The food you eat affects your overall well-being, including your hearing health. Eating a diet rich in vital nutrients can prevent potential damage and improve your ear health. Studies show that consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of hearing loss by 30%, However, there are other food items that are full of essential minerals and vitamins that can help boost your hearing. Here are five foods that can help you hear better.
- Fish
Rich in omega-3, omega-6, and vitamin D, fish is one of the best foods for a healthy body. Vitamin D particularly strengthens the middle bone in your ear, which helps prevent osteopenia and otosclerosis, two serious ear problems that cause irreversible hearing loss.
Health experts recommend you take two portions of fresh, unprocessed fish every week to replenish omega-3 and vitamin D levels. Two or more servings of fish a week can also help lower the risk of age-related hearing loss. However, schedule an appointment with a HearCanada audiologist if you suspect hearing loss or are experiencing its symptoms.
- Oranges
Oranges contain vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and reduce health issues such as ear infections. Rather than taking supplements for ear health, eating oranges is a natural way of ingesting vitamin C. If oranges are too sour for your liking, try strawberries, bell peppers, or broccoli as alternative sources of vitamin C.
- Bananas
Bananas are a good source of potassium, which protects the ear by regulating the fluid in your inner ear. Potassium levels tend to reduce as you age, which may cause hearing loss or presbycusis. Eating food rich in potassium is essential to keep this in balance.
This wonder food also contains magnesium, making it essential for hearing health. Magnesium is responsible for releasing glutamate, which largely contributes to noise-induced hearing loss. When glutamate is controlled, you are less likely to develop hearing loss. That’s why you should include bananas in your diet, whether in your breakfast or as a snack.
- Almonds and cashew nuts
Almonds and cashew nuts are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which are essential for hearing health. Zinc is effective in treating tinnitus in specific individuals and can even help you keep off ear infections. Almonds also lower blood and sugar levels, so it’s essential to include a few servings of these nuts in your diet every week.
- Dark chocolate
Besides being a rich source of fiber, dark chocolate is loaded with zinc and magnesium, which have been shown to help patients with sudden hearing loss by lowering oxidative stress. Supplemental antioxidants and nutrients in dark chocolate also help prevent tinnitus and other ear infections.
This food is also good for your heart, as good hearing facilitates a healthy cardiovascular system. Poor cardiovascular health can reduce blood flow to your inner ears, contributing to hearing loss.
Endnote
Healthy eating is key to your hearing health. Eating a balanced diet, particularly one that is low in fat and sugar and with antioxidant properties, can improve your hearing. It will also lower your risk of cancer, heart attack, and other chronic conditions, boosting your quality of life.
