The foods we eat can help us keep a trimmed waistline, maintain good blood pressure, and offer other general health benefits, but science also shows us that certain foods may have added benefits of lessening your risk of hearing loss as you age.
Foods that keep our eyes and skin healthy often get the spotlight when we discuss sensory-system nutrition, so we wanted to give the ears some nutrition attention by telling you about hearing healthy foods to include in your diet.
How can food help my hearing?
Potassium, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc are minerals that have been linked to improved hearing. These minerals are found in a diet rich in fish, vegetables, and fruits and may lower the risk of hearing loss by 30%. If you need one more reason to eat your veggies or make a good morning smoothie, do it for your ears!
Which foods are hearing healthy foods to include in my diet?
- Bananas– This superfood is rich in potassium which plays a significant role in how the inner ear functions and converts sound into electrical signals for the brain to process. Toss one in your protein shake or lunch bag for all the benefits of bananas.
- Nuts– Zinc, found in almonds and cashews, is shown to be an effective treatment for tinnitus, the condition of ringing or buzzing in the ears. Magnesium, also found in nuts, is believed to offer protection to the inner ear hair cells by shielding them from free radicals. An added benefit of Zinc is that it helps protect your ears against infections.
- Fish– Full of omega-3, omega-6, and Vitamin D, fish (unfarmed or fresh is best) is full of health benefits for your ears. Omega 3s can aid brain functions like transmitting the signals between your ears and brain more effectively. You probably already know about the health benefits of Vitamin D to strengthen your bones. Small bones are inside your ears, and Vitamin D can help prevent otosclerosis, a bone growth inside the ear that causes hearing loss.
- Dark Chocolate– Few people mind a reason to eat chocolate. Another zinc and antioxidant-rich food, dark chocolate, can help your ears stay infection-free and reduce oxidative stress. So, enjoy a little dessert you can feel good about eating.
- Garlic– A potent anti-inflammatory, garlic reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and aids circulation, which helps keep the inner ear’s hair cells healthy. So flavor up your food and get the benefits of garlic.
- Brussel Sprouts– Your mom always told you to eat your Brussel sprouts for good reason- they’re full of folate, a mineral responsible for increasing circulation in the body. Lemons and melons are other folate-rich foods that increase optimal circulation for better hearing.
- Oranges– Citrus fruits contain loads of vitamins like C and E and the antioxidant, Glutathione, that clean up free radicals that can cause ear infections. Glutathione is also vital for building and repairing tissue.
Your auditory system, one of your sensory systems, can significantly benefit from good nutrition. A diet rich in antioxidants, circulation-promoting compounds, and micronutrients helps the whole body function optimally. Simple foods and lifestyle changes help keep our ears fit, too.
To learn more about your hearing health by getting your hearing checked, contact Hearing Aids of Sarasota today. We have two convenient locations to serve you in Sarasota and Longboat Key (Doc Side Audiology).
