The Unbearable Lightheadedness of Being

by Vic Shayne, PhD

Here’s a common experience that hardly anybody talks about. You’re standing in a store and bend over to grab an item from the bottom shelf. Maybe you squat to reach the item. When you straighten back up it seems like you’re blacking out and you’re slightly dizzy. Maybe you see stars.Or you could be standing in your kitchen or get up from your desk and the same type of feeling overcomes you for a few seconds.

What’s causing this strange sensation? There are a number of possibilities, but a very common cause is from dropping or low blood sugar. You can experience this after drinking coffee, eating too many carbohydrates, drinking a can of soda or eating a slice of pie.

Simply, when you have sugar in your bloodstream, your body responds by working to pull it all out and put it into the cells. So after you eat the sugar, you feel energized, but shortly thereafter, your pancreas secretes an overabundance of insulin which then creates an imbalance, making your body crave more carbohydrates. When your brain doesn’t have enough sugar, naturally, you get dizzy, lightheaded, etc. Caffeinated drinks may affect blood sugar by stimulating the adrenal glands.

Chronic low blood sugar problems is called hypoglycemia. The following are the most common symptoms of hypoglycemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The symptoms include:1

• shakiness
• dizziness
• sweating
• hunger
• headache
• irritability
• pale skin color
• sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason
• clumsy or jerky movements
• difficulty paying attention, or confusion
• tingling sensations around the mouth

A better diet is needed.

To straighten out this problem, first see a doctor to make sure you are not diabetic or do not have a more serious problem. Either way, a diet consisting mostly of fresh vegetables, salads, nuts, seeds and fruits (not too many fruits) and good quality protein is recomnended. Avoid sugar, all junk foods and preservatives. Do not drink caffeinated drinks. Never drink soda.

Helpful additions…

For supplements, take 12 GreenNutrients tablets a day, 2 Fish Oil capsules, and 6 GTF Complex.

Sources:

1. University of Virginia Health Systems, Health Topics, 2008
2. Columbia University, Health Q&A Internet Service, New York, 2005