How food can help you hear well

We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away and drinking 2 litres of water a day is key to keeping hydrated. But did you know that there are foods out there that can help with your hearing health. These foods contain nutrients which can help protect and help keep your ears healthy.

Bananas
Bananas are rich in magnesium which helps to protect the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Loud noises can damage these hair cells resulting in noise related hearing loss.

Potassium which is also found in bananas helps to regulate the fluid in your inner ear. This is the part of the ear that translates the noises we hear into electrical impulses the brain then interprets as sound. Potassium levels naturally drop as we get older and as a result this could contribute to age related hearing loss.

Want to go bananas for bananas? Try slicing and adding them to your morning porridge or, mash and add to beaten eggs for a quick and easy pancake batter.

Fish
Omega3 found in oily fish has anti-inflammatory properties which can help keep a healthy blood flow. This helps keep the ear healthy because the blood vessels in the ear are being fed with adequate oxygen and nutrients.

Not sure which fish to catch? Salmon is not only high in omega 3 but is also rich in magnesium and potassium which is great if you’ve run out of bananas!

Chocolate
Chocolate contains zinc which helps to boost your immune system. A good strong immune system is helpful in warding off the germs that can cause ear infections.

Milk, white or dark? Before your mind takes you through the endless chocolaty options and your mouth begins to water, note that the highest levels of zinc are found in dark chocolate. Other healthier options include lentils, beef and dried cranberries.

Broccoli
Broccoli is packed full of nutrients, one of those being folic acid. The benefits of folic acid are that it helps to generate new cell growth and increase circulation in the body. Good circulation and cell growth are important for keeping the hair cells of the inner ear healthy and working properly.

Find broccoli a bit boring? Melt cheese on top and sprinkle bacon bits for an indulgent treat or stir-fry in sesame oil. The Asian flavour is the perfect accompaniment for Chinese or Thai inspired dishes.

Cheese
Vitamin D found in cheese strengthens the bones in our body. You may have heard that fact many times, but did you know that it also helps to keep the small bones in the ear strong which are important in conducting the sound signals from the outer ear to the inner ear.

Cheese board or milk and cookies? As well as cheese, milk Is also rich in vitamin D so weather you favour sweet or savoury there is an option for you.

Summary
Our bodies will get the nutrients needed for good overall health provided we eat a healthy balanced diet containing a variety of foods. This article just takes a look at how different nutrients do their job. Always check with a physician before making any dietary changes.

If you feel you have a hearing loss and would like a full hearing assessment, or have a build-up of wax and you would like a micro-suction wax removal appointment, please contact us on 01564 791088 or email info@isabellahearing.co.uk.