Food for dizziness: what may help

Dizziness may feel like lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning. Missing meals can leave some people feeling weak or shaky, while dehydration from heat, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhoea can reduce circulating fluid and cause lightheadedness. A snack containing carbohydrate plus protein, such as fruit with yoghurt or bread with egg, may be more sustaining than sweets alone.

Food will not correct every cause. Dizziness can occur with Anaemia or Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Hypoglycaemia, Heat Exhaustion, Dehydration, anxiety, or an inner-ear problem such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. A racing or irregular heartbeat can also accompany conditions such as Atrial Fibrillation.

Sit or lie down until the sensation passes, then rise slowly. Sip water and eat a regular meal if you have not eaten. In hot weather, move to a cool place and replace fluids; seek advice about an oral rehydration drink if fluid loss has been substantial. Keep a note of meals, drinks, heat exposure, medicines, and what the dizziness feels like.

Do not drive, climb, or operate machinery while dizzy. Avoid using sugary food as a repeated self-treatment unless a clinician has explained that low blood glucose is the cause. Arrange an assessment if episodes recur, follow a new medicine, or occur with hearing change, headache, or imbalance.

Get emergency help for dizziness with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, a severe sudden headache, confusion, or a new severe balance problem. Urgent assessment is also needed after a head injury or when persistent vomiting prevents drinking.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a fluid, blood sugar, blood count, heart-rhythm, medication, or inner-ear problem. Ask what to record at home and whether any dietary change is appropriate for your existing conditions or medicines.