Did you know that there can be a correlation between dizzy spells and eating? Turns out that the gut and vertigo go hand in hand!
There are a few ways that digestion, or your gut, can affect symptoms of dizziness and vertigo. Dizzy spells correlated with eating can be caused by fluctuations in blood sugar, effects of alcohol, sensitivity to caffeine, food triggers for vestibular migraines, acid reflux, food sensitivities, and the gut-brain connection.
This blog is focused on food sensitivities, acid reflux, the gut-brain connection and other things associated with the gut and vertigo.
Acid Reflux
If you have acid reflux (or heartburn) and dizziness, I think this article may be interesting to you.
NOTE: The link offered by the author to the study is not working, so my assistant sent her a request for the information on the research article she is referencing. We have not received a reply from the author yet.
I think the author presents a very interesting idea that the “refluxed material” can be aggravating the Eustachian tubes which run from the middle ear to the back of the throat.
I’ve had patients with vertigo episodes related to acid reflux.
This association is called “acidic labyrinthitis” and can result in tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo.
The refluxed food particles and the stomach acids can irritate the ear, though the eustachian tube which connects the throat to the ear.
Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, is often involved due to the throat irritation as well.
What to do?
Consulting with a Gastro-enterologist, or GI doctor, will be helpful in diagnosis and management of any acid reflux, heartburn, and esophagitis. You may also need to consult with an ENT, or Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor.
If the acid reflux is severe or frequent, your doctor may diagnose you with GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).
Reducing spicy food and tomato sauce seems to be a good starting place to reduce reflux from your gut and vertigo.
It’s better to remove the triggers than rely on medications to manage acid reflux, if possible. The reason is that all medications have side effects and medications for acid reflux are notoriously difficult to stop taking once you start.
If you do need to use medication to manage the acid reflux, your doctor can advise you on the best medications for you.
Many of my patients are taking anti-reflux medication along with a nasal decongestant.
I have seen success with anti-reflux medications containing alginates. Your doctor can advise you if this is appropriate for your individual health situation.
Other strategies to reduce acid reflux include:
- Sleep upright on a wedge
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Stop smoking
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol intake
Gut-Brain Connection
The other interesting concept is the “gut-brain connection.”
There is evidence emerging that our digestion is very closely linked to brain function.
Have you ever noticed that you feel sort of depressed after eating a lot of sugar or junk food? This is due to the gut affecting brain chemicals.
Certain foods affect the chemicals in the brain and can even trigger dizziness or vertigo.
Episodic vertigo caused by vestibular migraine or Meniere’s disease may be affected by the gut-brain connection and certain food triggers.
What to do?
If you have been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease or Migraines, I suggest you learn about the food triggers for exacerbating your condition and avoid your triggers.
Eating a food that triggers a migraine episode or Meniere’s attack can set you back for days to weeks.
Food Sensitivities
Food allergies and food sensitivities, including alcohol, can both play a role when it comes to your gut and vertigo. Most testing is limited and only capable of detecting food allergies.
I personally have been tested, but some of the foods I’m “sensitive” to did not show up as “allergies,” since they were just “food sensitivities.”
I tend to track my level of gas, bloating, fatigue, and dizziness to see if I can correlate my food with my symptoms getting worse. Then I try eliminating the possible food offenders for a week or two and see how I feel.
It’s less expensive to try elimination diets than to continually getting tested for food allergies. Testing may not even detect food sensitivities!
A major challenge here is that food sensitivities can change over time and affect your gut and vertigo.
An integrative nutritionist, holistic dietician, or Naturopathic Doctor are likely the most qualified providers to offer you medical advice on this subject.
The idea of that type of specialty care would be to get tested for food allergies and food sensitivities. The next step is to avoid those foods as work with your provider to restore your gut microbiome.
It’s way “outside the box” of traditional care but I’m seeing it more and more often as a cause of dizzy spells. I believe this is often a missing link between the gut and vertigo.
This problem can even occur in people without indigestion or bloating after meals!
If you have a mystery case of dizziness, food sensitivities are worth investigating.
Hidden Glutens
As I was personally (and begrudgingly) transitioning to a “gluten free” diet, I discovered that there are a lot of hidden glutens.
Some ingredients that can contain hidden glutens include modified food starch, dextrin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and so-called natural flavorings.
Gluten might also be hidden in certain foods like vanilla extract, or bleu cheese, where you would not expect it.
For people with extreme gluten sensitivity, even a minor exposure can take months to recover from. I personally take a gluten digestive enzyme anytime I am not 100% sure if there are any hidden glutens in my food, or I skip eating altogether to err on the safe side.
Auto-Immune Issues
I have met people with newly developed food allergies or sensitivities, like gluten, corn, soy, dairy, etc, that causes inflammation in your gut and vertigo.
Some people need to stay away from nightshades, like eggplants, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, because they promote inflammation as well.
An inflammatory response to certain foods can even trigger an auto-immune response in certain people.
That is when the immune system also attacks the inner ear, the nerves in the feet, or the brain.
If the dizzy spells correlate with eating, then these are important factors to consider.
One thing is for sure, you have to be your own advocate with these types of health problems.
I learned that myself after living with a mystery case of dizziness and vertigo for over 25 years!
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.
Hi Dr. Bell, Thank you for this article! I’ve noticed that when I eat certain foods like MSG or gluten, I get dizzy about one hour later and it lasts all night. I thought it was only in my head but then I saw your article. Shortly after meals with MSG or gluten, I definitely notice my neck and jaw start to hurt and feel stiff. That seems to come along with the dizziness, and maybe even cause a migraine sometimes. Have you heard of something like that related to food sensitivities? Anything you can share would be appreciated! Thanks
Hi Simon,
Thank you for sharing your observation.
Sometimes certain food triggers like MSG or gluten can cause vestibular migraines, which can cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and nausea.
Another theory on this topic that could possibly explain what you are dealing with is related to neurological reflex points along the spinal column. Problems with the C1 vertebrae, or atlas bone, at the base of the skull is associated with food and environmental sensitivities.
With that in mind, certain foods or other chemicals that you are sensitive to could cause a misalignment of your atlas bone, which can cause dizziness, jaw and neck pain, and stiffness as you describe. This pattern could even trigger a vestibular migraine.
My suggestion is that you search for a manual physical therapist trained by “Institute of Physical Art” to evaluate your neck and jaw, if that happens again and does not go away on its own.
Also, you might want to track which foods are causing these symptoms, and avoid them altogether.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
This sounds like me. Anyway to help keep the C1 aligned on my own. Was seeing PT and is helpful. Looking for tips to manage at home. Also am low oxalate as found this was contributing factor
Lisa
Thank you for sharing your story Lisa! I am glad you have pieced together so many aspects of your puzzle.
I offer a lot of self-care instructions to my patients based on their individual situation, like most physical therapists. I would suggest for you to consult your PT for tips to manage at home.
Hi, I am having severe problems related to gas issues. I don’t take coffee or even apples and cooked vegetables is troublesome for me. I need a diet plan whichakes body alkaline.
Hi Vasundhara,
You may want to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a digestive enzyme would be helpful to reduce your gas.
Alkaline diets are helpful for many people.
Adding lemon juice to your water is a simple way to create a beverage that shifts your internal pH towards alkalinity.
Alkaline diets are not right for all the patients I have worked with, so I suggest for you to consult a dietician or wellness provider on your individual case. That way you can get specific individual advice on your diet.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
DR Bell, I have this mild dizziness for over 6 month now. It happen when jogging, high places and looking in mirror. I did all the tests with my doctor including eye exams all show there’s nothing wrong with me. There’s no pain on my body just this dizziness.
I started eat a lot turmeric daily 6 or 7 month ago. Do you think this might affect my gut health and led to dizziness? I really like turmeric because it fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Thank you very much!
Hi John,
I am glad you do not have any pain! That is something to be grateful for.
I understand your affinity for turmeric for the benefits you described. I like a good golden milk beverage myself!
Everyone has different reactions to foods and different food sensitivities.
You can try to eliminate turmeric from your diet for a period of time, and see if you still feel dizzy or not.
I discuss the idea of an elimination diet in my blog.
Your dizziness symptoms may not be related to your gut. If you have not already consulted with a Vestibular Physical Therapist, I always recommend that for people with dizziness.
You can find a provider using the links I share in this blog.
In this blog, I share questions that can guide you to present your case to a healthcare provider effectively.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello, this morning I had Ramiro sauce & developed giddiness. Now I have understood the connection.
But when in this condition what medicine should be taken. Seeking only advise- will certainly consult before taking any medicine.Thank you
Hi Rajiv,
I suggest you ask your doctor this same exact question.
Your doctor can decide if a medicine is appropriate for you.
In the meantime, watch out for that Ramiro sauce!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello everyone. I have c2 to c6 problem and i am seeing upper cervical chiropractor for it to align my atlas. I have seen several doctors from eent, neurologist, gastrologist. Cant find anything on eent. Gastro found duodenitis, gastritis and hiatus hernia and neurologist i have problem with my c1 to c6. I have light headed problem that starts 2 years ago. I was diagnosed by my GP with IBS. I started having problem with my gut 10yrs ago when i was diagnosed with anemia which i was taking iron supplement for those years. Then after a long time taking it i have gastric issues like acid reflux and ibs. I have food and drink intolerance test with i was intolerant to different food like gluten, wheat, yeast, eggs, cows milk, beetroot, grapes as the main. When i eliminate this food. After a few months of eliminating i feel better and when i slowly introduce the food sometimes i have some flares up. After reading and finding this articles it seems that my light headedness was related to food that i take. So i am back on my food diary and eliminating my food sensitivities again. I am also back on esomeprazole 40mg once a day and will be reviewed by mg gastro doc next month. Just sharing my experience to you all because some doctors will just treat symptoms not the cause and for us we have to be advocate for our own health. No one knows as better than ourselves.
I have been diagnosed with a autoimmune to my ears. I had severe dizziness and nauseous episodes and they were generally after I ate. I was just researching some symptoms of GERD and came across this article.I have started going to a nutritionist and I am going to see if I can get a referral to a gastroenterologist. I am so thankful that I found this article, really gives me hope that I am on the right track.
Hi Kimberley Bell
I fell this year at home ended with sensation spinning vertigo
7 week later finding I a concussion
Spinning sensation vertigo not went away
Is it do my belly got fat or it the foods I eat not drink soda or coffee
What is main cause
Hi Patrick,
There are many possible root causes of the vertigo attack that you described.
Since vertigo has caused you to fall and you got a concussion, it is very important to seek proper medical care for your situation.
This article may help you find a vertigo doctor in your area who can evaluate you for the main cause and offer individual medical advice.
You should definitely notify your regular doctor of what happened.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have Bike Acid Malabsorption and I get bad dizzy spells. I did a VNG test and my right ear was off 35% is so. When I get the dizzy spells I get confused and do not remember what I had said. Really hard.
I am dealing with severe vertigo. I had a sinus infection last month I thought was the cause.
I couldn’t get out of bed for 12 days. Lost 20 lbs due to nausea and lack of appetite. Was given antibiotics and felt much better.
Then out of the blue last night, I was hit hard with vertigo and it’s lasting into today.
My diet has been very adjusted since I was sick, so everything is organic, fresh veggies, no sugar/gluten, made at home (exception would be chipotle salad delivered occasionally).
I’ve started taking Cod liver oil, D3, nutritional yeast and only water/coconut water. No caffeine.
Going to see an ENT soon. Any thoughts?
I dealt with this in 2019 as well after my last child was born, I experienced extreme vertigo 3 days a week for about 9 months.
Hi Chantelle,
BPPV or vestibular neuritis are both common after a sinus infection.
Bonus option: You can sometimes get them both at the same time!
Hopefully your ENT can help with diagnosis and provide medication if needed.
The ENT can also refer you to vestibular physical therapy.
You can still go to vestibular PT even without a proper diagnosis, as they can sometimes help in the diagnostic process.
You can use this article to search for vestibular care providers near you.
This article has home remedies for vertigo.
Good job on the healthy diet! At least you have that in your favor right now!
In order to help your providers diagnose you correctly, you can write up a case summary using this article.
I hope you feel better soon!
Am on day 5 of admission with sudden onset of vertigo that is challenging my doctor on cause.its not going away faster.. with a history of very irritable gut and GERD. Several H.pylori tests come out negative. This vertigo is a new twist and after reading your article I tend to think it’s related to the long standing bowel issues. I strongly believe I don’t need the many endoscopies that only reveal a chared esophagus due to GERD.
Your take please??
Hi Dinah,
I support your doctor’s treatment plan and recommendations for your case. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer any individual medical advice to you but only helpful information.
In general, I agree that the gut issues especially GERD can be the missing link for the root cause of vertigo spells.
I encourage you to re-read the blog since I have updated the content recently. That may help you learn more and figure out your next steps.
Ultimately, making a plan to reduce the reflux and heal your gut is an important goal to improve your quality of life.
This blog may help you choose the right healthcare providers.
I am glad that my blog sparked a new angle for you to approach your vertigo spells.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have had dizziness and fatigue for two years now.all tests including MRI are negative. I have heartburn, chest pain and feel bloated, my lef ribs also ache at night. My skin also have recurrent infections itching.i also have continuous mucus accompanied by cough when I talk or laugh.i have never lost appetite, no fever though my eyes get fatigued.i have seen a neurologists,ENT,optica,name them but nin have diagnosed.my pp,sugar, blood, urine, kidneys,liver are ok
Hi Alice,
That sounds miserable!
I think you might like to check out this book written by my former neurologist.
You may want to ask your doctor to assess you for auto-immune issues.
I wish I could offer more help, but I cannot speculate on the root cause without seeing you in person.
I hope you get relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I just started adding baked potatoes to my diet, Dizziness and light headedness set in while standing and lying down. I have mild acid reflux, gluten sensitivity, and tomato allergy. Didnt realize potatoes are nightshades as well. After a week of vertigo and sleep deprivation, I am adding black licorice root to my vitamin supplements. I also rub it on my skin excema. It seems to help with bloating and vertigo. Also skin is doing better. I have low blood pressure but careful not to take too much and stop taking it once symptoms are gone. Black licorice root is my go to fix all when digestive problems, vertigo, sleeplessness, lethargic depression, and itchy excema flare up due to diet culprits. But I would like to know what glutein enzyme you use, it sounds helpful for out to dinner unavoidable glutein hits. Thank you for your informative article.
Hi Trish,
I don’t recommend a specific gluten enzyme because I think there are many good ones available, but I mostly use the one at this website.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi I have had vertigo for some time now it’s now affecting my stomach like butterflies before going to my head making feel like I might faint
Hi.my husband has a complicated problem and have found no solutions.had surgery,got staph,3 more surgeries,body shutting down,finally good enough to go home with pic line. dizzy, fatigue, brain fog,nassau.this was 4 years ago and still bad.been to every kind of doc,scans,etc.thru our own eliminations and trying diff things,we noticed when he eats, within 20 minutes he feels bad and dizzy.we have tried diff foods,but all affect him.help
Hi Sandra,
Wow! You and your husband have been through a lot. My heart goes out to you.
I am assuming he received IV antibiotics through the PICC line.
Certain IV antibiotics can cause permanent damage to the inner ear, vestibular system.
IV antibiotics can also disrupt the delicate balance of living organisms in the digestive tract, called the “gut microbiome.”
In order to maximize his recovery, he may want to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in analyzing and rebuilding the “gut microbiome.” This is a specialty area of alternative medicine and different types of providers may be able to help. You can research what is available in your area.
Also, consulting a Vestibular provider may be a valuable step. You can use this article to find a Vestibular provider.
I hope he can get some relief by addressing both of those potential side effects of IV antibiotics.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi,
About a week ago I started having shortness of breath, dizziness and headache and I still struggle with it. The shortness of breath is only once a day and it’s usually when I’m standing up (I have to lie down for several minutes for it to go away and then I’m fine).
The dizziness usually starts a few hours after waking up and often doesn’t go away. I have stopped drinking coffee (I was drinking a lot and it always made my dizziness worse), am taking OTC acid reflux pills, but it’s still a problem to where I can’t go to work where I’m on my feet for multiple hours without the shortness of breath or dizziness happening.
(I want to clarify that the shortness of breath isn’t all the time, it’s very brief, but I always have to lie down to make it go away. I’m only 23 and I know it’s not a heart attack or anything that serious, but it’s definitely affecting my life). Any help would be great! Thank you.
Hi Emily,
Shortness of breath is a serious symptom that must be reported to your primary doctor.
I suggest that you schedule an appointment with your regular doctor to get started on evaluating potential causes.
If the shortness of breath gets worse before you get in to see your doctor, you can go to urgent care or the emergency room.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. This is the second time in 3 months that happened to me, for the reason out of no were I start to feel light headed and start to feel the need to take a bowl ,and from there things start to get worse, vertigo hits me and trips to the bathroom at least 3 o 4 times my stomach starts to grumble and bloated, I start filling better not until I take all those trips to the bathroom, I don’t know what it is ,if it’s food poisoning or what!!
Hi Anna,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
Yes it is a good idea for you to try to determine if this is triggered by certain foods or stressful life events.
You could be experiencing vestibular migraine which is sometimes marked by stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea. If so, you may also experience sensitivity to light, sound, or strong smells.
You could try some fennel tea to settle your stomach down if this happens again.
You can also find a Vestibular Provider to assess you for root causes of vertigo using this article.
This blog has Vertigo Home Remedies that may or may not be helpful to you.
I hope this does not happen to you again!
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
This message is to John Z from Jan. 12 2021:
I get dizzy every once in a while.
In 1989, I went to ER, cuz I came out of my bathroom and swung back into wall. It was weird. Anyway, the ER doctor said I had vertigo and to take Niacin, non flushing.
So I did and it worked. Every time I start to get dizzy, I take 1 until it goes away (1 or 2 days)
I hope that helps you
I have a vertigo while eating
In a first bite of food…
Same here. When I start chewing on my first few bites, I get dizzy or feeling faint.
But these spells are over after 10 or 20 seconds until I finish my meal.
It usually happens when I’m hungry and I tend to eat fast.
I am now scared to start eating that I delay or try to suppress my appettite.
This is not post-prandial hypotension because it happens only on the first bites.
Hi,my husband has seen every type of doctor,even one that does testing for allergies and supplements.his symptoms are the same naseau,can’t stand anything tight on his stomach,brain fog,unable to focus and dizziness,his dizziness is causing him to jerk or fall backwards.which I find odd.he has had this for 5 years.please help
Hi Steve,
I suggest that your husband consults with a vestibular physical therapist to assess for and either treat or rule out BPPV.
You can search for a provider in your area using this article.
BPPV can cause people to jerk and fall backwards.
He may have more than one underlying condition that is causing his discomfort. I love that you have gotten him tested for allergies and supplements!
Perhaps it is time to pursue the vestibular PT.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I am having so many digestive issues with vertigo. My doctor says it’s stress related, sometimes my ear will feel full or have a bit ringing. I do elimination diet and on the reintroducing phase I started this dizzy feeling and eventually turns to vertigo and bloating. I keep on burping but I can’t fart, i have headache, blurry of cloudy vision that end up getting a new eyeglasses. My doctor gave me something for bloating and probiotics but it seems not improving. And sometimes my chest is having a bit of discomfort because of acid reflux or gerd.
Hi Dianne,
I am sorry to hear this!
I have another article on reflux or GERD and dizziness. You can find it here.
Hi Dr Bell;
I appreciate your blog so much. I’ve been dealing with vertigo for almost a month now. I’ve had it previously but not as bad. I don’t know what triggered it yet. I have a dairy sensitivity it’s not completely lactose intolerant. I switched my milk to lactaid because regular milk gives me diarrhea. I seem to tolerate cheese cottage cheese and yogurt just fine. I also have a wheat sensitivity.. not gluten because I can eat white bread without any problems. I have Gerds and IBS. My guts a mess. The Dr prescribed ranitadine for gerds which worked well but then it was recalled. I stopped taking any meds for it and I don’t take anything for the IBS either. I just avoid foods that make it worse. I had my gallbladder removed which caused some digestive problems with fats meaning if I eat too much it goes right through me.
I saw my Dr yesterday who gave me a steroid shot and vitamin B12 shot and prescription for meclazine. He said the vertigo would be decreased or gone by yesterday afternoon. Nope still dealing with it.
My symptoms:
Severe dizzyness
Severe nausea which makes me hungry(weird)
Mild headache
Tinnitus
Shakyness
Dizzyness triggered by fan sounds
The Dr mentioned if I don’t improve to go to a physical therapist for a treatment and if that doesn’t work he will do an MRI. So what am I missing is there something else that I should be doing or not doing? I’m tired of dealing with this I just want to feel better.
Hi Julianne,
Ugh! I am sorry you feel so bad.
I suggest you follow your doctor’s recommendations to go to physical therapy and get an MRI if needed.
To find a vestibular physical therapist, you can search using this blog.
That is a specially trained physical therapist, not a general physical therapist.
I wrote this article on the link between reflux and vertigo. That information may help you as you sort through your case.
Patients who have their gallbladder removed may need to take a supplement with gall bladder enzymes to help with digestion. I am not sure if this would help you or not, so I suggest you talk with a provider who recommends supplements for digestion.
You may be completely overlooking a cervical component of your symptoms.
It is possible that you need to address your neck.
That would likely need to be addressed by an orthopedic manual physical therapist, which is different from a vestibular physical therapist and is more specialized than a general physical therapist.
You may need a team approach if it turns out you have a cervical component of dizziness.
Sometimes IBS type symptoms are due to abdominal migraines.
Typically these symptoms are diagnosed as “abdominal migraine” in children and as “IBS” in adults.
Dizziness that is made worse with certain sounds is a typical migraine symptom.
This article may be helpful to you.
It is also possible that you need to approach this differently, as if you are having recurrent abdominal migraines and/ or vestibular migraines.
Those are some things to look into and discuss with your doctor.
I wish you all the best!
I have Bile Acid Malabsorption and dizzy spells. If you can’t eat any fat get tested for it. I had failed a VNG test as my right ear was off 36%. You may want to ask your ENT Doctor to order it. Feel better.
I am having same problems. Can’t get any help
Hi,
From India. I am treated for meiner disease for past 2 years. Allopathic medicine did not give any relief so I turned to homeopathy and I did find relief for some time. For past several days, lightheaded ness, deep burping, bloating and anxiety has returned. Is it due to wheat. Because we switched to a new brand. In India we make whole wheat bread known as rotis which is staple food along with curries. By the way I am male, 56 years with history of migraine, IBS, hypertension, vertigo and anxiety in that order. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Anand,
I am sorry for what you are going through.
Going 100% gluten free for at least six months is a good place to start, if you have not tried that already.
I hope you are able to figure out the root cause of your digestive distress.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. Bell,
I am a 39-year-old female that had their gallbladder removed, an umbilical hernia fixed, and diastasis recti repairment (without mesh). I have uncontrolled deep burping, very uncomfortable fullness, flatulence, overall weakness, dizziness and back pain after eating fatty meals. Can you suggest some home remedies to reduce these symptoms? I already take a digestive enzyme, probiotic, and PPI. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Hi Kelly,
I am sorry to hear what you are dealing with!
