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How to Get Rid of Vertigo

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:09:39 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever felt like the world around you was suddenly spinning, that you couldn’t manage to balance yourself or that you had unexplained ringing in your ears along with changes in your eyesight? If so, you might have experienced vertigo, a symptom that results from various types of “balance disorders,” usually caused by abnormal changes in the inner ears. Vertigo is not actually a disorder or medical condition Vertigo is not actually a disorder or medical condition — rather it’s the cluster of symptoms caused by other disorders, and chances are you or someone you know has experienced it. In fact, research shows that nearly 40 percent of all people over the age of 40 will experience vertigo at least once in their lifetimes. If all of this sounds familiar to you, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of vertigo. Treating vertigo involves repairing the inner ear by identifying the damage’s underlying cause, plus preventing it from occurring again by making certain lifestyle changes. What Is Vertigo? There have been over a dozen different disorders identified that cause balance dysfunctions. Balance is defined as “the ability to maintain the body’s center of mass over its base of support.” Normally, various systems within the body are at play to help us remain balanced, keep ourselves upright when moving and identify orientation with respect to our surroundings. Our ability to stay balanced is maintained by several systems, including: the sensorimotor control system (which controls our senses, such as our sight and hearing) the proprioception system (responsible for touch) the vestibular system (helps us move without falling over) The inner ears obviously help us hear, but they’re also an important part of the vestibular system, which allows us to identify where we are in space. Vertigo develops when delicate parts of the ears no longer accurately send information to the brain about your position. This can occur for various reasons, including ear infections, a blow to the head, injuries, inflammation or simply aging. Here is more on vertigo: 40 percent of people over 40 years old experience vertigo at some point that’s severe enough to speak with a doctor. Researchers have identified more than 12 different balance disorders that can cause vertigo. The three main types of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease and vestibular neuritis. BPPV is the No. 1 cause of inner-ear-related balance disorders like vertigo. BPPV affects around 2 percent of the population every year. A rare form of vertigo is caused by Meniere’s disease, which only affects about 0.2 percent of the population between ages 40–60. Women are twice as likely as men to develop vertigo for reasons that aren’t well understood. 80 percent of people with BPPV vertigo experience relief after trying head maneuvers that break up inner ear rocks. Following an episode of vertigo, 50 percent of patients usually experience the problem again within five years. Thankfully, there are natural ways for how to get rid of vertigo and help manage symptoms. How to Ged Rid of Vertigo 1. Physical Therapy For people who experience recurring vertigo, one type of helpful treatment is vestibular rehabilitation, a form of physical therapy that addresses the vestibular organs. The vestibular system constantly sends information to the brain in the form of nerve impulses from special nerve endings called sensory receptors, so therapy can retrain these organs to work with our other senses to re-establish a sense of balance. Vestibular rehab can help promote central nervous system compensation for inner-ear problems causing loss of balance. Inactivity has also been linked to worsened vertigo, so additionally, physical therapy treatments work on increasing strength, range of motion, flexibility and movement, while preventing muscle fatigue and soreness. A vestibular rehab program might include various exercises for building better hand-eye coordination, improving balance, strengthening joints and muscles, and improving fitness and endurance. These exercises can also help ease pain and allow you to rest better if you usually find you can’t sleep comfortably. Acupuncture and acupressure have both been shown to be effective in treating different forms of vertigo as well, and these techniques can be included as part of physical therapy for this condition. 2. Head Maneuvers (“Canalith Repositioning Procedure,” or CRP) Certain types of exercises and head adjustments can help move ear rocks (calcium deposits) out of the area in the ears where they cause problems. This technique is recommended by the American Academy of Neurology, which offers a series of specific head and body movements for clearing the canals of the inner ear chambers. CRP is very effective with an approximate efficiency rate of 80 percent for people who suffer from BPPV-type vertigo. It’s also usually helpful for preventing vertigo from reccuring. How does it work exactly? When the head moves a certain way, the canaliths within the canals travel back to their correct location in the utricle, where they usually dissolve, break up and stop causing dizziness. The canalith repositioning procedures usually involve holding four positions for about 30 to 45 seconds each or as long as symptoms remain. Then you hold your head in a fixed position for about 20 seconds after symptoms go away. The procedures can be done in a doctor’s office quickly and painlessly. If it’s your first time dealing with vertigo and trying head maneuvers to resolve your symptoms, it’s a good idea to meet with a doctor who can show you how to properly perform them. Head maneuvers that are part of CRP include the Epley maneuver and Semont-Toupet maneuver. The Epley maneuver is a series of head and body movements that can be used to treat BPPV, a condition where certain head movements trigger episodes of dizziness or spinning. It is important to note that before attempting the Epley maneuver, you should consult with a health care professional