Why do blueberries help my light headedness?

HermitJohn · #1 06/01/12, 01:14 PM

Cool morning so figured great time to make grocery shopping trip. Started out not too bad, but I get out of car and walk around in stores, I was dizzy / light headed. I was softly singing to myself in Wallywart "brain fried, brain fried, la di da..." trying not to run the cart into anybody. Better when sitting down in car. Made it home ok though glad it was light traffic today.

Ok bought couple pint fresh blueberries at Aldis and ate one for lunch, not long ago before going out to finish unloading car. Much better.

I had noticed same last summer after eating pint blueberries also but sort of thought of it as coincidence and I only buy them rarely when they are in season and relatively cheap.

Figure something in them and like to know what it is. Especially if it can be had cheaper than fresh blueberries... Havent noticed simular effect from eating anything else.

Sonshine · #2 06/01/12, 01:27 PM

Could you have had a drop in your blood sugar?

HermitJohn · #3 06/01/12, 01:38 PM

Went through all the usual tests last summer with three different GP's. My blood sugar is fine and stable. So is my heart and thyroid and adrenal glands and all the other usual suspects.

And sugar doesnt change anything, only BLUEBERRIES. Has to be some chemical in the blueberries.

InvalidID · #4 06/01/12, 01:56 PM

Blue berries are suppose to open the small blood vessels in the body, especially around the eyes and head. Next time you get light headed try eating a hot pepper or even a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne and see if it helps.

Sonshine · #5 06/01/12, 01:58 PM

Hopefully someone else can answer you. I'm in the process of learning about alternative medicine, but I don't know of anything in blueberries that could have that affect other than the natural sugars.

HermitJohn · #6 06/01/12, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvalidID

Blue berries are suppose to open the small blood vessels in the body, especially around the eyes and head. Next time you get light headed try eating a hot pepper or even a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne and see if it helps.

Have made spicey soup with plenty cayenne, and nope, doesnt help.

Sonshine · #7 06/01/12, 02:08 PM

Sometimes a person's blood sugar will drop, but it won't show up on tests unless they are tested during the episode. I think it's hypoglycemia, although I get it and hyper confused. My Mom and I both have issues with this, but it was a fluke when they diagnosed my Mom with it because she happened to have an episode while at the doctor's office. With me it was easier because of the family history of it.

InvalidID · #8 06/01/12, 02:12 PM

Perhaps you have anxiety? Blueberries have very high Vit. C and other chemicals that help to counteract cortisol. Cherries and strawberries work as well, though I believe not quite as well.

WildernesFamily · #9 06/01/12, 02:35 PM

My Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook has this to say about blueberries:

Quote:

Therapeutic Uses: Childbirth, colic, diarrhea, inflammation, pain, sore throat, stomach problems.

Medicinal Properties: Blueberry contains many of the same anthocyanosides as bilberry, though in smaller amounts. Although it promotes overall good health, if you're looking for a bigger herbal wallop against poor night vision, eye health, or capillary strength, stick with bilberry - or eat twice as many blueberries.

Dosage Options:

Three tbs of dried blueberry daily or 1 to 2 tbs of chopped dried blueberry leaves steeped in a cup of boiling water up to six times a day.

Do you know that blueberries can be easily frozen ? Spread them out on a cookie sheet (don't cram them, give them space) and once frozen you can put them in a freezer bag or freezer container. They are SOOOO good to eat straight out the freezer when the weather is hot

HTH!

HermitJohn · #10 06/01/12, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvalidID

Perhaps you have anxiety? Blueberries have very high Vit. C and other chemicals that help to counteract cortisol. Cherries and strawberries work as well, though I believe not quite as well.

Doubt anxiety, hate going to town, but I have the light headedness here at home too. Just safer here as I can go inside and take long break.

Oh forgot, last summer I was self medicating with over counter hydrocortisone creme like you use for itchy bug bites or whatever. That helped, why last doc tested for cortisol levels. Got to pee in a bottle for 24hr and then deliver results to doc office. I'm normal. And hydrocortisone wouldnt help if there was too much cortisol, only if too little. first doctor gave me shot in behind of hydrocortisone for edema in lower legs and I had a nice two days until it wore off. But that isnt long term solution. And by way my vascular system is fine, I had the swelling when off my feet, got relief taking long walk though I no longer have energy to take long walks.

Supermarket strawberries are a joke. Big tasteless pieces of expensive crap. Cherries cost a fortune. I tried 100% cherry juice for month last summer to no effect.

