Improve Your Hearing With These Nutrients
By Paul Rothbart
Our five senses are how we interact with the world. Receiving sensory stimuli allows us to gain information to guide us through life. Human beings tend to rely heavily on vision, but hearing is at least equally important. It's vital to communication to do so either face-to-face or on the phone. Listening to music, watching television, or a movie all require listening. The joy of hearing the voice of a loved one is one of life's most endearing moments and is not possible without hearing. It's a sense worth protecting and enhancing. Diet can be a major contributor. Here are some nutrients that can help improve your hearing.
Magnesium
Magnesium, especially when combined with Vitamins A, C, and E has been shown to help protect the ears from high volume levels. Researchers believe that magnesium forms a protective coating to the hairs of the inner ear when exposed to loud noise. A magnesium deficiency can cause oxygen deprivation in the inner ear by shrinking blood vessels. Artichokes, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and bananas contain significant amounts of magnesium.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Well-known as an anti-inflammatory, omega-3s can also help prevent hearing loss. Research has discovered that this nutrient may lower the risk of hearing loss by as much as 40 percent. The positive impact of omega-3s on brain function also helps by improving the effectiveness of the brain and ears transmitting signals. Salmon, sardines, krill oil, and flaxseed oil are excellent sources of omega-3s.
Potassium
The inner ear contains fluids that are important to hearing as well as balance. These fluid levels tend to decrease when you age, which can contribute to hearing loss. Potassium helps to regulate the fluids, preventing low levels and reducing hearing loss risk. Bananas, melons, oranges, and tomatoes are fruits high in potassium. Vegetables rich in this mineral are potatoes, spinach and lima beans. For dairy, low-fat milk and yogurt contain potassium.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that boosts the immune system and stimulates cell growth. It helps heal wounds and can be a factor in preventing ear disease that could cause hearing loss. Beef, pork, and dark meat chicken contain plenty of zinc, as do nuts, oysters, and dark chocolate.
Folic Acid
Like zinc, folic acid promotes cell growth as well as helping to improve circulation. This can help keep the hairs of the inner ear healthy and prevent hearing loss. Good sources of folic acid are spinach, asparagus, and broccoli.
Your senses allow you to interact with your environment. They all play an important role in day-to-day living. Don't neglect your hearing. By getting sufficient amounts of these nutrients, you can stave off hearing loss as you age.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Rosa, Calif.