FitSugar

Are You at Risk For Meniere's Disease?

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

If you've ever had a little too much to drink, you probably experienced that dizzy sensation where you feel like the room is spinning, know as vertigo in medical-ese. Unfortunately, people diagnosed with Meniere's disease don't have to drink in order to experience such debilitating dizzy spells. Vertigo episodes occur out of the blue, with no apparent cause, in some cases lasting up to eight hours. Aside from dizziness, this disease may also cause ringing in the ear (tinnitus), hearing loss, sweating, uncontrollable eye movements, and vomiting.

Sounds unbearable. To find out if you're at risk for Meniere's disease read more.

Meniere's is a disorder of the inner ear that usually occurs in men and women in their 30s. Scientists aren't sure what causes this disease, but it may be related to any of these reasons: middle ear or respiratory infections, stress, fatigue, syphilis, Lyme disease, a history of allergies, smoking, alcohol use, or head injury. Although Meniere's is not contagious, it may be genetic.

Unfortunately, there's no known cure for Meniere's disease, but a person can help prevent dizzy episodes by lowering the endolymphatic pressure in her inner ear. To do this, medication may help, as well as stress reduction and a low-sodium, no caffeine, no alcohol diet. If symptoms become severe and the person can't work or drive, surgery may be necessary. If these symptoms sound familiar, it's best to get tested by your doctor.

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Pilates Tip: Avoid the Head Rush

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

When I am gardening and move from a deep squat to standing, I get a little lightheaded. It is not really disconcerting, but when it happens when I'm doing Pilates, well that is a different story. Exercises where you move from horizontal to vertical quickly can create a sudden lowering of blood pressure, which can make you dizzy. The most simple way to avoid the head rush is to move more slowly. And moving more slowly will emphasize the element of control central to the Pilates philosophy. This will also increase the difficulty of the move. Think of that as a perk brought to you by your desire to avoid a head rush.

The expert at About.com: Pilates also thinks that increasing the "scoop" of the deep abs on the inhale can help keep the blood pressure from dipping too low. Keeping the low and deep abs engaged while you breathe in means you need to focus on breathing into the sides and backs of your ribs - an element of Pilates we can all work on.

Try these two fixes and see if they keep getting dizzy at bay.

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5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:50:35 -0800

We don't always feel 100 percent all the time, and it's normal to feel a little nauseous, tired, or sniffly every once in a while. These are minor symptoms though, and usually go away on their own. But there are a few red flag signals our bodies flash to warn us of serious medical conditions, and they're symptoms you shouldn't pass off as nothing. WebMD spoke to the authors of Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, and here are some symptoms that require a doctor's visit or emergency care.

Difficulty breathing. Tightness in the chest, wheezing, shallow breathing, or constantly coughing are all symptoms of asthma. If a person has these symptoms or full-on asthma attacks, and they're left untreated, the muscles used for breathing can get tired. That means the amount of oxygen getting into the lungs will decrease, while the levels of carbon dioxide increase. This has a drowsing effect on the brain, and the person may stop breathing, which could result in death.
Blood in your urine. When you go to the bathroom, you shouldn't see blood, and if you do, it could be a sign of kidney stones, bladder infections, or cancer of the kidney, urethra, or bladder. Even if you don't feel pain, call your doctor.

To see the other red flags keep reading

Dizziness

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:05:12 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

Vertigo

Balance receptors

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Dizziness is lightheadedness, feeling like you might faint, being unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo (a feeling that you or the room is spinning or moving).

Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly resolve on their own or are easily treated.

Alternative Names

Lightheadedness - dizzy; Loss of balance; Vertigo

Common Causes

Lightheadedness happens when there is not enough blood getting to the brain. This can happen if there is a sudden drop in your blood pressure or you are dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other causes. Many people, especially as they get older, experience lightheadedness if they get up too quickly from a lying or seated position. Lightheadedness often accompanies the flu, hypoglycemia, common cold, or allergies.

More serious conditions that can lead to lightheadedness include heart problems (such as abnormal heart rhythm or heart attack), stroke, and severe drop in blood pressure (shock). If any of these serious disorders is present, you will usually have additional symptoms like chest pain, a feeling of a racing heart, loss of speech, change in vision, or other symptoms.

The most common causes of vertigo are benign positional vertigo and labyrinthitis. Benign positional vertigo is vertigo that happens when you change the position of your head. Labyrinthitis usually follows a cold or flu and is caused by a viral infection of the inner ear. Meniere's disease is another common inner ear problem. It causes vertigo, loss of balance, and ringing in the ears.

Much less commonly, vertigo or feeling unsteady is a sign of stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures, a brain tumor, or a bleed in your brain. In such conditions, other symptoms usually accompany the vertigo or imbalance.

Home Care

If you tend to get lightheaded when you stand up, avoid sudden changes in posture.

