This blog is about my diet causing vestibular problems to become worse.
I hope it will help you when I share what I have learned about taking better care of myself.
I am so skillful and relaxed at handling severe migraines now that I had barely noticed the ferociousness of my most recent exacerbation.
Without even thinking twice, I have already slowed down and almost completely stopped making social plans with friends.
If I have made any commitments in the last six months, I have been using my favorite disclaimer: “The migraines have been really bad again lately. If I make plans with you, I may have to cancel at the last minute. I won’t know for sure until that morning.”
I started to wonder “What is so different than last year at this time when I almost forgot I even had migraines?” I was living so freely and making social plans without stating my last minute cancellation policy.
It was then that I realized that for the last year, making time for my new relationship has included eating out more often, drinking caffeinated beverages and staying up late on random evenings.
So my focus has been distracted from preparing my own food at home, honoring a regular bedtime and following a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the symptoms I have noticed that made me decide to refocus on my lifestyle choices include: imbalance, vertigo, dizziness, nausea, more frequent migraines, difficulty concentrating, foggy brain, weight gain and exacerbated symptoms of anxiety and depression, even though things are going better in my life than ever before.
I thought, “Is my diet causing vestibular problems to become worse?”
After reflecting on this insight, I have decided to:
- start drinking more organic vegetable juices
- switch back to decaffeinated organic coffee
- avoid gluten and traditional dairy to reduce inflammation
- avoid foods that trigger migraines such as alcohol, cheese and chocolate 🙁
- drink more water and decaf herbal tea
- fast occasionally (skip a meal)
- get to bed by 10pm to improve my sleep
- try to have more fun with my friends
- spend more time outdoors in nature, unplugged from electronics
- avoid stressing over my to-do list
- celebrate what I do accomplish in a day instead of focusing on what I did not get done
- pray in Jesus’ name with a humble heart for healing
I know that being a “vestibular patient” means I cannot do what everyone else does and still feel ok.
After all, if I don’t take care of myself, who will?
“Let food be thy medicine.”
-Hippocrates
This blog post was edited in 2018.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
Dr. Bell, I currently have some dizziness and also have a bout of SIBO. Reading your blog has me thinking there’s a correlation. I will start to eliminate gluten which I’ve never tried. Any recommendations for a gluten digestive enzyme and resources for gluten free living and foods. Thanks!
Hi Roberta,
I have tried a few different gluten enzymes, and found a few that work pretty well. You may have to see what works for you.
I definitely suggest reading other customer’s product reviews.
Also, be careful to order any supplements from a reputable store or specific store’s website, since there is not FDA regulation of supplements that are sold. I have read reports of fraudulent supplements being sold on certain general online marketplaces.
If you do try to go gluten free, you absolutely cannot cheat! Even a trace of gluten can cause a setback.
The supplements are only for possible exposures if someone else prepares your food, like a restaurant. They will not solve the issue if you continue to eat food with gluten.
It is not an easy decision to make, but is possible when you are willing to do whatever it takes! I had to get sick from gluten at least 50 times before I was ready to make this lifestyle change.
I suggest that you try the gluten free diet for at least 6 months before deciding if it is working for you.
My colleague Diane Kusunose, PT just published an excellent newsletter with gluten free options. You can find that here.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT