Diet For Preventing And Improving Hearing Loss
We all take it for granted that our hearing works well in everyday life. Hearing is one of the most underrated functions of human body although it is one of the first functions quickly developed after a baby is born. A baby start hearing much before he or she can start develop visual function. So a baby recognizes the mother’s voice long before he or she recognize her face. Hearing is one of the most important features of human body.
When you talk, listen, watch TV or movies, listen to music, play music, your ears are fully functioning. Without hearing ability you will experience many problems in your daily life. So it is important that you look after your ears and hearing. Once you damage your hearing function, it is very hard to restore it. Loud noise, certain drugs, disease such as mumps, measles, meningitis and rubella, and injuries in the eardrum can all cause hearing damage.
So you had better avoid being exposed to noise and wear earplugs when necessary. As for drugs, talk to your doctor every time you are prescribed medication and ask if any hearing damage risk is involved, and make sure you always follow the dosage.
Unfortunately not everything is under your control, as you age your hearing declines and some unavoidable accident or medical condition can happen to anyone. Do you often have to ask others to repeat what they said and speak up? If yes, that is a sign of declining of hearing. If unfortunately you have developed hearing problems, don’t just give up. Even if you cannot recover perfect hearing, still there are some ways to improve the condition. Diet is one of them. So let’s take a look at the certain foods which are good for preventing and improving hearing loss. Here are some key nutrients for healthy hearing.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Vitamin D
You can find these two key nutrients in fish particularly oily fish such as sardines, salmon, trout and tuna. Omega 3 fats and Vitamin D can provide beneficial effects on hearing loss. According to studies, people who ate fish at least twice weekly had 42 percent less chance of developing hearing loss compared to non fish eaters. Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and reinforce the blood vessels including the ones in your ear’s sensory system. So eat fish at least twice a week. Also natural sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, so try to go outside and enjoy healthy dose of sunlight.
Folic Acid And Anti-oxidants
Anti-oxidants particularly folic acid can reduce the amount of free radicals in your body system. As free radicals can cause damage to the nerve tissue including your inner ears, eating anti-oxidants rich food is crucial for healthy hearing. Spinach, beans, eggs, nuts, asparagus, liver and broccoli are all loaded with anti-oxidants. So make sure you eat lots of fresh vegetables.
Magnesium
Magnesium has been proved to give increased protection against noise which often causes hearing loss. Bananas, artichokes, potatoes and broccoli are all rich in magnesium. Eat bananas for breakfast and include lots of vegetables for your lunch and dinner.
Zinc
Zinc can increase and boost the resistant capacity of your inner ear. If you keep on consuming substantial amount of zinc, you can avoid or at least delay age related hearing problems. Oysters, lean beef, wheat germ and dark chocolate are rich in zinc, so enjoy eating them.
Glutathione And Vitamin E, C
Just like antioxidants, Vitamins particularly Vitamin C and E can reduce the amount of free radicals in your body and boost your immune system overall. Therefore they can reduce the risk of developing ear infections. Vitamin C and E are both easy to find in most of fresh vegetables and fruits such as bell peppers, oranges, lemons, kiwi fruits, strawberries and mangos.
Eating healthy foods which are good for your healthy hearing is a good start. However if you are really serious about preventing or improving hearing loss, you had better combine healthy diet with regular exercise and general healthy lifestyle. Maintain your immune system strong and keep your overall energy flow smooth, then you are less likely to develop hearing problems.