Have you ever thought of starting with nutrition? Eating a diet rich in high quality veggies and fruit with proper supplementation can prevent, reverse, or reduce tinnitus.
Some hearing lose, such as tinnius, has been linked to oxidative stress. Oxygen is vital to living, but is also a double-edged sword. While oxygen is necessary to sustain life, too much oxygen in the body’s cells can lead to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) molecules. Untold damage is caused to the body by ROS, which we normally refer to as “free radicals”. These dangerous molecules are one of the leading causes of age related disease, being directly responsible for over 100 human diseases including many types of cancer.
By producing oxidative damage in DNA, free radicals produce mutations that, over time, can lead to hearing loss. Oxidative damage begins at birth and is a cumulative risk factor for aging and disease. Stress, infections, inflammation and exposure to pollutants and sunlight all produce free radicals.
Supplements To Help Fight Tinnitus
Cellgevity™ is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement, designed to significantly increase glutathione production in every cell of the body.
Cellgevity is ideal for supporting lung function, reducing inflammation, detoxifying the liver, strengthening the immune system, boosting energy levels and for improving overall health.
All Natural Ingredients
Cellgevity contains a specially formulated blend of powerful natural ingredients:- RiboCeine™ is a unique combination of ribose and cysteine that enables the cells to increase intracellular production of glutathione and ATP (energy).
- Selenium assists with the production of glutathione
- Curcumin (derived from the purest grade of turmeric) has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to modulate the CFTR defect. Read more about curcumin.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that supports the formation of glutathione
- Milk Thistle (silymarin) supports a healthy liver by removing harmful toxins
- Broccoli seed extract (sulforaphane) is a phytochemical that stimulates the cells to protect themselves against disease
- Grape seed extract contains polyphenols to help reduce inflammation
- Resveratrol (found in the skin of grapes) is often called the "longevity molecule" because of its beneficial cardiovascular effects, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.
- Quercetin is a supporting flavonoid compound that scavenges free radicals in the body
- Bioperine stimulates the digestion and enhance absorption of nutrients
- Aloe extract supports a healthy immune system
- Vitamin C is involved in the production and recycling of glutathione
- Cordiceps (derived from wild mushroom) has been highly valued in Chinese medicine for centuries for its activity in restoring energy, increasing stamina, promoting longevity and improving quality of life.
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Eating To Fight Tinnitus
(from http://www.tinnitusformula.com/libraryd-tinnitus/diet-an/)Have you ever noticed that some days your tinnitus seems to worsen for no reason? Did you pause to think about what you ate recently? I have learned when I have a salty meal my tinnitus gets worse for several hours. The next day it will improve, providing I haven’t taken more excess salt.
Maintaining a very good diet is critical in the management and lowering of tinnitus sounds. Many foods affect tinnitus, both positively and negatively, and it is important to understand which foods to avoid and which ones to consume. In past articles we have discussed various aspects of diet and tinnitus but have not put it all together in one article, which is what I intend to do here.
Michael Seidman, MD is one of the foremost tinnitus specialists in the US and endorses the use of antioxidant rich diet for managing tinnitus. Dr. Seidman has known for years that it is imperative that people who suffer from tinnitus consume a very good diet. He has always stressed the need to reduce or eliminate their use of salt, simple sugars, saturated and trans-fats, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. I realize that for many of us that this is easier said than done.
I will go a step further and say that people who suffer from tinnitus should reduce or eliminate consumption of fast foods and pre-packaged or processed foods. This is due to the addition of large amounts of salt, saturated fats, flavor enhancers and other chemicals meant to prolong shelf-life or enhance the flavor and appearance of the products. These chemicals are not food and have many undesirable side-effects. For the most part they will negatively affect tinnitus and make it louder.
So how do we change our diet to a healthier regimen? One bite at a time. Becoming aware of what you eat is the first step to making better choices. The following are not absolute dietary rules but guidelines to understanding how diet affects tinnitus. No one, least of all me, consumes a perfectly healthy diet. However, being aware of these guidelines and incorporating them into our diet will improve overall health and reduce tinnitus.
