There are many reasons why one might make efforts to have a healthy diet: reducing cholesterol, lowering the risk of diabetes or just keeping yourself at a healthy weight. One area that most probably won’t be thought of is a healthy diet’s relationship with your quality of hearing.
Research has found that there is a surprisingly high correlation between nutritional intake and hearing loss.
Antioxidants
Foods: Blueberries, dark chocolate, cranberries and kidney beans
Foods containing antioxidants have had some good press recently regarding their many benefits. These foods are known to boost the immune systems and also slow down the effects of free radicals. Free radicals destabilise cells and this can lead to weakened organs, tissues and skin. Reducing free radicals’ damage means that our ears are able to hold off the symptoms of ageing for a little longer.
Omega 3
Foods: Mackerel, walnuts, chia seeds and salmon
According to a report by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2010, consumption of Omega 3 and foods rich in the fatty acids significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss. This is because Omega 3 naturally strengthens the blood vessels in our ear’s sensory systems and therefore improves its efficiency.
Vitamin D
Foods: Mushrooms, salmon, tuna and eggs
Our dosage of Vitamin D is mainly gained through exposure to sunlight but the amounts we get may not always be enough, especially living in England! For this reason, it’s best to get the right amount be eating foods rich in the vitamin.
Vitamin D is important for the hearing because it regulates the absorption of calcium and facilitates a healthy functioning immune system. A stronger immune system lowers the risk of infections that can damage hearing.
Zinc
Foods: Spinach, beef, shrimp and pumpkin seeds
According to a study by St Marianna University School of Medicine in Japan, a lack of zinc may be one of the causes of tinnitus. The findings suggest that a zinc deficiency has a degree of correlation with tinnitus.
Of course, a healthy diet alone cannot prevent hearing loss. But like most conditions, keeping your body healthy can only be a help toward prevention.
The Hearing Centre is a specialist centre dedicated to solving hearing problems in Leicester. Our centre provides a full spectrum of hearing services including; hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, wax removal, tinnitus treatments, noise protection, and swimming protection.
If you’re noticing the signs of hearing loss, it’s best to get it checked sooner rather than later. To book your hearing test click here or call us today on 0116 254 3909.