How to Dissolve Crystals in the Inner Ear and Get Rid of Vertigo

Dr. Eric Berg 07/08/2024

Vertigo, that feeling of spinning and dizziness, is a surprisingly common ailment. While it has several different causes, one of the most frequent is a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV.

People often refer to this condition as "ear crystals" being out of place. But it is really tiny calcium carbonate crystals in your inner ear, the part of your ear that helps control balance.

While these crystals are vital for normal inner ear function, they can sometimes dislodge and travel into parts of your ear where they don't belong, triggering bouts of vertigo.

But the good news is you can find lasting relief from BPPV, sometimes by learning how to dissolve ear crystals vertigo.

Dealing with the symptoms of BPPV can be extremely frustrating. The world feels like it’s spinning, you might feel nauseous, and even simple movements can be difficult to manage. Let's discuss how to understand the condition and discover potential solutions.

What Causes Ear Crystals to Come Loose?

There is not always a clear explanation as to why ear crystals dislodge. But certain factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing BPPV.

These factors include head trauma, inner ear infections, age-related changes in inner ear fluid, and certain medical conditions. Often, there’s no identifiable reason for BPPV, and it seems to occur spontaneously.

Understanding the Role of Vitamin D in Dissolving Ear Crystals Vertigo

We often associate Vitamin D with bone health, and rightfully so. But its impact stretches far beyond, affecting various bodily functions, including calcium regulation. Interestingly, recent studies show a strong connection between Vitamin D deficiency and BPPV.

Here’s why this connection matters. When Vitamin D levels are low, our bodies struggle to absorb calcium efficiently. This can lead to a higher concentration of calcium in the fluid of the inner ear, causing vertigo.

Some researchers speculate that this excess calcium might contribute to the formation of these troublesome ear crystals called otoconia.

If you’re looking to address the root cause of your BPPV and dissolve ear crystals vertigo naturally, consider increasing your Vitamin D intake.

Many healthcare professionals suggest a daily intake of at least 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3. Additionally, incorporating foods rich in Vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods, can contribute to improving your overall Vitamin D status.

This can potentially prevent crystal formation and provide long-term relief. However, I strongly recommend working alongside a knowledgeable healthcare professional who can determine the correct dosage based on your individual needs.

Magnifying magnesium among mineral symbols

Magnesium: Your Ally in Managing Calcium Buildup

We already know magnesium plays a key role in over 300 biochemical processes. What's fascinating is its synergistic relationship with Vitamin D, especially when addressing the calcium imbalance potentially linked to BPPV.

Magnesium naturally counteracts excessive calcium buildup. It acts as a natural calcium regulator, helping prevent the excessive buildup that might contribute to those troublesome crystals in the inner ear.

Increasing your magnesium intake through diet or supplements, under the guidance of your doctor, is wise if you suspect low levels are contributing to your vertigo.

Eating magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, almonds, avocado, and dark chocolate can help manage calcium levels effectively.

Addressing Vertigo Through Diet and Lifestyle

While Vitamin D and Magnesium play significant roles in calcium regulation, there are additional things you can do. Incorporating a proper diet, along with specific lifestyle changes, might help reduce your risk. Let’s explore these further:

1. Hydration: Strike a Balance

Dehydration can often mimic the sensations of vertigo, making proper hydration crucial for managing the condition. But there's a catch – simply increasing your water intake might not always be the solution.

As odd as it sounds, just like dehydration, excessive water consumption can also disrupt your body's electrolyte balance, potentially making vertigo worse.

Instead, aim for a healthy balance and consider incorporating electrolyte-rich drinks. These drinks can be especially helpful if you're experiencing BPPV symptoms. They are especially useful during a fast.

2. Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

Both caffeine and alcohol are known diuretics. This means they can actually exacerbate dehydration by increasing fluid loss, potentially worsening vertigo. So, it’s best to enjoy these beverages in moderation.

Consider limiting their consumption, especially if you're prone to frequent vertigo episodes. Too much caffeine or alcohol can make you go to the bathroom more, which can lead to dehydration.

3. Manage Stress Effectively

We know that stress negatively affects overall health, but you may be surprised to learn that stress can also worsen vertigo symptoms. The symptoms of BPPV can be triggered by certain head positions, and stress can make these symptoms worse.

Engage in stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing exercises. Experiment with what works best for you to keep your stress in check. Managing stress can help you find relief from your vertigo.

4. Address Food Sensitivities

Sometimes, underlying food sensitivities might trigger inflammation and worsen your vertigo. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, and processed foods. If you find you have these issues, trying an elimination diet can help identify any potential triggers.

Once you pinpoint them, eliminating or reducing their consumption might bring you some relief. If you have BPPV, your healthcare provider may recommend certain dietary changes, which could include avoiding certain trigger foods.

Can Specific Exercises Relieve Vertigo?

Along with focusing on nutrition and lifestyle modifications, incorporating certain exercises may be very effective in addressing BPPV symptoms. Canalith repositioning procedures aim to dislodge the free-floating crystals from the sensitive areas of the inner ear.

The goal of these repositioning procedures is to get those crystals out of the ear canals and back where they belong. One common exercise is called the Epley maneuver.

The Epley Maneuver: A Step-by-Step Guide

This exercise, usually performed under the guidance of a medical professional, involves specific head movements designed to reposition those pesky crystals.

This maneuver involves moving your head and body in a specific way. Many people find success using it to relieve vertigo symptoms.

Conclusion

Finding ways to manage and hopefully dissolve ear crystals vertigo can improve the quality of your life. While navigating a world that feels off-balance is challenging, remember that you don't have to simply live with the discomfort.

Start by incorporating some of the recommendations discussed here and work with a healthcare provider specializing in vertigo. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis if your dizziness is severe or doesn't go away.