A Feast for the Ears: A Diet Guide for Your Hearing Health

August is Hearing Health Awareness Month, and we’re providing a dietary guide for healthy hearing. 
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In order to function properly, a healthy body requires the right amount of nutrients. 

Just like all of your other organs, your ears must have the nutritional support to help you hear your best. Here are some foods that will benefit your hearing.  

Bananas 

Bananas, and other foods that are rich in potassium, are great sources of nutrients for the ears. Potassium helps translate sound into nerve impulses in the inner ear that get transferred to the brain. Potassium levels actually decline as we age, so it’s crucial to maintain good levels of potassium to fight against age-related hearing loss. Consuming bananas is a great way to get potassium in your diet, but make sure you aren’t taking in more than the recommended amount of 3.5 grams. You should easily reach this amount of potassium with your normal caloric intake. 

Beans, lentils, and peas

Zinc is necessary for mineral growth and development. It can also improve hearing health and symptoms of tinnitus by protecting your immune system. It’s a good idea to start increasing your daily intake of zinc so that your ears can benefit from the nutrients for a long period of time. Incorporate beans, lentils, and peas for an easy way to get zinc in your diet.    

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great basic building block for a healthy body. It includes vitamins K and C, along with fiber. Broccoli is used to stop free radicals - these are the basic structures for a disease to grow and accelerate aging - from causing harm to the delicate and sensitive tissues in your ears. No matter how you eat it - grilled, steamed, or raw - the health benefits of broccoli can’t be understated.    

Fish 

Fish is full of heart-healthy omega 3 and vitamin D. We know that Vitamin D strengthens the body’s bones, and this includes the middle bones in your ear which can prevent osteopenia and otosclerosis. These are serious ear problems that can lead to irreversible hearing loss. The recommended weekly intake is two servings of fresh, unprocessed fish which can also lower the chances of enduring permanent hearing loss.

Garlic 

Garlic can boost blood circulation and lower inflammation in the body, particularly for organs related to hearing. This lets blood properly flow everywhere that it is needed, and reduces the possibility of high blood pressure which can lead to long-term health issues.

If you are concerned about the smell, there are odorless garlic supplements. You can even incorporate some cloves into your cooking. Garlic should be part of your healthy eating plan. You might notice some relief from symptoms of common ear conditions like tinnitus.

If you are noticing hearing loss, hearing aids can help slow down the loss and improve your brain health, combat isolation, and help with communication. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.    

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