Latest reports say that up to 35 percent of American adults are Vitamin D deficient. Notably, the country's vitamin deficiency problem stems from many factors, such as lack of sun exposure, poor diet choices, and malabsorption issues; and it has been causing various problems, including increased susceptibility to chronic conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

A 2021 case study has examined the connection between BPPV and vitamin D deficiency. The research included 40 participants – all diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. During the initial phase of the experiment, the researchers measured the vitamin D levels of the study participants. Then the participants were grouped into two. The first one underwent Vitamin D supplements and canalith repositioning maneuvers. The other group did not take Vitamin D. 

Let's look into the results of the study and its significance in BPPV care. Hopefully, the findings from the research paper can provide you with better insights on how to manage your symptoms with the help of proven remedies like Upper Cervical Care.

BPPV and Vitamin D: Understanding The Connection

Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients that the body needs to function correctly. Primarily, it plays an active role in metabolizing calcium, affecting the density and structure of the canalith organs in the ears. As you might have read from other Upper Cervical Awareness blog posts, the canalith organs work hand in hand with other vestibular organs to detect movements. 

Supposedly, they lie near the hair cells – the tiny structures in the ears that translate mechanical signals from sound and movement stimuli into electric signals. Unfortunately, small fragments of the canalith organs tend to break off the parent material. These small bits of calcium carbonate crystals can get stuck in the fluid-filled section of the ears, interfering with normal vestibular function. 

The study found that low Vitamin D levels can aggravate BPPV symptoms. The researchers explained that when the body doesn't have enough Vitamin D in its system, it might struggle to process calcium molecules and ensure that they get deposited in the bones and teeth matrices. This leads to highly debilitating symptoms that can worsen when you move your head excessively.

Hence, as the study suggests, you might find it helpful to complement your efforts to manage BPPV symptoms with Vitamin D supplementation. Other studies suggest taking Vitamin D supplements twice a day to help support proper calcium metabolism and reduce the severity of vertigo episodes. However, it's crucial to note that you should check for vitamin deficiency before boosting your vitamin D intake. Take note that anything taken in excess can potentially harm your body.

Other Effective Ways to Cope with BPPV

While BPPV is indeed one of the most debilitating vertigo-causing conditions to date, affected patients have several options to cope. Here are a few examples of things you can try: 

The Epley Maneuver

Canalith repositioning exercises can potentially help you alleviate your vertigo symptoms. They mostly come in handy in relocating broken-off pieces of the otolith organs. The study found that The Epley Maneuver can provide significant vertigo relief. When done correctly and constantly, it can help thwart debilitating and frustrating bouts of spinning sensations. 

The Epley Maneuver is a specially designed neck exercise that aims to retrain the vestibular system and encourage the displaced calcium crystal to move away from the fluid-filled canals. It's mostly done with the help of a therapist to ensure the correct execution of the movements. 

Lifestyle Changes

BPPV attacks can quickly worsen after shifting the head from one position to the next, so we strongly recommend making a few adjustments to your routine. For example, instead of getting out of bed immediately to start the day, you might find it helpful to slowly ease your body into the new position. You can also manage your diet and avoid food products that can potentially worsen your symptoms. Here are additional lifestyle modification suggestions to help you get started:

• Drink enough water, especially during a warm day
• Eat plenty of vitamin-rich food products
• Take advantage of natural sources of Vitamin D like sardines and herring
• Include gentle stretching exercises to stimulate healthy blood flow to and from the brain
• Steer clear of sodium-rich food items

Upper Cervical Care

Countless people living with BPPV have found great relief after seeking Upper Cervical Care. This is primarily because of the holistic approach of the technique. Basically, an Upper Cervical doctor takes a look at the neckbone structure to check for postural imbalances. Case studies have found that even the slightest changes in the cervical spine can cause several issues that worsen BPPV symptoms. These problems include: 

• Poor blood flow to the brain
• Brainstem irritation or compression
• Increased intracranial pressure 
• Poor fluid drainage 

With the help of gentle neck bone adjustments, you can potentially address the health concerns above. Consequently, you can try Upper Cervical Care to lessen the impact of your BPPV episodes. This technique in Upper Cervical Chiropractic uses sophisticated procedures to assess neck structure discrepancies. Several case studies have looked into maintaining proper posture, and most swear by the effectiveness of this non-traditional approach.

It applies to many individuals, especially those who previously suffered from mild to severe neck injuries. You should also consider seeking Upper Cervical Chiropractic if you notice that your gait, legs, hips, and shoulders appear unlevelled. 

Would you like to explore Upper Cervical Care for BPPV relief? The Upper Cervical Awareness Doctors Directory might come in handy! Browse the directory today to locate the nearest chiropractic practice and book your appointment.

to schedule a consultation today.