I suggest getting the function of your pancreas checked out by your healthcare provider.
You can ask your doctor if you need more specific “pancreatic digestive enzymes.”
I hope you feel better soon!
Kind regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi im from India 32 years. I have severe acidity and vestibular migraine how do I cure this.
Hi,
I suggest you find an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner to help you with your digestion.
When I focused on getting my stomach acid under control, my migraines greatly improved.
I worked with an Ayurvedic doctor on that, so I suggest you look for someone local.
Best wishes!
Hello Dr, I am BNR from Hyderabad age of 61 years, having CSOM lft since last 35 years opreted Radical mastoidectomy in 1988 but pus discharge with foul smell continue till now. About 10 yard back I noticed sever giddiness for 2 hrs, about 4 yers back again experienced then I was advised it could be Vertigo,but only for two hrs lasted itself without medicine. Now since last 15 days it is troubling me even consuming Vertin-16 mg thrice in a day. In this juncture can I go for another ear surgery,can it be cured please advice me thank you
Hi BNR,
Although I cannot understand everything you shared because some of your story appears to be lost in translation, it sounds like you have history of surgery.
Pus with a foul smell usually indicates an infection.
I definitely suggest for you to follow up with your doctor and surgeon. Then follow their recommendations for your care and treatment.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi there,
I am a 42 year old female and have recently been suffering with what has been diagnosed as labrynthitis. About 2 weeks ago I had sudden onset BPPV symptoms which went away with the epley manoeuvre. Then about 5 days ago symptoms returned but more like labrynthitis with general sense of dizziness and nausea and actual vomiting rather than short periods of spinning sensation. This time symptoms were not relieved but we’re aggravated by epley manoeuvre. I visited my doctor and was prescribed anti-emetics.
I wondered if there was a link with diet as I’ve been doing intermittent fasting for a while (some months) and these two symptom episodes came up after a day of eating unhealthy again – is snacking on crisps and chocolate, cheesecake etc!! Could it be related to that? I mentioned it to my doctor and he wasn’t sure if there could be a relationship or not, but I know they’re not very clued up about diet.
Hi Liz,
Certainly foods that have sugar can trigger inflammation. You could also be having difficulty regulating your blood sugar with the sudden surge of treats.
Inflammation from refined sugar can affect the brain and the ear, along with the whole body!
I know those treats are so tempting, but it may be best to stay away from the processed foods and sugary treats to reduce your inflammation.
You can research low glycemic treats, and there are some pretty good ones available nowadays.
Trust me, I had to get super sick at least 100 times before I was willing to give up gluten and sugar myself.
Also, chocolate is a migraine trigger. FYI
This blog has some home remedies that may help as well.
I hope you feel better soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Mr. Anad, I am suffering from Meniere’s disease too… How long did it take for you to get any relief?
Hi Anand,
myself bhupesh from india, Suffering from menieres 7 years.
still i didn’t get root cause, but this article gives some clarification about digestive system becomes the main culprit.
I have severe vertigo, tinnitus and dizziness. if you find any suggestions and treatments you come across please let me know.
I was diagnosed with peptic ulcers and I have been having vertigo and and feeling confused sometimes
Hi Pera,
I encourage you to follow the treatment plan by your providers.
Also, you may want to check the side effects of medications you are taking. Some GI medications can cause cognitive issues.
I suggest you discuss all this with your doctors, since they have evaluated you in person.
I’ve been terrible Gerd or whatever it is, I start prescribed medication about a week ago , I get terrible gas, vertigo.
I have suffering from vertigo, dizziness, imbalance with standing & walking, neck & jaw pain. I do notice that my symptoms get even worse with eating & digestion, then I end up having to go lay down after eating because I get so dizzy I can’t think or stand at this point.
These dizziness came on suddenly about 5 weeks ago after I ate a meal & it just got worse as the weeks progress. If it’s the food, I don’t know how to even start figuring out what to eat.
Hi Sharon, Good Morning and hope you are better now. I have the same kind of symptoms past 2 weeks and Im not able to be normal at all. This gives me a total sick feeling. If your symptoms have reduced now, can you please share your approach. That might be helpful for many who refer this page. Thanks!
I have a hiatus hernia and have been getting a lot of pain just recently plus I feel lightheaded and dizzy as if the acid has gone into my sinusis is this possible?
Hi Crissa,
If you have not already, I suggest you consult a GI doctor and an ENT doctor.
After they evaluate you, they may be able to answer your excellent question.
Another great option is to find a physical therapist who specializes in Vestibular Rehab using this blog.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello …how you feeling now
Did you figure your symptoms? I’m in exactly similar situation as you.
Hello, I have the same issues.
Did you solve them?
Thanks!
Hello
Love your page! About 4 years ago woke up with terrible ringing ears and vertigo. The vertigo went away after a few months the ringing ears has stayed . Do have acid reflux and my tongue is always white thinking malabsorption. Stopped my PPI which I think cause everything and always dehydrated iron levels always low any suggestions?
Hi Sherry,
For ringing in the ears, the steps I generally take are to examine all medications for side effects of “tinnitus.” Surprisingly even aspirin can cause ringing in the ears!
I have found that upper cervical care adjusting the C1 and C2 bones, along with the jaw joint if needed, can help resolve tinnitus. Chiropractors and physical therapists who specialize in upper cervical spine care may be helpful.
Of course, working with your doctor and a nutritionist to ensure proper levels of iron and adequate hydration, etc is important.
Some people like to take lipoflavonoids for ringing in the ears. I do not have an opinion on that either way, good or bad. Some of my patients say it helps and other say it made no difference.
You should check with your doctor before starting to take any new supplements, since I cannot provide you with specific medical advice about your situation.
I wrote this blog about ringing in the ears.
I hope that helps!
Hi I have recently started having what seems to be a digestive issue I will feel like I need the bathroom and ill get a little out but not much but I still feel like I really have to go so I push and then I end up dizzy and nauseous to the point I go into a vertigo type episode and im not even sure where to begin being ive gone my whole life up until a few weeks ago without these problems.my digestion has always been off though and I’ve always had the feeling of rocks in my stomach but nothing like this. Any info you could provide would mean the world thank you
Hi,
It is possible that you baring down so hard to try to pass a bowel movement that you are doing a Valsalva maneuver without knowing it.
You can learn more about that here.
For constipation, some suggestions are to drink plenty of water and eat more fiber – that means veggies.
Some of my patients take a teaspoon of psyllium husks in room temperature water before bed every other night.
Your doctor can advise you on other specific remedies to maintain regular bowel movements.
When you are trying to pass a bowel movement, be sure to maintain regular steady breathing and do not hold your breath.
I hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I want to know if that surgery for gerd will make it so I never get vertigo ever again!! I had to stay home today cause I have vertigo so bad!! I’m sure work thinks I’m a lyar but I get it bad..I take 40mg omeprazole everyday.
Hi Brad,
I am sorry to hear that you missed work because your vertigo was so bad!
I am not sure if you are a good candidate for GERD surgery. I suggest you discuss your individual case with your doctor directly.
Even so, there are many different causes of vertigo. After vertigo is resolved or reduced, there is always a chance that it could come back.
There is no known way to absolutely prevent vertigo from ever recurring.
This blog on Home Remedies may be useful to you.
I hope you feel better soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr,
I had all of sudden Bppv on jan 5th last for 27 days chronic after i saw ENT he performed exercise it went away. But since then when i burp or gas my brain shake i can feel light effect of vertigo please advise i try to explain dr’s they said normal but I don’t think. I try physio but they bought bppv more nausea n vomiting so i stop exercising. It is only bothering me when i burp please advise.
Thank you
Hi Samira,
I am sorry to hear of your distress!
I suggest that you find a Vestibular Doctor or physical therapist, using this blog.
Finding a specialist in BPPV is a key to recovery.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I am 42 years old I am suffering dizziness cause of acid reflux last 2017 and until now I still embalance, and it worsen last month until now because I ate meat and spicy foods…i felt fatigue now and sometimes depress and can’t breath well sometimes …I walk a little and lay down again…i suffered this 5 years now
Hi Josephine,
I am sorry to hear of your struggles!
I suggest you absolutely avoid the foods that are causing your reflux and talk to your doctor about a medication that might help you.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I’m amazed at reading this, sums me up exactly.
I’ve felt despair at relaying these symptoms to my GP for so many years.
Thank you for your informative blog. I now feel hopeful 🤔
Oh my! I have been struggling with dizziness, neck pain and GERD for months. I have been going to PT and that helps but I haven’t connected the acid reflux as part of the problem. Additionally, I have been gluten sensitive since the 1980’s – crazy! Currently, I am trying to cut out all triggers but the condition still comes and goes – haven’t identified them all yet? I have even gone as far as getting my heart tested … its healthy! Any advice?
Hi Jillyjelly 🙂 I love that name!
For reducing acid reflux, the following are a few strategies my patients have used:
1) Avoiding food triggers such as citrus fruit, spicy food, and tomato
2) Taking an anti-reflux medication recommended by their doctor for about 10 days – You would have to ask your doctor if that is right for you.
3) Elevating the head of the bed about 30 degrees – This may not make your neck feel great though!
The other issue caused by GERD can be restrictions in the deep neck fascia. You can ask your PT or find a PT who specializes in visceral manipulation to check the deep neck fascia for you.
As a Vestibular PT, I refer to another PT for orthopedic manual physical therapy for my patients with co-occuring neck pain. And still, I have another PT I refer to for visceral manipulation.
You may need more than one PT to meet all your needs! This is because orthopedic manual therapy, vestibular PT, and visceral manipulation are all specialty areas within physical therapy practice.
I hope you have a breakthrough soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr Bell. I was just diagnosed with Vertigo. I’m off balance, dizzy and also I’m noticing in constantly feeling like I have to burp and nausea. Also minor tummy aches. My feet also feel cold a lot. Are these things associated with the vertigo? Please help me. Thank you so much
Hi Chad,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
I suggest you find a Vestibular Provider using the links I share in this blog.
A Vestibular Physical Therapist (like me) can answer your questions in detail after they examine you in person.
Without seeing you in person, I cannot speculate on whether the symptoms you mentioned are related to the diagnosis of vertigo or not.
It is certainly possible, but you can have more than one root cause of your discomfort.
This blog has Home Remedies that may help as well.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Good day Dr Bell
I was recently diagnosed and successfully treated for H Pylori. However I still suffer from reflux and tummy pains and sometimes a burning sensation in my lower abdominal and around my navel. I do get the lightheaded feeling which seems to go away when I eat a big meal but I also burp alot as the lightheaded feeling slowly goes. I have had many instances where I have woken up with the feeling and it stays all day even though I eat throughout the day but will eventually go after dinner. I have done may test including ECG and blood work but nothing found. Any suggestion? Thanks
Hi Samuel,
You may need to consult with someone outside of the traditional healthcare system.
Perhaps someone on this directory or through this website may be helpful?
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr Bell, at around 7 years old I ate a spoiled lunch meat in a sandwich. My mother had just bought it that morning but the store or my mom noticed it had went bad. I was asleep when my mother saw that my body emptied itself. I don’t remember if I also vomited, but definitely diarrhea. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital cause everything went through me. During the next 55 years, I have had many episodes of constipation, then explosive diarrhea and many of those times I have experienced excruciating stomach cramps, cold sweats, dizziness, and in a few instances passed out completely. I’m 62 now and only have had the extreme episode maybe 2-3 times a year. I’ve had countless test done and IBS is their diagnosis. Is there any light you can share on this problem? Could there be a connection to the food poisoning? I thank you for reading my long story and hope you have some feedback.
Hi Shelly,
It sounds like you have a problem with your microbiome, which is the balance of bacteria and other microbes in your digestive tract.
You can learn more here.
Without intervention, it can remain unbalanced and cause symptoms like you describe.
This type of provider focuses on diet and gut to heal the body.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Look into a parasite cleanse
I have acid reflux disease. I have noticed having vertigo directly after eating or having acid stomach since college. I offered the association between acid reflux and vertigo to my doctors and they rejected the association, citing vertigo comes from the inner ear, not the stomach.
I am very relieved to finally see studies related to gastric vertigo. For me, the association has moved from a possibility to a cause-effect. Thank you for your investigation of this health issue.
Dr. Bell,
I have been experiencing 24/7 off balance and vertigo issues. I have gone to many doctors and have ran many test which have come back normal. I even did an MRI of my brain and that was normal as well. It has been an interesting journey to say the least. One that leaves you with many more questions. I am now on a gluten free dairy free diet for the most part and try to eat healthy. I always thought food had something to do with since i can say i have had acid reflux for a long time. Im interested in talking to you because im 30 and i feel like the last 4 years in my 20s i missed out. Im just trying to figure something out and find something that helps. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon. Have a great weekend.
Hi Sergio,
If you want to communicate with me privately, please send me a message using this contact form.
Thank you,
Kim Bell, DPT
I noticed that I’m dizzy and have nausea in the morning before eating anything. I checked my blood sugar levels and they are normal. After eating anything it’s goes away very quickly. My doctor diagnosed me with bppv but it’s been almost 2 months since it first began . Does it have something to do with the food?
Hi Ayush,
You are very smart to suspect low blood sugar and rule that out!
I suggest your next step to find a vestibular physical therapist to check you for BPPV, which is another common cause of dizziness and nausea in the morning.
You can use this blog to search for providers in your area.
This blog has home remedies that may help.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
My daughter is being followed for rumination syndrome by Nemours. Her symptoms do not quite hit the text book definition of rumination syndrome but we’re going with it.
Back story: Her body has more difficulty swallowing liquids than solids. Esophageal motility shows liquids instantly “ruminating” at the upper esophageal flap vs after they hit the stomach. Her body will only let her swallow sweet tea and apple juice (i know it sounds bizzare) and one other juice ive found but she doesnt care for the taste but she can drink it. V8 orange carrot juice blend. Foods are “spit up” or vomited randomly and frequently through the day. Not a whole stomach emptying, but more like reflux. Sometimes its just bubbles. She says she feels things are stuck in her throat and tries go push them down and if she cant will spit them back up. Dry hard meats are hardest to swallow for her and says hurt when they come back up. Smoothies and things are thick and feels like she is going to choke.
I came across your article because now she has developed these dizzy fatigued feelings that are seeming to increase in frequency. I thought initially she may becoming dehydrated or malnourished due to poor food and liquids intake, however, UA and bloodwork are all normal all the time when the work uos are done. She is not losing weight and still full of life and bubbly 10 yr old despite throwing up all the time. Sometimes stomach pain and nausea are present before sometimes not, but usually come after especially if vomiting multiple times within 5 or 10 minutes. Vomiting occurs typically more than 20 times a day daily.
This article has been helpful because I’m starting to think this is what she doing with which makes me feel relieved because my fear was dehydration and malnourishment. So thank you
I had really bad vertigo the other day and the atlas was really high on one aide. I know posture can cause the problem, but what food sensitivities can affect the atlas?
Hi Marie,
The food and chemical sensitivities vary by individual.
Common sensitivities seem to be gluten, dairy, soy, nightshades, and MSG.
The best idea is to find a practitioner in your local area who can test you for your own individual food sensitivities.
Keep in mind they can change over time, especially if you have a leaky gut.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Thank you for this site! I always felt that my vertigo had a lot to do with my gut health. Over the last five years or so I have had a lot of acid reflux, burping and stomach pain to the upper left… I’ve had every test under the sun and everything comes back normal. I have done vertigo therapy which did help some but occasionally get flareups. Right now the biggest dizziness I feel is when I am driving. I’m fine in movement but when I stop the car at a light or in traffic I feel so dizzy. I always feel like I have to be in motion even pacing around a lot when I am on the phone or around the house. I definitely notice a difference when I have tomato sauce especially but I have done an endoscopy and they said I do not have gluten sensitivity. Would you still recommend trying to avoid gluten? I’ve been a vegetarian my entire life but I definitely eat tons of carbs. Any advice would be helpful. Also if there’s any doctor you would recommend especially if they’re located in New Jersey. Thank you for your help!
Hi Christine,
I cannot advise you on exactly what to do, but you could always try to eliminate potential food triggers for a while and monitor your symptoms as I suggest in the article.
If dizziness while riding in the car is the biggest trigger right now, I suggest you consult two different specialty providers.
You can find a vestibular physical therapist using this article.
You can find a Neuro-Optometrist using this directory.
I hope you have a breakthrough with one or both of them!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi,
I am experiencing swaying kind of feeling for past 8 months. Is it due to gastric?
Because I have gerd and acid reflux problem for past five years.
I have test ENT and it is normal.
Please suggest me what I should do.
Hi Preethi,
I suggest you seek an evaluation with a vestibular physical therapist.
You can use this article to search for a provider in your area.
I hope that is helpful!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello this sounds like me I feel Dizzy
dizziness most time after eating
When I am walking I lost my balance
now I can’t work to do my daily job
it is like many years ago now I have a problem with my balancing
can’t walk
This sound like me. I have vertigo, dizziness, stomach problem
Dr Kim Bell my name is Bethany.
I’m 30 years old.
Every time I take a bite of food I get dizzy like the room is spinning.
How do I stop it?
My head feels like it’s filled up with water and really tight.
Hi Bethany,
Without much more information, I’m not really sure because there are a few possibilities.
I hope that by now you have notified your doctor.
My suggestion is for you to consult with an orthopedic manual physical therapist who can evaluate your neck and jaw.
You can search for a provider using this directory.
You may also need to consult with an orthodontist.
I hope you feel better soon!
I have very bad dizziness and vomiting whenever I bend over lifting or working. I saw the article on gastric vertigo I think this is my problem .
Leaky gut for my daughter at 12 years old caused bone damage as a result of inflammation and has returned at 15. Pretty sure she has gluten intolerance and she tries to maintain a healthy diet . But nausea and anxiety and feeling she will vomit during travel has been quite debilitating for her.
We see a naturopath and work with her diet but fear and anxiety over travel has become a problem with panic attacks associated with travel
thank you for the information in this article I have been to doctors told me there’s no correlation between the stomach and the gut and your brain I thought they were crazy or ignorant.
Dr.Bell
I have taking Pantrpizol for a while but it don’t seem to be helping . I stopped taking it but my PCP advised for me to restart.. some days are better than others..
I get their pressure in my chest that goes to my back.. ( I think this is gas) along with the feeling like something is my throat .. I then get the dizziness and neck /jaw stiffness..
I have has a endoscopy and several test on my thyroid etc. all results were ok. (Great!!). I need to figure out if this is what I’m eating to cause this.. sometimes is wake up with the pressure/gas pains..
What do you suggest.? On open !!
Hi Safiya,
I suggest for you to follow all the instructions from your doctor.
You may want to ask your doctor about a low FODMAP diet to reduce the gas and see if that helps. You should only try that kind of diet with your doctor’s approval and supervision.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Asking for my 50 y/o mother. She had been suffering from a mysterious eating disorder in which she has to eat meal after every 4 hours *8 years old disorder*. Eating episode is accompanied by vertigo. After eating vertigo episodes diminish. Diabetic from last 2 years. Please give some advice.
Hi Khan,
The symptoms you are describing sound similar to a reactive hypoglycemia. This occurs usually about four hours after eating.
You can learn about this here.
You may benefit from working closely with a Diabetes Educator, an Integrative Endocrinologist, or an experienced Nutritionist.
Perhaps the combinations of foods she is eating at any one time can be a clue.
You can keep a journal of which foods that seem to make her vertigo worse than other foods. Then show that to her healthcare provider.
The other thing to watch for is the glycemic effect of food choices. Some low glycemic sweeteners that many of my patients like include monk fruit and stevia.
I am sorry for what your mother is going through! I hope she finds relief soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hello!
I have been constantly dizzy for 7 months it has been consistent and nothing I do makes it better or worse. It is a light headed dizziness. I have been to physical therapy, mri, al types of things and have not found a reason why I am this dizzy. When I was a baby my mom would say after eating I would throw up sometimes. And when I eat now I feel a warm ness in the back of my throat and naseous. My diet is not the best and I am nauseous all the time. When I wake up from a nap is when it is worse ! I wonder if something with my stomach and dizziness is correlated. What are your thoughts .
Hi Sydney,
I am sorry to hear about your distress! Yes of course I always consider dietary causes of dizzy symptoms for everyone I work with.
It is a good thing that nothing serious showed up on your MRI, so I encourage you to be grateful for a clear MRI.
You mentioned that your diet is not the best. If this dizziness problem is bothering you, then I definitely suggest for you to focus on cleaning up your diet.
If you feel nauseous after sleeping, it could be from BPPV or from reflux (among other things).
Warmness in the back of your throat could be inflammation in your esophagus due to reflux or heartburn. To reduce reflux, you can sleep propped up or lie on your left side.
I suggest for you to consult with your general doctor about this problem, and a GI doctor to determine if you are having reflux.
To get assessed and treated for BPPV, you can find a provider using this article.
This article has some vertigo home remedies that may help you if you have BPPV.
I encourage you to keep going and don’t give up!
You have been having digestive problems since you were a baby, but the dizziness is only started within the last year.
You can still get back to your prior baseline if you can determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. Bell, For the last ten years Bloating, gas, cramps, feeling fluish, nauseous, dizzy and lightheaded. No energy. I will be like this for five to ten days and then perfectly normal for 2 or so weeks and then it starts all over. Nothing is ever “wrong” with me. This started when I became menopausal. Have tried eliminating dairy etc with no changes. Thoughts?
Hi Gabriella,
I am sorry you are so uncomfortable!
Your story sounds like a pretty classic case of unidentified food sensitivities.
Of course, I cannot say what is actually happening without knowing more about you and conducting a physical exam in person.
I think you may need to dig deeper into the diet and possible food sensitivities with a skilled and experienced healthcare provider.
Although gluten and dairy are common culprits, sometimes it can be things like refined sugar or nightshades that cause digestive difficulties.
If you have a leaky gut syndrome, or intestinal permeability, then you may develop sensitivity to anything you eat and it can change over time. It’s like trying to hit a moving target.
Investigating your situation and tailoring a plan to your complex needs will likely require a professional. You may even need to get an extensive panel of bloodwork to check for inflammatory and auto-immune markers since this has been going on for so long.
I hope you can find someone in your area to work through this with you!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Gabriella,
In reading through these comments I stopped at yours and couldn’t believe how similar it is to me. I also have unexplained (and debilitating) problems since going through menopause a year ago. Never had any health issues in my life, I’ve been very fortunate. It started a year ago, woke up thinking I was having a heart attack. Racing heart, couldn’t catch my breath, clammy skin, nausea etc. I am 2 blocks from a hospital so I drove to the E.R. After many tests, they found no cause. For the next 4 months I ran to the E.R. 8 different times and they finally decided to admit me to do tests and observation. Thankfully no blockages, in fact the Cardiologist said I had the best angio he had ever seen. Which is great but left me with no answers. Left with a diagnosis of a 2nd degree AV block which supposedly wouldn’t cause chest pains, nausea, and my other symptoms. Long story, but the symptoms have gotten more frequent and worse. Horrible burning in my throat, I’ve lost my appetite because I’m afraid to eat and have to force myself. I can be sitting at work and all of a sudden I’m nauseous and sweating and leaning forward to breathe. Then as fast as it comes, it goes away. Very scary when it happens and I’m driving, so other than work I don’t go anywhere anymore either. So in addition to the physical problems, now I’m frustrated, scared to death and sad. Anyway I wanted to wish you success in finding answers and let you know your story helped me to not feel so alone. 😊
Hi dr Bell
I have been suffering with lightheaded and dizzy feeling for last two years and Went to ENT and he said I have ETD and gave exercises and herbal medicine Ginkoba bilova
I felt little better but it comes back again
Due to this I feel anxious that I should not get it . All my reports are normal but every day I have to go through this
I feel heavy around my ears and air feeling and I do have acidity problem
Hi Neelam,
You may have to go “off the beaten path” to find your root cause(s).
