Tinnitus diet: Foods to eat and to avoid for managing tinnitus

Tinnitus is a hearing condition in which a person hears constant noise even when it is absent.

If not well managed, tinnitus can negatively impact a person’s life, and although there is no cure, it can be managed with natural remedies.

Diet is one of these natural options to improve hearing. Below you will find the foods to eat and foods to avoid for better managing tinnitus.

Foods to eat and avoid with tinnitus diet

Many patients report a worsening or improvement in their tinnitus based on eating certain foods. Although this may not work for all patients, it is worth a try.

Bananas are suggested as a good food for tinnitus because in some cases tinnitus results from an excess buildup of fluid. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps ensure proper flow of fluids in the body. If bananas aren’t your thing, you can enjoy other potassium-rich foods, such as apples, apricots, or yogurt.

One study found that consuming foods high in vitamin B12 could improve tinnitus symptoms. These include eggs, beef, and chicken.

Pineapple has also been found to be beneficial in managing tinnitus. This fruit is known to reduce inflammation associated with negative health effects on the body.

Sometimes, low levels of zinc can lead to ringing in the ears, so it only makes sense to up on foods high in zinc to help with tinnitus. These foods include shellfish, meat, nuts, and enriched cereal.

Now to the foods that you better stay away from as they are known to worsen tinnitus. These include salt, tobacco, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, sugar, sulfites (found in wine), monosodium glutamate (MSG), tonic water, saturated and trans fats, and fast food.

When it comes to managing tinnitus, you should try and stick with healthy eating to the best of your ability.

Other remedies to manage tinnitus

Apple cider vinegar: If you have an underlying infection that is causing tinnitus, apple cider vinegar may help, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Holy basil: Holy basil can be made into a paste and put into the ear to help clear out any bacterial infections.

Onions: Onions contain antibacterial properties. Put a few drops of the juice from a heated up onion into your ear to clear out bacteria.

Garlic: Garlic can be used to treat tinnitus caused by high altitudes or cold weather, as it helps reduce inflammation. Make a paste with sesame oil and garlic, and add a few drops into your ear.

Saline solution: Saline solution can help with tinnitus caused by blocked nasal passages. A saline solution can be administered using a nasal spray to help clear passages.

Mustard oil: Mustard oil is an anti-fungal agent, so it can help clear infections and boost the immune system.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, and a deficiency in this vitamin has been found to contribute to tinnitus.

Tinnitus is permanent in about 25 percent of patients. In many cases, addressing the underlying cause of tinnitus can help ease the symptoms. Other treatment methods may include taking antibiotics, removing obstructions or ear wax, changing medications or dosages, treating certain neurological illnesses, getting a surgery to correct joint problems, going for counselling for stress or depression, and getting dental work done.

If no underlying cause has been identified, then alternative treatments may be required. Common options include wearing a device (similar to a hearing aid) that provides soothing or pleasing sounds, training the brain not to hear the annoying sounds, wearing hearing aids in case of hearing loss, as well as avoiding loud sounds, caffeine, and stressful situations as all these factors can aggravate your tinnitus condition.

If managing tinnitus on your own is a challenge, speak to your doctor about your treatment options.