It’s important to protect your ears against loud noise and ear infections. You might know this. But did you also know that certain foods can help prevent age-related hearing loss and the progression of hearing loss?i Read which groceries to add to your shopping list to support healthy hearing.
Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D
The high levels of omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D in salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines can have a positive impact on your hearing. Omega-3's benefit the cardiovascular system and reduce inflammation, which can damage sensitive tissue that is also found in the earii
Antioxidants and folic acid
Eating foods with antioxidants and especially folic acid regularly may reduce the risk of hearing loss by up to 20%!iii Foods like spinach, asparagus, beans, broccoli, eggs, liver and nuts contain folic acid. Antioxidants reduce the number of free radicals in the body that can harm the nervous system in the inner ear.
This might be because the body uses folic acid to combat metabolic homocysteine – which is an inflammatory connection that reduces the blood flow in the body. Good blood flow is important in order to keep the hair cells in the inner ear healthy and functioning correctly.
Vitamin C, E, and glutathione
Vitamin E protects blood vessels and nerves around the ears, while Vitamin C strengthens the immune systems which can help prevent ear infections. Like antioxidants, Vitamin C and E keep free radicals at bay and strengthen the immune system. These vitamins can be found in fruits like oranges, and vegetables like capsicums.
Eat healthy to reduce the risk of hearing loss
Most of these dietary supplements are easy to access and completely safe to eat for most people.
To learn more about hearing and hearing aids, please find your nearest hearing care professional here.
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i Rodrigo, L., Campos-Asensio, C., Rodríguez, M., Crespo, I., & Olmedillas, H. (2021). Role of nutrition in the development and prevention of age-related hearing loss: A scoping review, 2021, Science Direct
ii Calder, P., Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes, 2010, National Library of medicine
iii Curhan, S. et al, Fish and fatty acid consumption and the risk of hearing loss in women, 2014, National Library of Medicine