What Foods Shouldn't You Eat If You Have Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of abnormal hearing, as defined by "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment." Intermittent periods of mild, high-pitched tinnitus lasting seconds to minutes are common in normal-hearing persons, but if persistent, tinnitus can interfere with sleep and concentration, causing psychological distress. The most important treatment of tinnitus is avoiding excessive noise, but conditions such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis may aggravate tinnitus, so you may wish to avoid foods that contribute to these conditions. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new diet or treatment.

Salty Foods

High blood pressure may make tinnitus more noticeable, according to the MayoClinic website. Foods high in sodium can increase blood pressure in some people. If you have high blood pressure, limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg/day, and avoid adding salt to food, according to the FamilyDoctor website. Foods high in sodium include potato chips, bread, cheese, soups and canned vegetables.

Trans Fats

Atherosclerosis, or loss of blood vessel elasticity due to the buildup of cholesterol and other deposits, cause blood flow to become more forceful. Such turbulence may manifest in both ears, called bilateral tinnitus, in which you can actually hear your pulse. Foods that contain trans fats both raise your "bad" cholesterol and lower your "good" cholesterol and may contribute to atherosclerosis. Foods high in trans fats include commercial baked goods, fried foods, shortening and margarine.

Caffeine

The effects of caffeine on blood pressure may aggravate tinnitus, according to MayoClinic. In fact, a few cups of coffee creates a short spike in blood pressure, according to Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic. Caffeine is present in many products other than coffee, including soft drinks, teas, energy drinks, chocolate and medications such as Excedrin, so be sure to read labels.