A Functional Medicine Approach to Vertigo: Causes, Triggers, and Natural Treatment Options

Dizziness. Spinning rooms. A sense of imbalance. If you've ever experienced vertigo, you know how disorienting and debilitating it can be. Conventional medicine often categorizes vertigo as a mechanical issue or prescribes medication, but functional medicine takes a deeper dive—asking why it's happening in the first place and how we can address the root cause.

What Exactly Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by disturbances in the inner ear or nervous system. The most common type is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), but vertigo can also be linked to infections, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, stress, or blood sugar imbalances.

Common Triggers of Vertigo

A functional medicine approach to vertigo examines a systems-based lens. Here are key triggers we often identify:

1. Inner Ear Dysfunction

• BPPV, Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis.

• Fluid imbalances or inflammation within the inner ear.

  
  

2. Inflammation & Autoimmunity

• Chronic inflammation, often from poor diet, gut dysbiosis, or environmental triggers.

• Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis may present with vertigo.

  
  

3. Nutrient Deficiencies: Iron & B12

• Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function. A deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms like vertigo, balance issues, and numbness.

• Iron Deficiency is an often overlooked factor. Low iron reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, including the brain, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. This is particularly common in menstruating women, vegetarians, and individuals with digestive issues like celiac or IBD.

  
  

4. Blood Sugar Dysregulation

• Hypoglycemia or insulin resistance may reduce cerebral blood flow, triggering dizziness.

  
  

5. Chronic Infections & Toxins

• Lyme disease, mold exposure, or heavy metals can provoke neurological symptoms, including vertigo.

  
  

6. Stress & Adrenal Dysfunction

• Chronic stress and cortisol imbalances affect the vestibular system and exacerbate vertigo.

  
  

Treatment Options: A Functional Medicine Toolkit

Once we identify root causes, treatment becomes personalized. Here's a comprehensive approach:

1. Mechanical Maneuvers:

• Epley’s Maneuver: Highly effective for BPPV. Helps reposition calcium crystals in the inner ear that cause vertigo.

  
  

2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT):

• A specialized, exercise-based therapy designed to retrain the brain and inner ear to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

• Includes eye movement control exercises, balance training, and habituation exercises.

• Often performed under the guidance of a physical therapist trained in vestibular therapy.

  
  

3. Anti-Inflammatory Food Plan:

• Eliminate inflammatory triggers: gluten, dairy, sugar, processed foods.

• Emphasize nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods:

  • Iron-rich foods: Grass-fed beef, liver, spinach, lentils.

  • Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, bell peppers) to boost iron absorption.

  • B12 sources: Grass-fed meats, pastured eggs.

  • Magnesium and Omega-3s: Pumpkin seeds, salmon, flaxseeds, leafy greens.

    
    

4. Hydration & Electrolyte Balance:

• Proper hydration is essential. Add electrolytes like sea salt, potassium, and magnesium to support fluid balance.

  
  

5. Homeopathic & Herbal Remedies:

• Cocculus indicus: Used for vertigo linked to motion sickness or exhaustion.

• Gelsemium: Helpful for vertigo with heaviness and fogginess.

• Gingko biloba: Supports circulation and has been shown to alleviate vertigo.

• Ginger: Effective for nausea and dizziness.

  
  

6. Stress Reduction & Nervous System Support:

• Incorporate somatic healing modalities, breathwork, meditation, or yoga to regulate cortisol and calm the nervous system.

  
  

A Functional Medicine approach to Vertigo is multifaceted. Vertigo is a condition, often rooted in deeper imbalances—whether it's nutrient deficiencies like iron or B12, inner ear dysfunction, inflammation, infections, or stress. Through the lens of functional medicine, we can uncover these hidden factors and address them with a tailored, integrative plan.

Important Disclaimer:The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new treatment, especially if you're dealing with chronic vertigo or dizziness.

Remember: Always speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements, therapies, or protocols. What works for one person may not be right for another, and a personalized approach is key.