I suggest you to consult with a Vestibular Physical Therapist.
Use this blog to find a provider in your area.
Consulting an orthopedic manual physical therapist may be beneficial. You can search for one here.
Consulting a Neuro-Optometrist may help. You can search for one using this provider directory.
I suggest considering those three types of specialists providers to find the root cause.
These home remedies may help.
I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Since my first vertigo attack, approximately one week ago, I get an upset feeling at intervals. What can I take for my upset stomach and is this normal?
Hi Grace,
The stomach can be affected by vertigo.
This blog has home remedies that may help.
Your doctor may also have suggestions.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr. Bell,
Thank you for this article. I was diagnosed with BBPV last year July. I had these dizziness spells and often they were in relation to a bad stomach. The first time I was dizzy, I still remember having a stomach pain in the morning. Then after a couple other instances I went to an ENT doctor and was diagnosed with BBPV. I did the exercises that my doctor asked me to and it disappeared. Today morning I was dizzy and I also had stomach pain which caused me to go to the toilet as soon as my eyes opened. So I think there might be a correlation between gut and brain causing this dizziness. I’ve identified one or two food items to be the cause as well as type of food. I think spicy food doesn’t really suit my body.
Thank you so much for this article, doctor.
Hi Karen,
I am glad that my article was helpful to you.
It is not unusual to have diarrhea or abdominal distress with a flare up of vestibular conditions, because the gut is also connected to the inner ears!
Many of my patients experience abdominal symptoms with vestibular problems.
If you have identified certain foods that you can eliminate and your dizziness resolves, that’s great!
If you eliminate those foods and still have the symptoms, I suggest you consult with a Vestibular Physical Therapist to determine if you have an inner ear cause of your morning dizziness.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
GOOD MORNING DOCTOR BELL, I GET THE DIZZY SPELL ALMOST EVERY MORNING. I WENT TO THE EAR DOCTOR, BUT NO VERTICAL. I WENT TO A NEUROLOGIST AND DID AN EEG, CAT SCAN, AND A MRI, NOTHING WAS WRONG THERE. OTHER THAN A DEFORMED INNER EAR. I WENT TO THE GASTROLOGIST AND HAD A COLONOSCOPY, HE SAW NOTHING. THIS HAS BEEN ALMOST EVERY MORNING FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS, BUT I HAVE BEEN GETTING DIZZY OFF AND ON FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS ARE MORE AT ANY GIVEN TIME OF THE DAY. I DO FEEL PRESSURE ON MY BACK LEFT SIDE BEFORE I GET DIZZY, I DO HAVE BAD GAS A LOT AND SOMETIMES SEEMS TO BE A VERY HARD STRANG TO GET IT OUT. I’M CONSTIPATED A LOT. I DO TAKE PROTONIC FOR MY ULCER. I DO TAKE MECLIZINE FOR THE DIZZINESS. BOTTLE SAY’S TAKE WHEN NEEDED. BUT I TAKE ONE IN THE MORNING WENT I GET UP BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO GET DIZZY ON MY WALK WITH THE DOGS OR AT WORK. ALL THEY SAY IS TO DRINK MORE WATER. THE DIZZINESS IN THE PAST I THOUGHT WAS FROM MY NECK, BECAUSE OF TWO PAST INCIDENTS. ANY OTHER DOC. WILL HELP ME STOP THIS DIZZINESS. ARE DIETS.
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear all this!
I suggest you find a doctor who specializes in dizziness.
This article may help.
Best wishes
Hello Simon, I am so happy to have come accross your blog with Dr. Bell. Yesterday I ate at a restaurant had what is known as stacked potato soup that tasted delicious. My husband and I also had a small beer drink with that and a hamburger. When I got home, it was very warm in the house (Florida) and I sat in my lounger and fell asleep for about one hour. When I woke up I tried to stand but not even out of the chair. I fell back in the seat my back was hurting and my whole body felt like it was tumbling (not only was the room spinning it felt like the whole world was tumbling upside down and sideways). My husband helped me to out bed and I managed to lie down but if I so much as turned my head on either side or just opened my eyes I was again tumbling with my whole bedroom. It was bad all night and still a little oozy this morning. Years ago I had a similar event after a chinese meal. My head gets so heavy I cannot move. I have eaten at this restaurant before with no problem. The cook must have changed the recipe.
I’ve noticed I feel this way when I eat oatmeal. I get dizzy a few hours after and lasts all day.
I’ve been recently experiencing dizziness/lightheadedness during eating. It almost felt as if I was going to pass out. Afterward it subsides or disappears. I can be eating a sandwich or larger meal.
I have a severe case of gerd and deafness. Nearly two years. When I’m having severe reflux, I can hear the thumps of my heart beat in my esophagus echo in my ringing deaf ears.
Hi, I have recently discovered how great l-glutamine is for gut health and proper muscluar recovery. I have suffered from a combination of chronically tight muscles causing cervicogenic headaches, cervical vertigo, c1-c2 subluxations, vestibular migraines and even AIWS as a child. I’m sure it didn’t help my c1-c2 subluxations and upper cervical chiropractic care to help that..
Anyways, I made the connection and have healed my leaky gut and my right muscles causing what seems to be all my issues for so many years.
It’s to express the number of vertigo episodes I have had that the doctors I saw couldn’t help… upwards of at least 1000 vertigo hours and so much more dizziness.
Separately I have experienced c1-c2 subluxations causing nystagmus episodes, cervical dystonia and even sound and pressure wave induced nystagmus.
Anyways I would love get raise awareness for these issues as I am acutely aware of them and how they affect one’s life.
I believe the migraine connection to a leaky gut may be rather simple, too much histamine that’s not degraded too, leaking through causing even more problems than just migraines such as histamine intolerance too.
Also to those who react like they have taken msg when they consume l-glutamine may have SIBO causing this as there are bacteria that feed off l-glutamine and make glutamate.
I been suffering dizziness and embalance for 5 years now, I suffered for acid reflux or gerd it triggers when I ate spicy and oily and some acidic I intake…and after 5 years having dizzy it worse now because I cannot even walk long and.my eyes are blurry…I can’t breath well sometimes….I can relate this article….I cannot even go to some places without a company people that can hold me….I need some advice what to do I been to the doctor but nothing is happened…
Hi Josephine,
I have three articles that may be helpful for you.
Blurry vision
How to find a vertigo doctor in your area
The link between anxiety and dizziness
I hope that is helpful!
I hope you feel better soon.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi I am Emily.
I get anxiety. What can I do?
I need help. My head not feeling right.
Please help.
Hi Emily,
I suggest you find a healthcare provider who can help you figure out any food sensitivities that you may have.
This article is about the link with anxiety. You may also need a counselor to help you with coping strategies as you are dealing with this health issue.
You may need both help with your dietary choices and psychological support. You can ask your doctor to help.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
When I eat MSG (on accident nowadays) my heart and face feel like they are being squeezed and I get really dizzy and feel drugged. Now I am dealing with vertigo and I understand now that it is from foods that I eat. I’m so glad to figure this out because it is scary to be so dizzy. Thank you!
Hi..I’m also suffering with vertigo.. That makes me incomplete my everyday doing. This is hard for me!
Because I am a single mom! If this my vertigo occurs I have a big problems in my everyday needs for my kids.
I am very thankful of this site! ….that i know what can i do times im suffering this crazy vertigo.. thank you so much..and God bless
Hi I have had the same exact things happen to me except I get nausea and diarrhea about 20 minutes after I eat but I also get vertigo right after it has been going on for at least a week.
They have never figured out the issue except maybe cancerous tumors keep having to be removed from my stomach and IBS anything I eat or drink triggers the vertigo.
Plus nose congestion and ear aches the ENT keeps telling me it is just my sinus problems been to see him several times and even a second opinion I do take Protonic for my gerd in the am and pm.
I have some very unusual symptoms and I can’t explain what causes it I know if I drink a lot I get bad GERD my symptoms include having to swallow to kind of reset myself and get my breath and it’s causes panic and I feel dizzy.
I have to start breathing through my nose to take a deep breath. More recently I get a spasm what feels like my heart but I think it’s my stomach.
Not sure if it is a sensitivity to certain foods. Does anyone have anything similar ?
Hi Dave,
You may want to check out these two other articles related to what you shared:
Alcohol and dizziness
Reflux (GERD) and dizziness
I hope that helps!
Let me ask have you had a root canal on that side of your jaw I’m just curious
Thanks for the article I found it when I googled bloated for 30 seconds then dizzy. I have noticed more so lately it’s happening shortly after a can of pop. Never used to be the case tho. Sometimes the dizziness is extreme like being buzzed ( sober 22+ ) and other times it’s only noticeable if I lean my head forward or sideways . What is bad is it comes out of nowhere . Thanks again for the article.
Hi I am 48 years old and I found out I have bppv with weakness of my left ear and vertical on the left side of my body I’ve had it for 14 months I’ve been to certain Doctors hospitals and done so many MRIs and test and even an ENT they say it’s just vertical but this sensations that I get I feel everything is spinning blurred vision and then I get GERD attacks I also get pain in the back of my neck when looking down I have these attacks they almost make me feel like I’m having a seizure but my neurologist says that I am not I also have problems seen I think I have visual vertical as well what is going on with me I also I’m going through premenopause and have no estrogen do not know what to do any medication that I take throws me off balance more and I get anxiety
This article on GERD may be helpful.
It was wonderful topic
I am being treated with medication for vertigo
It comes again and again
I think it’s not only related to my digestive system, but to my hormones as well
I was treated separately for GERD and vertigo and I was just going to inform dr that systematically before a vertigo spell I have a big burp.
When I read your article I knew that was the answer, now my problem is what causes my GERD for so many years?
I mean anything I put in my mouth makes me burp!
I don’t smoke or drink and eat very healthy. What went wrong or lacking in my intestine esophagus?
Hi Teresa,
It’s very interesting that you have noticed a link between the GERD and vertigo.
I discuss that connection in more detail and offer general tips in this blog.
I hope that helps!
Hello, Simon,
I have the same problem. Maybe you have found the answer? I would be glad if you shared, thank you.
I am so glad to have read this article, as many times i suspected that my vertigo (which happens often) is caused also by some food, as I suffer from digestive problems.
Thank you,
Maria
Are you in Canada?
No I am in San Diego County, California, USA.
This article may be helpful to you.
Best wishes!
Look up articles on GERD, and using Betaine HCI to cure Acid Reflux.
This has cured my AR in only 2 days of use, after very bad attacks and long term issues with Acid Reflux.
I’ve also started using a digestive enzyme, and Probiotics to replenish my gut flora.
Look at articles by Dr Eric Berg on Youtube, and “The Acid reflux Guy” has a fantastic informative web page. By educating myself with these two sources, I have eliminated my AR.
I’ve also connected AR to my psoriasis flare up, sinus and ear infections. All are rapidly clearing up after only a few days.
Hi Dr. Bell, I have bouts of dizziness thru the day. this is very unnerving> something tells me that it gut related because once I pass gas, the dizziness gradually reduces. I am not sure whether the gas/flatulence produces the dizziness or vice versa. your thoughts, please….
Hi,
Either scenario could be possible. If you are straining to pass gas, you can do a “Valsalva” maneuver which causes your blood pressure to go up.
You could also be holding your breath if you are trying to pass or not to pass gas.
Both elevated blood pressure and holding your breath could cause dizziness.
It is also possible that you have unidentified food sensitivities that are causing gas from certain foods. Therefore, you could be feeling dizzy due to the food sensitivity and getting gas, both from the same cause and therefore showing up at the same time.
My suggestion is to try an “elimination diet,” where you avoid certain foods for a week or longer. Some common offenders that you might want to take a vacation from eating are gluten, dairy, soy, corn, MSG, and GMOs.
If you find that avoiding certain foods eliminates your problem, then that is great!
I hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I was very interested to read your comments about the gut and dizziness go hand in hand. Last Friday I ate lunch , came home and had a siesta laying on my right side! I woke up feeling yucky and bloated, by the time I went to bed I was still feeling bloated ,at 4 in the morning I woke completely dizzy, The dizziness has now subsides after 2+ days. I went to the ent doctor yesterday to have a check, he said it was posture vertigo. A sudden movement of the head.and not BPPV which he said can only occur if you are in a car accident for example.crystals don’t move out of the inner ear that easy,ect ect. Now I have read your blog I tend to recognise that possible acid reflux got to my inner ear and caused the dizziness, The dizziness has gone although my gut still doesn’t feel 100% could the dizziness have been connected to my gut .I did have tomato ketchup with that lunch too.
HI there, with regarding to the Valsalva maneuver- would that not cause the HR and BP to lower? Here you suggest it will increase the BP. I am having similar symptoms, but also seemingly associated with my vagus nerve as my BP and HR drop when my gut it upset and I feel like passing out, until I pass gas or have a BM. It’s awful. I have been low fodmap for over a month and it is certainly reducing the frequency of this happening. Also, loads of stress in my life and this seems to mostly be the culprit.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your question.
This page has a great description of the sequential effects of the Valsalva maneuver.
If you have time to check it out, you will see that the blood pressure initially spikes. That is what I was referencing.
You are correct that the body responds to that by dropping the blood pressure and heart rate.
I am sorry for what you are going through!
Vasovagal syncope may be a condition that would be valuable to research if you are not already familiar.
I hope you and your doctor(s) can get you on a successful treatment plan so you feel better soon.
Warmly,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
I am so glad I came across this blog post. I found out I have IBS and got tested for food sensitivities 5 years ago. I’ve eliminated the foods Id’d (dairy, gluten, eggs) from my diet and life was so much better. Just this year I had vertigo in January and I haven’t felt the same (imbalance, dizzy, brain fog) since. I am going in to my primary doctor for a blood test to see if there are any deficiencies, and have started vestibular therapy but haven’t found the root cause yet. Sounds like I need to make a food diary and track what I am eating and how I react to it. Any other suggestions or avenues I should explore?
Hi Melissa,
My first thought is that the dizziness may not necessarily be related to diet. But a food diary is a good idea.
It is always important to consult with your primary doctor on the new symptoms you described. Your doctor will have his or her own work up to complete to check out your new symptoms.
With the help of a specially trained Functional Medicine Doctor, you could possibly work on healing your gut, so that you do not maintain all those food sensitivities lifelong. Healing your gut will help you to be less prone to deficiencies in your immune response.
If you are already in Vestibular Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, your provider should be able to perform a comprehensive exam and tell you what exactly they are working on with your treatment plan.
This blog can help you with tracking and reporting your symptoms to all your providers.
This blog can help you find a Vestibular provider in your area, if you decide to seek a second opinion.
This blog discusses that there can be more than one cause of dizziness.
This blog lists the top ten barriers to Vestibular Recovery.
I hope the information I have provided is helpful!
Warmly,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. I wanted to see if you are familiar with this. I’ve taken amoxicillin two years ago and had a cup of coffee one day and got crazy balance vertigo and sensitivity to light. It took me almost two weeks to recover and stopped the meds right away.
I took cipro about a year ago and on the fifth day of treatment I got the same rocking up and down vertigo feeling and it last almost 10 days even after I stopped the meds. I do remember having green tea while on the meds and it felt like it brought on the feeling even more.
A. Do you think this can be because caffeine and antibiotics can be causing this reaction?
B. It’s an adverse effect of the antibiotic?
C. Something to do with the bacteria in my gut?
I fear taking antibiotics because so far I’ve got this feeling every time I have taken them recently.
Hi Joey,
You are asking great questions!
I suggest that you report this information to your prescribing doctor, and seek his or her advice.
Your description sounds like a medication side effect, and possibly some kind of interaction.
Since I do not prescribe medications and I have not examined you, I cannot offer you any specific advice.
I encourage you to advocate for yourself! Keep going.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi dr Kimberly bell
it’s been 2 months now I get sudden episodes of lightheadedness and i keep getting big loud burps like atleast 60-70 times after eating something I went to a doctor and he said I have a BP of 150/90 and my age is only 20 and Bp medication does not give me any relief from the light headedness and loud burping can you tell what this could be
Hi Gaerick,
You may need to try dietary changes that help to cut down on producing excessive gas.
FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that the small intestine absorbs poorly.
You can discuss this type of low FODMAP diet with your healthcare providers to determine if it is right for you to reduce your gas. You should only attempt this diet with proper physician supervision.
I am not able to advise you since I have not examined you in person.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. Kimberley bell, I have two episodes of severe neck pain like migraine also effecting my eyes badly I figured it out that it is because of gaseous issues..can u help with the diagnosis and treatment..thanx
Hi Hamna,
Since I have not evaluated you in person, I cannot help with the diagnosis. I wish I could!
You can use this blog to find a Vestibular Provider in your area.
This blog talks about neck pain related to dizziness. You may need to find another provider to assess your neck pain.
This blog discusses vestibular migraines.
I hope those additional article are helpful as you sort through the root cause.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr Bell,,
For the last few months I keep getting dizzy spells for few seconds as I’m eating my first two three bites. Is it a blood sugar related as it usually happens as I’m chewing the first bite of food. I am concerned about this, have any idea what it could be?
Hi Jivan,
Without knowing more about you, I really cannot speculate about why this is happening.
Possibly anterior or posterior canal BPPV can cause dizzy spells for a few seconds when you tilt your head forward. After the crystals settle, the symptoms usually resolve.
Does that happen when you lean forward and tilt your head down while you are not eating?
If yes, then the dizzy spell may not be related to the food, but more related to the head movement or position you assume when eating.
This blog has search tools to find someone in your area who can assess you to rule out or treat BPPV.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr. Kimberly Bell,
I have a question about pppd. My physical therapist think this is what’s going on with me. I want to tell you what happened before I was told this is what’s going on. I was also asleep one night ( I barely sleep) and I woke up and my head was turned to the left side of my pillow ( I use 2 pillow because of acid reflux) I started having vertigo and open my eyes and jumped out of bed. Two days later the same thing happened again, head turn to the left and vertigo and my neck cracked and then this dizziness came and stayed. Ive been to many doctors and I had a balance test that said my vestibular system was normal and I didn’t have bppv as my Ent thought I had and did the Epley maneuver. The balance test said it was either pppd or potentially cerviogenic dizziness. I have a mild nystagmus and my neck, shoulder and upper back hurts, I have a headache going from the back of my head to the front of my head and eyes, also my eyes became blurry and I can’t see as well as I use to and have a lot more light sensitive. I had a mri that stated: C2-3: Mild left-sided facet arthropathy without central canal or
neural foraminal narrowing.
C3-4: Mild left-sided facet arthropathy without central canal or
neural foraminal narrowing.
C4-5: Focal right foraminal disc protrusion causing moderate
right-sided C5 neural foraminal narrowing. No central canal stenosis.
C5-6: Right foraminal disc bulging without significant central canal
or neural foraminal narrowing.
C6-7: Left uncovertebral joint hypertrophy causing mild left-sided
neural foraminal narrowing. No central canal stenosis.
C7-T1: Mild left-sided facet arthropathy without central canal or
foraminal narrowing.
IMPRESSION:
Cervical spine:
1. Focal right foraminal C4-5 disc protrusion causing moderate
right-sided C5 neural foraminal narrowing.
2. No central canal stenosis or cord signal abnormality.
I was feeling light headed for about 6-8 months before all this was happening but it wasn’t everyday and it only last about a minute. My eyes are dry and blurry. I’ve been to a ophthalmologist and said everything is fine. I’m so confused? Is it cervical dizziness or pppd or my diet I do t eat very healthy very little veggies and fruit or water for that matter. Everyone says I worry a lot could that have something to do with it?
Please help
Thank you
Hi Dana,
I am very sorry for what you are going through!
Thank you for sharing your story. I am not able to give you individual medical advice since you are not my established patient.
However, I will offer helpful information.
First of all, this blog discusses that you can have more than one cause of dizziness and vertigo.
This blog discusses the importance of root cause analysis.
Many people wake up with vertigo in the middle of the night or in the morning. People with BPPV usually have bouts of dizziness that last for less than a minute.
PPPD is a condition that may develop after the onset of a true vestibular disorder or dizziness problem. The common treatment for PPPD includes use of SSRI medications.
I have worked with a few people who used SSRI’s successfully. You may want to discuss that option with your doctor to see if that is right for you.
I am glad that you are eating so healthy and I encourage you to keep that up!
I am also glad that you have consulted with an eye doctor. That is an important box to check off as you explore the root cause of your symptoms.
If you have not already seen a specialized Vestibular Physical Therapist, I definitely suggest that type of consultation. You can find someone in your area using the links in this blog.
If you already seen someone like that, you can always seek a second opinion. I have many people come to me for second opinions after they have seen another Vestibular physical therapist.
The second type of physical therapy consultation I would recommend is to see an Orthopedic Manual Therapist with training from the Institute of Physical Art (IPA).
There are many schools of manual therapy within physical therapy and chiropractic care. After many years of referring to all different types of orthopedic providers, I have seen the best success with my patients that I refer to IPA-certified physical therapists.
You can find a referral list of IPA providers on this website.
In this blog, I describe the three questions that you should ask when choosing a healthcare provider.
Of course, the level of experience and the results you get are very important.
I hope the information I have provided to you is helpful.
I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dana, I have not had an MRI, but this story is almost identical to mine. For a few months leading up to my vertigo attack, I had been telling my wife and coworkers that I thought something was wrong with my eyes, I was having short spells where my equilibrium just felt off. I was scheduled to see an optometrist two days after my attack. Since then, I have been experiencing PPPD symptoms daily. The fatigue is awful. Lately, I’ve been seeing a chiropractor, who says the tension in my neck is extraordinary. When she does the neck massage and adjustment, I feel great. But, it is short-lived. I explained to her that when I run, I feel great, and do not experience any dizziness. She said that is definitely a sign that the circulation in my head isn’t what it should be. I too have GERD and find that sleeping with my head elevated helps. She mentioned the fact that I’m probably dehydrated as well. You read what’s on the internet, and you could go a million different directions. I feel like I’m living a nightmare on a daily loop. My sanity is at stake!
I faced acidity , reflux and light faint like feeling in march , then again got in april indigestion, bloated stomach after diet , got on ppi reflux reduced but dizziness & bloating stomach after food continued ,
So , recently doc stated gerd and vertigo , so confused weather its gerd or vertigo or both
Its feel like week , little blurry vision , body moving , and sense of faintness sometimes. weakness , stomach bloat
So now being treated for vertigo
So what test should one follow
Hi Rahul,
I am glad to hear that you have sought professional medical care for your discomfort!
