as if he is moving or the things around him are spinning. It can be mild or so severe that one may need to sit or lie down until he feels better. Vertigo is often caused by an issue with the mechanisms controlling balance in the inner ear or a problem in a particular part of the brain.

Some causes are vertigo include:

• BPPV – Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common form. It usually happens when one moves his head too quickly such as in the morning when getting out of bed.
• Meniere’s Disease
• Migraines
• Vestibular Neuronitis
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Anemia
• Central nervous system disorders

Diet and Vertigo

Some dietary changes have been noted as helpful for those suffering from vertigo. This is particularly true with those who have secondary endolymphatic hydrops and migraines linked to vertigo. Here are some dietary suggestions:

• Avoid excess sugar and salt.
• Drink fluids to compensate for fluid loss from heat or overexercising.
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day, so food and fluid intake are evenly distributed.
• Avoid a high intake of caffeine.
• Limit or avoid alcohol

It may also help to avoid potential migraine triggers. These may vary from person to person and include:

• Red wine
• Chicken liver
• Chocolate
• Yogurt
• Citrus fruits
• Smoked meat
• Bananas

While following these guidelines may help limit the severity and frequency of attacks, vertigo will still occur if the root cause is not addressed.

Upper Cervical Alignment and Vertigo

A connection has been seen between a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck and vertigo. If the C1 or C2 vertebra move out place, it can put the brainstem under stress or pressure, causing it to malfunction. This means signals that are sent to and from the brain and body may become inaccurate. The brain may receive a signal about where the body is in its environment that is not correct. One can see how this may easily lead to vertigo. Using a gentle method, upper cervical chiropractors can help naturally realign these bones, thereby allowing the body’s balance system to work properly again.

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