Meniere's disease is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear. Symptoms include episodes of vertigo, pressure or fullness in the ear, ringing in the ear, and progressive hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Meniere's disease is not curable at this time; however, you can manage the symptoms by diet.
Low Salt
Maintaining a low-salt diet is the most common medical approach to treating the symptoms of Meniere's disease. Doctors believe a buildup of fluid inside the inner ear causes the symptoms, according to an article in the October 2010 edition of "Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America." They believe reducing salt intake will decrease the amount of inner ear fluid. The recommended daily salt intake is 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams, or 1 to 2 grams, as reported by the article.
Anti-Migraine Foods
Meniere's disease often coexists with migraine, according to an article in the May 2003 issue of the "Archives of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery." In the book, "Heal Your Headache," Dr. David Buchholz states that migraine causes the symptoms of Meniere's. Dr. Buchholz identifies several dietary triggers of migraine and, therefore, Meniere's disease. Triggers include nuts, chocolate, caffeine, red wine and champagne, citrus fruits, processed meat, such as bacon and hot dogs, and monosodium glutamate, or MSG. Dr. Buchholz notes that avoiding dietary triggers helps to reduce the symptoms.
Avoiding Food Allergies and Sensitivities
About 40 percent of people with Meniere's disease seem to have a food allergy or sensitivity that may trigger symptoms, according to a study in the July 2000 edition of "Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery." These foods include yeast, milk, other dairy products and sugar. The Meniere's Foundation has also identified wheat, gluten and soy as possible triggers of Meniere's symptoms. Some people with Meniere's have reported a decrease in symptoms after eliminating or reducing gluten or wheat from their diets, according to the foundation. Keeping a food log helps to identify any foods that may trigger symptoms.
Limited Caffeine and Alcohol
Eliminating caffeine and alcohol or having limited quantities of these substances is another recommendation to reduce the symptoms of Meniere's disease. About 30 percent of people experience more symptoms after having caffeine. About 20 percent have increased symptoms after consuming alcohol, according to the "Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery" study. Researchers believe caffeine and alcohol shift the fluid in the inner ear, which causes Meniere's symptoms.
References
- "Archives of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery"; Meniere's Disease or Migraine?' Paul Boyev, M.D.; May 2003
- Meniere's Disease Foundation: Treatments and Information
- "Heal Your Headache"; David Buchholz, M.D.; 2002
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Meniere's Disease
- "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
- "Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery"; Prevalence of Allergy in Meniere's Disease; Jennifer Derebery, M.D., and Karen Berliner, Ph.D.; July 2000
