Your ears rely on a well-balanced diet to function correctly, and it may also decrease your risk for hearing loss.
A 2019 study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston indicated women who consumed a healthy diet over three years were 25% less likely to develop high-frequency hearing loss and 30% less likely to develop mid-frequency hearing loss.
How Nutrition Contributes to Hearing Loss
A lack of nutrition can exacerbate conditions that will damage your hearing. Higher rates of hearing loss have been observed in individuals with diets that include high levels of fat, cholesterol and sodium.
A poor diet can cause:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure restricts circulation to the inner ear, which is extremely sensitive to changes in blood oxygen levels.
- Cardiac conditions: Poor heart health increases your risk for inflamed arteries and veins and decreases hearing health.
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss because of nerve and blood vessel damage.
Vitamins and Minerals that Support Healthy Hearing
Unfortunately, your body does not produce all the things it needs to maintain healthy hearing. Good nutrition will provide you with many of the vitamins and minerals that can help prevent hearing loss.
- Potassium is a mineral that supports the function of the inner ear. It regulates body tissue fluids, which is especially important for the health of your ears. You can find good sources of potassium from bananas, beans, melons and apricots.
- Zinc is a nutrient that helps build up your immune system and prevents ear infections. It’s also proven to reduce the effects of tinnitus. You can eat dark chocolate, nuts, beef and shellfish to get a healthy dose of zinc.
- Magnesium combats damaging free radicals by protecting the hair cells in your inner ear. Magnesium is found in whole grains, artichokes, potatoes and avocados.
- Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that metabolizes amino acids that restricts blood flow to your ears. It’s found in leafy green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale and asparagus.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that support blood flow and cardiovascular health. Salmon, tuna and trout are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
You can find top-rated hearing services in Clifton, Paramus, Mahwah, Haskell, Morristown and Pompton Plains, New Jersey, at Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions. Call 888.473.8702 to schedule an appointment.
