For some people, dietary changes and complementary therapy can be beneficial to help manage their vestibular condition and symptoms.
Can changes to my diet help my vestibular condition?
Nutritional therapy is the use of diet, vitamins, minerals and supplements for healthy living.
Although there are no specific recommendations for Ménière's, anecdotally people tell us that reducing caffeine, alcohol and/or salt has helped them.
There are many well-known dietary triggers for migraine in general. this can include: caffeine/caffeinated drinks; chocolate; cheese and citrus fruits, as well as alcohol and carbonated drinks.
What suits one person may not suit another, so it's important to find out what works for you. You should also consult with your GP/medical professional before your starting, altering, suspending or discontinuing any treatment, medication, exercise or diet.
Can caffeine or alcohol impact my vestibular condition?
Coffee, tea and alcohol can be a problem for some people with a vestibular condition as they cause the tiniest blood vessels at the very end of the system to contract and so restrict the blood supply to the inner ear.
- Caffeine - a cup or two is one thing but any more than that could make your symptoms much worse. Caffeine can also be a trigger for some people with vestibular migraine. Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, green tea, energy drinks and colas. It can also be present in some foods, such as chocolate.
- Alchohol - small amounts of alcohol, such as a half a pint of beer, a glass of red wine or a pub measure of spirits, may actually improve the peripheral circulation, but any more has the opposite effect.
Does salt have an effect on my vestibular condition?
Salt reduction is widely suggested for many people with vertigo, as it is thought to result in a reduction of endolymphatic pressure. Reducing salt intake may help to reduce the frequency and severity of Ménière’s attacks. There is a strong belief that Ménière’s disease involves an excess pressure of the sodium-rich fluid (called endolymph) in the inner ear. It is thought that reducing salt in your diet may be helpful, because it may reduce the pressure of that fluid. The build up of this fluid accounts for the feeling of fullness in the ear before an attack. The sudden release of that pressure, with the chaos that ensues, accounts for the sudden attack of vertigo that you have, and for the sudden changes in hearing that happen.
Some salt in our diet is important, so it is strongly recommended that you consult your GP/health professional before undertaking a salt restricted diet, particularly if you are taking medication for any other illness or if you are pregnant. Empirically, many patients will themselves know that if they have a particularly salty meal a few hours later they start to develop a vertigo attack.
Would vitamins or supplements help my vestibular condition?
If you’re unsure of your diet or if eating regularly is a problem, it may be helpful to make up any shortfall with a regular intake of good quality vitamin supplements. The antioxidants like A, C and E, a B complex for the nervous system, and a general multi-mineral formula are a good starting point. Garlic and ginger are available in tablet or capsule form and this is a good way of ensuring a regular intake. Increase the amount of vitamin C (good sources are citrus fruits, peppers, kiwis, tomatoes and most fruits and vegetables) and vitamin E (olive oil, sunflower seed oil, avocados, whole grain cereals, fresh seeds and nuts).
Vitamin C is important for the structure of blood vessels and vitamin E helps maintain their elasticity. Omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish such as sardines, herrings, mackerel, pilchards, salmon (if tinned they should be in olive or sunflower oil not brine) are an excellent anti-inflammatory.
You should ask your GP/medical professional if you are thinking of taking any vitamins or supplements to check if it would be beneficial for you and also to ensure there are no contra-indications with any medication you are taking.
Can complementary therapy help my vestibular condition?
Complementary/holistic therapy treatments aim to treat the whole body and not just one part. Although these treatments may not offer a cure, they can help to alleviate the symptoms and may help you to cope better on a day-to-day basis.
In the UK, one fifth of adults are estimated to have used some form of complementary therapy. There are a number of different treatments available including acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, osteopathy, reflexology and yoga. Often these are only available at a private clinic or with private therapists, but some options are becoming available on the NHS.
Choosing the therapy that’s right for you
Each therapy has its own method of treatment and you should consider which one/s will work best for you.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the therapy before you embark on it.
Only try one new therapy at a time and give it time to have an effect. If you find it’s not working for you then look at changing to a different treatment.
It is important that you inform your GP/health professional about any new treatment you are going to undertake. You can use complementary therapies alongside conventional medicine, but do make sure you talk to the therapist about your vestibular condition and any medication which you are taking before you start. Some complementary therapy treatments may be available on the NHS.
Before trying a new therapy you should find out as much as possible about the treatment and the practitioner such as the qualifications, experience and reputation of the therapist/practice, what happens during the treatment, who the therapy is suitable for, advantages and disadvantages of the treatment and the cost.
Complementary treatments
Below is a list of some types of complementary therapy treatments available. The list is not exhaustive and the information provided is intended purely as an overview.
Anyone wishing to undertake a new complementary therapy should seek further information.
Ménière’s & Vestibular UK does not recommend a particular treatment, therapy or practitioner. Where links are provided please note these link to external sites and are not representative of the views of Ménière’s & Vestibular UK.
- Acupuncture
- Alexander technique
- Chiropractic
- Counselling
- Cranio-sacral therapy
- Herbal medicine
- Holistic therapy
- Homeopathy
- Hypnotherapy
- Massage
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Nutrition
- Osteopathy
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Spiritual healing
- Yoga
Where can I get further information?
- Please contact us for further information - email us: info@meandve.org.uk or give us a ring: 01306 876883 to chat with a member of our team
- See your GP for advice if you have any question or concerns about your condition and/or symptoms. They may refer to a specialist if neccessary
- Become a member to receive regular information, resources and updates
- Donate to support our work and help us continue supporting people affected by vestibular conditions
- Access other services: such as counselling, mindfulness and psychological support - (these are advertised links and are not endorsed by the charity)
The information in this resource is not intended to replace specific medical advice from your GP, consultant, specialist or pharmacist. Please speak to your health professional for specific advice for managing your condition and symptoms. Ménière's & Vestibular UK can provide general information, but is unable to provide specific medical advice. You should always check with your medical professional for information and advice relating to your symptoms/condition or before starting or changing a treatment or therapy.