Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

146. The Importance of Nutrition in Vestibular Disorders

Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Show Notes

I recently got a certificate in functional nutrition and I have thoughts. Starting with the fact that staying hydrated and fueling your body with nutrients will be—not can be, will be—a game-changer for your vestibular disorder.

In this episode, I’m breaking down something that comes up over and over again in Vestibular Group Fit: how much what you eat (and drink!) actually matters when you have a vestibular disorder.

This isn’t about going on a perfect diet or never eating processed foods again. It’s about understanding how blood sugar regulation, hydration, inflammation, gut health, and hormones are all connected to your dizziness. And what small, manageable steps you can take to start feeling better.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Why diet & hydration are foundational basics for managing a vestibular disorder

How blood sugar crashes — including overnight ones — can trigger dizziness & attacks

Why skipping meals is practically a guaranteed migraine trigger

The role of key nutrients like iron, vitamin D & B vitamins in managing chronic dizziness

How inflammation connects to vestibular disorders — and how food either fuels or fights it

Perimenopause & menopause: how hormonal changes affect metabolism, muscle mass, insulin sensitivity & dizziness

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (plastics, pesticides, PFAs) & how low-tox swaps can make a real difference

Why your gut microbiome might be the reason your medications aren’t working

Practical, accessible ways to start improving your nutrition without overhauling everything at once

You don’t have to eat perfectly! You just have to start somewhere because the better your nutrition and hydration are, the better you will feel.

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Optimal Bloodwork Link: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/yt2ko79vaq

Detoxify by Alli Cohen: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668033534/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_TYFM23HJFGM1JPQW5671?linkCode=ml1&tag=thevertigodoc-20&linkId=1700598d13c22416e1837eb71940139d

EWG Dirty Dozen list: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email [email protected]

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard? Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Citations

Patelarou, E., & Giakoumidakis, K. (2025). Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease. Nutrients, 17(13), 2170. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132170

Paramasivam, A., Murugan, R., Jeraud, M., Dakkumadugula, A., Periyasamy, R., & Arjunan, S. (2024). Additives in Processed Foods as a Potential Source of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: A Review. Jo

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