Keto Diet: A Natural Remedy For Vertigo?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating. Some people who have been diagnosed with vertigo have reported that their symptoms have improved since starting the keto diet. However, it is important to note that the keto diet can cause dizziness, especially when you first start. This is because the reduction in sugar intake can cause dizziness, as well as other symptoms such as cravings, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Vertigo and keto: dizziness as a symptom of reduced sugar intake

Vertigo is an abnormal sensation of motion, often described as the world spinning around you. It is a symptom, rather than a condition itself, and can be caused by a wide range of factors, from inner ear infections to brain dysfunction. One potential cause of vertigo is low blood sugar, and this is where keto comes in.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put your body in a state of nutritional ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels, which can cause dizziness, especially when starting the diet.

When you start a keto diet, your body burns through its glycogen stores, which are the backup supply of carbohydrates stored in your muscles and liver. These glycogen stores are stored with large amounts of water and electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which help regulate your body's fluid balance. As you burn through these stores, the water and electrolytes are flushed out through urine, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, both of which can cause dizziness.

Additionally, the reduction in carbohydrate intake on a keto diet means a significant decrease in sugar consumption. For people who previously consumed a lot of sugar, this sudden reduction can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, cravings, mood changes, and increased fatigue.

Dizziness caused by keto is usually temporary and should subside once your body adjusts to its new way of sourcing energy. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to manage the dizziness:

• Stay adequately hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Increase your salt intake, as electrolyte losses may cause dizziness by lowering your blood pressure.
• If you tend to experience low blood sugar, ease into the keto diet slowly rather than suddenly decreasing your carb intake.

While keto may cause temporary dizziness, it has been reported by some individuals to have helped with their vertigo. One possible explanation is that keto reduces inflammation, which may help with certain types of vertigo caused by inflammation in the inner ear. However, it is important to note that everyone's experience with keto may vary, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have an underlying condition.

Keto and blood sugar: how low-carb diets can cause dizziness

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating that has been hailed by some as a solution to vertigo. Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself, and can be caused by a wide range of factors, including problems with the inner ear, brain dysfunction, cervical spine dysfunctions, and multiple sclerosis.

While the keto diet has been anecdotally linked to a reduction in vertigo symptoms, it can also cause dizziness, especially when first starting out. This is due to a combination of electrolyte and fluid imbalances, as well as low blood sugar levels.

Electrolyte and Fluid Imbalances

As the body transitions into ketosis, it burns through glycogen stores, which are the backup supply of carbs stored in the muscles and liver. These carbs are stored with large amounts of water and electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which help regulate the body's fluid balance. As these stores are flushed out through urine, dizziness can occur, especially if the individual is not drinking enough water or consuming enough salt. These fluid losses can also lead to dehydration, which can cause extreme thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, fatigue, and dizziness.

Low Blood Sugar Levels

Low-carb diets can also cause dizziness due to changes in blood sugar levels. When starting a low-carb diet, the level of sugar in the blood will reduce, and the body may respond to this with low blood sugar. Dizziness is one of the signs of low blood sugar, along with shakiness, nervousness, sweating, confusion, increased heart rate, and hunger. Low blood sugar levels can be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes, who should speak to their doctor before starting a low-carb or keto diet.

Avoiding Keto Dizziness

To minimize dizziness on keto, it is important to stay adequately hydrated by drinking water regularly and avoiding dehydrating beverages such as those with caffeine, sugar, or alcohol. It is recommended that men consume about 13 cups of fluids a day, while women should aim for 9 cups. Additionally, those who tend to experience low blood sugar may want to ease into the keto diet slowly, rather than suddenly decreasing their carb intake.

While the keto diet may cause temporary dizziness due to changes in fluid balance and blood sugar levels, this side effect should subside once the body adjusts to its new way of sourcing energy. For those suffering from vertigo, the keto diet may provide relief by addressing underlying factors such as inflammation and blood sugar dysregulation.

Keto and electrolyte imbalances: how keto can cause dehydration and low blood pressure

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity due to its weight-loss benefits and potential to improve health and well-being. However, despite its benefits, one potential side effect is that it may alter electrolyte balance within the body, leading to dehydration and low blood pressure.

