Dizziness/Lightheadedness

[Gracie S]

I have been gluten free for several months now. The last two months, though, I have had waves of dizziness and lightheaded all the time. I also have waves of feeling like I’ll pass out from being so dizzy. Just wanting to know if anyone is experiencing this and if so, how are you treating this? Anyone taking medications to help or what are you doing to help the dizziness and lightheaded go away? Thank You!

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, Gracie S!

Have you been checked for low blood pressure lately? May I ask your age?

Also, now that you have removed wheat from your life, I'm not sure you realize that you also have removed a significant source of vitamins in the process. commercial wheat flour is fortified with extra vitamins. This is mandated by the FDA. Gluten free alternative flours are not subject to the same requirements. So, manufacturers of gluten-free facsimile foods do not go to the extra expense of fortifying the flours they use. Are you compensating with vitamin and mineral supplements? If you had celiac disease for some years before being diagnosed you were likely suffering from some nutritional deficiencies to begin with due to the damage caused by celiac disease to the lining of the small bowel.

[Scott Adams]

If you are anemic you may feel dizzy. As @trents mentioned, be sure to get screened for nutrient definciencies.

The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs.

Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.

 

 

 

[CINDYR]

I take an antispasmodic pill prescribed by the doctor which seems to help my lightheadedness. Neither I or the doctor know why.

[trents]

Welcome to the forum community, @CINDYR!

Can we ask, what is the name of the medication?

[CINDYR]

I didn't want to give medical advice - it's called dicyclomine.

[trents]

Thanks. It is often prescribed for those with IBS. CINDYR, have you been officially diagnosed with celiac disease?