Does What You Eat Affect Your Hearing?
Many people are concerned about how their eating habits affect their health. But there is another aspect of your health that you should be concerned about – your hearing.
Hearing loss is common in older adults, but can occur at any age. There are several factors that contribute to hearing loss. Some of the most common causes of hearing loss include:
- Age
- Gender
- Heredity
- Other medical conditions
- Presbycusis
As we age, the inner ear deteriorates. This causes us to lose our hearing. There are also certain lifestyle factors that contribute to hearing loss. These include:
- Unhealthy diet
- Overexposure to loud sounds
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Occupational noise exposure
These are just a few of the many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. But there are also certain foods that you should try to avoid.
- Avoid Foods That Are High In Oxidants
The human body is a closed system. As we age, our bodies accumulate free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause oxidation.
Oxidation occurs when a molecule loses an electron. When this happens, it becomes an oxidant. Foods that contain antioxidants are less likely to cause oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are found in a wide variety of foods. The best sources of antioxidants are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Carotenoids
- Vitamin D
Foods rich in antioxidants include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Avocados
- Berries
- Green tea
- Olive oil
- Fish
- Herbs
- Coffee
Conclusion:
The most important thing to remember is that eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss consult your local hearing care specialist to schedule an appointment.