What are some foods that help in preventing hearing loss?
While hearing loss may seem unavoidable, there are many things that you can do to limit your chances of developing it or reducing the severity. All of these foods contain minerals, inorganic substances from soils and rocks that we need to stay healthy, that are shown to help prevent hearing loss. Foods preventing hearing loss include potassium, folic acid, and magnesium.
Potassium
The first of the foods preventing hearing loss is potassium. Potassium is the mineral that your body uses to regulate the fluid in your blood and body tissues. Your inner ear has fluid that is directly related to the quality of your hearing, as it helps your ear to decode noises into electrical impulses in your brain. These electrical impulses decode what those noises actually are. Potassium levels naturally drop over time, so as you get older you are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss.
Foods high in potassium include: potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, raisins, apricots, bananas, melons, oranges, yogurt, and low-fat milk.
Folic Acid
The second of the foods preventing hearing loss is folic acid. Folic acid is tied to your body’s ability to make new cells. People with lower levels of folic acid are more likely to get hearing loss, and some studies have demonstrated that higher levels of folic acid can actually decrease hearing loss. The new cells and good circulation ensure that the cells inside of your ear work properly.
Foods high in folic acid include: liver, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and fortified breakfast cereals and granola bars.
Magnesium
The third of the foods preventing hearing loss is magnesium An amazing study at the University of Michigan showed that people who were given magnesium were less likely to develop hearing loss as a result of noise. They think that magnesium helps to protect the ear from the damaging effects of free radicals during loud noises. If you don’t have enough magnesium in your diet, the blood vessels in your ears shrink and do a poor job of helping you to hear.
Foods high in magnesium include: bananas, artichokes, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and many other fruits and vegetables. In order to get the maximum amount of nutrients, choose fresh vegetables or lightly steam them.
Hearing Loss Solutions from Clarity Audiology
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