Whether perusing the vitamin aisle at your local drugstore or browsing online, you will find a multitude of over-the-counter supplements boasting positive effects for ear health. Folic acid, vitamin C and omega-3 help safeguard ear health by fighting off free radicals that damage inner-ear cells.
A well-balanced diet filled with leafy greens, fatty fish and fruits is also beneficial for ear health. Mason Natural Advanced Ear Health contains a curated blend of nutrients clinically shown to promote hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the ear by deterring damage to cells, including those that make up the inner ear. It also prevents hearing loss from oxidative stress and reduces tinnitus symptoms.
Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is also important for ear health. It is essential for creating the protective myelin that surrounds nerves and makes communication between them work properly. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause tinnitus, and a diet rich in folic acid can relieve it.
Zinc, another nutrient that has been shown to benefit ear health, helps the body fight against infections and speed up recovery time. However, it is important to note that too much zinc can actually decrease hearing, so consuming foods that are high in this nutrient should be done cautiously.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, which is also known as vitamin B9, is essential for the development of the brain and spinal cord. It also helps to make red blood cells and work closely with vitamin B12 to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with heart disease.
It is recommended that adults get 400 mcg of folate per day from healthy foods. You can also find it in multivitamins, prenatal vitamins and dietary supplements.
Studies show that folic acid may reduce the risk of hearing loss in older adults. It has been found to slow the progression of hearing loss caused by high levels of homocysteine, which is a marker for heart disease.
Some people can experience side effects of folic acid, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, upset stomach, a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth and low vitamin B12. Talk to your doctor before you change your diet or begin taking folic acid supplements.
Omega 3
Research has shown that regular fish consumption and high intake of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with lower risk of age-related hearing loss. These healthy fats are found mainly in fish and also in supplements. They are best known for supporting cardiovascular, brain, eye and endocrine health, but may also help to prevent hearing loss by maintaining adequate vascular supply to the cochlea.
Another vitamin linked to ear health is Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties that help protect inner ear cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamins A, E and magnesium are also known for their support of healthy ear function.
Supplements should complement, not replace, a healthful lifestyle that includes good nutrition, adequate sleep and rest, stress management, physical activity, and other healthy habits. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement. Excessive use of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful, so always follow recommended dosages. One of the best supplement would be cortexi.
Diet
Many nutrients are essential to ear health, and diet plays a role in preventing ear infections. According to Curhan, a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower odds of hearing difficulties. The Mediterranean and DASH diets, which are known for their positive impact on blood circulation, can also indirectly support ear health.
Leafy green vegetables are rich in folate (vitamin B9), and fatty fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which protect auditory cells. Legumes such as chickpeas, beans and lentils are high in zinc, which protects against ear infections.
Including potassium-rich foods in the diet (potatoes, bananas and lima beans) can help regulate fluid in the inner ear, which is critical to hearing. Supplements of Ginkgo biloba, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc can improve ear health by improving blood flow. While supplements can boost ear health, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle should be the foundation of any hearing health regimen.