Generally speaking, anything that improves health also improves tinnitus. People with high blood pressure will improve after the pressure is lowered, people with high cholesterol will have improvement when it comes under control. Very typically, people who are overweight will have improvement after the extra pounds are shed.
Salt
Salt has an immediate effect on tinnitus and always makes it worse. Excess salt restricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow into the ears, eyes and brain. Increased blood pressure is directly linked to increased tinnitus. I speak with many people who are beset with serious tinnitus but don’t make the connection between blood pressure and tinnitus loudness. Many of these people will chow down on chips and other salty snacks, at the same time bemoaning the ringing in their ears. When salt intake is reduced, many of these same people report a lessening of tinnitus sounds.
There are high levels of salt in most processed and pre-packaged foods. A can of soup contains more sodium than the recommended daily allowance for an adult person. This is a primary reason to be very careful of these products.
Sugar
Sugar metabolism has an important role to play in the proper functioning of the auditory system. The brain and auditory system have no inherent food supply. They are completely dependent on the regular delivery of oxygen and glucose (sugar) from the blood supply. When this supply of nutrients is disturbed or interrupted, imbalance and damage can occur.
Studies have shown that 84% to 92% of people with tinnitus have a sugar metabolism disorder known as hyperinsulinemia. This is characterized by increased levels of insulin in the bloodstream. In and of itself, this is not a dangerous condition. However, it is the first step in the long slippery path to Type II Diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia occurs because the body becomes insensitive to insulin and ineffective in delivering sugar to the cells, where it is needed. Therefore the pancreas produces more and more insulin in order to process blood sugar.
Researchers at the Federal University in Brazil conducted a clinical study by treating tinnitus patients with a diet suitable for diabetics. For a period of two years they were instructed to eat every three hours to prevent hypoglycemia; to avoid refined sugar and simple carbohydrates; to restrict their intake of fatty foods, especially saturated or hydrogenated fats; to take no more than 2 cups of coffee per day, limit intake of alcoholic beverages and drink four to six glasses of water per day. At the end of the study, 76% of the participants who observed the diet had improvement ranging from moderate to complete resolution of their tinnitus.
An article with a complete discussion of this study is at How Sugar Metabolism Affects Tinnitus.
Sugar Substitutes
So, refined sugar and simple carbohydrates are something that should be avoided by people with tinnitus. The bad news is that many sugar substitutes are worse than sugar itself. One of the worst is Aspartame, which is used in many diet colas and other diet foods. It is sold under the trade names NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful and Indulge.
Aspartame,
along with Glutamate, is an excitatory neuro-transmitter in the brain.
It causes neurons to fire repeatedly until they become depleted and die.
This causes untold damage to the nervous system and can lead to
neuro-degenerative conditions including tinnitus. The complete story is
at Neurotoxins and Tinnitus – Part 1.Furthermore, Aspartame does not seem to lead to weight loss. Instead, it creates a craving for sweets and carbohydrates which more than makes up for the sugar that is not consumed. When people stop drinking diet sodas, they typically lose weight.
Natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe and nutritious. Natural, unrefined sugars take longer to digest and do not provide a sugar rush to the bloodstream that triggers excess insulin production. Stevia and Xylitol are two natural sweeteners that are low on the glycemic index and are safe for diabetics. They can generally be found in health food stores.
Flavor Enhancers
Most processed, pre-packaged foods contain flavor enhancers that make the food taste better. The primary flavor enhancer used by the food industry is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). MSG breaks down to Glutamate in the body. Glutamate, like Aspartame, is an excitatory neuro-transmitter that triggers neurons to fire until they become depleted and die. In fact, for many of us, Glutamate is the primary villain causing our tinnitus.
When hearing hair cells in the cochlea are damaged, by noise exposure, ototoxic medications, infection or many other causes, they release excess amounts of Glutamate. This Glutamate floods the neuro-receptors in the auditory pathway and excites them to the point where they fire continuously. During the course of neuron death, tremendous amounts of free radicals are released which continue the damage to the neurons. This type of tinnitus known as Cochlear-Synaptic Tinnitus is the exact condition experienced by those of us with hearing loss and tinnitus.