It sounds like your doctor has give you two diagnoses: GERD and vertigo.
They can be related as I described in the blog, or they can both occur simultaneously without any relation.
I encourage you to continue to seek professional medical care until your symptoms are improved. Your healthcare providers will be able to answer your question about what tests you will need since they have seen you in person.
You can use this blog to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area if needed.
Best wishes!
Kim Bell, DPT
I have these exact symptoms! I woke up with true vertigo and bloated stomach and acid reflex which has caused Esophagitis. After a trip to the ER (felt like a heart attack) I was diagnosed with this and put on meds for it. After the follow up with my primary more meds prescribed and if course need better diet and weight loss. I have an appointment for a scope to be done and Vertigo therapy. I have the neck, shoulder pain that was mentioned.
I have had vertigo 2 times in past years with longest lasting nine months!
Your article was the first time I’ve ever read that vertigo can be associated with reflex! Wow it got me excited!! If I can control getting Vertigo in the future by my gut it will be my next step! My past Vertigo times I don’t remember if I had bloating or reflex but did have drainage in my throat from sinuses. I’ve had reflex in the past an sleep with bed elevated. But never knew the acid from reflex can effect the inner ear. Fascinating!! Thank you! I stumbled across your article to see if there could be any chance the two could go together.
Hello Dr. Kim Bell,
I am from India,
My area of concern is dizziness and the inability to walk with confidence. I feel as though I may slip and have a fall. I walk like a “ducky”… slow and short steps on unsteady feet. I feel embarrassed being out with friends as I need their support.
In September of 2020 I had a fall. Underwent surgery for replacemdnt of shoulder ball & socket joint. My spells of dizziness started round about then combined with my inability to walk with confidence..
There are number of days in a row that I’m more or less QUITE free of this problem. And then suddenly it gets triggered off. Can’t point my finger to it. Yes I do suffer OCCASIONALLY from IBS and very often from acidity. Also feel fatigued and drowsy. Can taking of vitamin B 12 help?
Please advise. Best regards. K.
Hi Kay,
It sounds like you will need a “team approach,” with a physiotherapist to help with your walking and a medical team to help you find out the root causes of your symptoms.
If your vitamin B12 is low, then you can experience pernicious anemia which can cause dizziness.
Your body needs B12 to make red blood cells. When red blood cells are too low, that can cause drowsiness and fatigue.
Your doctor can test you with blood work to find out if you need to take any vitamins.
You may have multiple root causes, which is why I suggest consulting a team of specialty providers to evaluate you and create a treatment plan.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dr. Bell,
I have upper left quadrant side pain that can also migrate to the upper left back and lat area. I’ve had CT scans that have showed small cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder (opposite side). At the same time I’ve had a balance (unsteadiness) and sense of vision lag during movement. When stationary all is well. Although, I had the sensation of car sickness when scrolling through my phone.
All strange and all came on all of sudden three years ago. I’m healthy otherwise with no medical issues. Workout and eat well.
I had been to a few trade shows and drank alcohol heavily. I’ve chased a lot of answers with little success -MRI, ENT, opthamalogist, and I’m going through integrative medicine now.
Any thoughts on it being GI related?
Hi Steve,
The unsteadiness and vision lag during movement may or may not be related to your pain and/ or digestion. I am not able to say without examining you in person. If you ever want to travel to San Diego, I would be happy to consult with you.
Please check out my Services page.
I think the following blogs may be helpful to you as you sort through the root cause of your balance problems and vision lag:
Can I have more than one cause?
Blurry vision: What You Need to Know
BPPV Symptoms: What to Know
Vestibular Problems: Why Didn’t my Doctor Realize Them?
How to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area
Vertigo Home Remedies that Help
Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Specialty
I hope the free, educational articles I have published and shared in this reply are helpful to you!
Good morning. I am experiencing the same issues you discussed. Are you able to share any updates in your diagnosis and symptoms?
Hey I am almost 28 years now. I was all healthy. But my first pregnancy
I had hyperemesis gravidarum that is severe vomiting with blood. Frequent hospital stays for IVs and all. Between all of it vertigo started one night when I was asleep. It remained there for good 6-7 minutes followed by vomiting. And then I started feeling it once a week. Even after I delivered it has stayed with me. Now everyday I wake up with headache that hurt my jaws and teeth. This headache is usually on my one left side and the pain is also in the same jaw and teeth. Sometimes I wake up with vertigo. All the day I feel like my head is heavy. Even if I carry a small weight carry my kid bend forward try sitting on my feet in squatting position laugh too loudly move my head here and there quickly all of it triggers vertigo. I went to a Neurologist, ENT and an eye specialist. All ok. Nobody seems to understand what the problem is.
Hi Iqra,
Your case sounds complex, so you may need more than one healthcare provider to help you maximize your recovery.
Just based on what you shared, I suspect you could have a few things contributing to your discomfort. I am not able to give you medical advice since I have not examined you in person.
You mentioned that you feel symptoms with head turns.
This article may be helpful to find a provider in your area who can assess you and treat you.
This article and this article may help you as well.
I hope you can find answers and get relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
P.S. I am in the middle of writing two books, and the second book is for people in your exact situation. I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list if you don’t get relief soon. Then I can notify you when my second book comes out in the future.
I’m going through the same thing
I have experienced terrible Acid Reflux and migraines/vertigo for 2 years now. I have recently started eliminating dairy and gluten (trying the alkaline diet) for the past two days but still have vertigo and headaches. How long should I continue this diet to see if it actually works or not. Also, I believe that I may have PPPD or a different vestibular problem because my dizziness is felt mostly internally and I experience aura as well. Is there a possible connection between stomach and migraines/vertigo?
Hi Drew,
I would say Yes! There is a very possible connection between the stomach and migraines.
An elimination diet is a good starting place! I suggest for you to find a wellness practitioner who specializes in gut health to guide you through because it gets complicated.
When I was personally seeking care for vestibular migraines, I found an Ayurvedic wellness practitioner who said I have too much acid in my stomach and put me on a supplement to reduce that problem. I am no longer taking it and I am not recommending anything for you specifically, but I am sharing that to let you know that an Ayurvedic practitioner may have suggestions for you that are beyond traditional medical care.
IFM.org is a directory of functional medicine doctors who would be highly qualified to take on this role for you.
You can search for other types of wellness providers who specialize in gut health, but functional medicine is an emerging field that may be worth looking into.
The other specialty that would be worth considering for wellness care is Endobiogeny. My current healthcare provider specializes in Endobiogeny and she is excellent. You can find a provider at this directory.
I hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Doc,
About 2 or 3 years back I had a moment of vertigo when getting out of bed, it whirled me back on to the bed where I had to stay for a few minutes till it passed, and I’ve never felt steady since that time.
I’ve had a couple of smaller episodes that came on for a few seconds and then faded, leaving my heart racing till it slowly got back to normal.
I write this because nearly 98% of the time this happens it corresponds with my gut moving, there is no doubt. I admittedly don’t stay on good diets, I do for a while and then fall off the wagon. I’m 55, about 5’8″ and 165 lbs, small frame and do have some gut. I also have psoriasis which I know is from inflammation, can the vertigo and psoriasis be related? And can hbp also be interconnected with this? As I write this I can see you shaking your head saying, “well ear better already!”, lol, i know.
Any diet recommendations, and encouraging words will be good to hear.
Thanks Doc,
Steve S.
Hi Steve,
I am sorry to hear what you have been going through!
Your description of a whirling vertigo that hits when you get out of bed and lasts minutes initially, then seconds in the future sounds like BPPV.
This blog can help you find a provider in your area.
This blog has some home remedies you can try for now, but ultimately I think you need to consult a vestibular physical therapist as the provider of choice for this complaint.
It sounds like you also have some inflammatory conditions going on, correlating with your gut health and your skin flare ups.
Inflammation can definitely affect the inner ear!
The best provider for this type of complaint is a Naturopath, Functional Medicine MD, or an integrative nutritionist.
I suspect you will need more than one provider for a full recovery, to address the multifactorial nature of your complaints.
If you have unidentified food sensitivities, it is possible the extra weight you are carrying is swelling, inflammation, and lymphatic congestion as opposed to adipose tissue (fat).
I think your situation is hopeful if you can find the right providers!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi. Im glad to have come across this page and iv been reading through many comments that are similar to my situation. 3 years ago, I abruptly started feeling constant dizziness, ringing in ears, heavy head, nausea and fever. After visiting many doctors, I was finally diagnosed with meniere’s disease. I was put on medication and I felt way better after that. After 6 months, I was diagnosed with Gerd after doing endoscopy. However, I usually keep falling sick every after 3 months and it’s been 3 years now. Even when I check up and domt find any disease, the feeling of dizziness is always there. I’m torn between meniere’s and Gerd. I dont know which one is triggering the constant dizziness. Note that recently,
my eye sight has become blurry. Kindly advise. Thanks
Hi Patricia,
I am sorry for your situation. That sounds miserable!
It sounds like you got relief from the medications for Meniere’s disease, so that is a clue.
Also, you can have more than one root cause of dizziness.
It is possible that you are dealing with both problems you mentioned! Or something that you have not even considered.
If you have not already consulted a Vestibular Physical Therapist, that would be a valuable next step. You can use this article to search online directories.
I hope you find answers and relief soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
P.S. I am in the middle of writing two books right now, and they may both be helpful to you when they are published. Please sign up for my mailing list or check back in the future, so you can read my books when I release them in the future.
My husband has been experiencing sudden onset vertigo that lasts just a few seconds, but is intense. Then he has a splitting headache and his stomach goes hiatal and bulges a little. He does suffer from high blood pressure, but it’s not necessarily high when the episodes happen. His doctor didn’t seem to have an answer and neither did the chiropractor. I’m wondering if it’s gut/food related. This is the first post I’ve seen that looks to that direction. Any more insight would be appreciated.
Hi Kelley,
I am glad you have sought out care by the primary physician as that is an important first step in dealing with vertigo.
You could try to correlate the foods he is eating with the sudden vertigo onset, to see if you can identify a pattern.
Perhaps eliminating certain foods that he is sensitive to or allergic to may give him relief.
As I mentioned in the blog, an elimination diet is one of the least expensive ways to determine what might be triggering gastric vertigo.
Also, the FDA recommends for people with high blood pressure to limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day. That might be a factor also since salt can spike the blood pressure and cause a headache.
However, you said that his blood pressure is not necessarily spiking when these events are occurring so it may be unrelated to salt intake.
In addition to keeping a food diary and trying a methodical elimination diet, I suggest finding a vestibular provider in your area to evaluate him for inner ear issues.
Keep going!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Did your husband have any luck with this? I have very similar symptoms
I literally just experienced a horrible vertigo attack 10 minutes after eating sausage. All of a sudden, I started to sweat and lost hearing in both of my ears and became dizzy. I crawled to the bathroom and evacuated my bowels. While doing that my vision went black. My son poured a gallon of water on my head to prevent me from passing out and stuffed meclizine (25mg) in my mouth. Thankfully my vision and hearing slowly came back, now i have a sharp ringing sound in my right ear. I wish that one of the many specialist that I have seen over the past 5 years would have told me that fatty meat can bring on an intense vertigo attack. I will never eat meat again. This attack was sudden and intense and i still feel very weak. It scared me badly. I wish you were in Arizona because I would schedule an appointment with you ASAP. I have had horrible experiences with neurologists in Arizona, to the point i had to walk out of an appointment with a rude doctor. Due to that I haven’t been to a specialist in three years. I know that I need to see a Dr. but I am scared and not looking forward to finding a new specialist. Thank you for the helpful information.
Hi Toni-Irene,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry to hear what you are going through! Your son sounds like a wonderful young man.
I hope you can find a provider in your area to help you.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have been experiencing similar issues after eating certain foods (haven’t been able to narrow it down to exactly what yet). After eating i will have dizziness issues and feel off. Gas will build up in my chest and once I belch the dizziness will gradually reduce and then go away. I have been dealing with vertigo for over 2 years but now think it may be due to stomach issues. Would like to find out how to eliminate.
Dr Kimberly, do you have any advice?
Hi Roberta,
I think you will benefit from finding a provider to help you detect food sensitivities.
You can check out IFM.org for Functional Medicine. You can check out Endobiogeny practitioners. Another type of specialty that may be helpful in your case is Integrative Medicine or Naturopath care.
If you can identify your food triggers and avoid them, it may help you feel better.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
This is very interesting. My mom, when she feels a pain in her stomach either from eating something that doesn’t agree with her or too acidic she feels sick and sometimes she actually blanks out for a few minutes and when she comes back she’s confused for several minutes. Could this be something similar?
Hi Vanessa,
Hmmm… That is a great question!
I wrote this blog on vertigo memory problems.
I hope that gives you some helpful information in response to your question.
Best wishes to you and your Mom,
Kim Bell, DPT
I was diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer . And for the past two months now, I have been experiencing vertigo with unexplainable dizziness that have kept me out of work for that two months period. I did blood count test and everything was normal. This have been really disturbing. Does that mean thia will only stop when this ulcer is healed. Because I cannot do anything at the moment, even a little walk makes me lightheaded, dizzy and heart palpitation. Am worried. I have been taken PPI Nexium given by the doctor but it seems to to help me much. Am thinking of even switching to any H2 blocker. Please Advice me..
Hi Cosmas,
I am sorry to hear all this!
It sounds like you may need to consult a Cardiologist due to the heart palpitation and lightheadedness with only a little walking. Those symptoms require a specialty referral to investigate.
Some other problems related to the peptic ulcer that you may want to investigate with the help of a Functional Medicine or Integrative Medicine doctor include (1) testing for H.Pylori, (2) reviewing your use of certain medications that aggravate the stomach lining like aspirin, and (3) assessing for excessive acid production.
It is possible to experience acute acidic labyrinthitis that is caused by excessive stomach acid backwashing up your esophagus and affecting your eustachian tubes which connect your ear to your throat.
I hope you can find a provider in your area to help you discover the root cause of your problems. That is the key to making an appropriate treatment plan.
I am not able to advise you on specific medications, but I encourage you to work with your doctors to figure out what is right for you.
Best regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi even i am facing similiar issues since 5 months feom now. Continous dizziness and burps. Done with endoscopy and colonoscopy but nothing found. I am loosing weight also really not sure what should i do. I cant do anything do you got any treatment?
Hello Ayush, how are you feeling now?
Hi Dr. Bell,
I’m a 40 year old Male and over the last year and a half I have had crazy lightheadedness/dizziness spells that last days to weeks. Where I am dizzy from the time I wake up until I go to sleep. I have also had gastrointestinal issues too. I have seen many doctors and specialists and all testing comes back normal.
I was diagnosed with IBS from the gastroenterologist. All other doctors say it is from stress and anxiety so I’m on SSRIs now and I still have issues.
Recently it seems like when I get the dizzy spells I also have loose stools and bloating and other digestive issues. And it will last for days. I also get tinnitus a couple times a day.
Does this sound familiar to you? I’ve had a rough year and haven’t found any answers.
Thanks
Hi Dan,
Yes this sounds like a familiar story.
Food sensitivities can cause upper cervical instability which can cause intermittent tinnitus. Inflammation from the gut can also affect you.
I suggest for you to work with an integrative wellness practitioner or functional medicine doctor on the dietary part of your case. You can check out this page on “Leaky Gut syndrome”. This is a more and more common problem that is often dismissed by traditional medical professionals, but is referred to as “intestinal hyperpermeability” in over 17,000 published research articles on PubMed.
I also suggest for you to consult an upper cervical specialist for assessment and treatment. I talk about that more in this video lecture and this video lecture.
If you have not already ruled out vestibular problems, that would be a valuable evaluation to seek. You can find a provider using this blog.
Keep going! Don’t give up. You have a lot of life ahead of you. It will be worth it to stay the course and get to the root cause of your discomfort.
Best wishes
I have been having the exact same issues –
Extreme vertigo and dizziness, i thought perhaps from something i ate as i felt sick after and have had a bad gut since. (This happened last week)
I also had blood tests come back normal and was diagnosed with IBS.
I do feel a pressure on my ears like they are blocked.
I get these spells a couple of times a year and it makes my work extremely difficult as im always bending down.
So interesting to read the two could be related.
Have you since had any improvements?
Thanks
Hi Dr Bell!
The end of last year I cut meat out of my diet because I’d been having a range of symptoms that we’re getting progressively worse. Menthol taste in my mouth, brain fog, lightheadedness,Headaches, nausea. I had one very scary fainting episode. I noticed that I would become dizzy/lightheaded about 5 minutes after I started eating. I also noticed it when I had to make a bowel movement. After I cut meat out of my diet and most processed foods I felt so much better! I recently incorporated chicken back into my diet because I’m naturally skinny but lost even more weight when I wasn’t eating meat. Since the reintroduction of meat over the past 2-3 weeks I’m feeling terrible all over again. My GI Dr wants to Schedule a colonoscopy & egd to see what’s going on. Everything you’ve described sounds like vertigo brought on by some sort of Gastro issue. My Dr looked at me a little crazy when describing some of my symptoms but I know I’m not lol
Hi Samantha,
LOL! One problem I have observed with traditional western medical care today is that providers are “compartmentalized.”
Your GI doctor knows about that specialty area and I am sure is very talented.
However, most providers do not spend a lot of time learning about other specialty areas of medicine. In fact, they often only read literature and research in their own field.
The problem with that traditional medical approach is that we have an interconnected body, not isolated body systems.
That is why I created and developed “The Bell Method” for addressing these problems that considers all possible contributing factors.
I agree that working with your doctor to rule out serious GI problems is a good idea and hopefully turns out in the end to be a total waste of time! Ha!
In order to get to the root cause of your discomfort, you may have to connect the dots yourself by trying an elimination diet. You may be able to work with a functional medicine or integrative wellness doctor who “thinks outside the box.”
Your experience is not unusual. Every provider has strengths and blind spots.
You may also want to consult a cardiologist for a cardiac work up due to the fainting episode.
You know your body better than anyone. Trust your gut! 🙂
Good afternoon from India
Honourable Dr Kimberley bell.
This is Nirmal from India, suffering from crucial Vertigo from long time, as you only in this world can give accurate explanation about gut-brain axis role in vertigo.
Here in India doctors keep silence or try to deviate to psychological case, BP case,etc.
But your blog very perfect about vertigo.
Hi, thank you for replying to so many messages. I have had gut issues for about 7 years, I was scoped about 6 years ago and they found nothing abnormal. For about the last year my stomach issues have flaired up more so and I feel very bloated a lot of the time (stomach distended) and also off balance. I have extreme belching issues and just had a bout of vertigo for the first time ever today that scared me a bit. I have no GERD or acid reflux though. Could an inflamed stomach really cause me to have vertigo ?
Hi Dan,
Inflammation in the gut can affect the brain, causing brain inflammation.
Gut inflammation can also affect the vestibular system and the neck.
All three of those areas (brain, vestibular system, and neck) can cause dizziness due to inflammation.
Some people say a “leaky gut causes a leaky brain.”
“Leaky gut” is the more common term for “intestinal permeability.”
Intestinal permeability is a common cause of bloating and gas after meals.
If you want to search on Pub Med for legitimate medical research in this area, you can search the term “intestinal permeability.” There are thousands of articles.
You should always notify your primary care provider about any new symptoms, such as the vertigo you have experienced.
Since you had a bout of true vertigo, you may want to seek care from a vestibular professional.
You can use this article to search for a provider in your area.
The gut issues seem to warrant further investigation as a possible cause of your recurring distress.
It is great news that a more traditional GI doctor found “nothing abnormal.”
Even so, you may also want to address the mysterious gut issues with an alternative type of health care provider. That may include a naturopath, an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner, a functional medicine doctor, a holistic chiropractor, or an endobiogenic practitioner, to name a few options.
Anytime you venture into the world of alternative medicine, you will be shelling out money out of pocket. So I suggest you do your homework on which type of alternative care you feel will be best suited to your needs.
If you had not already been checked out by a GI doctor, I would think you could start there. If that GI doctor consultation was awhile ago, you may want to follow up with the GI doctor as well, just in case something has developed that they can help you with.
I hope those consultations are fruitful for you to get answers and relief!
I hope you feel better soon!
Hello Doctor,
Is it possible that my vertigo attacks could be related to my gut cleansing programs?
I have tried taking Charcoal caps and each time I have done that, sure enough, I have vertigo episodes.
So this time I tried to have a herbal Concoction with lots of bitter herbs in it. I did not experience any vertigo for the first 10 days but strike it did, finally.
Could there be a connection between gut cleansing and vertigo?
I suspect I have gluten intolerance and/or IBS.
Not confirmed medically but I’m almost sure I have it as my grandmother and my father both suffered from intestinal trouble of the similar nature.
Also, I’ve had Colitis about 25 years back which was successfully treated and cured by a doctor.
I would love to know your take on my observations.
Thanks,
AA
Mumbai, India
Hi AA,
Certainly gut cleansing programs can create all types of unusual symptoms as you detoxify your body.
I suggest for you to check with the practitioner who recommended your gut cleanse to ensure that your response is as expected.
I am glad to hear your colitis was cured! Well done.
Best regards from California
I absolutely see a correlation with my GI issues and dizziness…it can be scary. Is there a possibility bloating is putting pressure on the Vagus nerve? I also get tinnitus so what you explained totally makes sense. i am an anxious person and THAT definitely exacerbates all of it. Very useful information.
Hi Rose,
I am glad you found this information to be helpful!
You bring up a good point about the vagus nerve possibly being affected. Thank you for your comment.
Yes, tinnitus is a common symptom of the ear problems that can be caused by reflux affecting the eustachian tube.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have had dizziness for 4 weeks now , sometimes just a slight dizziness and other times extremely dizzy (so it never really goes away all together). I do have acid reflux but had an EGD done and Dr said it was mild at the time . Other symptoms are bloating and pressure at the top in the very middle . When it first came on 4 weeks ago it came like a rush over my body and I thought i was gonna pass out. I’ve had blood work done , all of which came back good and they ruled out anything to do with the heart , but no one has mentioned vertigo. They did do a biopsy of something in my stomach which I’m waiting on results for. I have been on pantoprozole for almost a year now . The bloating and pressure has subsided for the most part as I am watching what I eat , but the dizziness and funny feelings are still very much present . Any thoughts to my story, coukd it be vertigo?
Hi Travis,
That sounds horrible! I am so sorry to hear what you are dealing with.
I explore the Difference between Dizziness and Vertigo in this blog article.
I hope that helps you with the terminology!
You may also want to learn about “Leaky Gut syndrome” – which is often overlooked by traditional healthcare providers. Leaky Gut is otherwise known as “intenstinal hyperpermeability” in over 17,000 published scientific papers on PubMed that very well validate the condition.
That can cause symptoms similar to what you described with the bloating and pressure at the top of your abdomen with a rush of dizziness all over. You would likely have to seek out an integrative care provider or functional medicine doctor to help you with it because it is “outside the box.”
