Headache and Dizziness
Headaches or dizziness when standing.
Why it happens
Lower appetite reduces calorie and electrolyte intake, which can cause lightheadedness and headaches.
How to prevent it
Eat small meals made with whole ingredients. Make sure you are drinking water and electrolytes to replace the sugars and salts your body needs. Lemon juice is high in electrolytes; add a squeeze to your water once a day. If you find it harder to eat meals, consider a warm cup of salty chicken broth once a day while your appetite settles. You can also use electrolyte drinks or powders, but watch for fake sugars.
How to treat it
If you feel lightheaded, sit down and wait for the episode to pass to avoid passing out. If your headache persists, take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
When to call a doctor
If your dizziness persists or you faint, let the doctor know what’s going on. If the headaches don’t improve with OTC pain relief, call your doctor.
When to go to the ER
- Inability to swallow or breathe.
- Severe, persistent vomiting (dehydration).
- Severe abdominal pain that makes you curl into a ball.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
- If you feel like you are having a medical emergency.
None of this is medical advice. It is educational material drawn from FAT BITCH: Killing the Willpower Myth by Cat Clark, and it does not replace your prescriber, your pharmacist, or your actual doctor. If something here does not match what your care team told you, go with your care team and bring this along to the conversation.