HermitJohn · #11 06/01/12, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildernesFamily

My Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook has this to say about blueberries:

Do you know that blueberries can be easily frozen ? Spread them out on a cookie sheet (don't cram them, give them space) and once frozen you can put them in a freezer bag or freezer container. They are SOOOO good to eat straight out the freezer when the weather is hot

HTH!

Still expensive other than occasional treat. I have couple small blueberry bushes, but drought didnt do them any good and they sure arent going to supply any significant amount blueberries, maybe couple pint a year at best.

HermitJohn · #12 06/01/12, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildernesFamily

My Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook has this to say about blueberries:

Do you know that blueberries can be easily frozen ? Spread them out on a cookie sheet (don't cram them, give them space) and once frozen you can put them in a freezer bag or freezer container. They are SOOOO good to eat straight out the freezer when the weather is hot

HTH!

Yes internal inflammation, think that is what causes my symptoms though no idea what causes the inflammation. But apparently blueberries are very effective at anti-inflammatory treatment.

Last doc last summer, said his best guess was that its some sort of rhumatic disease, but said I would have to go to an expensive specialist to find out what exactly it was. No insurance so no expensive specialist.

Darren · #13 06/01/12, 03:16 PM

Bromelain is a very effective anti-inflammatory. Billbery at walmart isn't expensive. Gingko over a period of time, a couple of months, will dilate the fine capillaries and has been shown to be effective in some instances of vertigo.

HermitJohn · #14 06/01/12, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren

Bromelain is a very effective anti-inflammatory. Billbery at walmart isn't expensive. Gingko over a period of time, a couple of months, will dilate the fine capillaries and has been shown to be effective in some instances of vertigo.

Yes been meaning to try bromelain, but have to wait until my brain latches firmly onto things anymore. Doesnt work very efficiently. Oddly today with light headedness and all I did remember couple things at town that I've forgotten to get for months now. Go figure. Somehow they stuck in my brain this time out or maybe I saw something that triggered my memory.

And thank goodness for mailorder. If I can make it to mailbox two miles away, can get them if shipping isnt too extreme. See what Amazon wants for bromelain while its in my head to do it.

Darren · #15 06/01/12, 03:43 PM

I'd try the gingko first since studies have shown it helps with vertigo. Keep in mind it takes a while to feel the effect. You have to take it over several weeks for it to be effective. FWIW, Walmart doesn't carry bromelain. They do carry gingko and billberry.

Harry Chickpea · #16 06/02/12, 12:14 PM

Bilberry, eyebright, and feverfew were primary ingredients in a discontinued supplement called "Memoractin" by Soloray. That product was exceptional, easily beating out phosphatatile (sic?) choline, and more expensive preps.

Blueberries - in eastern terms blueberries are grounding. It is getting near time for us to make our yearly purchase of about four flats of them to freeze.

emilyrayne · #17 06/02/12, 03:36 PM

I have the same exact problem. Between Anxiety problems and low blood sugar I have a lot of issues going out. And nothing ever shows up in my blood work; ever. Its a huge pain. You have to go through these tests before and after you eat over a long period of time and keep track of it in order to tell if it is in deed a sugar problem.

tallpines · #18 06/02/12, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildernesFamily

Do you know that blueberries can be easily frozen ? Spread them out on a cookie sheet (don't cram them, give them space) and once frozen you can put them in a freezer bag or freezer container. They are SOOOO good to eat straight out the freezer when the weather is hot

HTH!

Teething babies love the frozen berries too!

tallpines · #19 06/02/12, 07:40 PM

When I get light headed or dizzy this time of year it's a reminder for me to drink more water to compensate for increased perspiration.

When a body gets dehydrated it causes the normal fluid in the middle/inner ear to become more concentrated.
This concentrated fluid messes with the body's mechanism that controls equilibrium.

The Doc I see for my Meniere's Disease recommended increased water intake to cure my vertigo.

This simple increase in water intake really helps to eliminate my vertigo.

jamala · #20 06/02/12, 08:46 PM

Our homeschool group toured the USDA research facility that specializes in Blueberry research last month. I was amazed at all the research they are doing about how blueberries help to open more receptors in the brain, they are looking at it to help slow alzhemers/demetia in people. Granted the kids were a little freaked out when they told us about the research with pigs and mice but it was interesting. The dr. in charge told the kids to eat 1/2 cup of blueberries every other day for the best results.

Jim-mi · #21 06/02/12, 09:15 PM

I can't link to any of the stuff I have read about blueberrys . .But they are way up at the top of the list of really good foods for you.......
I've got 5 more new blueberry plants to put in my "patch"...
When in season here in Mich. I pig out on them. . . .I get them in "lugs" and have to force myself to only eat half a quart at a time.......

