Are you feeling a bit dizzy? If the room keeps spinning and your head is full of cobwebs, you may be experiencing vertigo – that confusing sensation of disorientation and loss of balance. Don't worry; some simple remedies at home can help alleviate the condition with no expensive medication needed!
In this blog post, we'll explore five amazing home remedies for vertigo -- from balance training exercises to natural dietary supplements. Read on to learn more about these helpful tips, or skip ahead for easy instructions to implement them today!
What is Vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can cause the sensation of spinning or tilting. It's a common disorder, affecting up to 40 percent of adults at some point in their lives. While most cases of vertigo are benign and don't require medical attention, they can still be uncomfortable and difficult to manage.
5 Simple Home Remedies To Treat Vertigo
Try these remedies if you are looking for natural ways to ease vertigo symptoms.
Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver is a specific head movement technique when treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). When small calcium crystals in the inner ear are dislodged, BPPV causes dizziness and spinning sensations.
The Epley maneuver aims to reposition these displaced crystals, allowing them to move out of the sensitive areas of the inner ear.
Here's a step-by-step guide to the Epley maneuver:
- Sit upright on a bed or a flat surface with your legs extended before you.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the side that causes vertigo (usually the affected side).
- Quickly lie down on your back, turning your head to the affected side. Your head should hang slightly off the edge of the surface.
- Remain in this position for about 30 seconds or until dizziness subsides.
- Turn your head 90 degrees to the opposite side without raising your head.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds or until the dizziness dissipates.
- While keeping your head turned, roll your body onto your side in the same direction as your head. Your head should be facing downwards.
- Stay in this position for an additional 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up, still keeping your head turned to the side.
- Rest for a few minutes in an upright position.
The Epley maneuver can be repeated if necessary, and it's important to perform it under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can ensure it is done correctly and safely.
It's worth noting that while the Epley maneuver can be effective for BPPV, it may not be suitable or effective for other causes of vertigo.
Ginger
Ginger is a popular culinary and medicinal herb that can also be used to treat vertigo. It has long been used as an anti-nausea remedy, and research studies have backed up its effectiveness.
One study found that ginger supplements reduced symptoms of vertigo in participants with Meniere's disease — a common cause of dizziness and vertigo.
Another study showed that a combination of ginger and vitamin B6 significantly improved the symptoms of vertigo in participants with Meniere's disease compared to those who only took vitamin B6 alone.
Ginger can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or steeped as tea. You can also find it available as an oil extract or supplement in many health food stores.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy that can help reduce symptoms of vertigo, including dizziness and imbalance.
Vestibular rehabilitation aims to improve the coordination between vision, balance, and body movement by implementing exercises specifically designed to target the affected areas.
VRT is typically performed with the guidance of a physical therapist and may include activities such as head and eye exercises, posture retraining, balance drills, and gait training.
A study on adults with chronic dizziness found that four weeks of vestibular rehabilitation significantly improved symptoms compared to those who didn't receive any treatment. Vestibular rehabilitation may also be recommended with other treatment strategies, such as the Epley maneuver.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal remedy to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. It's often taken as a supplement to treat memory loss, anxiety, and tinnitus — a common symptom of vertigo.
A study involving 79 adults found that taking ginkgo biloba improved symptoms of vertigo and reduced the frequency of dizziness episodes.
However, it's important to note that many herbal remedies are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. Therefore, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying any supplement for vertigo treatment.
Yoga
Yoga is a popular form of physical exercise that involves poses and stretches designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and relaxation.
It has been suggested that yoga can help reduce symptoms of vertigo due to its calming effects on the brain and body.
A study conducted on people with Meniere's disease found that those who practiced yoga for eight weeks experienced significantly lower levels of dizziness and improved overall balance.
Dietary Changes May Help Those With Ménière's Disease
Dietary changes can play a role in managing the symptoms of Ménière's disease, a condition characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
While the exact cause of Ménière's disease is unknown, certain dietary modifications may help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Here are some dietary recommendations that may be beneficial:
Low-Sodium Diet
A low-sodium or reduced-salt diet is often recommended for individuals with Ménière's disease. High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and worsen symptoms. It's advisable to limit or avoid processed foods, canned foods, fast food, and salty snacks and instead opt for fresh, whole foods with minimal added salt.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol have been reported to trigger or exacerbate Ménière's disease symptoms in some individuals. It may be helpful to reduce or eliminate these substances from your diet to see if they positively impact your symptoms.
Trigger Identification
Some people with Ménière's disease may have specific food triggers that worsen their symptoms. Keeping a food diary and noting connections between certain foods and symptom flare-ups can help identify individual triggers.
Common triggers include processed meats, aged cheeses, chocolate, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). If you notice a pattern, avoiding or limiting those foods may be beneficial.
It's important to note that individual responses to dietary changes may vary, and it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance. They can assess your needs, help you identify triggers, and create a dietary plan that best suits your condition and overall health goals.
FAQs
How do you stop vertigo dizziness fast?
The best way to stop vertigo dizziness fast is through lifestyle changes and home remedies.
Some suggested remedies include:
- Taking breaks throughout the day.
- Getting plenty of rest.
- Avoiding sudden movements that may trigger vertigo or dizziness.
It also helps to do exercises that can improve balance, such as yoga or tai chi.
What is a natural remedy for vertigo and dizziness?
Many natural remedies can help with vertigo and dizziness. These include ginger, apple cider vinegar, ginkgo biloba extract, acupuncture, lavender essential oil, and vitamin B6. These remedies may help reduce symptoms of dizziness and vertigo by improving circulation and reducing inflammation in the inner ear.
Can lemon cure vertigo?
Lemon is thought to help with vertigo by improving circulation in the body and reducing inflammation. Drinking lemon juice or adding lemon to your diet may help alleviate symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.
Conclusion
Suppose you're feeling dizzy and disoriented lately. In that case, there's no need to worry -- vertigo is a common condition that often occurs naturally. Even if medications are necessary to alleviate it, you don't have to take expensive medication. In this post, we delved into five amazing home remedies for vertigo – from balance exercises to natural dietary supplements – so don't miss out on taking advantage of these helpful techniques!
All of the remedies discussed in this post require minimal or no money investment yet can have an incredible impact on how quickly and effectively you recover from vertigo.
