What causes dizziness after every meal?
Mar 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
In general, dizziness occurring after each meal may be caused by physiological factors such as insufficient cerebral blood supply, or pathological conditions such as hypotension and cerebral arteriosclerosis. Patients should receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific cause. Besides these three causes, other factors such as neurosis may also be responsible. It is recommended that patients undergo appropriate symptomatic treatment according to the underlying cause.
Generally, dizziness occurring after each meal may be caused by physiological factors such as insufficient cerebral blood supply, or by pathological conditions such as hypotension or cerebral arteriosclerosis. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific cause. The details are as follows:
1. Physiological Causes
After eating, the gastrointestinal tract requires peristalsis to digest and absorb food. At this time, blood flow in the body shifts toward the gastrointestinal organs to meet their nutritional needs for movement, which may lead to temporary insufficient blood supply to the brain and result in dizziness. This is a normal phenomenon and generally not a cause for concern. It is recommended to rest more after meals and avoid strenuous exercise.
2. Pathological Causes
1) Hypotension
If a patient has been on long-term restrictive dieting, it may lead to inadequate nutrient intake and cause hypotension. After eating, dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system may occur, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and causing dizziness. It is recommended that patients use medications such as Shengmai Yin (Shengmai Drink) or Buzhong Yiqi Wan (Buzhong Yiqi Pills) under medical guidance. Additionally, they should avoid extreme dieting and maintain adequate nutrition.
2) Cerebral Arteriosclerosis
If a patient smokes over a prolonged period, toxic substances from cigarettes may remain in the blood vessels, leading to narrowing of cerebral blood vessels and impaired blood circulation. After eating, changes in blood pressure may further reduce cerebral blood supply, causing dizziness. It is recommended that patients take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets under medical supervision, and quit smoking completely.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, dizziness after meals could also be due to other conditions such as neurosis. Patients are advised to seek appropriate symptomatic treatment according to the specific underlying cause.