No pill will come any where near the benefits of fresh uncooked blueberrys.......

Ever think that maybe the light headedness could be just from the fact that you were in that nasty wallyfarts place........??????

I get indigestion just thinking about going into a wallyfarts..............

HermitJohn · #22 06/02/12, 10:26 PM

I wish it were just allergy to Wally's warts, but light headedness when I am on my feet is pretty common for me anymore, home or anywhere else. Its just lot more inconvenient at town. But have to do monthly shopping.

Jim-mi · #23 06/03/12, 06:50 PM

Sorry HJ . . . I was not trying to make lite of your lightheadness problem......

I just can't resist any opportunity to slam wallyfarts......

If you can, put lots of blueberrys on your diet

Saffron · #24 06/03/12, 07:01 PM

low blood pressure perhaps?

jamala · #25 06/03/12, 08:29 PM

Ok, there is something to this theory. I was very light headed yesterday afternoon, So I walked to the blueberry bushes and started eating, within an hour I was better.

romysbaskets · #26 06/04/12, 04:09 PM

Blue berries are a brain super food, because they contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants or polyphenols. The flavonoids interact with proteins and enzymes in ways that keep your brain younger or so they say! It is supposed to boost your energy and increase memory function.

I drink a blue berry kefir smoothie every morning usually. I get the organic blueberries frozen or I can pick them in season. You can also try to find Bilberry extracts/juice or berries which are even higher in the same chemical interaction and benefits. I do not have any other recommendations as any issues I typically find are mild with me and all the solutions seem be just natural homepathic solutions.

I just love blue berries, just eat them often and enjoy the benefits you feel from them!

Chixarecute · #27 06/05/12, 09:06 PM

HJ, have you had your carotid arteries checked for plaque/blockages? The light headedness, forgetfullness, makes me wonder about blood flow. I think they can be checked with some type of ultrasound, though not sure.

HermitJohn · #28 06/06/12, 09:05 AM

Oddly I am not close to a Carotid Arteries R US Mart...... or I could go in when they were having a sale on screenings!

I went to 3 GP docs last summer on my own dime. Doc 1 thought it was gout??? and totally lost interest when it wasnt. Doc 2 took xrays, said my heart and vascular system good to go. Also not thyroid. All I know. Course it was that second doc that was suggesting low testosterone was my problem that made me find the third doc. Doc 2 to give credit did reluctantly admit low testosterone wouldnt cause my lower leg edema. I guess doc 2 got a kickback on whatever they use for low testosterone. Sure its an easy sell to lot middle age men complaining of fatigue. But not to somebody with half a brain that is actually sick.

Doc 3 at least was honest, said most likely some rheumatic disease, but I need $$$$ or insurance to get better diagnosis. At least he was honest enough to only charge me $25 for that last 5 minute appointment and bit of wisdom.

The American medical system works great if you have $$$$$ or gold plated insurance that pays from dollar one to the best and brightest physicians in world. Otherwise you get your 5 minutes with a GP or you can hire a witch doctor that can remove your gall bladder without making an incision....

Micheal · #29 06/06/12, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chixarecute

HJ, have you had your carotid arteries checked for plaque/blockages? The light headedness, forgetfullness, makes me wonder about blood flow. I think they can be checked with some type of ultrasound, though not sure.

Funny you mention this - because of "light-headness, etc" I had this test done. It's a sonagram (sp) of the carotid arteries. Something I did not know before the test but now know - Anything less than 60% blockage is considered normal. Mine was "less than 50%".
Cost $675 for less than 5 minutes of time... that includes walking into and out of the room..........

Forgot to add - going the blueberry route does not help my problem - darn it!!!

Bandit · #30 06/06/12, 02:48 PM

Hey HJ,

I totally understand you frustration. I have had similar episodes over the past three years with every test done that you can think of all with negative test results. Basically get the look that its all your imagination. A few tricks I learned are to carry sour patch kids and when your dizzy take 2 or 3 with a few sips of water and its like taking an IV bag. Within 5 minutes you should start to feel better. Sounds weird but a little sugar and salt help a lot.
Another thing I learned is that i have a reaction to the sun and do much better when I avoid the sun and the heat which can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. I saw a neurologist several months back and he put me on a beta blocker which has done wonders. Used to be lightheaded, dizzy and get headachs several times a day or for several days at a time. Now since starting medication i get 1 maybe 2 headachs a month if that. If you have any other questions just let my dad know and i can try to answer them. I totally understand your frustration.
Bobs Daughter