Sufferers of dizzy spells know that any long period of sitting down can easily lead to an episode upon standing up again – especially for menopausal women, who can experience several exacerbated symptoms as a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Simply sitting down for a family meal can be a precursor for the next woozy sensation, but it doesn't have to be that way. Read on for five tips that can turn dizziness after eating into a thing of the past.
Take a Rest
A hearty meal – especially one that features meat – can turn all the body's energy toward digestion, leaving little left over to counteract the side effects of menopausal dizziness. After eating, don't get up right away to clear plates and move on to the next activity. Taking time to continue friendly conversation or read the newspaper will give the stomach a chance to catch up, providing improved balance later on.
Skip After-Meal Indulgences
As a matter of custom, many enjoy an after-dinner coffee to settle nerves and encourage discussion among loved ones or other guests. This practice can, however, worsen menopausal dizziness after eating because caffeine has an unsettling effect on internal equilibrium. If cutting the habit is simply out of the question, switch to decaffeinated beverages as an alternative. Nicotine can have equally wobbly results, so dizzy spells should provide even greater incentive to drop that social post-meal cigarette.
Drink Water
Dehydration is a leading cause of light-headedness in general, but it can especially worsen symptoms for women going through menopause. Therefore, dizziness after eating can be forestalled by ensuring proper water intake before, during, and after meals. Experts recommend drinking four 16-ounce glasses every day. Meeting or exceeding this requirement can make all the difference in the world.
Monitor Blood Sugar
When blood sugar levels are too low, unsteadiness often results, affecting digestive processes along the way. Make sure to incorporate foods into your diet that promote naturally healthy glucose levels, such as fruit and whole grains, which can help maintain balance and surefooted throughout the day. It is just as important to eat enough as it is to eat well, so those on a weight-loss regime should steer clear of fad diets and avoid skipping meals.
Breathe Deeply
In addition to reducing anxiety and energizing the brain, breathing deeply even just for a few minutes can improve digestion, freeing the body from that focus and allowing for steadiness after eating. Take a moment to concentrate on inhaling and exhaling evenly to stop the problem before it starts.
Bouts of dizziness after eating might seem inevitable to veterans of the condition, but armed with these techniques, you can easily find your feet before even leaving the table.For further information on how to deal with menopausal dizziness and other symptoms, follow this link.
Sources
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. (2008). Hypoglycemia. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Health Tip: Is Caffeine Giving You the Jitters? Retrieved October 17, 2013 from http://healthfinder.gov/News/Article.aspx?id=670889
- Vorvick, L.J. (2011). Dizziness: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003093.htm
- Zingler, V.C. , Denecke, K. , Jahn, K. , von Meyer, L. , Krafczyk, S. , Krams, M. , Elfont, R. , Brandt, T. , Strupp, M. & Glasauer, S. (2007). The effect of nicotine on perceptual, ocular motor, postural, and vegetative functions at rest and in motion. Journal of neurology, 254(12), 1689-1697. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17990061