Can sodium add to dizziness?

I'm a bit underweight for my height (About 5'9'', about 112 lbs) and I've got inner ear problems and low blood pressure, so in combination I get dizzy a lot. But I've noticed that when I eat a lot of salt the dizziness worsens. Does anyone know why this happens? Is it the salt or just a weird coincidence? When I saw my doctor she recommended I add more sodium to my diet, but I already often consume a lot more than the 2500 mL (I forget the unit of measurement, to be honest) recommended on here.

Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,409 Member
    Drink more water to go with that salt....you will get dizzy with low blood pressure. You have to drink more fluids.

    If you are battling an eating disorder (like your weight suggests) then you have to get past the feeling that water will make you weigh more. You need it.
  • WeatherGirl8
    WeatherGirl8 Posts: 91 Member
    I do drink a lot, actually! 8-10 glasses a day. Which is why it's kind of weird to still be feeling so light headed all the time.
  • If you have low blood pressure and then eat alot of salt it could be your blood pressure is rising suddenly from it. which if it rises quickly or has a sudden flucuation it can cause dizziness.
  • sam308lbs
    sam308lbs Posts: 1,936 Member
    i think you are not eating enough!
  • skiboat1us
    skiboat1us Posts: 16 Member
    My 15 year old daughter is having this problem. Her doctor said to drink gatoraid. She is also underweight. Next she has to see a cardiologist. Maybe you should talk to your doctor again.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,409 Member
    Glad you're drinking at least. Then you may be under eating, which is also probable by your weight. How many calories a dy are you eating? Does your doctor have you on a nutrition plan?
  • WeatherGirl8
    WeatherGirl8 Posts: 91 Member
    Gatorade sounds good!
    Glad you're drinking at least. Then you may be under eating, which is also probable by your weight. How many calories a dy are you eating? Does your doctor have you on a nutrition plan?

    I eat a net of about 1500-1800 calories a day. And no nutrition plan! I saw a nutritionist for a while to gain some weight but after I gained it I started eating when I felt hungry, and ended up where I am now.
  • There is a condition, can't remember the name but my dad has it, where if you have too much sodium it makes you dizzy and sick. It is not blood pressure though. I'll have to look it up. He can't have any sodium and that is how he stays away from dizzy spells.
  • Phaedra2014
    Phaedra2014 Posts: 1,254 Member
    I'm a bit underweight for my height (About 5'9'', about 112 lbs) and I've got inner ear problems and low blood pressure, so in combination I get dizzy a lot. But I've noticed that when I eat a lot of salt the dizziness worsens. Does anyone know why this happens? Is it the salt or just a weird coincidence? When I saw my doctor she recommended I add more sodium to my diet, but I already often consume a lot more than the 2500 mL (I forget the unit of measurement, to be honest) recommended on here.

    If you have a vestibular disorder such as Meniere's Disease, then yes sodium may make it worse. Talk to an ENT on what is best for you.
  • eellis2000
    eellis2000 Posts: 465 Member
    rapid fluctuations in adrenaline or blood pressure can cause dizziness.