If you are thirsty or lightheaded, drink fluids. If you are unable to keep fluids down from nausea or vomiting, you may need intravenous fluids. These are delivered to you at the hospital.

Most times, benign positional vertigo and labyrinthitis go away on their own within a few weeks. During attacks of vertigo from any cause, try to rest and lie still. Avoid sudden changes in your position as well as bright lights. Be cautious about driving or using machinery.

Some vertigo can be reduced by working with a physical therapist. Medications from your doctor may help you feel better.

Such medications include antihistamines, sedatives, or pills for nausea. For Meniere's disease, surgery may be necessary.

Call your health care provider if

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if someone with dizziness also has:

A head injury
Fever over 101°F, headache, or very stiff neck
Convulsions or ongoing vomiting
Chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, inability to move an arm or leg, or change in vision or speech
Fainting and losing consciousness for more than a few minutes

Call your doctor if:

You have never had dizziness before.
Symptoms you have had in the past are different (for example, last longer than usual, are worse than before, or are interfering with your daily activities).
Medication is the suspected cause. Talk to your health care provider before making any changes to your medication.
You have any hearing loss.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, focusing on your heart, head, ears, and nervous system, and ask question such as:

Does your dizziness feel like lightheadedness, vertigo, or imbalance?
Does your dizziness occur with a change in body position?
What other symptoms occur when you feel dizzy?
When did your dizziness begin?
Are you always dizzy or does the dizziness come and go?
How long does the dizziness last (minutes, hours)?
Did another illness develop before or after the dizziness began? How much later?
Have you had any nausea and vomiting?
Do you have a significant amount of stress or anxiety?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Blood pressure measurements and tests
ECG
Hearing tests
Neurological tests
Balance testing (ENG) may be required.
MRI

Prevention

Promptly treat ear infections, colds, flus, sinus congestion, and other respiratory infections. This may help prevent labyrinthitis and Meniere's disease.

If you have a cold, the flu, or other viral illness, drink plenty of fluids to prevent getting dehydrated.

References

da Costa SS. Meniere's disease: overview, epidemiology, and natural history. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2002; 35(3): 455-495.

Tusa RJ. Dizziness. Med Clin North Am. 2003; 87(3): 609-641, vii.

Swartz R. Treatment of vertigo. Am Fam Physician. 2005; 71(6): 1115-1122.

Review Date: 4/3/2007

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/16/2006).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Don't Wait Until You're Starving to Eat

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:18 -0700

I am just here to remind you that hunger pains, dizziness, lack of energy, and irritability are the body's way of letting us know it's time to refuel. Busy schedules can bump eating to the last item on the to-do list. If you ignore these symptoms chances are that when you can eat, you're beyond starving. This is a recipe for disaster because hunger makes you reach for anything quick (which is usually not the healthiest thing), and you end up devouring way more calories faster than you would if you were just slightly hungry.

No matter how busy you are, you want to eat before getting to that famished point, so you can prevent overeating or feasting on unhealthy foods. Plan ahead and pack healthy meals, or schedule times of the day to eat. Also keep snacks at work, in your purse, in your gym bag, and in your car, so if you're on the road or know it'll be a while till mealtime, you can have a little something in your stomach to tide you over.

Is Diet Healthier Than Regular Soda?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:40 -0700

With so many people watching their calorie intake, they're always looking for ways to cut back without having to sacrifice much. That's why diet soda has become so popular. A regular 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 143 calories, but a can of Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero contains only one.

Calorie-wise, yes, the diet version seems healthier, but if you take a look at the ingredients, there's a big difference. Diet Coke and Coke Zero contain aspartame, also called NutraSweet or Equal, while Coke is made with sugar. Aspartame is 180 to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, and is the artificial sweetener of choice when it comes to most diet sodas. While the FDA approved its use in foods and beverages, some side effects include headaches, dizziness, mood changes, or skin reactions after consuming it. Aside from that negative, even though it's low in calories, diet soda may also lead to weight gain. To find out how keep reading

You Asked: The Heat Has Shortened My Runs

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,

I always wanted to get into running and my New Year's resolution was to be able to run 30 minutes straight, four times a week. I've kept it up until the Summer sun and heat got the best of me. Now I can barely do 15 minutes and I'm exhausted. I tried pushing myself, thinking it'd just take some getting used to, but now during my runs I get headaches, stomach cramps, sweat uncontrollably, and a few times felt dizzy and nauseous. I don't want to give up on running outside since I'm training for a half-marathon this Fall. I also don't have access to a treadmill in an air-conditioned gym. Any tips?

-Overheated Heather

Being too hot to exercise the way you want to is so frustrating. I have some suggestions though so read more.

