Throughout all of March, many countries, such as the USA or the U.K., celebrate Nutrition Month.
Essentially an information campaign, the intent is to focus our attention on the importance of healthy eating and our physical activity habits.
Most people of course know that a mix of good nutrition and physical activity will contribute substantially to maintaining a healthy weight and also to keep diseases at bay.
Not only that: Many may even know that certain food items can also help maintain specific bodily functions; think of carrots and vision as one example.
What many of us don’t realise is that our lifestyle choices, such as eating and sports, also directly impact our ears’ health status and capacity to hear.
Studies demonstrate that nutritional deficiencies, for example a lack of folic acid, B12 or vitamin A, can all substantially impair our hearing. On the flip side, if you make sure to have the right nutrients in your diet, you can actually protect your hearing.
So, food is essential for ear health and our capacity to hear. Wonder what to eat? Read our post to find out!
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Eat more lentils, beans and peas – Zinc is an important mineral overall. It does not only support our immune system but directly impacts our hearing positively and may even help fight tinnitus. Lentils, beans and peas are all excellent sources of zinc. Don’t like beans? Then try these delicious recipes
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Eat more fish – Fish is a great source of vitamin D which is known to strengthen the middle bones in our ear. This can help to fight off osteopenia and otosclerosis both of which can lead to hearing loss. In addition, salmon and other similarly fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which all contribute to minimise the risk of age-related hearing loss
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Eat more broccoli and Brussels sprouts – Broccoli is packed with an astonishing amount of key nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K and magnesium all three of which together are shown to reduce noise trauma. But, it doesn’t stop there as Broccoli also has a lot of folic acid which aides in the formation of red blood cells which, in turn, help fight inflammation
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Eat more spinach and asparagus – These are all also great sources of sources of folate, which studies have directly linked to a decreased risk of hearing loss specifically in elderly men
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Eat more bananas – Bananas are not only a good source of potassium but also contain a lot of magnesium. Magnesium can help to improve circulation, also within your ear. Magnesium also regulates glutamate in our body and the balance of glutamate is extremely important to normal hearing. With glutamate checked, hearing loss is simply less likely
- Eat more dark chocolate – Even dark chocolate can help avoid hearing loss. This treat is high in zinc a lack of which can contribute substantially to hearing loss – particularly in older people.
All of the above ingredients are an integral part of any healthy diet which can increase the chances of your health staying strong for many years to come – but, remember, your ears will thank you as well!
Curious? Here are some great recipes that are delicious and provide a good foundation for hearing health.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know!
