Scientists suggest there is a connection between tinnitus and food. Diets that consist of animal protein (especially red meat), refined flours and sugars, and processed foods constrict the arteries, decrease blood flow, and add stress to the body.
One of the most effective natural tinnitus treatments involves changing the diet. Reducing the intake of saturated and trans fats, such as those found in vegetable shortening and margarine, can produce a dramatic improvement in hearing.
In some individuals tinnitus has been triggered by caffeine or other stimulants, excess salt or the quinine in tonic water. Sugar is known to promote tinnitus because it provokes an adrenalin release, which in turn, causes vasoconstriction in the inner ear.
Dieticians recommend tinnitus suffers increase their intake of dietary magnesium and potassium. Natural sources include apricots, baked potatoes, bananas, beets, leafy green vegetables, and nuts. Magnesium deficiency is linked to many of the conditions that occur with tinnitus.
Food allergies may cause tinnitus in some people. Experts recommend keeping a food journal to determine if allergic reactions to certain foods aggravate tinnitus.
Nutritional supplements have been used as a natural tinnitus treatment. Research has shown that a high percentage of people with tinnitus are deficient in vitamins and minerals. Oftentimes tinnitus symptoms are alleviated or eliminated when patients receive proper levels of nutrients.
Supplementing with B vitamins, especially B12, B6 and B5 (pantothenic acid), often improves ear ringing. Taking 50 milligrams of B6 two or three times a day may help stabilize inner ear fluids. Natural sources of B6 can be found in whole grain products, bananas, most fruits and vegetables, eggs and dairy products.
A high percentage of people with chronic tinnitus are deficient in vitamin B12. Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 have reduced the severity of tinnitus in some people; however this form is only available by prescription. Nutritionists recommend consuming 6 micrograms daily from natural resources. Vitamin B12 can be found in dairy products, fish, poultry, lamb, oysters, eggs and yeast.
Vitamin A is an important nutrient for the membranes of the ear. Natural sources of vitamin A can be found in oily fish, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, yams, oranges, apricots and cantaloupe. Consuming 5,000-10,000 I.U. per day may be an effective natural treatment for tinnitus.
Vitamin E improves oxygen supply to the blood cells. Natural sources of vitamin E can be found in eggs, dried beans, whole grain products, green leafy vegetables and fish. The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 400 I.U. mixed with tocopherols.
Tinnitus patients with high blood pressure may find some relief in adding choline to the diet. In some patients, choline has cleared ear noises in less than two weeks. Choline can be obtained by taking two Lecithin capsules with each meal or by adding two tablespoons of Brewer’s Yeast to the diet each day.
Zinc supplementation is a promising natural tinnitus treatment. Studies show that adding high doses of zinc sulfate to the diet can reduce or eliminate ear sounds suffered by older patients. No more than 80 milligrams of zinc should be consumed on a daily basis without medical supervision. Natural sources of zinc can be found in beans, nuts, eggs, whole-grain cereals, oysters and fish. Experts recommend using a Zinc-Copper blend with a daily recommendation of 30 milligrams Zinc and 3 milligrams Copper.
