Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that leads to attacks of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss (which can progress into permanent), tinnitus, and the feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Meniere’s disease mainly affects one ear rather than both.
The onset of Meniere’s disease usually takes place between the ages of 20 and 50. It is a chronic condition. Not much is understood about Meniere’s disease and the exact cause is still unknown. There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but the existing treatment options can offer symptom relief.
Advertisement
Aside from medical treatments, natural remedies and diet can also contribute to effective symptom management. The following recommendations specify what you should be eating in order to better control Meniere’s disease.
Recommendations for Meniere’s disease diet
Here are the dietary guidelines to follow when aiming to relief and manage Meniere’s disease.
Limit sodium intake: Salt regulates fluid, so lowering your intake can help relieve pressure in the ear, which can improve other symptoms as well.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Studies have shown that patients who restrict their caffeine and alcohol consumption have fewer symptoms than those who consume caffeine and alcohol regularly.
Identify and address allergies: Allergic inflammation can worsen symptoms in some patients, so being aware of your triggers can help you avoid allergens, thus reducing the symptoms.
Stay well hydrated: Being well hydrated can help flush out excess salt and clear out any toxins and bacteria that could be contributing to Meniere’s disease.
Advertisement
Balance your carbs and protein: Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, raising insulin. Protein, on the other hand, helps regulate insulin. Balancing the two can keep your blood pressure and glucose levels in check, which can affect Meniere’s disease progression.
Natural remedies for Meniere’s disease
Aside from dietary interventions, there are other natural remedies that can help you better manage your condition. They include:
- Reducing and properly managing stress, as it has been shown to aggravate Meniere’s disease symptoms
- Exercising regularly (to further promote stress reduction)
- Wearing a hearing aid
- Reaching out to support groups
- Quitting smoking
- Trying cognitive behavioral therapy as a stress reliever
By following a Meniere’s disease-friendly diet and making the appropriate lifestyle changes, you can have greater success in managing the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