Best wishes
Hello my wife suffers from vertigo. We have gone to 10 plus doctors ( ENTs neurologist neurosurgeon TMJ and migraine specialist) We have had CT scans and two types of MRIs. One of the CT showed a small spot that we were concerned about but the neurologist didn’t believe it was related and it was something she was probably born with. The reason Im emailing you is because her symptoms include acute vertigo almost every time she takes a first bite of her meal. Its very common at least 4 times week and sometimes with every meal for a week or so. She is currently suffering from full 24/7 vertigo and today is day 6, This her fourth episode with her fist about 2 years ago. There seems to be no triggers for the vertigo that last for 3 or 4 days and this episode going on 7 days. It doesn’t seem to be inner ear related as we have gone to 3 ENTs and physical therapy with no results and head movement doesn’t cause it. The only true symptom is the acute vertigo that last from a few short seconds to a couple minutes when she takes a bite of food. Its always the first bite The doctors we have seen all scratch their heads when she tells them.
Happy I found Dr. Kimberly Bell. I probably have allergy triggered vertigo. This is awful. Because allergens are invisible.
I will read this blog but it is quite long so I just want to share my problems. And yes please help me if you can.
I am experiencing dizziness when getting up. Sometime many times per day. Sometimes only once. It started when I washed my dishes in bleach.
It happened a few times, I did not learn my lessons. This is the worst experience ever. I stopped using bleach for dishes obviously. It’s been 3 weeks this is not going away. I also got infections from breathing in dust. That caused this long onset of dizziness. Who should I go see, what specialist, what can I do or eat to stop this madness. I Wish I can come to your office. I don’t have insurance.
Hi Christine,
You can search for a provider in your area using this blog article.
In this blog, I share some Vertigo Home Remedies that might help.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Wayne me too!!
Mine is triggered within seconds of ingesting anything, even water. My GI is getting me nowhere and looks at me like Im crazy when I tell him. At night I wake up with severe visual vertigo but if I sleep sitting up Im better. I have exhausted so much money on copays, annual deductibles, and uncovered medical procedures plus the crazy high insurance fees monthly. ENTs also found nothing with me, nor neurologists and so on.
Hello Amy!
Have found any solution to your problems? My girlfriend has the exact same thing, her diziness and nausea starts to trigger the moment she ingests food. Occasionally shortness of breath occurs.
ENTs, neurologists also found nothing, blood tests etc. etc. We’re scheduled for gastroscopy next week see how that goes. Hopefully they can find something.
I have been battling digestive issues most of my life but they have only been treated by antacids. No doctor has been able to help me, I live in spain and they just know what was taught in the 1950’s here. I’ve discovered (by myself) that I have very little stomach acid and have started HCL with betain and bitters and digestive enzymes. I’ve been very weak recently, I’m losing my eye sight and feeling like I’m underwater and can’t think or remember anything, since starting the hcl I’m much better from that. I’m taking A, B, C, D, E, K vitamin supplements. I have had heartburn and reflux since I was a child so taking liccorice and slippery elm/marshmallow for that and l-glutamine. also grapeseed extract for vasculitis. I believe i have h pylori and candida for years. today monolaurin and manuka honey arrives.
Ok, since I started the supplements I’ve started to get vertigo. My heartburn and acid reflux are really improving, my eye sight is improving, my head feels clearer and I have more energy and I feel happier. but on the negative side I have a pain in my ear and vertigo. I don’t feel sick and my pancreas has stopped hurting since I started taking the medicine. I’ve cut out all triggers and on an acid friendly diet. I’ve never had vertigo before. No doctor has been able to help me so I would really appreciate your opinion. also and very importantly I have started walking for 15-40 minutes on a treadmill after each meal to help digestion. I hadn’t used the treadmill much before and feel very dizzy when I get off it so I blamed that for the vertigo, but now its the next day and I haven’t used the treadmill today and its nearly midday and I’m still super dizzy. I don’t want to stop the supplements as I can feel they are helping with the leaky gut, heartburn, reflux, h pyloir etc after years of taking antacids and antibiotics which have destroyed my body but this vertigo is killing me. what advice can you give me please_? I’m desperate! I can’t get advice here, please help.
Hi Nicole,
That sounds awful! It sounds like you have already taken many good steps towards improving your digestive issues.
Since I have not evaluated you in person, my opinion here is limited to general information.
I was surprised recently to learn that common supplements like astragalus can cause dizziness as a side effect. I suggest you work with your doctor to assess each supplement for side effects. It is important to check for interactions with other supplements.
Also, the dizziness and vertigo may be unrelated to your gut issues and supplements!
You may have more than one issue going on at the same time. Correlation in timing does not always mean “causation.”
I suggest for you to find a Vestibular physiotherapist to evaluate the root cause of your vertigo discomfort. You can search online at Vestibular.org for providers.
I hope you find relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I had severe gas i guess you could say, almost non stop, never been like this, but anyway, severe gas one night, did not have to use the restroom just a lot of gas, went to sleep the best I could, it was a restless night, when I woke the next morning I could not stand, could not see straight, not a normal dizzy but everything was spinning, no alcohol involved but still felt like an extreme hangover, got very nauseated. It went away after a few hours of sleep and not moving and was left with a headache and no energy.
Would there be any correlation between the gas and severe dizziness?
Hi Sam,
I have heard similar stories from other patients.
I hope my article was able to help you learn about some strategies you can try.
I have another article called “Vertigo Home Remedies” that may help.
You can also seek out opinions from a GI doctor and a Vestibular Physical Therapist.
I have had a combination of gut issues and dizzy spells for years. I have known food sensitivities via various tests, but even when I have practiced extreme elimination diets I still have dizzy spells and issues with bowels. I’m truly at a loss at this point and at 41 years older I’m ready to get my life back from this issue I’ve struggled through for over a decade. I truly have little direction on where to start at this point.
Good Day, im suffering with dizzyness, i would say i have it 80% of the time to different degrees. The symtoms i currently suffer with are
Dizzyness
Passing gas constantly
Tension in my head
Throbbing (heartbeat) in my ear (not sore or migraine)
Concentration loss
Tiredness
Pain under right rib
As a child i had a very sensitive stomach,
How long after starting to remedial action to your gut should the symptons subsice
Hi Roy,
That sounds very uncomfortable!
I suggest for you to find a manual Orthopedic physical therapist to evaluate your entire spine, your skull, and your ribs. Heartbeat in the ear often indicates an upper cervical alignment issue at C1 or C2, which can be closely related to gut health.
See this chart for the link of food sensitivities to C1 issues in the spine.
That may be a good start to resolving some of your discomfort.
Remember you can have more than one root cause, so you may need to see multiple specialty providers to get answers and relief.
For the dizziness, I suggest consulting a Vestibular healthcare provider.
This article discusses causes of dizziness related to the head as well.
I am suffering from dizziness and continous burps since june 2020 till now. I am really not aure what to do. I have lost weight also. I am bot able t work on laptop not able to drive. Even it is very difficult to sleep. I have done edoscopy and colonoscopy but nothing was found. 24/7 i feel dizzy and around a 100 burps a day.
I am 27 year old male.
Hi Ayush,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through! I encourage you to follow the treatment plan and recommendations given by your doctor and keep seeking answers until you find relief.
I hope you feel better soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Doc, just found this article cause I’m trying to find out what is happening to me. I’ll get right to the good stuff. I get major heartburn!! I’m seeing a Dr. For that and other mental reasons. Add, ptsd, mood disorder. I sometimes inhale reflux. About 4 times I really thought I was dying, but most of the time I wake up coughing and wheezing cause of acid reflux. Once I even lost my voice for a day because of it. Now it seems if I wake up at night coughing cause of reflux the next day I have bad vertigo!! I take prilosec everyday!!! Trust me I don’t miss a dose of that!!!! Anyway just wanted ur thoughts… Thanks…
Hi Brad,
Wow! That sounds like more than heartburn or occasional acid reflux. That sounds like GERD which is more severe or frequent. I definitely recommend for you to seek medical attention from a Gastroenterologist (GI doctor).
You may need to modify your diet to reduce or eliminate the foods that are common with GERD.
As I mentioned in my article, the refluxed particles can affect your eustachian tube which connects your throat to your ear. That can cause inflammation in the area as well trigger dizziness and vertigo.
You may need to see an ENT doctor as well as a GI Doctor.
Of course, I always recommend consulting a Vestibular Physical Therapist for an evaluation.
I hope you feel better soon!
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hello, I have been experiencing a gas like pain that can come from my stomach or any other part of my body with a quick feeling of vertigo at the same time when I’m doing my pull ups or heavy exercise regiment. I am 65 in good shape always had some inner ear problems in my left ear. I don’t get that problem any other time though. What can this be?
Hi Joseph,
That could be from increased intra-abdominal pressure making your blood pressure spike up quickly with exertion.
You may want to check out proper lifting techniques and breathing techniques you can use to prevent increasing your intra-abdominal pressure with heavy exercises.
Of course, I definitely recommend for you to let your medical doctor know in case he or she wants to do any assessment for other possible root causes.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
I have been feeling dizzy/lightheadedness for about 15 years now and still do not know what is causing it. I have been to doctors, Chiros, Neuro Chiros, Neuros nothing. They said Vertigo and called it a day. The Neuro Chiro was my best doctor, he noticed all my food allergies and I have avoided them and still nothing though. Last couple months it seems to be getting worse and I don’t know why. I lost my job because of COVID19 the company scaled back and its been one month now. Wife homeschools our four children so no income coming in now. I feel all alone in this battle and I have anxiety over it because I am always thinking what if I get so bad that I can’t even work or function properly.
Hi Edmond,
I am sorry to hear that you are not getting relief with your current team of healthcare providers.
In this blog, I discuss the link between vertigo and anxiety.
In this blog, I share strategies to alleviate anxiety.
If you have not already worked with a Vestibular Physical Therapist, I suggest that as your next step. You can find a provider using the links in this blog.
I suggest that you write up your case summary as I describe here to help your providers help you!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have a 26 year old son. He was a reflux baby and his Father has always had stomach issues. He gets dizzy spells, nausea, heartburn. I just sent him the link to this article. He was just home for holidays and symptoms still present and elevated. I told him to see a GI physician. He also has recurring kidney stones that put him into the hospital. So much for a person his age. I truly hope he will consult a specialist. Thank you.
Hi Jenny,
I am glad you found this article and shared it with your son!
I hope he is able to get proper care and find relief for his discomfort.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I would like to ask if what kind of doctor do I need , my husband is feeling dizzy after meals and has neck pain. We asked other doctors but they all said he was fine but both of us didn’t think so. Now I am badly needed to seek help of the right doctor .
Hi Sugi,
I am glad you found this blog about gastric vertigo. I encourage you to keep asking questions!
This is another blog I wrote related to dizziness and neck pain.
You may want to check out this Spinal Chart from the International Foundation for Nutrition & Health (IFNH) showing that food sensitivities can affect the C1 bone in the upper cervical spine.
You can pursue upper cervical orthopedic care by a chiropractor or a manual physical therapist who are able to adjust the C1 and C2 bones, which is a specialty.
It is also helpful to eliminate the foods that cause the neck pain with dizziness, since he may have a food sensitivity.
For example, MSG causes some people to get neck pain, dizziness, and headache within 30-60 minutes due to affecting the C1 bone alignment.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Doc,
I’ve been dealing with a vestibular issue for the last 1.5 years that came on abruptly, and I’m curious what you think. I’m an active 29 year old male.
It feels like I’m laying on a raft in the ocean, when I lie down on my back, side, or stomach. Bobbing up and down, swaying back and forth, floating upward, falling downward, etc.
I’ve seen an ENT, neurologist, neuro-otologist, audiologist and have had 2 MRI’s and a VNG.
The closest thing I’ve had to a diagnosis was from the VNG when they said I had bilateral vestibular weakness. Then through my own research I read about PPPD and Mal de Debarquement.
I did a few months of vestibular rehabilitation therapy and I’ve been on Effexor for 5 months now, prescribed by the neurologist, which I’d say has helped moderately but only in the sense that it has improved my mood and makes me think about my chronic sensations less.
It makes it difficult to get good sleep and has started to cause hypnic jerks and poor gut health among other things. I’m wondering if I should start to try treating it from a different health angle (gastroenterologist?) since I’ve been told that I should start viewing the issue as permanent given the amount of time and medical routes I’ve already taken and shift my thinking towards how to control it vs, fix it.
Any other tips or suggestions?
Thank you!
Jack
Hi Jack,
I think you are on the right track.
I wrote this blog on dizziness lying down.
Some things you can try include a second round of vestibular physical therapy (with the same PT or someone else) in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This combination of vestibular rehab with CBT is recommended for PPPD.
This blog and this blog discuss reasons why vestibular therapy may not work.
Dealing with your gut health and sleep issues should help your overall healing. Going about this from a different angle is helpful if you have hit a dead end.
My only other thought is that 29 years old is very young and your body has potential to heal from many things. I encourage you not to give up your root cause investigation!
Check out my lectures on this page on Dizziness and Vertigo (Parts I and II).
This blog may provide you with a framework for efficiently explaining your case to a provider.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
First I got shaking, nausea, emotionally upset, weakness, heart missing beats, slight pain above eyebrow right side, and flu like feelings (like the day you come down with flu) All happened suddenly in the middle of an ordinary day 2 years ago. I had good days and bad days all that year.
Doctor couldn’t find anything wrong (blood/urine tests. general health check) Neurologist couldn’t find anything wrong (exam & CT), but because I’d had ONE visual “migraine” aura months before, said it was likely to be migraine.
A year after that, suddenly got loose bms (not diarrhea but too loose) -came and went. I could manage that by fluctuating between normal food and low fiber. Stool tests (3) all normal.
Then lower gut distension at times, and flatulence (no bad smell -just like air.)
While managing that okay….got dizzy spells and strange sensation of my head being in a box when I spoke. That passed after about 2 months (hasn’t recurred yet)
Then suddenly in December, got acid reflux. I’d never had that before in my life, also never woke up with throat sensations/sinus/nose etc which might have made me suspect a silent reflux
. Jan. 2nd, it still hasn’t gone.
Not caused by any foods. Keep a food journal and found no relationship with any so called “trigger” foods. Healthy diet. Vegetarian mostly but eat eggs and fish too. I always did. I never eat MSG or any additives. Plain home cooking, NO spices, flavourings, pasta sauces, processed foods etc, just salt, and sometimes ginger or black pepper only.
Plenty of veggies, pulses, good grains, nuts, sunflower./pumpkin seeds.
In the evening after dinner and snacks, the reflux completely disappears! I can not find that on any google search
I haven’t any idea what’s wrong with me, and symptoms change every so often into a new manifestation.
Dear Dr Bell,
A very interesting article that feels very relevant for me, thank you! I am hoping you can recommend more reading or advice for my situation.
I have a 5 year history of dizziness (undiagnosed until a few months ago) and neck pain related migraines along with a steadily increasing level of gut problems – GERD/bloating/pain/constipation/diarrhoea. I have been on various PPI’s for the past couple of years (pantoprazole for the last few months). Early 2020 both my gut and dizziness worsened. In June I suffered bad anaemia which in turn made me too dizzy to even walk on my own. A trip to hospital finally diagnosed me with bilateral vestibular loss due to ototoxicity (ototoxic antibiotics for bad bladder infections around 5 years ago). Iron therapy improved the anaemic symptoms over a few months but my gut and vestibular issues remained at a worsened level despite vestibular training exercises. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy found nothing significant. I became extremely depressed and started CBT in December. I had read this article in December and as a consequence decided to experiment with my diet as I was beginning to not want to live my life as it was. I removed Gluten and Lactose just one week ago and was absolutely blown away to find my vestibular symptoms noticeably improved! I am still taking the PPIs but hope to be able to stop those at some point altho I do still have mild reflux. Which makes me feel potentially it is gut sensitivity exacerbating vestibular symptoms. I have an appt booked with a dietitian altho I have a number of weeks to wait. Whether there’s gluten, lactose or perhaps FODMAP issues contributing to my permanent vestibular symptoms I’m desperate to find out. I am also awaiting an MRI to check my cervical spine based on what my doctor thinks are also cervicogenic headaches as the migraines and neck pain are very debilitating (worsened by extreme tension from vestibular symptoms!) I’m so grateful for your article – it was fortunately timed for me and potentially stopped me from travelling further down a dark path – and would appreciate any further reading or advice you can suggest.
Aiming for my best life.
Thanks and kind regards
Juliet B (44)
Hi Juliet,
I am so glad that you are coming out of such a dark time, and taking action to advocate for yourself!
Yay for improvement of symptoms with removing of gluten and lactose from your diet. Well done.
If you need to find a physical therapist for your neck, cervicogenic dizziness, headaches, etc – I like to refer to PTs on this IPA Global Directory.
I have found that they are skilled at orthopedic manual physical therapy.
For the Vestibular component of what are dealing with, I suggest consulting a Vestibular Physical Therapist. You can at least get an evaluation and see what they recommend for a treatment plan.
You can find a Vestibular Provider in your area using this blog.
Also, antibiotics in general can affect the ear due to ototoxicity but they also affect the gut microbiome.
That is why so many people choose to take probiotics at alternating times when they are on antibiotics.
Basically, we have a “microbiome” which is a colony of living organisms like good bacteria and yeast that live in our gut.
When we take antibiotics, it also kills some of the good bacteria that we need, causing potential yeast overgrowth (candida) or imbalance with other organisms in our microbiome.
I do not know that much about it yet, but I suggest for you to make sure your dietician specifically states that they can help rebuild your microbiome.
If you do not work to rebalance it, that may never self-correct.
Once you re-balance your microbiome, you may be able to resume eating foods that you cannot digest right now.
The microbiome can also affect our emotions, due to the gut-brain connection I discuss. For example, sugar can cause depression for some people. This is usually linked to candida (yeast) feeding off the sugar and causing an overgrowth of candida.
Part of your emotional turmoil and dark feelings, could be related to the gut health.
Candida overgrowth has been linked with mood swings, irritability, and depression.
You may want to get checked for that by your dietician or a naturopath, someone outside the box.
I hope that helps!
Please keep me posted on how it goes. Thank you for letting me know that my blog helped you!
Sometimes I feel like I sit and type away on my websites for hours, hoping my words will help people but not often knowing…
You might also enjoy this quote by a writer named Charles Bukowski that I like to read when I am trying to make it through.
“Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I’m not going to make it, but you laugh inside — remembering all the times you’ve felt that way.”
Keep that quote in mind if you start to slip back into the dark path!
Also, if the darkness that threatened to overwhelm you was a situational depression, there is no shame in seeking mental health support to make sure you address all factors you are dealing with for a maximum level of recovery.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have been on Keto & practicing intermittent fasting since August of 2020 and have been very successful in loosing weight (30 lbs so far) and feel much better. Except that at times, most days, I get very dizzy and nauseaous. I usually wake up in the morning with a little dizziness and as the day progresses (especially after I eat) my symptoms get worst. I saw my doctor who did blood lab work and everything (blood pressure, electroylte levels, thyroid, etc.) is all normal, and the doctor could not determine the reason why I am having these issues. I have done research myself and I found out about silent acid reflux and GERD, and went to a GI doctor, who basically just looked at me as if I was crazy and laughed at me for asking if I was dizzy because of acid reflux!!! I am very frustrated and confused. I love my new eating habits. I have lost a lot of weight feel and look much better, but I need to know why I am dizzy and nauseous all the time. Can you please help me and recommend what I should do. Thank you.
Hi Camelia,
Congratulations on your weight loss!
I am sorry that your GI doctor looked at you as if I you were crazy and laughed at you for asking if your dizziness is related to acid reflux. I think that is a common issue of doctors being very good at whatever they specialize in, but not having a good peripheral vision for other related problems affecting other body systems.
I suggest for you to consult with a Vestibular Physical Therapist, so you can have a vestibular evaluation.
That can help to rule out or rule in a vestibular problem, in addition to the GI related issues you described.
That may help to fill in the gaps of your situation.
Also, if you have not had your upper cervical area assessed by an orthopedic manual physical therapist or an upper cervical chiropractor, that is another step I suggest.
Both vestibular and upper cervical issues can cause symptoms like you are describing. They are commonly overlooked in traditional healthcare, so you have to find specialty providers.
At least those two additional evaluations can help you rule out or rule in other potential causes of your discomfort.
I wish you all the best!
Hi Dr. Bell,
I am currently experiencing the onset of dizziness and almost fainting at times of extreme gas , when food begins to repeat on me I feel light headed and then suffer from heart palpitations , break out in sweat and this goes on for hours.
I am not over weight ( in fact considered under ) have suffered with IBS for about 18 years , I am currently 31 y.o.
I am not sure where to go from here as this comes on suddenly and scares me to the point of wanting to go the hospital.
Hi Courtney,
This sounds like a scary situation. I definitely suggest for you to seek professional medical care.
In this blog, I discuss reasons to seek emergency care for dizziness.
Certainly your doctor can advise you individually on when to go to the emergency room for treatment.
You may want to ask your doctor if you are experiencing a vagal response.
I wish I could help more, but I am not able to provide you with individual medical advice.
I hope you feel better soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr. Bell, thanks for your time, in hosting this very informative blog. My issue, which I have discussed with my doctor is very much related:
Most days immediately after dinner, I would burp, just a regular burp, and would immediately feel light headed. A couple times it occurred as I was bending over to grab something from the floor, and fell over. Now I am careful, and ensure I am upright. It’s very bothersome, as my doctor feels the falls were isolated and far and few in between. Sometimes during the light head feeling, I would also experience a slight cold sweat. The entire feeling lasts for about 5 to 10 seconds. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Ronald,
That is a very interesting description. A few ideas come to mind for me.
First of all, I would suggest gradually cutting back on alcohol if you are drinking beer with dinner. Also, you may want to cut down on any carbonated beverages like sparkling water and soda. You can see if that changes anything.
If you have not already consulted with a Vestibular Physical Therapist or specially trained doctor, then you can find a provider using this article.
I suggest you tell the Vestibular Provider that you have fallen when you bent towards from the floor.
That may be a valuable next step for you.
This article and this article may be interesting as well.
I hope you find the answers you need soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi. I am experiencing very bad nausea and dizziness after eating lately. I also have a bad ringing in my ear and I am currently waiting for an appointment with an ENT. Could there be a correlation between tinnitus (if that is what I have) and the nausea and dizziness?
Hi Michael,
I define tinnitus on this page, and wrote a blog on it here.
There could be a correlation, but there also may not be a correlation. You may have more than one thing going on at the same time.
I am glad that you have scheduled an appointment with an ENT.
You may also need to find a sub-specialist such as a Neurotologist or Oto-Neurologist, if you are still looking for answers after that visit.
Upper cervical care providers like an orthopedic manual physical therapist or chiropractic specialist as I discuss in this blog, can sometimes help with symptoms like you describe. You may want to read back to other comments on this blog and my replies about food sensitivities affecting the C1 bone.
You can reference this blog to help you present your case in an organized way to any healthcare provider.
