The benefits of eating a well balanced diet have been long established: it can increase your energy levels, boost your immune system, and help every system of your body work correctly. Recently, a growing body of evidence has begun to suggest that vitamins and minerals can even help you hear well and avoid damage to the sensory cells of your ears. This article will review some of the minerals that may improve or maintain hearing levels.
What to Eat
If you are concerned about experiencing diminished hearing with age, keeping certain minerals in your diet may help. Some of the minerals to focus on include:
Magnesium – A recent study at the University of Michigan showed that guinea pigs that were given a mixture of magnesium and vitamins A, C, and E were less susceptible to hearing loss induced by exposure to loud noises. Magnesium is an alkaline metal that plays a vital role in the life of biological cells. Foods that are rich in magnesium include nuts, spinach, whole grains, rice, bananas, and soybeans.
Zinc – Zinc is an elemental metal that is very important for the health of all living plants and animals. Zinc deficiency is a common medical problem that can cause a weakened immune system, and may contribute to impaired auditory nerves. Research shows that eating a healthy amount of zinc can protect hearing levels and may even treat tinnitus. Zinc can be found in beans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, crab, chicken, and milk.
Iron – Similar to zinc and magnesium, iron is a metal that nearly all living organisms need to survive. Animal studies have shown that mammals with iron deficiencies may be more susceptible to hearing loss related to nerve damage. Nutritional sources of iron include red meat, soybeans, black-eyed peas, poultry, and other types of beans.
Copper – Copper plays several important roles in the body, assisting with the creation of important enzymes and helping anti-oxidants rid the body of free radicals. Copper deficiency can cause many health problems, including fatigue, malnutrition, and sores on the skin. Studies have shown that animals deficient in copper may also be more vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss and other hearing problems. Copper can be found in green olives, liver, avocados, seeds, lobster, and nuts.
Getting enough of the vitamins and minerals your body needs is a key part of maintaining good health. However, consuming too much of any mineral can also lead to serious health problems. Talk to your doctor about the balanced diet your body – and ears – need.
For more information about hearing health, contact a hearing aid specialist from HearingPlanet.
Article Source: Minerals that May Help Your Hearing