to ensure that BPPV is the correct diagnosis and to receive personalized guidance. Additionally, the Epley maneuver should be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care provider. Here is how to perform the Epley maneuver for how to get rid of vertigo: Sit upright: Begin by sitting on a bed or table with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head: Turn your head 45 degrees to the side that causes dizziness. Use a pillow or support to keep your shoulders on the bed while maintaining the head tilt. Lie down: Quickly lie back, keeping your head in the turned position. Your shoulders should be on the bed, and your head should be hanging slightly over the edge. Wait: Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness resolves. Turn head to the other side: Turn your head to the opposite side without raising it, and wait for another 30 seconds. Roll onto your side: Turn your body to the side of the affected ear. This should bring your head and body in line with each other. Sit up: Finally, sit up slowly while keeping your head level. This completes the maneuver. It’s important to follow these steps precisely and perform them slowly to avoid injury. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience new symptoms, consult with a health care professional for further evaluation and guidance. They may need to perform specific diagnostic tests or maneuvers to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. The Semont-Toupet maneuver is another technique used to treat BPPV, particularly when the posterior canal is involved. Here’s how to perform the Semont-Toupet maneuver for how to get rid of vertigo: Sit upright: Begin by sitting on a bed or table with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head: Turn your head 45 degrees toward the unaffected side (opposite the side causing dizziness). Lie down quickly: Lie down on your side, bringing your head to a 45-degree angle below the horizontal. Your head should be positioned at a 45-degree angle below the bed. Wait: Stay in this position for about one to three minutes or until the dizziness resolves. Sit up on the opposite side: Quickly move to the opposite side, keeping your head at the same angle, and sit up. Wait again: Sit in this position for another one to three minutes. Return to the sitting position: Finally, return to an upright sitting position. As with the Epley maneuver, it’s essential to follow these steps precisely and perform them slowly to minimize the risk of injury. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, or if you encounter new symptoms, seek medical attention for further evaluation and guidance. Another head maneuver that’s been shown to be effective is the Brandt-Daroff exercise. Brandt-Daroff exercises are a series of movements that can be performed at home to help alleviate symptoms of BPPV. These exercises are often recommended by health care professionals and can be done independently. The effectiveness of these exercises may vary from person to person. Here’s how you can perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises: Sit on the edge of your bed: Start in an upright sitting position on the edge of your bed or a flat surface. Turn your head to one side: Quickly lie down on one side with your head turned at a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling. Keep your head in this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness subsides. Return to the sitting position: Sit back up in an upright position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side: Lie down on the opposite side with your head turned at a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds. Return to the sitting position: Sit back up for another 30 seconds. Repeat the cycle: Repeat these steps for about five to 10 minutes or until you feel more comfortable and experience less dizziness. It’s recommended to perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises several times a day until your symptoms improve. Keep in mind that it might take some time for the exercises to have an effect, and consistency is key. 3. Reduce Stress Stress and inflammation both seem to raise the risk for vertigo. Stress is capable of reducing immunity, making it more likely that you’ll experience ear infections, swelling and other problems related to the vestibular system. The more stressed you are, the less likely you are to exercise regularly and get good sleep — both of which you really need if you’re prone to developing vertigo! That’s why chronic stress is so dangerous. Try natural stress relievers like exercising, yoga, meditation, tai chi, taking warm baths, using essential oils and spending more time outdoors. 4. A Healthy Diet and Staying Hydrated Some doctors prescribe medications to reduce inflammation or infections within the ears, but ultimately this doesn’t help solve the problem long term for some people. A crucial aspect to limiting inflammation and preventing dehydration is eating a nutrient-rich diet. Anti-inflammatory foods can help manage blood pressure levels and are usually hydrating, which keeps you protected from dehydration, lowering your risk for vertigo. Foods to include in your diet often include: vegetables (especially those high in blood pressure-lowering potassium, such as leafy greens) fresh fruit (like bananas and avocado) healthy sources of fats (like wild fish, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil) clean sources of lean protein (grass-fed meat, cage-free eggs and pasture-raised poultry, for example) In addition, drink enough water each day, and lower your intake of caffeine and alcohol if you feel dizzy often. Ginger tea is another good option, as research shows it can help alleviate vertigo symptoms. Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness and changes in blood pressure that can make you feel off-balance and nauseous. In addition, supplementing with ginkgo biloba and vitamin D has also been shown to be effective for how to get rid of vertigo. 5. Be Active but Get Enough Rest Too People who experience a lack of sleep, tossing and turning, and inactivity are more likely to suffer from vertigo. Make it a priority to get...

