Hearing loss is detrimental to our social interactions, relationships and work performance. Before the pandemic the top three public health concerns were cancer and diabetes, and hearing loss!
Along with an aging population, research and studies have shown hearing loss to be linked with dementia and depression as well.
Living a lifetime of exposure to noise pollution, combined with our genetics, lifestyle choices, medications and the natural process of aging our hearing ability will suffer.
Do we need to take preventative steps to maintain our overall health? Yes, we do and that includes adjusting your meals for maximum nutritional value.
Do you know which nutrient-rich food will help maintain your hearing health? The following will help guide you to a balanced diet to support your hearing health.
Vitamin C
We need our ubiquitous Vitamin C. It is known as the “powerhouse of vitamins” for good reason!
It has been shown to “protect” very minute structures in our ears that facilitate the process of sound. They are called cilia (minute hairs) line the walls of our inner ear and help us to maintain our balance as well carrying sound information to our brain.
It fights off infections that the ear is vulnerable to, from bacteria to air pollutants, that the naked eye cannot see.
The best thing is that Vitamin C is found in some of our favorite fruits such as oranges, lemons, papayas and berries. Sweet potatoes, tomatoes and broccoli are also packed with it and can be incorporated easily in our daily meals or snacks.
Vitamin B-12
As stated by the American journal of Clinical Nutrition, “hearing impairment is 1 of the 4 most prevalent chronic conditions in the elderly”. The study analyzed the nutritional intake of the participants. It revealed that there was over a 40% decrease in B12 levels shown in patients that exhibited hearing loss than those that had sufficient hearing levels.
How can Vitamin B-12 help? It is necessary for a healthy circulatory system and the facilitation of our blood flow. The cochlea, which is a conch shaped formation in our inner ear relies upon a healthy circulation system to process sound perception.
Eggs , cheese, red meats and fish and even fortified cereal and a variety of dairy products will provide us with the B12 we need.
Folate or Vitamin B-9
If you like leafy greens then you will have no problem getting your required amounts of Vitamin-B9. Spinach and kale are great sources as well as nuts and eggs. Citrus fruits are another great source. Beans and broccoli and even liver are highly recommended.
Vitamin B-12 and B-9 work in tandem to strengthen our circulation. Vitamin B-9 is instrumental in the formation of healthy blood cells and lower levels of it showed up in patients that had higher levels of hearing loss.
Omega-3’s
A study in 2010 discovered the amount of intake of Omega-3’s and the onset of presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) were directly connected using the data of almost 3,000 participants.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also determined that 1 to 2 servings of fish had lowered the risk of hearing loss by 42% ! A mere 3.5 ounces a week can help lower our risk of presbycusis significantly.
Walnuts, beef, eggs and fatty freshwater fish such as salmon and sardines are abundant in Omega-3’s. You can also use supplements if you are restricted by a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Eating fresh to get the most intake of all your vitamins and minerals is the best for your body so make sure to do the research and get grass-fed beef and wild salmon whenever possible.
Reach out to us whenever you are ready for a healthier YOU!