Vitamins and minerals are widely known for their general health and wellness benefits. However, very few people know that the benefits of vitamins and supplements extend to eyes and ear health. From vitamins A, C, D, and E to potassium and magnesium, these essential compounds pack a punch.
While these nutrients improve ear health and reduce the risks of hearing loss, they don’t prevent hearing loss. If you have started experiencing hearing loss, it is best to consult hearing healthcare professionals from HearCanada. The following vitamins and supplements are also beneficial to your ear health:
1. Folate or Folic Acid
Studies have shown that low levels of folic acid increase the incidence of hearing loss. Conversely, steady folate supplementation reduces the rate of hearing loss. Folate improves ear health in many ways, such as activating and stimulating the metabolism of homocysteine in the body.
Homocysteine reduces or significantly impairs blood flow into the inner ear and other body parts. Increased metabolism of this amino acid significantly prevents the development of sensorineural hearing loss.
Folic acid is also a potent antioxidant that fights toxic free radicals in the body. Large amounts of free radicals in the body hinder blood flow into the inner ear. They also damage the ear’s fragile sensory cells that facilitate healthy hearing. Unfortunately, these cells cannot heal once damaged.
2. Vitamin A, C, and Magnesium
A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and magnesium also reduces the risks of hearing loss. These vitamins and minerals protect the inner ear from free radical damage. Vitamin A, C, and E have strong antioxidant properties, which prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the body. Studies have also shown that vitamin A, C, and E supplementation can prevent hearing loss caused by loud noise.
Additionally, magnesium is an excellent supplement for anyone with tinnitus. Magnesium can reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms by maintaining relaxed blood vessels, reducing the onset of severe symptoms, and improving blood flow into the ear.
3. Potassium
Potassium is essential for overall health as it regulates the body’s fluid levels. In the ear, potassium has a role in converting sound into nerve impulses. The conversion of sound into these impulses enables the brain to perceive sound. However, potassium levels drop with advancing age, which explains the cause of age-related hearing loss. Supplementing potassium in the body maintains its balance, protecting hearing health even at old age.
4. Zinc
Zinc is widely known to improve the body’s immune system and promote cell growth and wound healing. However, lesser-known benefits of zinc in the body include fighting ear infections. Some studies have shown that zinc supplementation can effectively reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms. Common sources of zinc include peanuts, almonds, split peas, lentils, beef, oysters, and cashews.
Endnote
The use of vitamins and supplements for hearing loss is still a new concept. While these nutrients have tentative links to improving hearing health, audiologists can’t recommend using supplements to cure hearing loss. However, these vitamins are beneficial to general health and wellness, so you shouldn’t hesitate to include them in your diet.