There are numerous causes for post-meal dizziness. Dizziness after eating is a condition for some persons. However, feeling lightheaded commonly happens after going too long without eating. After a meal, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and some diabetic drugs can also occasionally make you feel lightheaded.
Together with your healthcare professional, you can identify the source of your post-meal dizziness and take steps to prevent or limit similar episodes in the future.
This article examines the reasons for post-meal vertigo as well as preventative and treatment measures.
Why Do I Get Dizziness After Eating?
Dizziness after eating can be caused by a number of different factors. Orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops too quickly after sitting, can be the cause of dizziness in some persons.1.
Harvard Medical Publications. Spells of vertigo upon standing up: should you be concerned?
A decrease in blood pressure or blood sugar after eating, the side effects of some diabetes treatments, and specific food allergies or intolerances are a few eating-related causes.
Low Blood Sugar
A rare illness known as non-diabetic hypoglycemia causes a dip in blood sugar in non-diabetic individuals.
After a meal, blood sugar levels usually rise. Reactive hypoglycemia is the term for low blood sugar that occurs two to five hours after eating. This kind of hypoglycemia, which is not diabetic, might result in lightheadedness after eating meals high in carbohydrates. Low blood pressure is also symptom of dizziness after eating.
Symptoms of reactive hypotension include:
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
Headache
Shaking or trembling
Feeling nervous or uneasy
Abrupt perspiration
Abrupt exhaustion and debility
Accelerated or erratic heart rate
Famine
Reactive hypoglycemia is more common in those who have prediabetes. This is a result of their inability to produce enough insulin, which is necessary to control blood sugar.
Low blood sugar can also result with bariatric surgery, as the metabolic alterations it induces can cause an excess of insulin to be produced after meals.
Diabetes Medications
Low blood sugar and lightheadedness may result from a person not eating enough carbs after taking insulin or other diabetic treatments. Because some things (such liquids, which are digested more quickly than solids) are absorbed more quickly than others, the timing can occasionally be deceptive.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
Lightheadedness
Accelerated heart rate
Trembling or swaying
Abrupt perspiration
Anxiety or jitters
Disorientation or irritability
Famine
Low Blood Pressure
As much as one-third of elderly persons suffer from postprandial hypotension, or low blood pressure after eating.
When a person’s stomach and intestines require more blood for digestion, it can lead to postprandial hypotension, which lowers blood flow to other bodily regions, including the brain.
It’s a disorder that primarily results from aging-related changes that impair the body’s capacity to react fast to abrupt variations in blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major contributing factor because it stiffens arteries and makes it more difficult for them to narrow and relax when necessary.
Symptoms of postprandial hypotension can develop abruptly and cause
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Unexpected weakness
A sudden tunnel vision or darkening
alterations in hearing
Bewilderment Passing Out
Food Allergy
Within minutes to two hours of consuming a trigger item, an individual with a food allergy may feel dizziness and other symptoms.
Symptoms of a food allergy may include:
In your mouth, tingling or itching
Congestion in the nose
Hives or rash
Lip, face, tongue, or throat swelling
Breathing difficulties and wheezing
Stomach ache
The diarrhea
Vomiting or feeling queasy
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Losing consciousness
How to Treat Dizziness After Eating
The core reason of dizziness after eating must be addressed in order to treat it.
Eating or drinking 15 to 20 grams of carbs is the first line of treatment for dizziness brought on by low blood sugar. This is the same as six or seven hard candies or half a cup of fruit juice.Thirteen
Antihistamines such as Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine), which block histamine’s ability to cause allergy symptoms, can be used if an allergy is the cause. Specific antihistamines are used to treat vertigo (spinning sensations) and nausea, such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and Antivert (meclizine).
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Small bouts of vertigo typically pass without medical attention and can be treated at home. If you experience dizzy after eating, however, and any of the following symptoms appear.
Parkridge Medical Center. When to visit the ER if you feel lightheaded.
Chest ache
Slurred words
Deficiency
Losing consciousness
Intense headache
Make an appointment with your healthcare professional if, while not experiencing any life-threatening symptoms, you still feel lightheaded after eating. It can indicate the presence of another manageable underlying illness.
Prevention
One can attempt the following methods to lessen or avoid lightheadedness after eating:
Make sure to stay hydrated both before and during meals.
Limit or stay away from alcohol, salt, and caffeine.
Consuming tiny meals ever three hours.
Sufficient amounts of high-quality carbohydrates, fat, and protein should be included in meals.
After eating, pay special attention to your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Steer clear of processed carbs, which include rice, white bread, and sugar-filled drinks.
Maintain appropriate blood pressure and blood sugar control by following your physician’s instructions.
When modifying your blood pressure or diabetic medication, collaborate closely with your healthcare professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dizziness after eating can be attributed to various factors, including postprandial hypotension, reactive hypoglycemia, food allergies, or underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues or gastrointestinal disorders. It is imperative to recognize the individual’s specific triggers and symptoms to effectively manage and prevent episodes of dizziness. Lifestyle modifications such as consuming smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients can significantly alleviate symptoms. Additionally, seeking medical evaluation is crucial to rule out any underlying health concerns and receive appropriate treatment and guidance tailored to one’s specific condition. Overall, understanding the potential causes and implementing personalized strategies is essential for effectively managing dizziness after eating and improving overall well-being.