Summer is generally a hot time of year, but certain times of the day are hotter than others. Try to do your runs early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is out of the sky. Stick to shady places like the woods, or breezy areas such as near the ocean or a lake. Make sure you hydrate before you head out and bring water with you to drink and pour on your body to help cool you off.

Wear a heart rate monitor to keep track of your heart rate. When exercising in the heat, your heart rate will rise in order to send more of your blood supply to your skin to cool it down. A heart rate monitor will allow you to keep track of the intensity of your workouts. This means you'll probably have to run at a slower pace, or even walk, which just means your normal run will take longer. If you don't want to compromise your pace, then break up your workouts. Do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. Or you can slowly train your body to acclimate to exercising in the heat. Gradually increase the duration of your runs until you're able to go for 30 minutes.

I must say that the most important thing to consider when running in heat and humidity is to listen to your body and not overdo it. Some of the symptoms you described above sound like they could turn into heat exhaustion, which means your runs will be doing more harm than good. In that case, think about using this time of year to cross train with cooler cardio activities such as swimming, kayaking, and water aerobics.

Sun Poisoning: Even Worse Than Sunburn

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:03:11 -0700

Whether you skipped the sunscreen because you wanted a tan, or you actually wore it but forgot to reapply, now you're left with an awful sunburn. As you take a closer look, you notice parts of your skin appear blistery, and slightly yellowish in color. That's not just a sunburn, it's sun poisoning, and it's even more damaging to your skin. Not only does it cause a painful rash, but symptoms also include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and headaches. The area may swell and the blisters can open and lead to infection.

Sun poisoning is your skin's reaction to UV rays, and just like an irritating sunburn, the rash usually results in itchy, peeling skin, but eventually goes away on its own within 10 days. That's good to hear, but there's bad news too. To hear it, read more.

The more extreme UV exposure your skin gets, the more your skin is damaged, and the bigger your risk is for developing skin cancer. So you want to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning at all costs. Make sure to avoid long hours in sunlight, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Always slather yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outside. It must be applied 30 minutes before you head out, and reapplied every two hours. If you're especially sensitive to sun, wear a hat and lightweight clothes to cover your skin, or just enjoy the shade under an umbrella.

Tell me, have you ever suffered from sun poisoning?

Photo by Kelly Sue

Why Do We Need Manganese?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:35:43 -0700

Getting enough fiber and protein is definitely on my radar, but manganese isn't a nutrient we hear about often. Just because it's rarely mentioned, doesn't mean it 's not important. Manganese has many health benefits to our bodies. It keeps your bones strong and healthy, and is important in synthesizing fatty acids and cholesterol. It's essential in keeping your blood sugar levels and thyroid functions normal. You also need manganese for healthy nerves, and it can protect your cells from free-radical damage.

Sounds pretty important, huh? To find out how much you need and what foods contain manganese read more.

The recommended daily intake of manganese is 1.8 milligrams. If you're not getting enough, you'll know it. Symptoms include dizziness, loss of hair color, skin rash, low cholesterol, hearing loss, nausea, and reproductive system difficulties. So check the chart below to make sure you're getting your fill of manganese.

Food	Amount of Manganese
1 cup diced pineapple	1.5 mg
1 cup raspberries	.8 mg
1 cup long grain brown rice	1.8 mg
1/2 cup chick peas	.7 mg
1/5 block of tofu	.7 mg
1 cup cooked kale	.5 mg
1 cup raw spinach	.3 mg
1 oz. macadamia nuts	1.2 mg
1 oz. cashews	.5 mg
1 oz. almonds	.6 mg

What Does Your RDI Look Like: Vitamin C

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:05 -0700

I don't worry too much about vitamin C, since citrus fruits are high in the vitamin and eat some just about every day, especially during the Summer. This vitamin is beneficial for protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

An adult woman doesn't need much - 75 mg of vitamin C a day. Since it's a common vitamin found in many foods, it's easy to get your RDI, but you want to make sure not to consume more than 2,000 mg a day. Taking too much can lead to dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, kidney stones (because the kidneys filter waste from your blood), and inflammation of the stomach lining.

Are you getting your RDI? To find out what surprising foods contain vitamin C, read more.

Food	Amount of Vitamin C
1 medium orange	82.8 mg
1 medium tangerine	23.5 mg
Half a grapefruit	45.5 mg
1 cup orange juice	124 mg
1 cup tangerine juice	76.6 mg
1 cup grapefruit juice	93.9 mg
1/2 cup papaya, cubed	43.3 mg
1 medium kiwi	70.5 mg
6 medium strawberries	42.6 mg
1/2 cup cantaloupe, balled	32.5 mg
1/2 cup guava	188.5 mg
1/2 cup pineapple	39.5 mg
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced	95 mg
1/2 cup raw broccoli	40.6 mg
1/2 cup cooked kale	26.7mg