Dizziness & Gastroparesis

My head is spinning today. Or rather, the room is spinning. Either way, I've been feeling quite dizzy since yesterday afternoon. About every other month or so I'll have a day or two (or sometimes longer) where I'm really dizzy for no apparent reason. I've seen my primary care doc about it. I've even been to an ENT specialist. Nobody has any solid answers, but personally I think it has something to do with living with gastroparesis (not necessarily a result of the gastroparesis itself).

Two reasons. First, I think it's improbable that random things keep happening within my body with no connection whatsoever to each other. I find it much more likely that seemingly unrelated symptoms that have appeared since I was diagnosed with gastroparesis have something to do with the GP -- whether it's a result of dietary choices, nutritional deficiencies, stress, the dysfunction of the enteric nervous system, or the delayed gastric emptying itself.

Second, I know that recurrent dizziness is something that a lot of other people with gastroparesis also experience. A lot of people email me about it, a lot of one-on-one clients have ask about it, and the topic came up in one of my  group programs just last week.

Here are some of my thoughts as to what might contribute to dizziness for those with GP (just like most other things, it's not likely to be the same for everyone): *

Dehydration

Whether it's a result of vomiting or not drinking enough due to fullness or other symptoms, many of us are chronically dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness, as well as other symptoms like headaches, constipation, fatigue, and moodiness. If you're experiencing the symptoms of even mild dehydration, make an effort to sip on water throughout the whole day (I always have a water bottle with me) and avoid caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Most people trying to follow a gastroparesis-friendly diet are not getting adequate nutrition (this is a topic I talk a lot about in my upcoming book). Iron and B12 deficiencies in particular can cause dizziness. These are two nutrients that you may not be getting enough of in your GP-friendly diet. Both are found primarily in animal products, especially red meat and organ meats, things that most people with gastroparesis don't eat a lot of.  In addition, adequate stomach acid is required for the absorption of both iron and B12, something that's impaired by prescription acid reflux medication.

Other symptoms of iron deficiency include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, and pale skin. B12 deficiency has many of the same signs and can also mimic neurologic disorders with symptoms like numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes. If you're experience dizziness or other symptoms of possible deficiencies, ask your doctor  to check your iron, ferritin, and B12.

Medication

Some drugs, including certain antidepressants and medications for anxiety, can cause dizziness.  If you've noticed new or worsening dizziness since starting a medication, talk with your doctor about possible alternatives.

Low Blood Sugar

Blood sugar swings are common among people with GP, even non-diabetics (this is another topic I talk quite a bit about in the new book). Eating unbalanced meals or snacks that are high in refined carbohydrates and very low in protein and fat can lead to reactive hypoglycemia. Aside from dizziness, symptoms may include shakiness, hunger, confusion, sweating, and anxiety. For those of us with non-diabetic gastroparesis, the best way to address this is to eat well-balanced GP-friendly meals every 2-3 hours and limit the amount of empty/sugary foods in the diet.

Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, which is typically defined as anything lower than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm Hg diastolic, can cause dizziness, especially upon standing. This is called orthostatic hypotension. This is sometimes a sign of autonomic neuropathy (see below). Testing has ruled out autonomic neuropathy in my case but for whatever reason my blood pressure has decreased over the years that I've had gastroparesis. I've actually found that adding more salt to my diet, primarily through broth and soups, has helped quite a bit.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause dizziness and is a contributing factor for some people with gastroparesis, as it can slow down all systems within the body including the digestive tract. Along with dizziness and slow digestion, hypothyroidism can also cause constipation, weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. If these sound familiar to you, you may want to talk with your doctor about evaluating your thyroid.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy is a condition that affects non-voluntary processes within the body, such as digestion and blood pressure. Gastroparesis is sometimes the result of autonomic neuropathy in both diabetics and non-diabetics. If you've not been evaluated for this and you have other possible symptoms, you might want to ask you doctor about further testing.

Unrelated Factors

Of course, dizziness can be caused by completely unrelated factors, like migraines, inner ear inflammation, muscle tension, or even sinus infections. It's always best to contact your doctor if you're concerned of if you have new or worsening symptoms.

*Note: I am not a doctor. The information presented on this website is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as medical advice. Always contact your doctor or other qualified medical practitioner for advice regarding any symptoms you're experiencing.