What Foods Help Restore Balance and Equilibrium

Last updated on August 11th, 2023 at 08:19 pm

You have probably heard of a balanced diet, but have you ever thought about a diet for balance? Balance and equilibrium concerns are a growing problem for people as they age and are the most common reason older adults seek help from their doctors. Good balance means you can control and maintain your body position while moving or staying still.

If you do not have good balance, you may stagger when you walk, fall when standing up or bending down, and trip on stairs. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in individuals 65 plus in the United States. Every second of every day, an older adult falls, and one out of four older adults will fall yearly. A loss of balance can be a harmful loss of independence for people, so it is important to do what you can to maintain your equilibrium. 

Balance Disorders

Inner ear disturbances or sensory response issues can cause balance disorders. Common symptoms of balance disorders include dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), falling, lightheadedness, blurred vision, confusion, and disorientation. Moreover, the vestibular system is the part of your inner ear that plays a significant role in balance and equilibrium. Vestibular problems can result in vertigo and imbalance.

Circulatory system diseases such as stroke can lead to dizziness and balance issues. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, head injuries, and some medications. You may also experience nausea, throwing up, low bowel movement, heart rate and blood pressure changes, fear, anxiety, or panic. Balance disorders can also show other health problems like ear infections, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Dealing with these health issues will likely lower or resolve your balance issues.

Balance disorders are serious problems that affect millions of people. While medications are important in handling your symptoms, food can also play a role in putting back your balance and equilibrium. For example, balance problems caused by high blood pressure can be solved by lower salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Conversely, balance issues due to low blood pressure may be removed by drinking enough fluids, keeping away from alcohol, and moving more carefully. Now we will look at specific foods shown to improve balance.

Foods That Can Improve Balance

1. Blueberries

Blueberries have been shown to improve memory, fight cancer with their anti-oxidative properties, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Studies have also found that blueberries improve balance. Resveratrol is an element in blueberries linked with balance development, which has been shown to improve motor coordination.

2. Red Grapes

Grape skin also contains resveratrol, which has been linked to balance and longevity. Resveratrol has been shown to reduce inflammation, cholesterol, heart disease risk, and certain types of cancer and protect brain cells. 

3. Cranberries

Cranberries are incredibly high in antioxidants, second only to blueberries. These berries are both delicious and increase balance. 

4. Peanuts

Peanuts contain not only good fats and protein but also provide balance-maintaining resveratrol.  

5. Chocolate

Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is rich in resveratrol. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants and important minerals such as manganese, iron, and copper which adds to balance and equilibrium.

In addition to consuming more foods that improve your balance, avoiding foods that may lead to dizziness or other balance concerns is important. Speak with your doctor and try to lessen or remove your intake of the following ingredients. 

Foods That Can Trigger Balance Problems 

1. Sodium (Salt)

As mentioned earlier, too much sodium can create balance issues. While our bodies need a small amount of salt to function correctly, most people consume at least twice the recommended amount. Lowering your sodium intake can help lower blood pressure and potentially help with balance disorders such as Meniere's disease and secondary endolymphatic hydrops (SEH). For some, maintaining a consistent level of enough sodium may be even more critical. Not getting enough sodium can trigger balance issues in some people. The recommended maximum daily sodium intake is 2300 mg (1 ½ teaspoon), and the enough daily information is only 1500 mg (slightly over ½ teaspoon).

Eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods is the simplest way to lower sodium intake. High-sodium foods include canned or packaged foods, cereal, convenience items such as seasoned pasta or rice, frozen dinners, baked goods, sauces, foods preserved with salt (such as pickles), salad dressings, deli meats, bacon, chips, crackers, popcorn, trail mix, and bars. Generally, processed foods will contain more sodium than is useful. You can always read the nutritional labels to determine the food's sodium content.

3. Foods High In Tyramine

Tyramine is an amino acid that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. Eating foods rich in tyramine triggers migraines and the associated dizziness for some people. These foods include aged and fermented foods such as aged cheeses, processed or cured meats, fish, Asian-style sauces, dried fruits, yogurt, red wine, and some beers. These are indeed good for balance and equilibrium.

4. Foods With Nitrates And Nitrites

Some individuals have growing levels of gut microbes that turn foods with nitrates into nitric oxide by-products. For some, these by-products can trigger migraines. Some foods high in nitrates/nitrites are chocolate, wine, and cured meats.

5. Caffeine And Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can worsen symptoms for people with dizziness and balance problems. Try avoiding both and see if you feel better. Caffeine is found in coffee, certain teas, chocolate, yerba mate, and soft drinks. Alcohol can create balance problems by negatively impacting the inner ear. 

6. Aspartame

Like alcohol, this artificial sweetener can on the other hand affect the inner ear, leading to nausea, headache, and vertigo. 

7. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Some individuals experience headaches and dizziness after eating foods with MSG. MSG is a flavor enhancer added to many canned foods and is stereotypically found in food from Asian restaurants. If you are sensitive, always read the label or ask the restaurant.

While it can seem overwhelming, you can clarify eating a diet for balance by focusing on whole foods. Consume plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and you will feel better and have good balance and equilibrium. 

Try our Balance Training Handbook to maintain balance and equilibrium. Now, click here for more information!