One of the most crucial aspects of excellent health is a well-balanced diet. Doctors advise us to cut back on sugars and fats as we get older and incorporate more whole foods into our diets. The two most frequent medical diseases in the United States are heart disease and arthritis, which can be addressed with dietary adjustments.
Hearing loss is the third most frequent medical problem, so it’s no surprise that a good diet can help us hear better. Several new research suggests that specific diets may aid in the improvement of our hearing health.
A study finds a healthy diet could mean healthy hearing.
According to a recent study, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be an essential factor in preventing hearing loss.
Results of the study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, showed that those with the highest intake of carotenoids, naturally occurring pigments found in plants, had a reduced risk of hearing loss by 24 percent.
Risk reduction was even more significant for participants with the lowest levels of carotenoids: those with the lowest intake had a 63 percent reduced risk. In addition, those consuming the most significant amount of fruit had a 35 percent reduced risk for hearing loss. In comparison, those eating the leafiest green vegetables had a 31 percent reduced risk.
Here are the specific nutrients that may help promote healthy hearing.
Omega-3
It appears that in addition to lowering triglycerides and helping with arthritis, omega-3s also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties can strengthen blood vessels in the inner ear, which may protect against hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common types of hearing loss, and it is often caused by repeated exposure to loud noises over time. This can be more obvious noise such as motorcycles or garbage trucks. Still, daily traffic or loud music can also be a culprit. This type of hearing loss can affect anyone and is on the rise – likely due to an increase in the use of earphones with smartphones.
The good news is that people who eat two or more portions of fish per week are 42% less likely to develop this type of hearing loss. There is just one more reason to pick fish the next time you’re at the grocery store.
Magnesium
Magnesium is often suggested as a supplement for those with high blood pressure. Still, it has been shown to assist with preventing noise-induced hearing loss too!
Zinc
Aside from promoting the immune system and combating macular degeneration and cataracts, zinc is a vitamin that research shows may help protect against age-related hearing loss specifically.
Vitamin B12
This is an essential vitamin necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the body. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also recommended for anyone dealing with memory loss! It also helps to improve blood flow in the ears and promote the production of red blood cells.
Vitamins C, D, and E
These vitamins help promote immunity, circulation, and bone health, respectively. All of these elements assist in protecting against hearing loss. If you live in a sunny climate, you should be pretty well equipped with Vitamin D, as it comes naturally from the sun! Vitamins C and E can be naturally found in food sources or can be obtained through the use of a comprehensive daily multi-vitamin.
Folic Acid
Prevention of hearing loss typically conjures up images of over-the-ear headphones (rather than in-the-ear headphones) or ensures some hearing protection is available before using noisy equipment or heading to a concert.
Folic acid, however, maybe another way to help protect against hearing loss. Folic acid is naturally found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach and lettuce.
Dr. Joe McDermott, AuD, has completed research showing that folic acid may prevent damage to the inner ear by reducing free radicals. People aged 50 and over with folate deficiencies are reportedly 35% more likely to experience hearing loss, which may explain the link.
Healthy eating and healthy hearing
When you break it down, it is simply amazing how essential a healthy diet is to leading a healthy lifestyle – and now, we know it is also beneficial for protecting your ears. An array of fresh vegetables and fish consumption two or more times a week will help protect your ears from hearing loss. If you are experiencing hearing loss, contact our team of hearing instrument specialists today.