Vertigo is a unique condition which can significantly interfere with a sufferer’s quality of life. Here, we take a brief look at the characteristics of vertigo and its surrounding circumstances, and then we look at five natural supplements that can work against it.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition characterized by disruptive sensations of spinning, dizziness, and motion. It can be short-term or long-term, and is debilitating in some cases.
There are two types of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is caused by issues with the vestibular structures of the inner ear. The most common version of peripheral vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), in which debris in the inner ear moves when an individual moves their head, causing brief manifestations of vertigo. About 80% of vertigo incidences are peripheral. Central vertigo is a condition which occurs due to issues in the central nervous system, but one we won’t elaborate on in this blog because it is an entirely different sort of condition.
There are multiple risk factors and causes of peripheral vertigo. Aside from BPPV, other causal conditions include Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Ménière disease, and vestibular neuritis. These can cause vertigo symptoms along with hearing issues, nausea, and other disturbances. Cognitive impairment could also occur from vestibular disruption. These symptoms typically necessitate medical attention and treatment. Inflammation is a common factor among many of these causes. Yet, BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. This often resolves within a few weeks or less.
Supplements for Vertigo
Various natural nutrient interactions could reduce the bodily conditions which cause vertigo symptoms. Nutritional supplements might even work in tandem with medical treatment, when deemed necessary. Consider how each of these could be properly used to mitigate the symptoms and intensity of peripheral vertigo symptoms:
Vitamin D and calcium comprise a combination that has proven to be helpful in mitigating the recurrences of BPPV. A study from 2020 showed that daily supplementation with Vitamin D, combined with calcium, significantly reduced the chances of a recurring bout of vertigo due to HPPV. The link between vitamin D and reduced BPPV makes sense because vitamin D deficiencyis strongly linked to this form of vertigo. Improvements in symptoms have even been evidenced in as short a time as two months.
Ginkgo biloba is a unique Chinese herb with a few specific uses as a remedy. As a supplement, ginkgo biloba is known to help reduce symptoms of vertigo. It does so by stimulating blood flow, and therefore oxygen, to the brain. This can relieve dizziness and improve balance in those with vertigo. One recent study shows ginkgo biloba to be just as effective as betahistine, a medication commonly prescribed for vertigo.
Berberine is a natural compound found in some plants, and commonly useful as a remedy for a variety of health issues. For one thing, it can mitigate vertigo in a couple of ways. First, berberine can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within the inner ear, thereby supporting vestibular well-being. It can increase neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and serotonin, which can alleviate vertigo symptoms and improve balance.
Milk Thistle is touted for its potential ability to improve cognition in those with vertigo. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin.
Vertigo, or more specifically peripheral vertigo, is a vestibular issue which can often be addressed, in part, by the intake of the right natural nutrients. If you are diagnosed with vertigo, talk to your healthcare provider about how the natural supplements above could help reduce the symptoms and recurrences or vertigo.