The percentage of antioxidants present in what people eat can have long-term consequences on protecting hearing. A recent study reported has shown that diets high in Vitamin E, C, Beta Carotene, and Magnesium can not only reduce the effects of loud sounds when taken before and after exposure to loud noise, but can help reduce hearing loss long term.
For years people have known that high sugar and fat diets can adversely affect hearing. It turns out that it’s not just about what we take in that can be detrimental to our hearing health, it’s also about what we leave out.
Folic acid is a B vitamin complex that helps make healthy new red blood cells. Lack of folic acid can negatively affect homocysteine levels which can slow down blood flow. Good blood flow is essential in bringing nutrients to the small capillaries of the ears, thus folic acid’s crucial role in hearing health. Folic acid can be found in a good multivitamin.
So where can you find foods rich in antioxidants?
Rich leafy greens—like Spinach and bell peppers, avocado, cabbage, fennel, collard greens, romaine lettuce, turnips, cauliflower, cucumber, and squash.
Minimally processed fruits and fresh squeezed juices like orange, grapefruit, papaya, and tomato all contain folic acid.
Seeds, like sunflower, and many different types of beans like kidney beans, black eyed peas, black beans, navy beans, and chickpeas.
If you’d like to learn more, see your hearing health provider. If you need help finding a hearing health provider Hospital click HERE to be connected with the largest network of trusted hearing health professionals.