Foods that can trigger Tinnitus: What to avoid and why?.
Tinnitus and diet are they connected?
My observations regarding diet and Tinnitus.
I have noticed in the six years that I have had to suffer with disabling Tinnitus that not all of what the Audiologists or specialist ENT consultants say about Tinnitus adds up. As an example my GP has stated that my Tinnitus is due to loud noise exposure. And that could or maybe partly to blame. However my Tinnitus started after I was using computers for hours at a time so could this have had something to do with it? And I did have a spell of Tinnitus many years ago after having a vaccination. But the Tinnitus I suffer with really kicked in about 5 to 6 years ago. And it has been a constant problem since then.
I have now been able to make the observations that my diet. And what I eat and drink play a significant part to Tinnitus problems that I have had to deal with. As an example if I drink alcohol or foods with sugar such as chocolate or ice cream. The Tinnitus I have got goes into over drive. In fact it sky rockets to peak levels. These will stay at peak level for up to 5 or more days and nights. So it is as if alcohol, Sugary foods, and salty foods trigger something inside my brain to increase the severity of the Tinnitus. Now you might say well don't drink alcohol and cut out sugary and salty foods. And although I try my best to this ,it does not leave that much room for a diet to enjoy. I still would love to be able to have a drink with friends, or eat some chocolate. Or have some cheddar cheese. But for me it really is just not worth it. Many times I have tried thinking Oh I will be ok. Only to regret it a little later on with a head squealing with high pitched Tinnitus.
So I have decided to write this article for people with Tinnitus who also find that diet and Tinnitus are connected
Foods that can trigger Tinnitus: What to avoid and why? Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears. It can be very annoying and affect your quality of life in fact some would say that it can be life changing. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some ways to manage it and reduce its impact. One of them is to pay attention to your diet and avoid foods that can trigger or worsen your tinnitus. In this article, we will explore some of the common culprits when it comes to foods that can trigger tinnitus and explain why they do so. We will also give you some tips on how to eat healthier and protect your hearing.
Salty foods, Salty foods are one of the worst offenders when it comes to tinnitus. Salt contains sodium, which can increase your blood pressure and fluid retention. This can put a strain on your heart and blood vessels, and affect the blood flow to your ears. Your ears need a healthy blood circulation to receive nutrients and oxygen, and to remove toxins and waste products. If the blood flow is compromised, your ears can suffer damage and inflammation, which can lead to tinnitus or make it worse. Some examples of salty foods that you should avoid or limit are: - Deli meats - Processed foods - Fast foods - Pickles - Canned soups and sauces - Cheese - Chips and crackers The recommended daily limit for sodium intake is 2300 mg, which is equivalent to one teaspoon of salt. However, many people consume much more than that, especially if they eat out or rely on packaged foods. To help reduce salt intake, you should: - Read nutrition labels and choose low-sodium products - Cook your own meals using fresh ingredients and herbs instead of salt - Avoid adding salt to your food at the table - Use a salt substitute such as potassium chloride or lemon juice.
Sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sugar and artificial sweeteners are another group of foods that can trigger tinnitus. Sugar can cause spikes and drops in your blood glucose levels, which can affect your blood pressure and damage your blood vessels. Sugar can also alter the balance of potassium and sodium in your ear fluids, which can disrupt the electrical signals that your ears send to your brain. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, can also have negative effects on your ears and brain. Aspartame can excite your neurons and cause them to die over time. This can impair your brain function and worsen your tinnitus. Aspartame can also block a natural appetite suppressant, which can make you eat more and gain weight. Some examples of foods that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners are: - Sodas and energy drinks - Candy and chocolate - Cakes and cookies - Ice cream and yogurt - Cereal and granola bars - Fruit juices and jams. To help reduce your sugar intake, you should: - Limit your consumption of sweets and desserts - Choose natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup - Drink water or herbal tea instead of sugary beverages - Eat fresh fruits instead of canned or dried fruits - Avoid products that contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners.
Caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect your nervous system and increase your stress levels. Stress is one of the main factors that can cause or worsen tinnitus, as it can trigger the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can constrict your blood vessels and increase your heart rate. Stress can also make you more sensitive to the sounds in your ears and reduce your ability to cope with them. Some examples of caffeinated drinks that you should avoid or limit are: - Coffee - Tea - Cola - Energy drinks - Chocolate drinks The recommended daily limit for caffeine intake is 400 mg, which is equivalent to four cups of coffee or eight cups of tea. However, some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, so you may need to adjust your intake according to how you feel. To reduce your caffeine intake, you should: - Gradually cut down on the amount and frequency of caffeinated drinks - Switch to decaffeinated or herbal alternatives - Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated - Avoid drinking caffeine in the evening or before bed.
Alcohol. Alcohol is another substance that can trigger or worsen tinnitus. Alcohol can dehydrate you and affect the fluid balance in your ears. Alcohol can also dilate your blood vessels and increase your blood pressure, which can impair the blood flow to your ears. Alcohol can also interfere with the neurotransmitters in your brain, which can affect how you perceive sounds. Some examples of alcoholic drinks that you should avoid or limit are: - Beer - Wine - Spirits - Cocktails - Liqueurs The recommended daily limit for alcohol intake is 14 units per week, which is equivalent to six pints of beer or seven glasses of wine. However, some people may experience tinnitus after drinking less than that, so you may need to monitor your own reaction. To help reduce your alcohol intake, you should: - Drink in moderation and not binge - Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks - Avoid drinking on an empty stomach - Avoid drinking when you are stressed or tired Conclusion Tinnitus is a condition that can affect your hearing and well-being. Some of the common culprits are salty foods, sugar and artificial sweeteners, caffeine and alcohol. These foods can affect your blood pressure, fluid balance, nerve function and stress levels, which can all contribute to tinnitus.
So if you suffer with Tinnitus and also find that diet can and does affect your Tinnitus. Then please leave a comment below or email us at tinnitusnews@gmail.com
