Possible causes and diseases
There are several potential causes of dizziness or dizziness, including:
- Inner ear problems such as vestibular neuritis or Meniere's disease, which affect the balance system of the inner ear. If you experience dizziness, you may need to visit an ENT specialist (ears, nose and throat).
- Low blood pressure - hypotension can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly. Consult your doctor if you often feel dizzy when standing up.
- Dehydration – lack of fluid can lead to dizziness, especially in hot weather or during exercise. Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Anemia - a deficiency of red blood cells or iron can lead to dizziness, especially in women. Consult a hematologist for diagnosis and treatment.
- Medications - some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications. Consult your doctor if you experience this side effect.
Herbal and natural remedies
If you prefer a more natural approach, there are several herbal and natural remedies that can help with dizziness.
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Here are some of them:
- Ginger - scientific name Zingiber officinale. Ginger can help with nausea and dizziness. You can take it in capsule form, as a tea, or consume it raw.
- Ginkgo biloba - scientific name Ginkgoaceae. Ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation and help with dizziness. You can take it in capsule form or as a tea.
- Mint - scientific name Mentha piperita. Mint can help with nausea and dizziness. You can take it in capsule form, as a tea, or use it in the form of an essential oil.
- Rosemary - scientific name Rosmarinus officinalis. Rosemary has traditionally been used to improve blood circulation and cognitive function. You can take it in capsule form, as a tea, or use it in the form of an essential oil.
- Lemon balm - scientific name Melissa officinalis. Lemon balm has a calming effect and can help with dizziness associated with anxiety. You can take it in capsule form, as a tea, or use it in the form of an essential oil.
- Lavender - scientific name Lavandula angustifolia. Lavender has a calming effect and can help with dizziness associated with anxiety. You can use it in the form of an essential oil, as a tea or in the form of capsules.
Medications, allergies and foods that can cause dizziness.
Medications that can cause dizziness:
- Antidepressants (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants)
- Antipsychotics
- Anti-anxiety medicines (e.g. benzodiazepines)
- Blood pressure medicines (e.g. alpha-blockers, beta-blockers)
- Muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
- Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, loratadine)
- Painkillers (e.g. opioids, tramadol)
- Anti-seizure medicines (e.g. gabapentin, phenytoin)
- Antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides, macrolides)
- Chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g. cisplatin)
Active compounds of drugs that can cause dizziness:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - fluoxetine, sertraline
- Tricyclic antidepressants - amitriptyline, imipramine
- Antipsychotics - haloperidol, chlorpromazine
- Benzodiazepines - diazepam, lorazepam
- Alpha-blockers - prazosine, doxazosin
- Beta-blockers - propranolol, metoprolol
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Diphenhydramine
- Opioids - codeine, oxycodone
- Gabapentin
- Phenytoin
- Aminoglycosides - gentamicin, neomycin
- Macrolides - erythromycin, clarithromycin
Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash
Foods and allergies that can cause dizziness:
- Foods containing histamine (e.g. aged cheese, fermented foods, wine)
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Food additives (e.g. artificial sweeteners, food colours)
- Alcohol
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Caffeine
- Tobacco
- Allergies to certain foods or food groups (e.g. nuts, shellfish, wheat)