Nutrition Tips for Better Hearing: Local Foods to Consider
Good Hearing and Nutrition
General good health practices, with a focus on diet, are a proactive opportunity to avoid hearing loss. New research suggests links between hearing health and a commonsense diet. For example, eating whole grains, eating more vegetables, and eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids guard against hearing loss.
Understanding Hearing Health
Auditory patients need to understand the basics of hearing health. Hearing loss affects millions globally and domestically, and early signs of hearing loss are ignored or often misunderstood.
Most commonly, hearing loss is age-related. However, loud noises over the years can also cause damage. Managing hearing loss slows continuing damage; an improved diet has only positive results.
Healthy Hearing Diet – Dallas-Fort Worth
Buying local foods in the Dallas Fort Worth area, especially from local farmers' markets, can play an important role in improving hearing loss. By supporting local agriculture, you can boost your hearing health and contribute to the community's economy and sustainability.
Local produce is often fresher and more nutrient-rich, providing you with essential vitamins and minerals that support your ear health.
Leafy Greens: Start with low-calorie fresh collard greens, spinach, and kale. Parboiled or served as a salad, these greens provide nutrition that improves overall health and is high in folate, the B vitamin associated with good hearing.
Berries: In season, strawberries and blueberries offer many indulgent opportunities. Think smoothies or adding them to an omelet. These berries are high in antioxidants, which battle inflammation that can adversely affect hearing health.
Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and tuna are readily available. These choices are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which fights inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and supports circulation protecting the inner ear.
Whole Grains: Brown rice and quinoa are ideal whole grains, and whole wheat bread is a good choice. These contain complex carbohydrates essential for nourishing blood flow to the ears.
Healthy Meal Ideas – Three Strategies
- Experiment with omelets using vegetables and berries. Preheat your diced vegetables, such as onion, avocado, salsa, mushroom, or any fresh vegetable. Pour mixed eggs into a lightly oiled pan on low. Once the eggs firm, gently add vegetables and some shredded cheese. Gently roll the egg over the fillings and finish heating.
- Salad is a great meal alone when combined with proteins. On a base of a lettuce mix, add diced and sliced vegetables. Proteins can be meat, boiled eggs, or nuts in sparing amounts. Homemade dressings are explained online.
- A fresh salmon or tuna filet brazed and marinated is a great meal any time with a good amount of omega-3 fats. Try a side salad and serve a glass of red wine (an antioxidant heart-healthy boost).
Lifestyle Tips for Hearing Health
Diet is a starting point for protecting hearing health, not a complete strategy. Routine exercise improves blood flow, including in the inner ear. Exercise also bolsters good health, improves mood, and builds immunity.
Always avoid loud noises. Ear plugs are good when using power equipment or around construction sites.
Visit a Beltone Dallas-Fort Worth Hearing Center
Protecting your hearing health requires consultation with auditory health professionals before a problem worsens. Beltone Dallas-Fort Worth leads the region with advanced technologies and committed caring audiologists. Beltone is a long-established hearing device and technology company.
If you are concerned or want assurance of healthy hearing, call or visit our several Beltone Dallas Fort Worth locations; take that first step to a lifetime connection to your world.
References
- National Institutes of Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8011460/ - Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dha-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9 - Cleavland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24425-lipids - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
https://www.asha.org/articles/the-role-of-nutrition-in-healthy-hearing/ - AARP
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2023/foods-vitamins-that-support-hearing-health.html - National Institute on Deafness
https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-deafness-other-communication-disorders-nidcd - Harvard Health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/search?content%5Bquery%5D=nutrition&content%5Btoggle%5D%5Barchived%5D=true - Cal Hearing
https://calhearing.com/
