Experts Reveal How to Get Rid of Dizziness Using Home Remedies and Over the Counter Products
Plus, learn about the pressure points you may be able to stimulate to ease dizziness
Dizziness can have many causes. It may be a symptom of vertigo, menopause, not drinking enough water or medication, or it could be a condition itself that becomes increasingly common as we age. Either way, when you feel off-balance or as if the room is spinning, you can never have too many options when it comes to how to get rid of dizziness. From over-the-counter products to natural remedies, these are a few of the easily-accessible treatments and home remedies for dizziness experts recommend for when you’re feeling a bit woozy.
How to get rid of dizziness: OTC options
While the effectiveness of natural remedies can vary based on the cause of your dizziness and chronic dizziness problems warrant a visit to your doctor, it can’t hurt to keep OTC dizziness medications stocked in your home to help manage day-to-day symptoms.
Antihistamines
Histamine blockers like meclizine (Bonine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) are affordable options that can help reduce dizziness caused by inner ear infections or motion sickness, offers Sazan Sylejmani, PharmD, Owner and Pharmacy Manager of Westmont Pharmacy.
Supplements
If your dizziness seems related to feelings of distress, OTC supplements such as L-theanine or ashwagandha may help you feel calmer and more balanced, Sylejmani adds.
Ginger
“Ginger is a natural option that can help with mild dizziness and nausea,” adds Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health. “It has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve circulation to help with dizziness and balance. You can take it as capsules, tea or even fresh ginger. It’s a gentle option, but it might not work for all kinds of vertigo.”
Vitamins
Vitamin B6 is another option if you’re feeling dizzy, Dr. Dasgupta notes. It supports the nervous system and can help with dizziness related to vitamin deficiencies or some balance issues, he says, and is available in multivitamins or as a separate supplement. While the vitamin is generally safe, it should be taken in moderation.
Additionally, a trial study published in the journal Neurology reported that Vitamin D and calcium supplements reduced vertigo recurrence after successful vestibular rehabilitation, especially among patients with subnormal vitamin D levels.
Electrolytes
Dizziness is also often due to dehydration and low blood pressure. Increasing salt and fluid intake can help with this, and electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte contain sodium and other electrolytes to rehydrate you and boost blood pressure, says Sylejmani. In order to prevent dizziness or help your symptoms sooner rather than later, make sure to drink plenty of water.
Peppermint
“Peppermint candy or peppermint oil are suggested to be a complementary treatment for nausea and vomiting,” says Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. “Dizziness is frequently associated with nausea, so some sources say that peppermint is effective in relieving both symptoms.”
Apple cider vinegar with honey
Apple cider vinegar mixed with honey might help with dizziness by increasing blood flow to the brain to help deliver more oxygen, which can help with symptoms of lightheadedness, says Dr. Dasgupta. Mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water and drink the mixture once or twice a day, especially before meals, to help manage dizziness.
How to treat dizziness with acupressure
You also may be able to balance your body’s energy and relieve dizziness with acupressure. Gregg Gerstin, CBP, Chiropractor with Align Wellness Center, suggests trying to stimulate the pressure point behind your lower ear by rubbing in a circular motion with two fingers. He recommends trying this practice in a rested position, either sitting or lying down while also incorporating deep breathing.
The other common pressure point for dizziness is at the base of the skull. Both sides can be massaged at the same time. If you decide to try, follow along with Gerstin in this video!
How to get rid of dizziness: dietary preventives
Being more intentional with your nutritional choices can also help proactively ward off dizziness. Concentrating on fiber-rich foods, for example, can be helpful as dizziness is a common symptom of iron deficiency anemia, Dr. Stanford says. For patients with low iron, eating foods rich in iron can help replete iron stores and circulate iron in the blood. Try upping your intake of legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Minimizing caffeine can also be helpful, she adds, as caffeine can cause central nervous system-related dizziness.
“A gradual reduction in caffeine intake is crucial to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue,” cautions Shannon Cook, Registered Dietitian at nutrition company Fay. “These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may deter individuals from continuing their efforts to quit caffeine. By slowly decreasing their intake, people can minimize these withdrawal effects and make the transition to a caffeine-free lifestyle more manageable.”
Eating small, frequent meals can also help stabilize blood sugar levels to keep dizziness at bay, says Nilda Agnes Abellera, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Infuze MD.
Keep reading for more health content:
Does Screen Time Affect Vision? What Optometrists Say About Eye Protection
How To Reduce Bloating Naturally and Block It From Returning
A New Study Shares the Benefits of Making Healthy Food Swaps
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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