The
manufacturers of MSG have a long and checkered past with the United
States Food and Drug Administration. MSG has long been liberally used in
Chinese food. During the 1960’s there was an outbreak of sickness from
people eating in Chinese restaurants. There was actually quite a bit of
publicity about “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” which was characterized by
sudden onset of headache, heartburn, palpitations, sweating, swelling,
and flushing of the face. MSG was getting a bad reputation and people
were staying away from it.However, through a loophole in FDA labeling laws, MSG only has to be listed on a label if it is added in its free form. If it is combined with other additives it does not have to be listed. Now there are about 20 widely used food additives that contain MSG but don’t list it on the label. These additives include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable or plant protein, natural flavoring, spices and many others. The complete story on MSG and food additives that incorporate it can be seen at Neurotoxins and Tinnitus – Part 2.
Fats
Saturated and trans-fats have multiple negative effects on the body and tinnitus. Saturated fats are not recommended for those with diabetes or hyperinsulinemia. They also increase bad cholesterol (LDL), decrease good cholesterol (HDL), increase triglycerides and lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is not only a risk factor in heart disease and stroke but also significantly reduces blood flow. People with tinnitus need to increase blood flow to the inner ear to remove toxins and maintain healthy cells. Tinnitus, in fact, can be caused by nothing more than decreased blood flow to the inner ear.
Unsaturated
fats from vegetables, nuts and fish are very healthful. These fats are
necessary for life; they lower undesirable cholesterol levels, lower
blood pressure, reduce inflammation and are energy sources for the
brain. Cooking oils such as olive oil are widely used in the
Mediterranean area, noted for its low incidence of heart disease.Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. They act as anti-depressants and are helpful for regulating mood. They increase insulin sensitivity and are helpful for people with diabetes and hyperinsulinemia. The list of health benefits of fish oil is very long. The complete story can be seen at Inflammation, Omega-3’s and Tinnitus.
Mediterranean DietThe best diet to consume, for all people as well as those of us with tinnitus, consists of whole, freshly prepared foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. This diet is laid out nicely in what has popularly become known as the “Mediterranean Diet”. This diet recommends daily physical exercise. It employs plenty of whole grained bread or pasta, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, cheese and yogurt on a daily basis. Several times a week fish, poultry eggs and sweets and several times a month red meat is consumed. It also allows for wine in moderation.
A healthy diet is not difficult; in fact, it is very simple. A general rule of thumb is the closer to its original state the food is when consumed, the better it is for us. Conversely, the more processed and changed to food is, the more we must exercise caution and restraint. The best part of this is that fresh food tastes much better than processed food.
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Supporting and Related Information On Antioxidants and Tinnitus
Targeted Nutritional Therapies
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that have the ability to neutralize damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since ROS are involved in the development and progression of tinnitus and hearing loss, antioxidants represent a promising therapeutic strategy (Sergi 2004; Savastano 2007; Joachims 2003).
N-acetyl cysteine. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has been used for years to treat acetaminophen overdose and break up mucus; it also increases the production of glutathione, one of the most prevalent antioxidants in the body (Kopke 2007). NAC has been studied as a potential therapeutic agent to protect hair cells from damage due to excessive noise as well. A 2011 study on military recruits found that NAC was able to protect the cochlea from damage due to noise from firing a gun in an enclosed space (Lindblad 2011). Animal studies have also found that NAC has a protective effect against continuous loud noises (Lorito 2006; Bielefeld 2007) as well as impulse noise (Kopke 2005). Another animal study showed that NAC may reduce noise-induced hearing loss even when administered after exposure to dangerous levels of noise (Coleman 2007). NAC has generated interest in the field of hearing loss because it is safe for human consumption and has already been approved for some uses in humans (e.g., treatment of acetaminophen toxicity) (Kopke 2007).
