The sun has arrived, and with it some of the best, freshest food of the year. From red, juicy tomatoes to tangy cherries and berries, the food you eat has a profound impact on your hearing and your health. Here’s how you can take advantage of the season’s delicious produce to give your ears the nutrients they need.
MUNCH ON MAGNESIUM:
Research has shown that this mineral can help protect our ears from damage caused by loud noises. This power punching mineral is found in tasty treats like whole grains, spinach, quinoa, almonds, dark chocolate and avocado.
UP YOUR POTASSIUM:
Potassium helps regulate the fluid in our blood and tissues. Potassium levels in our inner ear drop as we age, which can impact our ability to convert sound into nerve impulses that get sent to the brain. In addition to the infamous banana, white beans, sweet potatoes, beets, oranges and yogurt can help you up your potassium intake.
SLIP IN SOME ZINC:
This zany nutrient is best known for its immune-boosting power that helps us fight off colds. Zinc helps activate and produce T-cells, the body’s bacteria, and virus fighting cells. Fueling up on this micronutrient may recover and improve hearing for those experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Get your daily intake of Zinc in meat, fish, beans, nuts and seeds.
FEED YOURSELF FOLATES:
Folate helps the body metabolize homocysteine, an amino acid that can otherwise reduce and impair blood flow to the inner ear and cause hearing damage. Legumes, asparagus, eggs, leafy greens and beef liver are among the foods high in folate.
GET YOUR VITAMIN D:
This well-known vitamin is essential for bone health, including the trio of tiny, yet crucial bones in our middle ear. Without vitamin D, these bones can soften and weaken, which can impact hearing. In addition to spending time in the sun this summer, you can get this vitamin from eating fish, milk and eggs.