It’s best to do this on the ground, if possible. That way, if you do faint you don’t run the risk of rolling off the surface you’re on and hurting yourself.
Again, this is all about redirecting the blood to your head. When it’s lower and on the same plane as the rest of your body, your blood pressure stabilizes, your body relaxes, and the feeling that you’re about to faint dissipates.
Choose an uncaffeinated drink, if possible. Caffeine dehydrates you, defeating the purpose of the drink.
If you’re watching your salt intake, go for some unsalted crackers or toast – nothing that runs the risk of making you nauseated. And, of course, avoid salty fried goods like potato chips.
Sometimes fainting is the result of being nervous. Do you know someone who faints at the sight of blood or on getting an injection? This is a reaction called the vasovagal reflex. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The vasovagal reflex causes the heart to slow and blood vessels to dilate or widen. As a result, blood pools in the lower body and not as much reaches the brain. It can be triggered by many things, including stress, pain, fear, coughing, holding your breath, or even urinating. You can also feel faint when you change positions. This is called orthostatic hypotension and can happen when you stand up too fast, but also when you get dehydrated or take certain medicines. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
That said, some people do suffer from postprandial hypotension, which can lead to fainting. That’s a fancy word for your blood pressure dropping after you eat too much. Your blood starts congregating in and around your stomach, leaving none for your heart and brain – the perfect recipe for a fainting spell. If this sounds familiar, it might help to eat frequent, low-carbohydrate meals. Eat regularly, but don’t eat too much at one time. [9] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
If you’re exercising too much, you may not be getting enough liquids either (you’re sweating them all out). Make doubly sure you drink plenty if this describes you. Between dehydration and overexertion, you could be asking for trouble.
Needles, blood, and even more personal topics can bring about the urge to faint. The heart starts pumping profusely, you start sweating, your breathing changes, and all of a sudden you’re down for the count. Can you think of any possible triggers for the way you’re feeling?[12] X Research source
Crowds don’t generally help. If you know you’re going to be in a crowded, stuffy area, prepare by eating a good breakfast, wearing light clothing, bringing a snack, and always knowing where the nearest exit is should you need it.
If you do drink alcohol, stick to one drink a day. And if you haven’t eaten or drunk much that day, be sure to combine that drink with some food and other non-alcoholic beverage.
You might try a technique called “tilt training,” which involves training your muscles over the course of weeks to combat the urge. You simply stand with your back and head against a wall with your heels about 6 inches (15 cm) out from it. Do this for about 5 minutes every other day. Slowly increase the time up to 20-minute sessions. It sounds simple, but this stance can help uncross the wires in your brain (the vagus nerve) that lead to fainting. [16] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
This is mainly important when switching from sitting, standing, and lying down. Once you’re up and stable you should be fine; it’s getting up and getting stable that needs to be done carefully.
If you don’t feel better within a few hours (provided you’re taking good care of yourself, of course), that may be a sign that this is the symptom of a larger problem. In that case, it is very appropriate to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
It’s a good idea to keep a snack with you handy if you’re worried about fainting again.
Review your medications with him or her, too. Some medicines are known to cause symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, and fainting. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If this is the case, your doctor should be able to provide you with a suitable alternative.
