Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing noise when no external sound is present. This often includes ringing, buzzing, or other phantom sounds in the ears or head, and, in most cases, it’s a personal experience, only the person affected can hear it. Turns out what you eat might help with tinnitus. Recent research shows that healthy foods like fruits and fiber-rich meals could actually cut down your risk.
Researchers analyzed data from eight different studies, covering more than 300,000 people, to find out whether what we eat might influence the chances of developing tinnitus. The foods examined were plant-based, animal based and nutrients and substances such as fats, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars and caffeine.
The analysis showed that people who consumed more fruit, dairy, caffeine, and dietary fiber had a lower risk of developing tinnitus. Specifically, fruit intake was linked to a 35% reduction in risk, dairy to 17%, caffeine to 10%, and fiber to 9%. People who consumed more calcium, iron, and fat were more likely to experience tinnitus, while those with higher intakes of vitamin B12 and a high-protein diet had lower odds of developing it.
Fruits and vegetables may help improve blood flow around the ears, which can ease tinnitus symptoms. Fiber-rich foods might also help by improving insulin sensitivity. When insulin levels get too high, it can affect the inner ear’s balance. In addition, fiber and dairy products may promote healthier blood vessels. While caffeine might help lower the risk of tinnitus by easing anxiety, some researchers believe it could also make symptoms worse, possibly by disrupting sleep. Staying well-hydrated is also important, since dehydration can make tinnitus symptoms worse and contribute to issues like ear infections or high blood pressure.
If you think certain foods might be making your tinnitus worse, try keeping a food diary. Tracking what you eat alongside your symptoms can help reveal patterns over time. Just keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and, what affects one person may have no impact on another.
Eating well and keeping up good daily habits can boost your overall well-being, which may also help you manage tinnitus more effectively.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Association of 15 common dietary factors with tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
