Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition affecting the inner ear, with symptoms including episodic vertigo, or a spinning sensation; progressive hearing loss in the affected ear; tinnitus, which in Meniere’s is a low-pitch buzzing or humming in the ear; and a feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear. The cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, so treatment focuses on alleviation of symptoms through diet and lifestyle.
Low-Salt Intake
Reducing salt, or sodium, intake is a core component of Meniere’s disease treatment, according to a review of research by Drs. Simon Greenberg and Julian Nedzelski in the October 2010 issue of “Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America.” The symptoms of Meniere’s disease are believed to occur from fluid accumulation and ion imbalance in the inner ear. Some people with Meniere’s disease report an increase of symptoms after eating a high quantity of salt. A low-salt diet is recommended to help reduce the amount of fluid in the inner ear.
Low-Caffeine Intake
Limited caffeine intake often is a part of treatment. Caffeine is believed to cause sizable shifts of fluid in the inner ear, according to a review of research by Dr. Steven Rauch in the October 2010 issue of “Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America.” Some people experience louder tinnitus after consuming caffeinated items, such as coffee, tea, soda and chocolate. According to a study by Drs. Jennifer Derebery and Karen Berliner in the July 2000 issue of “Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, “ about 28 percent of people reported increased symptoms after consuming caffeine. Limiting intake of caffeine might help to reduce symptoms, and some people might need to eliminate caffeine to help decrease symptoms.
Low-Alcohol Intake
Alcohol restriction is usually suggested in Meniere’s disease treatment because, like caffeine, alcohol is thought to move large amounts of fluid in the inner ear, according to the article by Dr. Rauch. According to the study by Derebery and Berliner, about 18 percent of people reported that alcohol triggered their symptoms, so reducing or abstaining from alcohol might help reduce symptoms.
Avoiding MSG
Avoiding monosodium glutamate, or MSG, often is recommended to help reduce symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Symptoms might become exacerbated after eating foods containing MSG, according to an article in the December 2008 issue of “The Laryngoscope.” MSG is a type of sodium and retains fluid in the inner ear. Some prepackaged foods and prepared restaurant meals, such as takeout Chinese food, contain MSG.
Food Allergies
About 40 percent of people with Meniere’s disease are suspected to have a food allergy, according to the study by Derebery and Berliner. Some of the foods identified by people as triggering symptoms include dairy products, yeast, and sugar and sweets. Maintaining a log of eaten food and symptoms might help determine any food allergies that might be contributing to symptoms, and avoidance of such identified foods is recommended to reduce symptoms.
References
- “The Laryngoscope”; Medical Management of Meniere’s Disease; Daniel Coelho, M.D. and Anil Lalwani, M.D.; December 2008.
- “Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America”; Clinical Hints and Precipitating Factors in Patients Suffering from Meniere’s Disease; Steven Rauch, M.D.; October 2010.
- “Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America”; Medical and Noninvasive Therapy for Meniere’s Disease; Simon Greenberg, M.B. B.S., and Julian Nedzelski, M.D.; October 2010.
- “Otolaryngolgy and Head and Neck Surgery”; Prevalence of Allergy in Meniere’s Disease; M. Jennifer Derebery, M.D. and Karen Berliner, Ph.D.; July 2000.
