Hey! I have been lurking, I've been on South Beach before, but just wasn't prepared for all the food prep, so I stopped. I've been going strong for almost 2 weeks now, and noticed a possibly weird side effect. I'm not entirely sure it's related to SB, but thought I would ask just incase. So lately I've been feeling dizzy, and sometimes light headed. I thought it might be related to not enough water, and then maybe not enough food. I've been snacking like crazy to hopefully get rid of that feeling, nothing so far. Am I alone in this? Is it related to weight loss? Another possibility I considered was it was due to toxin's being released. I honestly am not sure though. Anything you can think of would be much appreciated!

-Aimee

I've experienced that before going low-carb, but I didn't this time when I started SBD.

Swimgirl if you had posted this on Monday you would have freaked me out.

Monday I finally got back on track with SB and then in the afternoon - I started having really bad vertigo (dizziness) - I did the same thing, drank more water, ate more (healthy) snacks and it would not go away.

Well Monday night I was talking to a friend and she had had the same thing happen the week before but is not on SB. Two of her relatives also had it. Apparently there is a flu/cold going around and it includes inner ear problems that causes vertigo.

I have been home for the past two days and am only now feeling better at least from the vertigo - that can be really scary!

Now I have a blocked right ear, sniffles and a cough.

I probably have an ear infection- have to have that checked out.

So...after that longwinded explanation - it may only be a coincidence that you have this while on SB - get it checked out - there are tonnes of reasons for dizziness - some serious - some not - best to have it checked.


Best of luck.
Kim

It could also be low blood sugar. Remember to include healthy carbs in your meals and/or snacks.

I've noticed it when I get up sometimes (like if I've been bent over in the kitchen getting something from a low cabinet). In my case I think it might be my blood pressure getting a little too low. It doesn't happen often and goes away really quickly.

Dehydration will cause those symptoms. Are you getting enough water? If they continue you should have it checked out.

Swim girl, you should check with your doctor just to make sure all is well. But I have the same symptoms that Barb describes and my doctor was unable to do anything except prescribe pills for dizziness (which I didn't fill). I'm pretty sure it's low blood pressure, something my mom says happens to her anytime she gets down to a healthy weight. I was measured once at something over 50 for my BP...a bit low, I think!

It might be that for you, or it might be something else, but check with your doc to make sure, okay?

Does sodium have anything to do with blood pressure? I remember when I was 14 my doctor advised me to have MORE salt in my diet, I believe he said I had low blood pressure. I have no idea if thats related... granted it's been a few years.. I have no idea! I just know it doesn't feel good and I can't get to the doctor for a week or so. On the plus side, I *FINALLY* broke my plateau Hmm, another thing, I've been very busy trying to cut salt out of my diet.. could that also be connected to my light headed feeling?

-Aimee

Sodium contributes to high blood pressure - so if you already had low blood pressure and you cut out salt it may be causing the lightheadedness - BUT still get it checked out ASAP

I wouldn't advise increasing your salt either. It's too easy to go overboard and raise your plood pressure too much which wouldn't be good either.

Make sure you are drinking a lot of water, to make sure you are not dehydrated. Make sure you have a mixed protien/carb snack (celery & LC cheese) or meal every 3 hours to keep your blood sugar level.

Do you have a cold? Ear ache? Maybe it is an ear problem like mine.

Do what you have to do, but get to the Dr ASAP - your health is not something you want to mess with and since none of us are Drs (that I know of) please check it out to rule out anything serious.

How long has this been going on?

I had vertigo for 2.5 days and imagined I was dying of a brain tumor - I can't imagine having it longer! I couldn't walk without feeling like I was going to tip over.

Get better.

Kim