Acetyl-L-carnitine. Mitochondria are the energy powerplants of the cell. They are also the site of ROS production, especially when the cell is under stress. In cochlear hair cells, mutations in mitochondrial DNA and declining function of the mitochondria have been found to cause age-induced hearing loss (Yamasoba 2007). As a result, compounds that help maintain mitochondrial health, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, may help protect cells from damage. Animal studies have found that acetyl-L-carnitine is able to protect the cochlea from both continuous and impulse noise damage as well as prevent loss of hair cells (Kopke 2002; Kopke 2005). Acetyl-L-carnitine was also found to reduce mutations in mitochondrial DNA, suggesting that it could prevent not only noise-induced hearing loss, but also age-related hearing loss (Seidman 2000). Much like NAC, acetyl-L-carnitine appears to be effective even when administered after exposure to loud noise(s) (Coleman 2007; Du 2012). In one animal study, acetyl-L-carnitine was shown to protect against ototoxicity induced by the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin (Gunes 2011).
Lipoic acid. Lipoic acid has been found to reduce age-related hearing loss (Seidman 2000). Preliminary animal studies have also found that lipoic acid can help protect against noise-induced hearing loss and preserve inner-ear mitochondrial function (Diao 2003; Peng 2010). This may be partly due to the effect it has on glutathione (i.e., a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body). Studies have found increasing glutathione levels help protect the cochlea from damage due to loud noises (Le Prell 2007). In one laboratory study, lipoic acid was shown to increase glutathione levels in nerve cells, protecting them from damage (Jia 2008). Lipoic acid may also be able to counteract the action of toxins (e.g., carbon monoxide) that aggravate the effects of noise and make normally safe levels of volume harmful to the ear (Pouyatos 2008). In a clinical trial among 46 elderly subjects with hearing loss, 8 weeks of treatment with lipoic acid (60 mg/day) combined with two other free radical scavengers (vitamin C [600 mg/day] and rebamipide [300 mg/day]) significantly improved hearing at all frequencies tested (Takumida 2009).
Vitamins. Dietary supplementation with vitamins that have antioxidant capabilities can help protect the hair cells of the cochlea. One animal study showed that a 35-day pretreatment regimen of vitamin C may be able to protect against noise-induced hearing loss (McFadden 2005). Similarly, supplementing animals with certain forms of vitamins A and E have shown significant protective effects (Hou 2003; Ahn 2005). The length of time vitamins need to be taken prior to noise exposure may vary depending on the vitamin. For example, vitamin E appears to be effective with three days of pretreatment, vitamin A may only require two days to be effective, and Vitamin C may require a longer pretreatment period. In addition, taking vitamins in combination may be more effective than any one of them alone (Le Prell 2007). For example, a combination of B-vitamins, vitamins C & E, and L-carnitine protected rodents from cisplatin ototoxicity (Tokgoz 2012).
Folate and Vitamin B12. Folate and vitamin B12 are important for the functioning of many cells in the body, including nerve cells. They also help reduce levels of homocysteine, a potentially toxic compound found in the body. Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to an increased risk of hearing problems (Gok 2004; Gopinath 2010). Vitamin B12 injections (1 mg for 7 days followed by 5 mg on day 8) protected against noise-induced hearing loss in healthy volunteers aged 20 to 30 years (Quaranta 2004). Researchers have found that patients with low levels of folate in their blood are more likely to develop hearing loss (Gok 2004; Lasisi 2010; Gopinath 2010), and that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with hearing loss (Gok 2004) and tinnitus (Shemesh 1993).
Magnesium. Because loud noise impairs blood flow to the cochlea, researchers have also examined compounds that could help improve circulation to the hair cells and prevent their death. Magnesium is known to help expand blood vessels and improve circulation; it also helps control the release of glutamate, one of the major contributors to noise-induced hearing loss (Le Prell 2011). Animal studies have found that magnesium deficiency increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (Sendowski 2006b; Scheibe 2002). A combination of magnesium and other antioxidants may synergistically prevent hearing loss, potentially because magnesium’s ability to increase blood flow also helps transport the protective antioxidants (Le Prell 2011). Other animal studies have determined that magnesium can protect against impulse noise damage (Sendowski 2006a; Haupt 2003). Magnesium’s benefits have been demonstrated in human trials as well; magnesium supplementation (122 mg daily for ten days) reduced noise-induced hearing loss in men aged 16-37 years (Attias 2004). Studies have also found that both intravenous magnesium and oral magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for other types of hearing loss, such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (Gordin 2002; Coates 2010).
Melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone critical for healthy sleep (Wurtman 2012), has powerful antioxidant properties. Animal studies have found that it is effective at preventing hearing damage after exposure to loud noises (Karlidag 2002; Bas 2009). It is also effective at treating other types of hearing loss caused by ROS, such as due to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin (Lopez-Gonzalez 2000). Researchers have discussed the potential for melatonin to act as a protectant against age-related hearing loss (Martinez 2009). For example, it was noted in a study that low plasma levels of melatonin were associated with significant high-frequency hearing loss among elderly subjects (Lasisi 2011).
Additionally, melatonin has been tested as a treatment for tinnitus, both in combination with the medication sulpiride (an atypical antipsychotic) and on its own. On its own, melatonin provides relief from tinnitus, especially in people with significant sleep problems (Rosenberg 1998; Megwalu 2006; Reiter 2011).When combined with sulpiride, melatonin reduces the perception of tinnitus by diminishing the activity of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. In one study, sulpiride alone relieved tinnitus in 56% of subjects while melatonin alone reduced tinnitus in 40%. However, when used together, 81% of subjects reported relief from their tinnitus symptoms (Lopez-Gonzalez 2007).
Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo biloba, a commonly used herbal supplement, has attracted interest as a means of protecting against hearing loss as well as a treatment for tinnitus. Early animal studies found that when a standardized preparation of Ginkgo biloba extract was given as a supplement to animals, it reduced behavioral manifestations of tinnitus (Jastreboff 1997). This extract, at a dose of 160 mg daily over a 12 week period, was also effective at reducing symptoms in humans (Morgenstern 2002). However, other studies have found negligible or no effect (Hilton 2010; Canis 2011); therefore, more research is needed in this area. Ginkgo biloba may also be effective at preventing hearing loss that causes tinnitus; an animal study found that a Gingko biloba extract was able to reduce drug-induced oxidative damage to hair cells in the cochlea (Yang 2011).
Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) supports mitochondrial function and has significant antioxidant properties (Quinzii 2010). Animal studies have found that supplementation with CoQ10 reduced noise-induced hearing loss and the death of hair cells (Hirose 2008; Fetoni 2009, 2012). Human studies have also yielded promising results, as 160-600 mg of CoQ10 daily was found to reduce hearing loss in people with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and presbycusis (Ahn 2010; Salami 2010; Guastini 2011). Also, a small preliminary trial found that CoQ10 supplementation alleviated tinnitus in those whose CoQ10 blood levels were initially low (Khan 2007). Another small trial found CoQ10 may slow progression of hearing loss associated with a mitochondrial genetic mutation (Angeli 2005).
Zinc. Zinc, a mineral involved in many physiological processes (including nervous system function), has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Frederickson 2000; Prasad 2008). Evidence suggests that inadequate zinc intake may be associated with impaired hearing (Kang 2012). Researchers have found that zinc supplementation may be helpful in treating some forms of hearing loss (Yang 2010). In addition, low levels of zinc correlate with perceived loudness of tinnitus in afflicted individuals (Arda 2003).
Omega-3 fatty acids. Long-chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, long recognized as important for health, may also affect hearing loss; a preliminary study found that participants with the highest blood levels of these beneficial fats suffered the least amount of hearing loss over time (Dullemeijer 2010). In another study, greater fish or fish oil consumption was associated with less hearing loss among nearly 3,000 subjects over 50 years of age. The authors remarked that “dietary intervention with n-3 PUFAs could prevent or delay the development of age-related hearing loss” (Gopinath 2010).
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