Here are some Vertigo Home Remedies you can read up on while you are waiting.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I get vertigo all day and especially after I eat. I also get all over searing body pain. My inflammation markers are extremely high and ANA positive. My diet is very strict and clean. Lost 70lbs. I don’t want to eat anything because everything I eat no matter what it is causes this response. I force 1200 calories daily so I don’t have issues with metabolism or lose more weight to rapidly. The burning all over pain is about a 4 to up to a 7 after every meal. About one to two hours. I eat small meals three times a day and sometimes four. Very low sugar and clean. Its like my body is allergic to all food and I’m going to so many doctors and testing yet suffering everyday. I experience chest pains also that can get scary. Something is going on and I wish I knew what it was so I can do the things needed to feel better.
Wow! I am so sorry to hear about this situation.
I think you are on the right track with identifying your high inflammation markers.
I hope you can find skilled providers to assess your unique situation in detail and guide your recovery individually. Keep in mind that you can have more than one cause going on at the same time, all adding up to severe discomfort.
Instead of going from doctor to doctor, it is ideal to find a competent provider who you trust and then finish their treatment plan.
I wrote this blog on Three Questions to help you choose the right provider.
Since you mentioned chest pain, I feel that I should also share my blog on how to know if you need to seek emergency care. Click here for that article.
I hope you feel better soon!
Hi, just a thought on the pain… I’ve experienced severe all-over pain from eating things I never would have suspected – a powdered bone broth from the health food store, a pre-cooked roast (only beef & salt) from the store, & different kinds of yogurt. If you’ve run out of “unhealthy” suspects, I would start doing trials of the healthy ones. Might not even be the ingredients, but the way they are prepared (re histamine levels, etc). Just a thought. Hang in there!!
Hello Dr Bell!
Let me begin by saying your blog is a silver lining for me for sure! My situation began 2 years ago when I went to a concert at an arena and suddenly felt panicky, dizzy,terrified,everything was smeared like and my eyes coulding make sense of it and I just wanted to get sick, freak out or pass out. I ended up going to the hospital a week later and they told me it was Vertigo and since I had terrible nystagmus to see a neurologist asap. I was then diagnosed with Migraine Associated Vertigo and it is very extreme. They couldnt even put me in the spinning chair. For two years I have been house bound, only going out for doctor appointments, I can’t work, I can’t ride in a car without being sedated with 4 Ativan and hiding under a blanket. Now seeing this article, I have had acid reflux and IBS for a long time, since I was a child. I am getting a colonoscopy a few days actually. Throw into the mix I’m a Type 1 Diabetic, I suffer from general anxiety and I am overweight, I am just a trainwreck! Each one effects the other as well.
Any words of advice on how to communicate with my specialists and get them to actually think about the connections between all my issues?
Thank you so much!
Hi Erin,
You are really going through a lot! I am so glad that you found my blog.
This blog may help you identify and list your vertigo triggers to explain to your healthcare team.
This blog may help you communicate your symptoms with your doctors in a clear and concise way.
You may want to check out my most popular video lecture that discusses the importance of considering various root causes of symptoms.
Last year, I offered a webinar for Vestibular Disorders Association Virtual Conference called “Navigating the Healthcare System as a Dizzy Patient.” That may be a valuable resource for you.
You can purchase that webinar as well as the other educational webinars for $20 on this page.
If you are not able to remember what everyone says and advocate for yourself, you may want to ask a close family member or friend to be your health advocate.
Your case sounds complex, so you may need a team of providers to help you with the best recovery.
Don’t give up!
I hope you feel better soon.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi,
You mention finding a therapist trained from the institute of physical art. When I enter that in my search engine, I get people who teach art as physical therapy. Do you know of anyone trained in Ontario Canada that does this? Sorry not sure where you are located but if you can help, I appreciate it. I feel like my dizziness issues are coming from my neck. I was looking at prolotherapy. Do you know about this?
Thank you
Hi Maria,
You can try searching on this page: Institute of Physical Art referral list
Upon a quick glance, I did not see any providers from Ontario Canada on that list.
You may want to search online for providers who can assess you from head to toe, including the full spine, and are competent to adjust the upper cervical area.
I am located in San Diego County, California, USA. If you want to travel here in the future, I work closely with an excellent provider on that referral list.
This article describes three questions to ask when choosing a healthcare provider.
I hope you feel better soon.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dear Dr. Bell,
I am writing you from Hungary, Central-Eastern-Europe, and wish to thank you for this article!
I have to say that I am astonished when reading the comments because it seems to me that doctors may be blind in the entire world concerning gastroentheorologic problems related to foods.
So far I thought it is just in Hungary but seems to be a global stuff.
I’d like to ask for your opinion. I have food intolerances (gluten, diary, corn, soy and some others) coming from leaky guts syndrome (I took a lot of medication during the past years so they might have done that to me), I did a 6-month-long diet. Got a smooth allergy to almond and celery.
Besides, last year it had turned out that I have histamine intolerancies as well, so I have to be on an other kind of special diet.
Like the others I feel vertigo and headache sometimes right after some bites of food – not some hours later – but not always and cannot spot a certain food.
My question is that is it possible that a food or GERD or any stomach disease can affect tremors in legs and stomach together with the feel of weakness in the legs. These symptomes always come a short time after some meal but not every time and I cannot spot any certain food that affects it as well.
I have epilepsy for 30 years but these tremors are not that kind. I am mentally healthy, do not have SM or something serious coming from any damages but can imagine that my nerve system can be more sensitive.
I would be thankful if you could tell me anything that might help.
Kindest regards,
Kinga
Hi Mrs. Kinga,
I am sorry for what you are going through!
This article on GERD may be useful to learn more for you.
Since you mentioned headache, you may want to learn more about Migraine specific food triggers. I discuss that in this blog.
You may also want to look up articles on Intestinal Permeability, which is the medical term for Leaky Gut Syndrome.
This article has a lot of information managing leaky gut syndrome.
This is a very complex topic because it can be related to inflammation, infections, or food intolerances, to name a few.
I think it might be best for you to search for an Integrative Gastroenterologist or Integrative Neurologist, so they can evaluate your individual case.
My breakthrough doctor was an Integrative Neurologist named Kulreet Chaudhary MD. She has retired now, but she wrote a great book called, “The Prime.”
I hope those are some helpful tips to get you going in the right direction.
Warmly,
Dr. Kim Bell, DPT
Hello , I was reading your article and I have some similar experiences. I am currently 21 years old and experiencing fatigue vertigo bloating headaches and dizziness.I went to the doctor and they thought I had acid reflex but I didn’t think that diagnosis was correct so I went to the gastrologist and they did a procedure where they stick a camera inside to check if anything was wrong and they didn’t find anything. But yet I was still experiencing these symptoms they prescribed me to Excedrin for migraine’s because of my headaches it works for my headaches but that is it I’m still experiencing the symptoms
more of the bloating and headaches portion more I am just tired of feeling like this. I feel like I keep getting diagnosed wrong I am all of the options.
Hi Ms. Vaughan,
Misdiagnosis is a common problem for people with dizziness and vertigo.
That is a good thing that your camera study did not find anything!
You may want to research “intestinal permeability.”
You can also look into food triggers for migraines.
That may be a good next step for your journey of discovering what is going on with you.
I hope you find answers and relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dr. Bell, please help! For the past 4 years I get lightheaded/dizzy before every 2-3 hours. I eat clean, workout, don’t drink coffee and now about 1 1/2 ago I started to get vertigo. MRI, ENT, Eye doctor all said I was perfectly healthy and that I must have gotten a viral infection that damaged my left ear vestibular canal. I tried physical therapy for 3 months with some relief but still have episodes that last 2-8 weeks! Now I am noticing the vertigo gets way worse right around the time I “need to eat” given that I just ate like 2 hours ago. This makes me feel very anxious, my throat muscles tighten up, heart races. This is happening about 4 times a day. I’m starting to think the two (vertigo, and diet) are related??
Hi Colleen,
Thank you for sharing your story here!
I am sure your comment will help others who are suffering like you have.
I appreciate you letting me know you are now feeling better. That is wonderful!
Kind regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi.
I’ve been suffering from Vertigo for over 3 months. I had fluid on the ears, potential ear infection which I was treated for then BPPV. I also potentially have started getting vestibular migraines.
I apparently still have lateral BPPV and keep getting frequent migraines which I wouldn’t normally get often.
On and off I’ve had extreme nausea or just generally feeling off and have an unsettled tummy. My appetite is very up and down.
I’ve been keeping a food diary for over a month but haven’t noticed any significant triggers. I have fibromyalgia and GORD so my diet is gluten free. Each time I feel like I’m starting to get better things flare up again.
Do you think the BPPV at the moment is the cause to the issues I’m still currently having or do you have any suggestions as to what else could be happening or what I could do?
TIA
Hi Carly,
Oh my! That sounds awful.
Without seeing you in person, I cannot speculate on the answers to your questions.
However, I will link to a few more blogs that might help you find the information you are seeking.
This blog discusses BPPV symptoms. You can see if that matches with your symptoms.
This blog and this glossary definition discuss migraines.
This Provider Directory has Physiotherapists who may be able to help assess your neck to help with migraines. If there are none in your area, I suggest you search for an orthopedic manual physiotherapist who specializes in headaches.
This blog may help you present your story clearly and concisely.
This blog describes other vertigo triggers that might help you share your experience with your providers.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr Bell,
This has been helpful! I came across your article while looking to see if taking L-glutamate would make my migraines worse. I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines which seem to be triggered when I eat too much salt, caffeine, combined with stress and lack of sleep. I avoid salty foods and cut out caffeine. I am also currently struggling to recover from GERD and wanted to take L-glutamate but was wondering if the glutamate would make it worse! Thank you so much!!
Hi Ruth,
I am so glad that you found this blog helpful!
I suggest you ask your doctor about the L-glutamate.
This blog, this link and this link may help you as you learn more about Vestibular Migraine.
I also read a very good book called “The Migraine Brain,” which I am happy to recommend.
The other book that helped me get on top of my migraines is “The Prime” by my former neurologist.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello,
I’ve been having daily spells of vertigo for the last 5 months. They usually happen when l walk and feel as if l walk on a boat.
For about the same amount of time I have been having episodes of increased acidity in my throat and mouth without any heartburn or food reflux.
The sides of the back of my throat seem red and inflammed without any major pain. They feel irritated whenever l have acidic taste in my mouth.
All medical tests, including cardio and hearing are fine. My blood test came out perfect too.
My doctor tends to think now that it’s psychosomatic.
Do you think l should dig a little deeper into the possibility of this acid reflux and vertigo relation?
Many thanks,
Vilma
Hi Vilma,
The timing definitely seems to match up!
If you have not already consulted with a GI doctor to get an upper GI study, that might be a good next step.
An ENT may be able to help you also.
You may have silent reflux and/ or esophagitis.
In the meantime, it’s important to be grateful that the rest of your tests came out perfectly fine! Not everyone I meet is so fortunate.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
My husband has been ill for over 3 months, nausea vomiting, eye shifting, some migraines, any movement like riding in the car, walking or being in a room with people make him feel ill, as does driving (he cannot do it I drive him because of the movement ), if he eats he feels sick he has vomited so many times it is unreal, stand longer then 15 minutes or bending over all make him sick. so we thought it was gastro related took him to gastro dr. had a c-scan done to check all that area as well as a c-scan on his head, everything fine, then went to ENT and they did an agility test and balance test all ok, then went to the neurologist they did an MRI on his head also fine? yet he is so sick every day. he gave up caffeine chocolate cigars salt thinking it was meniere’s , no difference. we are now going to a different chiropractor one that focuses on kinesiologist and a holistic approach . we are at a loss to what is wrong, my husband wants to feel better enough to drive and function. He in on a motion sickness med and a nausea med. what do you advise we really do not know where to turn my husband and I use to drive for hours just for fun.
Hi Diana,
That’s such a bummer!
I suggest you schedule for your husband to consult with a Vestibular Physical Therapist.
You can use this blog to find a provider in your area.
Another provider who may be able to help is an orthopedic manual physical therapist. You can search for one here.
A Neuro-Optometrist may be able to help as well. You can search this provider directory.
I suggest considering those three types of specialists to find the root cause.
I hope that helps!
These home remedies may help also.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Thank you for your input on this topic. I identify with several of the symptoms you described after eating. I would like to list some other issues that I am having along when everything dizziness. Maybe you can advise me as to what I need to do to seek the help I need. I have a cervical hernia. It has been evaluated by my doctor and chiropractor and they both have said it’s not that bad. However, I still feel as though it’s giving me trouble. I also have this strange problem with my jaw bone on the right side. I have times when I can’t open my jaw all the way until I move my mouth around and then it finally opens completely. Sometimes it also feel off track and uncomfortable. When this happens I turn my head to the left and attempt to open my mouth and it seems to pop back into place. I have a strange tinnitus in my left ear. My ears go full for no reason and I can feel a gushing sound in my ears especially when I stand. I saw a video once of a lady having restricted blood flow to the blood vessels in her brain which cause dizziness and several of the symptoms that I’m having. I am afraid that something is terribly wrong but the doctor label me as anxious and depressed. Can you please give me your opinion on all of this. Thank you.
Hi Candace,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
I suggest you search this online directory to find an orthopedic manual physical therapist. That provider can assess your neck and jaw, to reduce your discomfort.
This blog also speaks to the discussion you bring up.
I hope you find answers and get relief soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr!
I was wandering what your thoughts are. Since two months I have a lot of pain, bloating, indigestion (?) under my left rib. I also have a lot of stomach acid coming up,
I have to mention I had a LOT of psychological stress last year,
Could it be gastritis?
My doctor says it’s just stress.
But I am in a lot of pain.
I tried apple cider vinger, digestive enzymes, cabbage juice, bile salts, mastic gum, slippery elm.
I’m desperate :-‘(
Hi Anna,
That sounds awful!
Both of you could possibly be right. Stress is the root cause of so many problems!
If could be stress and it could be a true stomach issue.
The stress can also cause a stomach issue, like an anxious stomach.
You may want to check out the book by my former neurologist, which is focused on balancing the digestion.
You can find it here.
I encourage you to look into strategies to reduce your stress as well.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi, I suspect I’ve always had a milk protein allergy as I always get severe constipation and cramping that lasts for hours, like painful enough that I’m in tears and taking fiber does not help. It usually takes about four to six hours for severe symptoms to start. I stay away from straight milk, cream, ice cream, hard cheese, and milk protein isolate, but I’m fine with Greek yogurt, soft cheese, whey protein isolate, and butter.
I’ve managed to regulate myself pretty well over the years, but last night, I ate cream havarti for the first time and I immediately had trouble swallowing. This went away pretty fast, but a few hours later, I had this extremely drunk feeling while laying in bed where I couldn’t even send out a text message because I kept hitting wrong buttons. Fast forward a couple more hours, and I now have stuffy nose, stinging/watery/puffy eyes, head cold feeling, and still slight dizziness.
I am not sure if this is just a more severe reaction, especially with the disequilibrium to the point where I could not even type my name. I was wondering your thoughts, thank you!
Hi Mina,
Allergies to food can cause serious reactions like anaphylactic shock, which includes swelling of the airway.
You may want to read more about dairy allergies on this page.
I suggest that you avoid milk products and consult an allergist. You can search for an allergist on this page.
Yikes! Be careful!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr. Bell,
I do have acidity and IBS issue from long time. However over the last weekend, Iam having dizziness with mild sweating. I got all preliminary checkups done and all parameters are fine.
When I started observing these occurrences in details, I understand that the dizziness occurs after breakfast, lunch, dinner. Would like to know if my observations are correct and would be thankful if you can suggest any remedy to this problem.
Hi Prasad,
I am so sorry to hear about your distress!
I have worked with other people who have symptoms occurring after meals no matter what they eat. Sometimes taking a digestive enzyme with the food has helped them!
I suggest for you to ask your GI doctor if a digestive enzyme is a good idea for you or not.
The GI doctor who can assess you in person will be the best one to decide.
I hope you get relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello, I had a Fundoplication surgery for GERD about 20 years ago, and it helped immensely in combating acid reflux. One of the drawbacks is an inability to burp, so trapped gas happens frequently, but even that was manageable. Lately, I’ve been experiencing a very troubling symptom that when I bend over for a short period of time and then stand upright, or when I stand up from sitting down, I get very dizzy for a short period of time. The dizziness goes away quickly, but I feel immense pressure in my stomach area. This is usually relieved by having a bowel movement or passing gas. It’s also relieved by taking Magnesium tablets. I can’t help but believe that trapped gas caused by stool backing up is causing pressure on my diaphragm, thereby causing a shortage of oxygen until I stand upright relieving that pressure. I’ve had a complete Cardio workup with negative results. I’m very active, exercising at a high level 4-5 times a week, so I don’t think my heart is the issue. Your thoughts?
Hi Scott,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
The medical test to check your “postural vital signs” is a tilt table test. That test is not always done as part of a complete cardio workup.
An alternative test: A physical therapist or nurse can also take a series of blood pressure readings.
The goal is to determine if your vital signs are stable when you get up.
You may also want to consult with a physical therapist with specialized training called “Visceral manipulation.”
Working with a GI doctor on your digestive issues is important for people with symptoms like yours. You may want to talk to your doctor about a low gas-producing diet like FODMAP.
I am so glad to hear that you are keeping up the fitness routine! That will be a great boon as you get older.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. Bell,
Im a 20 year old female that eats a fairly balanced diet and exercises a few times a week. However for the past month or two, after I eat, I get really dizzy, faint, brain fog, and my heart feels like its racing and sometimes I get palpitations., and it lasts for 1-2 hours. I don’t know what to do so any advice or thought will help!
Best,
Grace
Hi Grace,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
You could try to track if there are any certain foods that are causing this response.
You may want to ask your doctor if you should wear a Holter monitor for a certain period of time. That will track your heart rate.
I definitely suggest seeking medical care. You may need to find someone “outside the box.”
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Very interesting blog. I wasn’t aware of the gut/brain connection until I started getting migraines two years ago in my mid-50’s. Had aura a couple of times at first, but it’s settled into basically a gastro issue (pretty much 24-7 feeling of constipation whether I need to go or not). I get a little dizzy sometimes, but not often enough to complain about it. My neurologist had me try a couple of different tricyclic antidepressants and magnesium. I stopped taking them and don’t feel any different w/out it. I have not gone on an elimination diet, but that might be something I should try. Seems daunting. I have not noticed any foods causing me to feel worse or better. It’s such a weird thing to be healthy all of my life and then have this issue crop up seemingly overnight (scans and a couple of other specialists reveal nothing wrong). Neurological issue that I guess I’ll just have to live with.
Thanks for this article, I have been getting vertigo like attacks for past 2 years never realised the correlation. I used to get acid reflux but now it’s coming as frequent vertigo so this must be the reason. Like you said cutoff tomato & sour items from food may help. Thanks again
Oh my! I have had all of these specified symptoms with a corn allergy or sensitivity (gut problems, brain fog, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, numb feet, migraines, pain in the neck/jaw…)
My eye sockets feel like they swell by the next morning, and I cannot hardly move my eyes. Is that a sensitivity or allergy to corn?
It would s so difficult staying away from corn. There are so many derivatives.
Are there any supplements or vitamins that are over the counter that may help? Prescribed medicine?
I’ve been to a GI doctor, but they didn’t understand why I was experiencing all of these different things.
I’ve been on Phentermine for the last few weeks (for another reason), and it has helped these symptoms tremendously. My fingernails immediately became stronger, I felt better, the headaches and gut problems subsided. Is there a connection to the meds and resolving the symptoms you have described?
I’ve needed help with all of these symptoms for years!!! Thank you for your blog.
Hi Renee,
I am so glad to hear that you are improving with your current treatment plan!
I am not able to recommend specific medications or supplements, since I have not evaluated you in person.
I encourage you to continue to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your current team of healthcare providers.
You may have to go “outside the box” of traditional healthcare to find an alternative practitioner who can link all the symptoms.
I am glad you found this blog and I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dr. Bell, I am wondering if there is a doctor ANYWHERE who can find out what is wrong with me! I have had no success for almost 6 months now. Last December my doctor tried to change the fibromyalgia medication I had been taking for 20 years to a more current one resulting in my first migraine headache which lasted for a whole month. After taking Prednisone and returning me to the old medication, the headache went away but then I began having an extreme amount of extra saliva every day. The saliva mixed with air causes me to swallow so much air I have a headache (tinny, like my head is under water), pressure in my ears, gas, bloating and stomachache. I had an MRI of my brain (no stroke or tumor), CT of my neck (no issues). The first ENT said I have “Burning Mouth Syndrome and gave me Lidocaine rinse and wanted to give me Botox injections of my bilateral parotid and submandibular glands and but the second ENT said this was a very bad idea. He did an endoscopy swallow study (Eustachian tube opening clear, culture negative), Barium Esophagram swallow study (esophagitis and GERD) and referred me to a GI specialist who just did a gastroduodenoscopy with Bravo 2 days ago and I have a follow-up appointment on June 4th. I know I have acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux and episodes of laryngospasm/on Omeprazole) and it definitely affects or maybe even causes the burning in my mouth but NO ONE KNOWS OR HAS HEARD OF THE PROBLEM I HAVE EVERY SINGLE DAY WITH SWALLOWING AIR. It starts in the morning and lasts all day long which, as I said earlier causes a headache (tinny, like my head is under water), pressure in my ears, gas, bloating and stomachache. So far, I can see no difference when changing my diet. I take gas pills every day along with Tylenol which helps a tiny bit. I no longer (as of about a month ago) have extra saliva but swallow air all day (sometimes foamy other times kind of slimy). I have never written on one of these blogs before but the people writing sound authentic with very real problems AND you actually answer each of them thoroughly AND they are current. Thought I would give it a try. Thank you if you actually read all of this…..and thank you for any advice you might have for me.
Hi Kathleen,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
It sounds like you are getting mixed messages, which is a common frustration for patients seeking healthcare.
You may want to consult a third ENT as a “tie breaker” opinion.
I encourage you to keep your follow up visit on June 4th as planned and complete the doctor’s treatment plan.
You can take a moment to celebrate that your MRI and CT scans were clear! That’s great news! Not everyone I meet is so fortunate. Celebrating small victories like that can help encourage you, as you go through this difficult time.
If you have not already, I suggest for you to consult with a Vestibular Physical Therapist. You can find a provider in your area using this article. You can seek evaluation and get their opinion on your case.
I also suggest for you to consult an Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist regarding the pain and headaches. You can find a provider using this directory.
Don’t give up! Keep going!
There may be more than one root cause of your discomfort.
You stated that you are looking for ONE doctor, but you will likely need a team of specialty providers to solve your case.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
My labyrinthitis episodes started when I was 40ish and related to seasonal allergies in April /May. As a teacher I was off work for 6 weeks on 3 occasions and retired 12 years ago to the city. I know and practice vestibular rehab exercises given by an ENT consultant.
I’m recovering now from a current bout but have indigestion discomfort with everything I eat in spite of PPI. Nothing seems to prevent the mucus which is clear and swallowed constantly. The steroid sprays have bad side effects.
This may seem trivial but advice would be appreciated as at the moment reading makes me very nauseous and sorry for myself.
Hi Elizabeth,
I am sorry to hear you feel so badly!
