Dizziness refers to a general feeling of disequilibrium or instability. Dizziness can roughly be categorized into two forms, vertiginous (sensation of spinning or having one’s surroundings spin around them due to phobia of height) and general lightheadedness. We all have a feeling of dizziness, some or the other time. While some people may have frequent spells of dizziness, others experience faint unsteady feeling of disequilibrium and loss of balance on several occasions.
Causes of Dizziness
Several medical conditions are known to trigger dizziness in many people.
1. Chronic motion sickness
2. Standing up or sitting down too quickly
3. Migraine
4. Multiple Sclerosis
5. Pregnancy
6. Low Blood Pressure(hypotension)
7. Low blood Oxygen Content(hypoxemia)
8. Iron Deficiency(Anemia)
9. Low Blood Sugar(hypoglycemia)
10. Hormonal Imbalances( e.g, Thyroid disease, menstruation etc)
11. Panic attacks
12. Anxiety and Depression
13. Dehydration
14. Hyperventilation
15. Fever or any other Infections
16. Age-diminished visual, balance, perception and orientation abilities.
Home remedies to treat dizziness
Anybody can experience dizziness at any point of time. So it definitely makes sense to know some simple home remedies that work just fine. Following are the few natural remedies to cure dizziness:
1. Drink energy drinks and fresh juices
If the cause of dizziness is dehydration, then sipping on energy/sports drinks would certainly correct the electrolyte imbalance. They would rehydrate your body and replenish the salts in your blood stream. If any such drinks is not readily available, you can instead sip on fruit juices or coconut water.
2. Elevate your legs
The idea is to increase the blood flow towards your brain. Either lie down and stack some pillows under your legs, so that legs are above the level of your head or bend your head towards your knees.
3. Be slow and steady
If you have persistent dizziness, you definitely should stand up and sit down slowly. Also when you are getting out of the bed, get up slowly and put down one leg first followed by the other, all so gradually.
4. Eliminate stimulants
Stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes etc produce unnecessary toxins in your body. Also these things are addictive and therefore, getting rid of them at first instance looks nearly impossible, lest you get withdrawal symptoms. Best is to give them up by reducing the frequency and usage slowly.
5. Stress management
Stress is inevitable. It’s everywhere. The more you run away from it, the worse it gets. Idea is to tone yourself down so that you can handle stress more efficiently. Techniques like acupuncture, acupressure, massage, hot tub bath, aromatherapy, ayurveda, yoga and meditation; breathing exercises, Tai chi and other mainstream therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis etc help you cope up with stress better.
The above mentioned home remedies should be incorporated on a daily basis by each individual, notwithstanding your state of health.
However following kitchen remedies should be tried immediately if one suffers from the feeling of dizziness:
1. Lemon juice
This is a tried and tested grandma’s remedy since ages. All you got to do is mix some sugar or better still, some jaggery and a pinch of cardamom powder into a glass of fresh lemon juice and drink it when you feel a little dizzy. Trust me, it works like charm
2. Basil/tulsi juice
Mixing a little sugar in an extract of Basil leaves also works just fine
3. Pineapple
Pineapple being rich in essential nutrients is a complete powerhouse when it comes to emergency. Just sprinkle some salt over freshly cut pieces and eat.
4. Indian Gooseberry(amla)
Having gooseberry mixed with little sugar or a ready made murrabba(preserve) is known to reduce dizziness.
5. Coriander
Making a concoction of some sugar and coriander leaves by boiling them together is also a useful remedy.
The above mentioned remedies would be helpful in bringing about some instant relief. But if the problem persists, it is always advisable to go see your physician as soon as possible. It is important to know the underlying cause of dizziness and then go about the treatment accordingly.
