Dizzy Spells Symptoms and Cures

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Dizzy spells can be caused by low blood pressure (for example, when getting up too quickly after lying or sitting down, especially if you are taking medication for high blood pressure). Other causes include a substantial loss of blood, anxiety and panic attacks, low blood sugar and inner-ear disturbance. Anemia can also be responsible.

Symptoms

• The room seems to swim, especially after mild exertion - for example, going upstairs
• Loss of appetite
• Lackluster hair and brittle nails
• Pallor
• Exhaustion
• Breathlessness

Cures

Naturopathy

Recommendations include a strictly whole-food diet, with stress reduction to prevent this from worsening dizzy spells caused by anemia. Exercise would be very gentle at first, while the body was assimilating iron and manufacturing healthier blood (anemia prevents blood from transporting as much oxygen as your brain and body need, which is why dizziness commonly follows mild exercise).

Vitamins and Minerals

Small, regular whole-food meals and snacks, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and their juices, are recommended. Foods rich in iron include mussels, offal and red meat, which can safely be eaten in moderation if all fat is removed and no fat added while cooking. Vegetarian sources of iron include enriched bread and cereals, pulses, beans, egg yolk, cashew and pistachio nuts, seaweed, dark green leafy vegetables, cheddar cheese, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ and whole-wheat products. Add a couple of handfuls of spinach, parsley, dark green cabbage, kale or watercress to carrots when juicing; the beta-carotene in the latter helps to stabilize iron in the food. Thyme has the same effect - add to cooking water. Fresh orange or blackcurrant juice supplies vitamin C.

Specific dietary supplements for dizzy spells include chelated iron to maximize absorption, and vitamin C, which is needed for iron absorption and assimilation, and in the manufacture of healthy red blood cells. Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement but do not take additional supplementary vitamin E or zinc, since both interfere with iron metabolism, B-complex vitamins and folic acid all aid blood cell manufacture and metabolism.

Herbal Medicine

Thyme tea is recommended. A glass of parsley wine daily is an old country remedy for combating post-natal fatigue and depression, and boosting the appetite. Horseradish stimulates the appetite and digestion - try a spoonful of the sauce or cream, or grate a few teaspoonfuls (15 ml) of the raw root into a tablespoonful (15 ml) of organic cider vinegar, with runny honey. Ginseng remedies rebalance a disordered metabolism and counteract fatigue.

Aromatherapy

Boost the appetite and the spirits, and stimulate weary senses with essences of melissa (also called lemon balm and bee balm), rosemary, lavender and orange. They are all wonderful just to inhale when feeling fatigued - carry some with you to sniff as required, add to washing and bathing water and heat in an oil burner.

Homeopathy

Take every 12 hours for up to 2 weeks: China 30c for anemia due to blood loss, where the person is chilly, hypersensitive and tired; Ferrum 30c for anemia where the face is pale but flushes easily; Calcarea phos. 30c for anemia that arises during a growth spurt (during the first 2 years of life and during adolescence) or the person is irritable, with poor digestion; Picric ac. 30c for anemia in a person with constipation, a muddy complexion, headache, dry mouth and lips, and a tendency to suffer from cold sores.

Medical Treatment

For dizzy spells due to anemia, a doctor would treat the cause, such as heavy periods or poor nutrition. The anemia would be treated with iron and folic acid supplements or iron injections.

Prevention

• Seek medical treatment for heavy periods and any other unexplained blood loss
• Eat healthily, including iron-containing foods
• If you donate blood, do so only at specified intervals
• Take an iron supplement if necessary

Caution

• Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
• Request a blood test if you think you may be anemic
• Do not assume dizziness is due to heavy period, for example - more serious causes must be eliminated by your doctor