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Healthy People With High Cholesterol Don’t Stand to Benefit From Statins, Research Says

AHA Publisher — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

University of South Florida via News-Medical – About 40 million adults in the United States regularly take statins to lower their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke, according to American Heart Association data from 2020. However, many of them don’t stand to benefit from these drugs based on new research from David Diamond, a neuroscientist and cardiovascular disease researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida. Diamond and his co-authors reviewed literature from medical trials involving patients taking either a statin or placebo. They then narrowed their review to look at study participants with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL), the so-called “bad cholesterol,” which can be reduced with a statin. Some individuals with high LDL also had high triglycerides (fat in the blood) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good cholesterol,” which put them at the highest risk of having a heart attack. But others with high LDL were very different. They had low triglycerides and high HDL, which meant they were healthier. People with optimal triglycerides and HDL levels typically exercise, have low blood pressure and low blood sugar, and are at a low risk of a heart attack. Diamond and his co-authors asked two questions: If people are at a low risk of a heart attack based on having optimal triglycerides and HDL, but they also have high LDL, does that raise their risk? Further, would these people benefit from lowering their LDL with a statin? Their findings, published in the journal Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, showed LDL alone has “a very weak association” with heart disease and stroke. Their review went further, showing that when people with high LDL and optimal triglycerides and HDL were given a statin, there was no benefit. Diamond put the findings into a diet and lifestyle context. “People who are not overweight, have low blood sugar, exercise and are on a low-carb diet typically have optimal triglycerides and HDL, and sometimes they have high LDL. Our findings show that the people who have this healthy combination of diet and lifestyle, as well as high LDL, showed no benefit from taking a statin.” David Diamond, neuroscientist and cardiovascular disease researcher, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida The authors say their review also challenges the long-held contention that low-carb diets, which are often high in saturated (animal) fat, contribute to heart disease. That contention has persisted for nearly 50 years, dating to when cardiologist Robert Atkins was challenged about the potential dangers of his high-fat Atkins diet before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Nutrition and Human Needs in 1973. “High blood pressure, obesity, smoking and high blood sugar are the primary drivers of heart disease,” Diamond said. “Cholesterol is an innocent bystander, and saturated fat in the diet has been undeservedly demonized.” Diamond acknowledges that his research is controversial and has resulted in strong support, along with criticism from some within the medical community who have challenged his views on LDL and statins. He cautions that it is intended to raise awareness and should not be considered medical advice. Diamond’s interest in the association between LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and stroke is personal. About 25 years ago, he was overweight and diagnosed with high triglycerides and low HDL, a potentially lethal combination. His doctor told him he was at high risk of developing heart disease and prescribed a statin to lower his LDL cholesterol. Instead of taking the medication, Diamond began his study of diet and heart disease. “I learned my problem was that I ate too many carbs – bread, potatoes and sugar,” Diamond said. “I’ve been able to get my weight under control and reduce my risk of heart disease with a low-carb diet. In the process, I’ve become aware of the obsession with linking cholesterol to heart disease.” Diamond has since published more than a dozen papers on flaws in the consensus that cholesterol causes heart disease. His latest paper included a review of the medical literature linking statins to numerous adverse effects, including the development of diabetes, damage to muscles and kidneys and impaired brain functioning. “Certain statins have been linked to cognitive impairment because they interfere with the brain’s ability to produce cholesterol, which is essential for the creation of new brain connections and to form memories,” Diamond said. According to Diamond, people who are overweight and have diabetes may benefit from taking a statin because, in addition to lowering LDL, the drugs block excess clotting and inflammation, two known risk factors of heart disease. However, for those who prefer to take medication rather than make diet and lifestyle changes, Diamond has a message: “People who take a statin might not appreciate that they’re a little less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, but the adverse effects of the statin may cause them harm.” Co-authors for the study were Brigham Young University Professor Ben Bikman and Paul Mason, a physician in New South Wales, Australia. To read the original article click here.

