Did you know your diet could affect your hearing health? Here’s how.
Unfortunately, healthy hearing is less common today in all ages than it has been in the past. Children, young adults, and adults all have higher rates of hearing loss in recent times. One usually resigns this phenomenon to either the consequences of old age, exposure to loud noises, head injuries, or genetics. But did you know that one’s very diet can affect hearing, too? Read on to learn how a healthy diet encourages healthy hearing.
The Advantage of a Healthy Diet
A well-rounded, healthy diet consists of foods that are as natural as possible. Produce that is free from preservatives, high sugars, high fats, and artificial ingredients is well-known as the optimal type of food. Of course, there is no one vegetable or fruit that saves one’s hearing. Rather, it is the art of maintaining a balanced, healthy diet that one gets the best nutrients for hearing health. In general, that means appropriate portions of grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and meats as well.
Four Minerals That Promote Healthy Hearing
Research has shown that four minerals in particular do promote healthy hearing.
Potassium
Potassium helps to regulate the body’s fluids, including the fluid that surrounds the cochlea in the inner ear. The cochlea, a snail shell-shaped instrument in the inner ear, receives vibrations from the outer ear and transfers them to the nerve that carries its signals up to the brain. Foods that maintain the fluid protecting this organ include everyday items like tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, yogurt, low fat milk, raisins, bananas, and oranges.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for promoting health for bones, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. The ear has a delicate system in which only one artery supplies an entire ear, which is why it’s the first organ to suffer due to cold weather or a cardiovascular issue. Magnesium can be found in most fruits and vegetables, tofu, nuts, avocados, and dark chocolate.
Zinc
Zinc promotes immunity and helps to repair tissues. Therefore, your body will be more prepared to fight off potential ear infections. Some studies have even shown that zinc helps to reduce tinnitus. Red meat, dark chicken meat, beans, dairy, eggs, and nuts contain zinc.
Folate/Folic Acid
Folate and folic acid work together in the body to help create new healthy cells. Adults with healthy folate and folic acid levels are less likely to develop age-related hearing loss. Most vegetables like broccoli, spinach, peas, and asparagus contain this mineral, as well as organ meats.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.