Vertigo Diet Recommendations
A person of any age or gender can experience vertigo symptoms. It includes a disturbance in balance and feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness and disorientation. Making some dietary changes can be most important to ease out the symptoms.
Following the below mentioned three modules can help one minimize the symptoms and incidence of vertigo.
The diet should be-
- Low in cholesterol
- Low in sodium
- High in iron
Excessive salt (sodium) consumption can contribute to vertigo. Minimizing the sodas, chips, and snack food are most helpful in order to keep vertigo attacks away. Adjusting the diet to keep away from such foods makes a huge difference.
Low intake of iron (anemia) can cause vertigo symptoms. Fresh greens, meats, whole grains cereals, red millet, pulses, nuts and oilseeds contain high amounts of iron. Eating plenty of iron-rich foods helps combat vertigo.
Foods to Prevent Migraine Related Vertigo
Recent researches indicate that coenzyme Q10, tryptophan and omega 3 content in the diet play a major role in the onset of migraine.
Coenzyme Q is naturally present in foods and can be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tyrosine in combination with vitamins and trace elements. Individuals with migraine attacks are known to have low serum levels of coenzyme Q and so it is a good idea to get the serum levels tested for Co Q and opt for a supplementation if needed. However, the diet can be enriched by opting for foods like spinach, peanuts, soybean, soy-based products, fishes like mackerel and sardines.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin responsible for regulating the appetite, helps sleep better and elevate mood. Food sources of tryptophan are dairy products, nuts, oil seeds, bananas, soybean and its products, tuna, shellfish. It is not only enough to have adequacy of diets in tryptophan, but also other nutrients which are necessary for its utilization. They are vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid and magnesium. Increasing the tryptophan levels is not as easy as just eating more foods high in it. Tryptophan constantly struggles with other amino acids such as tyrosine, methionine, histidine and leucine to access the brain and eating a high protein diet increases the blood levels of these amino acids and results in an actual decrease in tryptophan. Eating a high carbohydrate diet helps increase the level of tryptophan in the body. Foods rich in carbohydrate push an increased release of insulin from the body which in turn inhibits the absorption of the competing amino acids. This allows the absorption of more tryptophan in the brain.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been explored for mood alteration and anti-depressant effect. Its role for protective effects on migraine and vertigo is still being researched.
Additional guidelines
One needs to take good care of oneself to improve their overall health. Conditions like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis could contribute to vertigo. Dietary guidelines to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis are as follows:
- Eat more fish, beans, sprouts
- Opt for whole grain foods
- Substitute high-sugary drinks with vegetable juices
- Reduce the intake of foods that contain trans-fats
- Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B, Carotene, Vitamin C, Iron and Potassium