I prefer exercises given by a vestibular physical therapist, since we are the experts in exercise prescription.
You can find a vestibular physical therapist using this article.
This article has home remedies that may help.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have had Chronic Constipation all of my Life which is nearly 40 years. I take Linzess but that doesn’t help my Constipation but it does help with stomach cramping. I have tried all OTC Laxatives but they only give short term relief & I always have to take twice the maximum dosage in order for the Laxatives to work for me. I have tried Probiotics, Benefiber, Mira-Lax, Metamucil, Digestive Enzymes etc. What is the Strongest OTC Medicine that I can take to get my Bowels to work normally? I always have had to use a Water Enema whenever I go to the Toilet in order to have a Bowel Evacuation. Otherwise if I didn’t use a Water Enema then I would be Constipated & Cramping for days. I just started taking Mineral Oil & it seemed to Lubricate my Bowels more but I still had to use Water Enemas to Evacuate my Bowel. What would you suggest I do? I have been Diagnosed with IBS with Severe Chronic Constipation. I would very much Appreciate any Advice or Help from you. Thanks so much.
Oh by the way I get full very easily & get bloated almost after each meal. Sounds like my Digestive System is way too slow. I can only eat about a third of a meal & then I get full. I am skinny but I have a bloated looking Stomach that sticks out like a Pregnant Woman. What is that about?
Hi Marc,
I suggest you consult with a provider from this directory or this website, for an “outside the box” consultation.
I do not prescribe medication, but I like Organic Psyllium husk to help keep bowels moving regularly.
You may also like this book by my former neurologist on healing your gut. When a stomach sticks out as you describe, it could be caused by “leaky gut,” otherwise known as intestinal permeability. There are literally thousands of articles on Pub Med about intestinal permeability, but it is widely missed in regular healthcare. That book is a program she created to help heal gut problems.
I hope you find the right solution soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr Bell,
Thank you so much for all this useful information.
I’ve had some experienxe with dizziness and lightheadedness myself and I have noticed that there might be a correlation between thise symptoms and skipping meals for a long period of time. I guess that’s somehow related to gut health, so I was wondering what you thought on the subject.
Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Chris,
Certainly low blood sugar causes dizziness.
Even though hypoglycemia is most common in people with diabetes, anyone can experience dizziness from low blood sugar if you go too long between meals.
You can learn more here.
You may need to eat on a more regular schedule.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dr. Bell, I would appreciate any thoughts regarding my case.
I had a sore throat in January 2021 for 10 days, no fever, just a sore throat like I experience always when getting cold.
However after 10 days i developed severe pressure from below on ears , back neck lymph nodes were swollen..Head and neck CT scan did not show any abnormalities, After taking 3 different antibiotics within 2 month , lymph nodes went down, but pain in the back of the neck and severe pressure on ears stayed.
I saw ENT. He conducted a hearing test on me,,checked with camera inside my nose, ears and throat. He told that had not been a problem of his department and sent me back to my family doctor.
i did an expended blood test and CT scan again. Everything was normal except Vit D close to the low border. ( I am taking Vit D supplements 2000Ui/day. otherwise I have Vit D deficiency. )
Pressure on ears and pain in the back of my neck still have been there for 4 months. I was swabbed for COVID twice, negative.both times.
My family doctor does not know how to help me. I have been without diagnose for more than 4 months.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!! Thank you
Hi Helena,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
I suggest for you to find a physical therapist on this provider directory to assess and treat your pain in the back of your neck. That pain may be related to the pressure in your ears as well.
I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I also Noticed , When i suffered stomach Gas , Tinnitus, vertigo symptoms happened .
is it possible to Gastric issue can cause of tinnitus .
Hi Raval,
The food sensitivities affecting C1 in your neck may be the missing link you are looking for. C1 issues can be a cause of vertigo and tinnitus.
Please refer to Simon’s comment and my reply, which is the very first comment on this blog.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I am 35 years old and last year, I got pregnant in April 2020 and things were going well until we found out in the 5th month that the baby had a developmental defect called spina bifida. Given the complications with this condition, we had to terminate the pregnancy and I underwent the abortion procedure in Aug 2020. I was recovering quite well from this surgery but on 6th September, I had a severe headache after visiting a grocery store with bright lights. Following the headache, I had mild dizziness (lightheadedness and a sense of imbalance) for a few days along with the feeling that my eyes were overworked. I got my vitamin B12, D, and Iron levels checked and everything came back normal. Since I was struggling to focus with my eyes, I visited an eye doctor on September 15th and he confirmed that the health of my eyes was quite good with only a small change in power.
After this, I was doing quite well for a couple of months.
But suddenly, from Nov16th onwards, the feeling of eye strain, lightheadedness, and swaying/imbalance symptoms, although fairly mild, appeared again and continued for a few weeks. In the meantime, I got my eyes tested again and everything came back normal. I also got a comprehensive check-up done which included complete blood count, metabolic and lipid panels, sugar, and thyroid, and they all came back normal. In the first week of December, particularly on Dec 4th and 5th, the symptoms of lightheadedness and swaying/rocking were very severe with an added issue of extreme light sensitivity and sensitivity to fast motion (either my own movements or anything in my surroundings). I visited an ophthalmologist and an ENT and both of them confirmed that my eyes and ears were fine and they also ruled out vertigo(BPPV). The ENT suspected that it could be an inner ear infection and put me on a dosage of steroids. He also mentioned that the steroids may not help if the cause is migrane
I observed that the steriods didn’t seem to help me.
The ENT also suggested that I get an MRI done because of the visual aspects of my symptoms. On Dec 28th I got a brain MRI done and it came back normal. He also asked me to get a VNG test which looks for any weaknesses in my vestibular system and even that came back completely normal.
With all tests coming back normal but with no explanation for the cause of my symptoms, I did some research and figured that they classify these symptoms as a vestibular migraine. There were some blogs that suggested taking supplements like vitamin B2, magnesium, and COQ10. I started taking these over the last month and a half. I have also started taking vitamin D3. I purchased FL41 specs for my eyes which basically cuts out some of the blue and green wavelengths and I feel that my threshold for light and motion increases slightly while I’m wearing them. Meditation, yoga, and walking have been helping me all along.
While my symptoms have improved, they have been present and also quite inconsistent. I have felt good for a couple of days but sensitivity to visual stimuli/light has been there consistently. The sensitivity to light and consequent instability symptoms increase when I look at a computer screen. Similarly, increased movements of my head and eyes trigger the feeling of instability. However, when I practice yoga or perform some vestibular therapy exercises, I feel stable. I also have a mild tension headache and heaviness in my head almost every day. I experience blurriness in my left eye a few times every day which resolves by itself in a few minutes.
Meanwhile I flew and came home to be with family and consulted neurologists here who told me that I have anxiety disorder… It’s ongoing but haven’t got diagnosis yet. I think it’s migrainous vertigo or vestibular migrane.
The only things remaining are my neck evaluation and food allergy test. I apologise for the long long message but I will be blessed to hear from you.
Hi Swetha,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
The neck and food sensitivities are worth looking into.
This article mentions about the neck.
I suggest for you to have an exam by a “OD,COVD” which is a Neuro-optometrist to detect any binocular visual problems that can cause symptoms like you are describing. This website can educate you and has a link to find a COVD in your area.
There may also be a spiritual element to your case as well. I personally believe in the Holy Bible and pray in the name of Jesus Christ when I need help. I encourage you to dig into whatever spiritual practices you have faith in, to ask for help from beyond the natural world.
I wish you all the best in your healing journey!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi,
This is a very informative blog. Thanks for this.
I have had gerd since March 2021 and struggled with it for 2 months. After that, it kinda faded away. My stomach was back to normal except when I ate a lot. I have had medications, (proton pump inhibitor- Pantoprazole) advised by my doctor. I took it for almost 2 months, and I decided to stop it since I am feeling side effects than getting better. After stopping that’s the time my stomach returned to normal. My only problem right now is when I am driving, or going out (taking a walk or riding a bike), there is this nauseous like feeling, dizziness feel together with something the few symptoms of acid reflux like excessive salivation, and slight regurguration. It is kind of irritating as it also interfere with my daily activities. I had no food allergies by the way, the only triggers that I noticed is when I ate a lot, and move a lot (especially when I work out) I am aware that you should take hours before exercising but still it happens.
I still hope you are active in this blog.
Thanks again.
Hi Kevin,
I suggest for you to consult with a Vestibular Physical Therapist to assess your “motion activated” symptoms of nausea and dizziness.
You can find a provider using this blog.
I also suggest that you double down on efforts to reduce your reflux, such as avoiding certain foods that are triggering regurgitation. If you have not yet seen an ENT, that might be a helpful consultation.
Definitely avoid over-eating if you can. You may want to work with a nutrition coach or dietician, if you are having trouble with making choices about your food intake.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello, I have been suffering with vertigo for 2 years and was diagnosed with vestibular vertigo last year. I have been doing rehabilitation exercises but the vertigo seems to be persistent although has minimized.
I’m struggling to cut out foods as I have sugar issues too so my diet is pretty much paleo anyway.
I’m also lactose and fructose intolerant but am very careful with avoiding the offenders.
Thank you so much
Sham
Hi Sham,
You can return to your vestibular provider for a re-evaluation to progress your exercise program.
Also, if you have neck pain or headaches, you may want to consult an orthopedic physical therapist to assess your neck.
I think you are on the right track with balancing your gut and cutting down on sugar.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr Bell – I have had dizziness episodes for the past two months. I notice that it usually occurs after meals when it seems like my body is trying to digest or I need to have a bowel movement. I get a sudden feeling like I am going to pass out and then just don’t feel right for an hour or so. I often hear a lot of grumbling in my stomach and belch a lot. I also notice my blood pressure rises when this happens but I don’t know if it is anxiety from being scared I am going to pass out. My dr had me start probiotics and I also have been taking Prilosec for awhile due to heartburn. Otherwise, she seems to not know why I am having the dizzy spells. Any thoughts?
Hi Cindy,
I am sorry to hear about this!
I am glad that you have already notified your doctor.
As you have seen with other people commenting on this blog, heartburn can be a trigger for some people to have dizzy spells.
You may be interested in learning about this, as you seek answers.
Vagus nerve issues can cause abnormal blood pressure, but anxiety or stress can also affect blood pressure.
If you have not seen a GI doctor, that may help.
You can also find a visceral physical therapist using this directory.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi
I am 19 year old,
Two months ago I feel dizzy and lightheaded while eating dinner. Then one day it started happing whole day and excess at night. I feel it most while sitting without any back support. I may be gas or something else I don’t know, but I am very worried from two months
Hi Akash,
You may have to see a few providers to find answers.
You may want to consult with your general doctor to have your digestion evaluated.
A vestibular provider would be a good next step to check you for inner ear causes of the dizziness. You can find one using this article.
If you do not find relief, an orthopedic manual physical therapist can evaluate your back and neck to see if your spine is contributing to your discomfort.
Finally, the worry you are feeling should not go unaddressed. I suggest you discuss your worries iwht your doctor, to decide if you need any support for your mental health.
I hope you feel better soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Good morning Dr Bell,
I cannot tell you how relieved I felt by coming across your information….
For months, years, decades I have suffered indigestion, Duodenal ulcer, helicobacter pylori, wind, tremendous burps, headaches, constant dizziness, also Meniere’s Disease…. I had never related my dizziness to my gut problem…..it was a light bulb moment.
I suffer with loose stools and was diagnosed with Lymphocyte colitis.
Since April I have been suffering a headache that I had never suffered before, feels as if my head is in a clamp, pain in neck and temples, along with the loudest burps…
My doctor recommended I had an eye test, which I did, eyes, ok, gave me meds for migraine but having had an ulcer I have to be very careful what meds I take.
3 weeks ago I had an MRI for my brain, still waiting for my results, but I said to my doctor I feel it’s more stomach related, she cannot see the connection….
I am seeing a private GI specialist in 2 weeks, so I will discuss my problem with him, but having experienced discomfort for many years and regular visits to the GI unit, they look at it from a different angle….
I also get tinnitus from time to time, since April, it’s like a constant swishing soung in my left ear, the dizziness in in my right ear…..
I do need to change the way I eat, but not knowing what’s best, so I really need your help and advise… as after reading your information, there is definitely a link, maybe certain tests need to be carried out by the GI consultant, if so, can you advise so I can arrange them….
Have a lovely afternoon…
Nadia
Hi Nadia,
I would not presume to know what tests your private GI specialist should do, so I will defer to the expertise of your private GI doctor to decide what is needed. I think that is great you will have that consultation!
Also, I suggest you find two specialized types of physical therapists.
One is a vestibular physical therapist, which you can locate using the links I share in this blog.
The second is an orthopedic manual physical therapist to evaluate your neck and spine. Hopefully you can find one using this directory.
I hope you feel better soon!
Kind regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dear Doctor,
,I am suffering from a disease which is not yet diagnosed by pathological reports.
It started in october 2007.I was working on my PC and suddenly I felt a stretch in a nerve from my lower Back to top of my Head with a lot of sweating.We immediately rushed to hospital ,they tested my BP and Sugar which is normal.
From the very next day I started feeling zigzag vision with a continuous feeling of passing out. have shown to many doctors and gone through tests like
MRI,CT scan,EEG,ECG,2d echo, TMT etc but nothing was deducted.
My symptoms started changing in 2-3days but the feeling of passing out remained constant.
This continued for three years (upto 2010) .In 2010 A doctor diagnosed my problem as Migraine or panic attacks and suggested me a sertraline tablet and I started feeling better.
After 7 years(from 2018) again I have the same problem but now even sertraline is not working.
Again gone through all the tests but no result.
Request you to give some time to my case and guide me if any treatment is available.
Regards
Hitesh
Hi Hitesh,
I am sorry to hear about all this!
Sometimes if your medication is not working, you might need an adjustment in the dosage of your medication like sertraline or you may need to try a different medication. Talk to your doctor to find out if either of those options are right for you.
Also, I suggest that you find an orthopedic manual physical therapist to evaluate your cervical spine. You can find someone on this directory if possible.
If you have not already had an exam by a vestibular physical therapist, that would also be a good step. You can find a vestibular physical therapist using the links I shared in this blog.
I hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I am 42, Male. Doctor prescribed me a Medicine to control high blood pressure 3 months ago. For last 2 months I am sudden episodes of Lightheadedness/Dizziness and sometimes with Nausea.
Initially I thought it was a side effect of the blood pressure medicine but this doesn’t happen daily.
For couple of days I feel full of energy throughout the day and suddenly for 1-2 days I experience dizziness.
But lately I started feeling like Dizziness is related to my stomach. My stomach is always sensitive, I always have to be extra careful about what I eat. Most of the time I suffer from Gas. My stool is always semi-solid and I go multiple times in a day. My stomach is always like this, I mean since very young age.
I saw my doctor multiple times for dizziness, had all kinds of blood and heart tests. As per doctor, everything is perfect!
In January I started feeling dizzy and nauseous for 10 minutes once a month – this progressed over the months and for the entire month of July I was constantly dizzy (world vibrating and spinning) with severe spells of nausea. I felt like I was drunk no matter if i was standing, sitting, or laying down. I rarely drink, I don’t smoke and my MRI showed inflammation in the sinuses. I cut out dairy for August and the symptoms disappeared but suddenly a week ago they started to re-appear (despite still not eating dairy and cutting back on gluten). It is starting to get worse and more frequent so now I feel like I am back at square one all over again. I have also been having a bad burning sensation in my stomach that radiates heat to my lower back.
Hi Sarah,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
I suggest getting assessed for reflux by a GI MD.
Also, it might be helpful to have a vestibular physical therapist evaluate you. You can use this article to find a provider near you.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Dear Dr Bell,
I am glad to finally find an article that clarifies my potato-induced dizzy spells!
I am 38 years old and I have been diagnosed with Coeliac and Hachimoto disease in the last year, a few years after my second pregnancy. While I was already dairy and gluten free, I began having these symptoms (oscillopsia and vertigo) in the hours following potato consumption.
The Auto Immune Protocol (AIP) has successfully stopped my symptoms. My other symptoms have improved has well (energy level, geographic tongue, insomnia, …). My only remaining problem is hairloss. AIP requires a lot of energy – I cook every meal myself – but it is worth the quality of life I am gaining. I am slowly reintroducing food in my diet, one element at a time (and with a certain apprehension).
Thank you for your article!
I also feel the same especially when I’m sitting down in front of my PC for 5 hours. During meal I feel dizzy and my head feels heavy. I feel like I can’t balance my head but actually I’m just sitting normally.
Hi Doc, your blog is a God send. I have meniere’s disease since 3 years. I have constant whistling sound in one ear. Audiometeric evaluation confirmed. But I notice that actually i feel imbalance while walking. especially when my stomach is empty. I also have empty feeling in stomach. No problem if i am sitting. I work on computer almost 6 to 8 hours, but i do get up and take a walk. At that time, i feel imbalance while walking. I feel i am not steady. If i sit it goes away. by 6 pm. it becomes bad. I have to sleep for an hour and then i can manage till dinner at 9.30 pm. after dinner the imbalance symptom is less. Morning when I get up i am ok. But after going to the loo, again the imbalance returns till i have breakfast. and the story repeats. Some days the imbalance is so bad that it triggers panic attack that i am going to die or i need to be rushed to ER. This has affected my life badly. I am 58 years on hypertension medication from last 10 years with a history of migraine, IBS, Fibromyaligia, anxiety and panic disorders. Hoping for a advice from you.
Hi Anand,
That sounds miserable!
I suggest you consult two or three different types of specialists for their opinions, in addition to your current care team.
You can find an orthopedic manual physical therapist on this directory.
You can find a Neuro-Optometrist at this directory.
If you have not already consulted a vestibular physical therapist, that will be a good step as well.
You can use this article to search for someone in your area.
I hope one or more of those providers can offer a breakthrough. Don’t give up hope of recovery!
You may also need to consider the ergonomic set up of your computer. You can learn more here.
Kind regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
Great read, thank you. Quick question. I have been getting dizzy right before I take my first bite. The frequency has been increasing over the last 8 months and now it will happen at least once a day, so not every meal. If I’m eating dinner at home or grabbing drive through during the day. Spells last about 10- 30 seconds. Additionally I have also noticed that I wretch if I just see someone vomiting when previously it never bothered me. Very strange and confusing. Not sure if related at all.
Hi Bryce,
I am sorry to hear about this!
I wonder if it is from bending forward to take the first bite?
Perhaps it is a positional trigger of leaning forward while tilting your head down, more than actually eating?
You can use this article to find a vestibular physical therapist in your area and get tested for BPPV.
BPPV can cause dizziness that lasts for 10-30 seconds.
That may be a good next step.
I hope you find answers soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr Kimberley,
I am on the hunt for a root cause of some on going symptoms for the last 2 years.
2019 I was at work and I started to feel lightheaded/dizzy and nausea like I had gastro. I went home quickly and nothing actually came of it, I felt fine within a few hours.
These symptoms would randomly pop up for the next 8 months and were always worse in the morning and would subside as the day went on. They were very commonly happening in the morning, at work where I am a hair stylist or busy environments.
An MRI of the brain was clear, eye tests normal, diabetes check normal and heart checks normal. All that was discovered was severe Sphenoid Sinusitis, in which ENT said had no link to my symptoms.
Eventually I was referred to Vestibular Rehab Therapist who diagnosed me with Vestibular Neuritis. I completed the VRT exercises program and was told once I was rehabilitated Neuritis doesn’t return.
My symptoms went away as expected after the rehab therapy and I didn’t give it another thought.
However……
Oct 2020 they started to slowly return! For the last 12 months I have been dealing with daily:
Strong nausea which is worse in the morning
Lightheaded/dizzy feelings
Burning feeling in the stomach
Feelings of reflux
Post nasal drip everyday
Visual disturbance
Feeling hot in the face during an episode
On a bad day vertigo feeling in busy environments
I had to take time off work due to debilitating symptoms.
Of course once my symptoms returned I have seen:
VRT therapist – diagnosed me with lateral BPPV
Audiologist- had full vestibular testing, was mostly normal any thing found was concluded it would not be responsible for my symptoms
Chiropractor – X-rays showed, c1/c2 issues and loss of neckband curve, evidence of whiplash, Issues t5/6, fractured coccyx which healed in the wrong direction
Neurologist 1 – Diagnosed Vestibular migraine
Neurologist 2 – Diagnosed PPPD
The colonrectal surgeon said it sounds like H Pylori.
The most confusing thing is all of the specialists disagree with the others findings. I have been trying to find triggers but that is proving difficult.
I am so confused on what is going on here. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated!
Hi Jamu,
I am sorry to hear that you are suffering so badly!
Whenever someone feels worst in the morning, or with certain activities like tilting your head to style hair, then I suspect BPPV.
Of all providers, I think Vestibular physical therapy is a good choice for treatment of BPPV. Getting BPPV cleared is the first step, and then see what symptoms are left when that is resolved.
You experience of getting different opinions from various providers is very common. You may have more than one root cause, so more than one provider may be correct.
For example, you can have BPPV, upper cervical issues, vestibular migraines, PPPD, and H Pylori all at the same time.
Why not?
They all need care and management according to the treatment plan set forth by the provider who is assessing you with that problem.
So I would suggest that you form a team of providers to address all the root causes that have been found, and move forward with their treatment plans.
PPPD is a diagnosis that is proven for sure with a “functional MRI.”
There is no definitive test for vestibular migraines, but they may improve if you can sort out your food triggers and get your neck treated.
I hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I really appreciate your in put. I did think that I would return for another assessment with the vestibular rehab therapist.
You are absolutely right maybe I do have more than one thing going on!
I agree on focusing on 1 treatment option at a time. I just feel that way I can solely tell if something is working or not.
I will be following your advice and my first step will have my BPPV assessed again.
Thank you very much.
I am happy to help Jamu!
Hello! I’m having bloating, dizziness, chest discomfort, gurgling stomach, burping, and some wheezing. 🙁 any tips?
Hi Jess,
I suggest you report your symptoms to your primary doctor, consult a GI specialist, and maybe an alternative practitioner like a Naturopath.
Hopefully, one or more of them will be able to help you figure out your next steps. You may have more than one root cause.
Also, I suggest you cut down on carbonated beverages in the meantime!
I hope you feel better soon.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have been experiencing imbalance issues, dizziness, tinnitus, head fog, issues with memory, and fatigue. I also have light sensitivity and problems with depth perception especially at night and if it’s raining, that makes it even worse. Stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, some noises are triggers for me. This started several years ago and ultimately ended up in the ER May of 2020 after the Teladoc thought I might be having a stroke. Turned out it was a brain mass close to two inches in length causing a mid-line shift. Surgery was that same week. Symptoms continue to this date and I am struggling with the head pressure, the memory issues, head fog and fatigue, dizziness, light sensitivity, etc. I don’t even know who I should go to first! I had a CT scan of the neck and sinuses, lots of blood work (where I was then diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome and I have other auto immune tests they would like me to have). I need someone to tell me I’m not losing my mind!
Hi Helen,
Wow! This is quite a story. Thank you for sharing what you are going through.
