Studies suggest vertigo may often be related to an underlying imbalance in the body. Many of these imbalances can be nutritional, hormonal, metabolic or autoimmune.
Nutritional Causes of Vertigo
There are many studies on how certain nutrients impact vertigo. For example there are 19 studies that have been completed on vitamin D and vertigo. A 2024 study summarized all these studies and found that having low vitamin D increased the risk of developing vertigo.[1] Another 2024 study found recurrence of vertigo was more common in those with lower levels of vitamin.[2] To further solidify this research, another study from 2024 found that those who supplemented Vitamin D had a lower risk of having vertigo relapse.[3]
Vitamin D is important because it regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the body. There are tiny calcium crystal structures in our ears that help maintain our sense of balance, called otolith organs. Given otoliths are made of calcium carbonate, alterations in calcium levels in the body are thought to cause changes in the structure of otoliths (2019 study). Therefore, vitamin D is thought to be closely related to the health of these otolith organs and how well they work. Some research suggests a vitamin D imbalance may affect the size of otoliths and that supplementation might help treat these changes (2022 study).
It is important to test your levels when taking vitamin D because it can build up in the body to toxic levels if not monitored. Vitamin D is just one of the many nutrients that have been connected to vertigo. Our clinic will complete a comprehensive panel that looks at all nutrients that have been found to be related to vertigo.
Hormonal Factors Related to Vertigo
Studies have found several hormones that are related to vertigo. For example, a 2017 study has shown that people with low levels of progesterone tend to develop vertigo more often.[4] A 2022 study found that a thyroid hormone imbalance increased the risk of developing vertigo. They also showed that those with autoimmune thyroid disease had vertigo relapse or recur more often.[5] Again, this is just a couple of the many hormones that have been connected to vertigo. It is important to complete a full hormone panel to identify any other related hormones.
Vertigo Autoimmune Factors
There are several autoimmune conditions that have been connected to vertigo. It is believed that antibodies found in autoimmune diseases can attack and damage structures inside the inner ear. Structures affected can include the cochlear and vestibular hair cells and microvessels of the inner ear. Our clinic can complete a panel of testing to check for autoimmune diseases related to vertigo.
Other Vertigo Risk Factors
A 2022 study found the following risk factors that are associated with vertigo relapsing:[6]
Female
Age greater than 65 years old
High cholesterol
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Migraines
Cervical spondylosis
Osteopenia/osteoporosis
Head trauma
Otitis media
Long use of computers
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Stroke
Ear surgery
Sleep disorders
Low vitamin D
At our clinic we can complete physical exams and diagnostic testing to screen for these underlying risk factors.
Natural Therapies for Vertigo
The therapies used will depend on what these blood testing panels have found. After identifying deficiencies, they can be addressed through diet, supplementation, lifestyle or medication. If there is an autoimmune condition found then our approach would involve regulating the immunity and lower inflammation with natural therapies. If a thyroid imbalance is found, then supplementing natural thyroid hormone may be beneficial. Our clinic will use a combination of therapies tailored to what your results show.
Types of Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Ménière disease are the two most common types of vertigo. BPPV often results from calcium deposits in the ear and leads to frequent short periods of vertigo often lasting a few minutes or less. With Ménière disease patients will often have ringing in the ears, loss of hearing, vertigo, and the sensation of blocked or full ears. Other types of vertigo include acute labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis.
What is Vertigo
Individuals with vertigo may experience a disorienting sensation of movement, even when they are completely still. It may feel as if the room is spinning. This can lead to feelings of nausea, vomiting, and difficulty maintaining balance.
Conclusion
Vertigo is a complex condition often linked to underlying imbalances in the body. By understanding the potential nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic factors involved, we can develop personalized treatment plans. Our clinic's comprehensive approach involves thorough blood testing, dietary analysis, and tailored therapies to address the root causes of vertigo and promote long-term relief.
References
[1] Wood H, Kluk K, BinKhamis G. Association between vitamin D deficiency and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) incidence and recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2024 Apr 22;14(4):e077986. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077986. PMID: 38653514; PMCID: PMC11043747.
[2] Chu C, Chan YM, Tang J. Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Singaporean Perspective. Cureus. 2024 May 15;16(5):e60325. doi: 10.7759/cureus.60325. PMID: 38883121; PMCID: PMC11177327.
[3] Rhim G, Kim MJ. Vitamin D Supplementation and Recurrence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Nutrients. 2024 Feb 28;16(5):689. doi: 10.3390/nu16050689. PMID: 38474817; PMCID: PMC10934290.
[4] Wang SF, Zhang L, Li GH, Zhang WW, Wang YP, Geng B. [The change of female progesterone level and blood calcium concentration in perimenopausal women with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]. Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2017 Apr 7;52(4):287-290. Chinese. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-0860.2017.04.010. PMID: 28441807.
[5] Tricarico L, Di Cesare T, Galli J, Fetoni AR, Paludetti G, Picciotti PM. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: is hypothyroidism a risk factor for recurrence? Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2022 Oct;42(5):465-470. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1775. Epub 2022 Feb 7. PMID: 35129542; PMCID: PMC9793138.