Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance. Meniere's is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, and it might be caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear. Other factors that might cause Meniere's include middle-ear infection, head injury, syphilis and use of medications such as aspirin. Meniere's is an incurable condition, but symptoms can be controlled by medication and diet.
Meniere's and B-vitamins
Patients with Meniere's have neurological problems that affect hearing, balance and eye movement, and should eat a balanced diet rich in B-vitamins, which are important in maintaining normal brain and neurological functions. Deficiency in B-vitamins might cause permanent nerve damage.
Sources of B-vitamins
Natural sources of B-vitamins include foods such as whole grain breads and cereals, milk, dairy products, meat, poultry, eggs, fish, beans, peas, lentils, brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, liver, kidney and other organ meats, bananas, chili peppers, potatoes, bran, millet, oatmeal, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli and collard greens.
Symptoms of Meniere's Disease
Patients with Meniere's disease experience symptoms such as severe dizziness, vertigo or feeling as though they are spinning or the world is spinning around them, pressure in the ear, nausea, vomiting, sweating, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, headaches, uncontrollable eye movements, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. Meniere's might cause permanent hearing loss.
Meniere's Treatment
Meniere's is treated using diuretics, which are drugs that help remove excess fluids from the body. The doctor might also advise patients to eat a low-sodium diet. Sodium is an element important for control of blood volume and blood pressure. High levels of sodium increase fluid retention, which might cause fluid buildup in the inner ears and worsen symptoms of Meniere's. Examples of low-sodium foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats. High-sodium foods such as bacon, sausages, salami, bologna and ham should be avoided.