Electrolyte Imbalance on Keto

When you restrict carbohydrates on the keto diet, your body processes electrolytes differently. The reduced release of insulin causes the kidneys to excrete more sodium, which can impact the balance of other key electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. This electrolyte imbalance is often linked to symptoms of "keto flu," including dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and brain fog.

Dehydration and Low Blood Pressure

The keto diet can lead to dehydration due to increased water loss through urine. This is because the low insulin levels signal the kidneys to activate "diuretic mode," resulting in increased urination and water loss. If you aggressively replace fluids without also replacing lost electrolytes, you can dilute blood sodium levels, worsening the electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Additionally, the keto diet may contribute to low blood pressure. As the body transitions from using glucose to fat as its main fuel source, blood pressure can decrease. This is especially true for individuals who were previously on high blood pressure medication, as the diet may cause their medication dosage to become too high. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying-down position.

Preventing Electrolyte Imbalance, Dehydration, and Low Blood Pressure on Keto

To prevent electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and low blood pressure while on the keto diet, it is important to increase your intake of electrolytes through diet or supplementation. Focus on consuming adequate amounts of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. You can also try drinking bone broth or adding salt to your water to increase your electrolyte intake. However, if you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before increasing your salt intake.

In summary, the keto diet can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and low blood pressure due to increased water and electrolyte loss. By understanding these potential side effects and taking steps to maintain adequate electrolyte intake, you can help minimize these issues and maximize the benefits of the keto diet.

Keto and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Vertigo is a highly prevalent condition, affecting 2% of young adults, 30% of 65-year-olds, and up to 50% of the elderly over 85. It is often associated with nutritional disorders and inadequate intake of nutrients, which can cause dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate method of eating that has been reported to alleviate vertigo symptoms in some individuals. Several people on Reddit have shared their experiences with BPPV and the keto diet. One person shared that their BPPV was completely gone after two months on the keto diet, while another person reported a reduction in symptoms but not a complete resolution. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific research on the direct relationship between keto and BPPV.

A study on the possible association between dietary habits and BPPV in the elderly found no significant association between nutritional habits and BPPV in the total population studied. However, the study did find a significant relationship between BPPV and inadequate carbohydrate intake, a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and insufficient fiber intake. These dietary factors are correlated with dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia, which can impact the inner ear and contribute to vertigo.

While the keto diet may help manage vertigo symptoms for some individuals, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes. Additionally, addressing nutritional imbalances and maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise may also help reduce the risk of vertigo and associated conditions.

Vertigo and keto: how keto can help with inflammation

Vertigo is an abnormal sensation of motion or spinning, usually caused by an inner ear problem. It can be extremely unpleasant and is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. While vertigo can be caused by a number of factors, including ear infections, brain dysfunction, and certain medications, some people have found that following a ketogenic diet can help reduce or eliminate their symptoms.

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has been shown to help with a range of health issues, including diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. By reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing the consumption of healthy fats, the keto diet can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which may be a contributing factor to vertigo.

One theory suggests that the keto diet may help with vertigo by reducing inflammation in the inner ear, which is responsible for our sense of balance. Inflammation in this area can disrupt the normal functioning of the inner ear, leading to vertigo symptoms. By lowering inflammation, the keto diet may help to restore normal balance function and reduce the sensation of spinning or motion associated with vertigo.

In addition, the keto diet has been found to reduce blood sugar levels, which can also impact vertigo. High blood sugar can affect the inner ear and disrupt the body's sense of balance, leading to dizziness and vertigo. By stabilizing blood sugar levels, the keto diet may help to reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes.

While the keto diet may not be a cure-all for vertigo, it has helped some individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. It is important to note that the keto diet may cause temporary dizziness, especially when first starting out, due to changes in blood sugar levels and electrolyte imbalances. However, these side effects are typically mild and usually subside once the body adjusts to the new way of eating.

If you experience vertigo, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help you determine if the keto diet is a suitable option for you and provide guidance on how to safely implement it.

Frequently asked questions