It does not sound like you are losing your mind. In fact, quite the opposite – you seem very coherent and well educated about what you are sharing.
It’s just a lot and all at once. I would say your experience qualifies as a “health crisis.”
This type of situation can be very overwhelming!
You will likely need a team of providers, including a Vestibular rehabilitation provider to help you recover from that brain surgery. You can use this article to search for someone.
You may need a Neuro-Optometrist to help with the light sensitivity, depth perception, night vision, and any other binocular visual issues resulting from the brain surgery. You can find someone using the Doctor Locator at COVD.org.
For the auto-immune Sjogren’s syndrome, you could work with a Rheumatologist or an alternative healthcare provider like a Naturopath, an Endobiogenic practitioner, or a Functional Medicine doctor. Most likely, you will have to pay out of pocket for the best care as traditional medicine does not really manage autoimmune issues very well.
If you are having neck pain or if your neck is crunching when you turn it side to side, I suggest you also consult an orthopedic manual physical therapist. You can search for someone using this online directory.
I think that team of 4 specialty providers, plus your primary care doctor and neurosurgeon will be a good start.
If any of those specialists recommends an additional provider based on their exam findings, then follow that trail where it leads.
You may also need some emotional support to get through all this!
If you do not have close support system like concerned family or close friends, then you may need some professional mental health support to get you through this health crisis.
I hope that is helpful. Hang in there!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Good content and all the information regarding Dizziness is there in this blog very rich content you are having on this page
Loved to be a member of this page
Keep up the good work guyz, you are doing a great job for awareness.
I get severe bloating for the past 4 winters, it starts in early Nov. and it goes away in March. This is the first time that vertigo has been prevalent. Is there a connection to these gut/brain problems and the cold weather/freezing temps?
Hi Matthew,
Weather can definitely be a trigger for vertigo.
You may also change your eating habits during the colder months and you may have a specific food trigger that is contributing to the bloating.
This blog may help you find a vertigo doctor in your area.
This blog has some home remedies for vertigo.
You should find a local provider who can offer you individual medical advice.
I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Have you ever encountered dizziness from supplements? Like maybe certain ingredients in the vitamin D supplement might cause extra dizziness. Thanks. Sometimes when my Dr. adds a supplement or changes one I become more dizzy.
Hi Judy,
Certainly! It is important to get all your supplements from a reputable source, since they are not regulated by the FDA.
Also, I suggest you report any side effects to your doctor to seek individual medical advice.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have extreme burping (can last for hours and days non-stop) and at the same time I always feel lightheaded and dizzy. Sometimes I fall on the floor but never faint (still conscious) and experience balance problems. These episodes always happen when I have belching but my gastroenterologist and other doctors deny that it’s connected. Also, because I have often pre-faint episodes when I feel strong balance problems I get panic attacks as I am scared of loosing control and faint.
Dear Dr. Bell,
I’m battling with vertigo and Meniere for 30 something years.
Now it has come to a point, that I’m getting it back to back.
The new thing now, is that, the back of my neck and head, where my C1, C2 bones.
It’s making it difficult to sleep cause it feels like a pressure and it makes me feel nauseated and have to take zofran to stop the symptoms.
I have to move my head, very careful or I would trigger an episode of vertigo and Meniere’s.
Also the ringing in my left ear is the worse.
I also go through some moments, where I eat something and it affects my inner ear and that’s when my vertigo episode starts.
I’m so tired of living with this issue. I would like any help to stop this imbalance I’m going through and live a normal life.
Hi Alice,
It sounds like you may benefit from some upper cervical care.
If you search the term “upper cervical” on this website, you will find a few articles I recently published.
If you go to VertigoDetective.com and search the term “upper cervical dizziness”, you will find more articles I’ve published on this topic.
I hope that helps!
Yes, food sensitivities can cause the C1 bone to come out of alignment. They are often overlooked.
That can trigger an episode of Ménière’s syndrome.
This blog is on the gut and dizziness.
This is the definition of Ménière’s syndrome.
I hope some of that information is helpful.
If you live anywhere near San Diego or you want to travel here and pay out of pocket for my care, I would be happy to work with you.
Please fill out my contact form here.
Hi- I seem to have a double whammy. After much trial and error I can only eat- boiled chicken-squash- and lettuce salad. If I ate oinions-garlic-eggs-any wheat products-tomatoes and sauces- processed foods-bananas- artificial sweetners- citrus- snack foods-meat- potatoes-tuna- msg- and the worst of all cinnamon. Any of these would bring on symptoms so bad that I would get pain in my lower left side and shoot up to left side of my neck and then I have overall bloated feeling and also feels like I am going to die and then the anixety starts and heart palpataions. I also get this same thing happening if I am plowing my long laneway of snow and have to turn my head backwards many times and also happens when playing ice hockey and I can only last 15 to 20 mins before getting the overall feeling of domne and gloom and dying. Anyone else get this hapening to them.
Hi Doctor,
Last March 2021, I had a sudden dizziness while taking up a short walk. I visited a hospital and later got diagnosed with Hypertension, High Cholesterol and CKD (with 1.6 Creatinine and 50 GFR ) .
Currently I am taking amlodipine and Rosuvastatin tablets for BP and cholesterol and are under control.
However generally I feel tiredness throughout the day and get kind of dizziness or light headedness along with Cold hands & feet if I walk for a short distance or even if i visit a mall for short time. I would feel that I am about to collapse. The same situation arises when I drive my car at times. I also noticed food indigestion and growling sound from stomach after a meal.
Please help!
Regard
Johan
Hi Johan,
Your case sounds complicated and you have a number of health conditions that need close management.
My suggestion is for you to find an integrative medicine doctor or a functional medicine doctor to assess you as a “whole person” and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
You can look for Functional Medicine doctors at IFM.org.
I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I have episodes of feeling dizzy and have ear pressure. It feels like I want to clear my ears (like if you’re going up to a high elevation. These episodes can last weeks. I had a small stroke in December but was told it’s unrelated to the dizziness episodes. I’m only 37 and don’t know what to do. I can’t seem to get a doctor to take these episodes seriously. Sometimes the episodes also make me feel a bit nauseated and have loose stools. Any thoughts? What type of doctor can I go to that will address this? The neurologist brushed it off and told me not to see an ENT because she doesn’t think they can do anything.
Hi Heather,
I am sorry to hear all this.
I suggest you seek a consultation with a vestibular physical therapist.
You can look for one in your area using this article.
I think that is a good next step.
I hope you find answers and relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello Dr. Bell,
I am so glad that I found your blog.
I suffered from infrequent vertigo issues during my 20s and it was largely one-off.
But that all changed in March 2021 I had a major vertigo attack and was subsequently diagnosed as meniere disease.
However, I have had persistent vertigo on a daily basis (the sensation feels like one is on a rocking boat, and feels especially prominent when I am stationary)
Together came regular acidic reflux, heartburn issue which I went under the scope to ensure it was nothing cancerous.
I swear the doctors and specialists I saw seems to be clueless about what I was undergoing, and still suggest that it was meniere disease (but on a daily basis?).
While it can be pretty bad on some days, at least now I know I could manage it better.
Not life threatening for sure however this is really debilitating.
Any advice from you on how to manage this better will be much appreciated. Thanks!
I tried experimenting myself on various things and found that my diet was the biggest denominator.
Hi Alan,
I am sorry to hear about it! I believe you.
You may be interested in this article which I just published as a follow up on this exact topic.
You may also want to learn about BPPV.
You can seek a consultation from a vestibular physical therapist using this blog to find a provider.
I hope you find answers and get relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello dr. Bell,
Why every time I eat any food that has bell peppers, I start feeling the need to go to the bathroom, and I feel dizzy, and at the end, I faint?!
P.s when I was young, I used to eat a lot of bell peppers.
Thank you
Hi Therese,
Bell peppers are nightshades, so they cause inflammation.
You may also have developed a food allergy or sensitivity.
I suggest you talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to seek individual medical advice.
Hi there,
I experience a host of weird symptoms after eating, including nausea, bloating, dizziness and heart palpitations. I’m off gluten entirely. Cardiologist says there is nothing wrong with my heart. If I eat anything with msg, my heart goes crazy! Could this be related to ibs?
Hi Casey,
That is good nothing is wrong with your heart!
Heart palpitations can be caused by anxiety.
Interestingly, there is a phenomenon called “Chinese food syndrome” which occurs in people who are sensitive to MSG (monosodium glutamate).
You can read a bit about the symptoms in this article and you may be able to find more information with an online search.
Some symptoms of MSG sensitivity can include lightheadedness, anxiety, nausea, abdominal discomfort, etc.
You may just not be able to tolerate eating MSG.
You can read the comment from Simon – I think it is the first comment at the top of this blog – about his reaction to MSG as well.
IBS is diagnosed in children as “abdominal migraine,: and it is called “IBS” in adults.
Simon describes that MSG causes a migraine for him.
It may be that you are getting an abdominal migraine from the MSG, which you call IBS.
For information on how to prevent migraines, click here.
Hint: The best strategy is to avoid the triggers!
Hi Dr
I find your article very interesting as I can very much relate to a lot of what you are saying, I had Ménières for a number of years now, 4 years ago I opted for surgery as injections with gentamicin into the inner ear failed to destroy the balance nerve, a cochlear implant and a labyrinthectomy was the full extent of the surgery, however my balance has never been any good since this surgery, I had numerous visits to the vestibular physio as well as home exercises but unfortunately my balance is still hopeless. I have now been diagnosed with a possible stomach ulcer, pending CT / Ultrasound results, I have been taking Somac medication for about 12 years now for reflux so I’m wondering if this may be related to my balance/ dizziness/ lightheadedness,
Hi Rod,
I would say your case sounds very complex, so all factors must be considered.
I wish you all the best in sorting out the root cause.
In the meantime, I encourage you to keep your muscles strong to compensate for any imbalance, the best you can.
Hello Dr. Kimberley, great website! So glad I stumbled across it.
I’ve been experiencing vertigo episodes for the last few months and recently I went online to see if their is a connection between the gut and what I’m eating.
For the last couple of years I’ve been eating a mostly fatty carnivorous diet, with extremely low amounts of carbs derived from whole food sources. This way of eating left me feeling energized, no digestion issues, alert, focused and calm brain, very zen like feelings, and great skin and joints to boot!
However lately, I’ve increased my uptake of carbs as I’m lifting weights and would like to gain more muscle mass ( the carnivore diet can make me pretty thin) and am consuming more potatoes, carrots, plantain etc ( more Latin-American style starches). I’m thinking that this may be the culprit, judging by the comments of others.
Along with having more chocolate ,and dairy, of which I have found causes my sinuses to flare up, ear and jaw to hurt, and have led to migraines and now vertigo episodes. I am going to stick to a fatty meat and extremely small amount of rice (for some reason this is ok, but only in small amounts) although I do cut it out from time to time too. Thanks for the wonderful resources you provide on your blog. I’ll be sure to share with others!
Hello Dr. Beell
Every time I eat I run into the following– Starts out of pain in lower right to middle of stomach– then I start feeling dizzy and nauseaus and unsteady on my feet– my eyes get very sensitive to light– most times a shot of pain in left arm momentairly- feels like heart is racing for a short time- – feel agitated and nervous- These happen about an hour to two after eating anything and usually last an hour or two. Do you think this is gastric vertigo. thank you
Hi Dave,
I am sorry to hear all this.
I think you may benefit from consultation with Gastroenterology, Cardiology, and a Neurology to look for root cause.
If those consults do not find anything significant…
You may eventually need to seek care outside of the traditional medical model, with an alternative health provider who specializes in gut health.
I hope you find answers and get relief soon!
Hi Dr. Bell,
A fews weeks ago, I had some GI issues where I was constipated, nauseous, cold sweats, some fever, and some dizziness (vertigo) when lying on my back. I got through the GI issues after a week, but the vertigo hasn’t gone away completely. 04/19/22 was the initial and it is now 05/12/22. Before I got sick, I did a 7 day cleanse, so I blame that, haha. I have family history with vertigo. Do I need to go see a doctor? Or change my diet? Just trying to figure out how serious this is. Thanks.
Hi Jonathan,
It sounds like you should report this to your primary care provider, since this is a new symptom.
You may need to undergo some traditional medical testing to rule out basic causes of dizziness and vertigo.
You may also need to consult a vestibular PT or specialty doctor to check you for BPPV or vestibular neuritis, which are the two most common inner ear causes of dizziness.
You can use this blog to search for a vestibular provider near you.
Of course, if it goes away on its own, then you are all set!
I hope you feel better soon.
Hi all…please help! (Sorry for TMI)
I’m reaching out as in week 4 of a vestibular migraine crisis. Worst period of constant vertigo, dizziness, giddyness etc in 4 years. The biggest issue for me is the bad vertigo that comes following a bowel movement (which is always very loose). The vertigo lasts for hours and it’s happening twice a day. Does anyone else suffer this way and what do you do? I cannot function at all. My neurologist says gut is linked to brain and 90% of the serotonin is in gut but hasn’t offered a solution other than Cinnarizine but it doesn’t agree with me and exacerbates the bowel movement.
I’m eating bland, low fibre diet, mainly of white rice and chicken (Which is not great for my insulin resistance). I have probiotics arriving tomorrow. I am dairy, gluten, and sugar free. What else can I do please help I’m desperate!
Hi Alex,
Your neurologist is correct that the gut is linked to the brain and foods are a common trigger for migraine.
This book “Migraine Brain” by Carolyn Bernstein, MD was very helpful to me.
You may want to check out that book.
Managing migraines consists of (1) prevention strategies and (2) strategies for managing a crisis.
I suggest you work with your Neurologist on both aspects of migraine management.
I think that book can help you also.
I have some new blogs about migraines in draft form that I will be publishing on my website blogs later this year.
When you are having a migraine crisis, the most important thing is to get in the dark, quiet, cool room and try to go to sleep.
You can also go to the emergency room for care during a migraine crisis. I have done that many, many times.
In the long term, getting my upper cervical problems treated has also helped me. You can learn more here.
You can search for a provider for your neck here.
I hope you feel better soon!
Hi!
I was reading trough this comments and a lot of familiar things mentioned.
My issues started very suddenly. One day I was able to eat anything any time and then the next day it all changed.
I have two kids under age of 3. Usually I am very healthy not overweight always exercised etc.
Now it got to a point where I just survive every day.
Sometimes I don’t even want to survive…. But I have to because I love my kids more than anything and i want to be there for them.
One day I was just watching telly and start feeling a pain around my belly button.. this stayed for days.
Then it paired with a LOT OF blenching for weeks.
I would burp like 50 times after just a sip of a drink…
I had CT scan. Normal.
I had an endoscopy NORMAL.
I had blood tests H.plory tests etc all normal…
I have very bad dizziness almost all day. Has something to do with the fact that I eat.. but it dont matter what.
I did a water fasting for 48 hrs just to see how it is if i dont eat at all. Weirdly i wasn’t feeling dizzy or sick just very hungry.. then i returned to eating.
But it doesnt matter if i just eat fruits or if i just eat plain avocados. The fact that i eat ANYTHING comes with dizziness and pain around the belly button. Doctors have no idea.
I also developed very bad numbness in my legs. And a loss of sensation sometime.
24hr ECG normal.
Heart ultrasound normal..
I am really losing all my hope. Dont know whats wrong with me and how can it all happen from one day to the other.
I am taking a new medication now that helps a little. All ppi blockers didnt do much.
I just want to feel normal. 🙁
does it worth having a colonoscopy?
Could polyps or inflamation in guts be a cause of my diziness numbness?
Just to add i also get numbness in my jaws.
I am currently waiting for MRI of my neck and spine. However i do go to chiropractor for adjustments every week and dont make a difference so i doubt that i nerve related.
Pleasee please help i am really at the end of it 🙁
Hi Alexandra,
I am sorry to hear all this!
You may need psychological support to get through all this, so I encourage you to seek mental health care as needed.
For your GI issues, you can look for a Functional Medicine doctor, an Ayurvedic practitioner, an Endobiogenic practitioner, or someone outside the box since all traditional medical testing is not finding anything.
I hope you find answers and relief soon!
Thank you. A little more information for me. I am going through similar things on this post. It start about 4 or 5 years ago I would get dizzy, I would have to stop what I was doing and go lay down for about and hour. Only lately I’m paying more attention to the outcome and what goes on when it’s happening. Because it’s getting worse. I can feel it coming in my head the dizziness on the left side, immediately after the dizziness start I feel the bloating on my left side belly and portion of the back side. Oddly i than have to do number two most of the time, I’m just getting over a dizzy spell now, but I did use the bathroom before I walked the dogs so not sure why i’am getting dizzy, I do think it cloud be gluten that causes it. Sometimes I feel like i’am not finished using number 2 all the way. I do take meclizine daily.
Hello, doctor. I believe I have gastritis with vertigo. I was diagnosed with gastritis after ER visits due to attacks. An endoscopy confirmed this and GERD. I am on omeprazole in the morning and famotidine at night. But I still feel fatigued with muscle weakness in my arms and legs. Then there is the vertigo and ringing in my left ear. Some days it is bad and then I will have a period where I am mostly well. Do you have any thoughts on further treatment?
Hi Glenn,
If you have vertigo, I suggest you consult a vestibular physical therapist.
You need a vertigo treatment plan.
You can use this blog to search for one in your area.
You can write up a case summary to share with your health care providers using the questions I ask in this blog.
You may also want to check out this blog on the link between GERD and vertigo.
Ringing in your ear can be from many things like medication side effects, but is often related to the neck.
This article discusses dizziness related to the neck and what to do about it.
I also suggest you report all these symptoms to your doctor, in case they want to run some tests.
I hope you feel better soon!
Hi!!
My name is Emma. I’m 21 years old. I’ve been struggling with vertigo spells and dizziness since February 2022. The doctor told me it was probably BPPV and to go to physical therapy. However, the spells would last 4-10 hours at a time. The physical therapist told me it was something else, not BPPV. Now, I’m going from doctor to doctor not getting any real answers and having to miss important things because I am too dizzy. I’m a full time student and can’t afford to miss class all the time. I don’t know what to do at this point. If I should continue to seek out answers? I’m not sure.
Hi Emma,
I am sorry to hear this, but I have heard stories like this thousands of times.
Sadly, many dizzy patients are falling through the cracks with no answers or relief!
If you are not feeling better, than I absolutely think you need to seek out answers.
You need to find the root cause in order to develop a vertigo treatment plan that will work.
My suggestion is that you write up your case summary by typing up the answers to the questions I ask in this blog.
Then seek a consultation with a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehab using this blog.
You may want to read this article on Migraine dizziness.
This article on BPPV may help you learn more.
You can certainly have more than one root cause at the same time, so all the dizzy spells must be explained.
If the vestibular provider is not able to help you, then I can suggest more options. But I think that is a good next step.
General physical therapists are not able to help patients resolve dizziness. You have to find someone who specializes in vestibular rehab.
The most important thing is determining the root cause.
You may be interested in checking out my most popular lecture on YouTube here.
Best wishes!
Hi,
I used to get nausea when I travelled on boats.
I was diagnosed with Crohns and now instead of Nausea I get stomach and gut cramps.
As soon as I leave the boat, the cramps go away.
What could be the cause of this?
Hi Cath,
I’m sorry to hear this!
It sounds like this is some variation of motion sickness, especially since it resolves when you get off the boat.
Your doctor may be able to recommend medication for motion sickness that you can take as needed on a boat.
Thanks for this article. I am new to vertigo. Overall good health and fitness. Last night went to bed after eating one and half bowl of popcorn. Woke up at 2am with severe dizziness. Went back to sleep and vertigo still there. Starting doing morning chores and nausea followed. Couldn’t retain food or liquid in the stomach. Lying down helps. Entire day with the above. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Caio,
If this is all new for you, the first step is to notify your primary doctor.
This article may help you find a specialized provider in your area.
You have made my day, hats off to you.
May God bless you with everything you want in your life.
I am struggling with my vertigo attacks, tinnitus (right ear) . My vision became unstable when under attack. Then vomit and emptying the stomach relieves same time also have stool passing.
I took me very long time to understand the root cause (i think it is the food)
I feel like inflammation in my stomach or gut which causes this and i must be sensitive to some sort of food.
How i can find if is gut inflammation or esophagus?
Hi Shehryar,
I am happy that this article has helped you get one step closer to solving your case!
I suggest a consultation with a GI doctor to rule out possible underlying issues in the gut or esophagus.
Maybe you can also consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or nutritionist to help with food choices.
If you want to look for a vertigo doctor, you can use this article.
I hope you feel better soon!
Hello, my name is Angela, I find your article very helpful.
I don’t understand my symptoms and the doctors found nothing wrong with me, but i am not fine. My belly is very swollen, it hurts everywhere, strongly on the right side and feels like exploding… I did blood tests, stool tests and MRI and found nothing wrong.
But this is what happens for the last 6 months: if i don’t eat white rice, white pasta or white bread, i get dizzy and my brain gets extremely tired. When i get this dizziness, after a few seconds i need to go to the bathroom (bowel movement).
There is a connection between my colon and my brain… but i don’t understand. So now I am also gaining weight, eating a lot of starches.
Do you have any counsel?
Thank you so much for your availability, you are unique!!
Hi Angela,
I am glad my article provided some insight!
My suggestion is to meet with a certified nutrition counselor or an Ayurvedic practitioner.
I am glad that the traditional medicine testing found nothing seriously wrong!
It sounds like you would still benefit from professional help and guidance.
I hope you feel better soon!
Dr Bell,
I’m so glad I found this page.
About 2 months ago my 14 yr old son suddenly developed symptoms of vertigo and vomiting approx 30 min after eating or drinking.
The amount of food or drink does not seem to make a difference nor does the type. Even water causes same reaction.
It has been a challenge for doctors to figure out what is going on.
My son has had head MRI, endoscopy and a gastric emptying scan, all of which are normal.
Position does not affect vertigo and he only experiences vertigo after eating/drinking.
Any insight you have would be appreciated.
Hi Lydia,
I am sorry to hear this!
I would suggest a consult with a GI specialist and an ENT. It sounds like you may have already done that.
Even though it is frustrating not to know the cause yet, I also encourage you to be glad that “nothing serious” showed up so far on the testing.
In the meantime, he may need to receive hydration and nutrition through an IV, so he does not get malnourished or dehydrated. You can talk to his doctor or consult a dietician about that as needed.
You can also seek mental health support, if he appears to have an “anxious stomach.”
If you were local in San Diego, I would refer you to my trusted colleague in Carlsbad, CA. You can find her website here.
She has done wonders for my patients with gut related dizziness and vertigo, especially mystery cases that have checked out ok within traditional health care.
I hope your son can find answers and get relief soon.
To cure your Acid reflux, there are new developments that have helped me eliminate it completely.
Antacids actually make it worse, while seemingly calming feelings in the moment. It’s a bad choice.
Look up articles on GERD, and using Betaine HCI to cure Acid Reflux.
This has cured my AR in only 2 days of use, after very bad attacks and long term issues with Acid Reflux.
I’ve also started using a digestive enzyme, and Probiotics to replenish my gut flora.