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Sweet Potatoes Increase Vitamin A, Fiber in Bread

AHA Publisher — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 07:00:18 +0000

South Dakota State University via Newswise – Incorporating sweet potato puree into bread not only adds vitamin A, but also changes the starch composition by increasing the fiber content. Altering the starch composition means a greater portion of the carbohydrates will take longer to digest, so consuming a serving of bread is less likely to cause an increase in blood sugar—that can be beneficial for diabetics, according to assistant professor Srinivas Janaswamy of South Dakota State University’s Department of Dairy and Food Science. In addition, the increased amount of fiber, known as resistant starch, can help improve gut health. Approximately 463 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. That number is expected to reach 700 million by 2045. Results from lab-scale analyses on how the starch is absorbed and the amount of vitamin A, or beta carotene, available from bread in which 10 to 50% of the wheat flour is replaced with orange-fleshed sweet potato puree were recently published in the Institute of Food Technology’s Journal of Food Science. In summer 2018, Daniel Mbogo, then a research associate at the International Potato Center, worked with Janaswamy to formulate sweet potato-enriched breads through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Borlaug Fellowship Program and CGIAR, a global agricultural research partnership. Mbogo is now a doctoral student at Greenwich University in the United Kingdom. IPC senior food scientist Tawanda Muzhingi, also an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, contributed to the research. “We hope through the U.S. Agency for International Development to create a laboratory to promote sweet potato research among land grant institutions in the United States and in developing countries,” Muzhingi said. Janaswamy’s research was also supported by U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture funding through the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Bread containing sweet potatoes puree is already being marketed in Kenya and sweet potato-based products are also being developed in the United States, Janaswamy noted. Starch Digestibility The researchers used an established laboratory technique to understand how starch digests, determining the percentages of rapidly digestible starch, slowly digestible starch and resistant starch absorbed over time. Differences in starch absorption between traditional and sweet potato-enriched bread occurred between one and two hours of digestion. In traditional bread, 75% of the starch is rapidly digested, while only 50% is rapidly digested starch when sweet potato puree replaces 50% of the wheat flour. Slowly digested starch decreases from 16.3% in traditional to 9.4% in the sweet potato bread and resistant starch increases significantly from 9% in traditional bread to 41% in sweet potato bread. The amount of starch in sweet potato bread that digests rapidly is significantly lower than that of traditional bread, Janaswamy said. This shift in starch content makes sweet potato bread a good option for diabetics, because the glucose is released more slowly. Furthermore, the sweet potato bread contains more resistant starch, which is fermented in the large intestine where it feeds the good gut bacteria. Vitamin A Availability By simulating digestion in the lab, the researchers evaluated how much beta-carotene is released from the bread matrix and is, therefore, available for the body to absorb from a 100-gram serving of sweet potato-fortified bread. When sweet potato puree replaces 50% of the flour, the bread can provide 82% of a 1- to 3-year old’s daily beta carotene requirement and 62% of a 4- to 8-year-old’s daily requirement. About 30% of children under the age of 5 in developing countries do not consume enough vitamin A, according to the World Health Organization. Furthermore, a serving of 50% sweet potato bread can provide 33% of a pregnant or lactating woman’s daily beta carotene requirement. “By consuming three servings of bread, a woman can get 100% of her vitamin A requirement,” Janaswamy said. Vitamin A helps develop the baby’s heart, eyes and immune system. Urbanization has changed eating habits in Kenya, Mbogo explained. Families once grew the sweet potatoes they consumed. Now, processed foods account for a larger share of their diet. Incorporating the nutrients into the bread they purchase from the store can help prevent vitamin A deficiency. The Kenya Bureau of Standards recently published standards for sweet potato puree and breads, which acknowledges their commercial value and health benefits. In future work, Janaswamy hopes to look at varying the sweet potato bread’s fat content. “Adding fat not only helps the taste profile, but solubilizes the beta-carotene which should result in improved absorption.” To read the original article click here.

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