Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder, causing episodes of vertigo that may include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or loss of balance. Vertigo associated with Meniere's disease can be accompanied by hearing loss and tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear. While the cause of this condition is unknown, its symptoms are linked to fluid in your inner ear, advises the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Diet can affect fluid buildup.
Weight Loss
Though certain diets and eating habits are known to contribute to inner ear fluid, no indication exists that weight loss has any positive or negative effects on Meniere's disease. Neither the American Academy of Family Physicians nor the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers losing weight as a potential remedy for this inner ear disorder.
Eating Habits
Making changes is your eating habits, on the other hand, can reduce fluid retention and thereby lessen the amount of fluid in your inner ear, notes the Mayo Clinic website. Instead of eating three standard meals a day, try breaking up your caloric intake over five to six smaller meals throughout the day. Doing this can better regulate your bodily fluids. Once in balance, you may experience an improvement in those symptoms associated with Meniere's disease.
Sodium
Besides changing the frequency of your meals, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders recommends limiting your salt or sodium intake. Sodium tends to absorb water, causing you to retain fluids. Diets high in sodium can increase the amount of fluid you retain. Limit your sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg a day.
Other Dietary Influences
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you may better control symptoms associated with Meniere's disease by limiting your intake of both caffeine and alcohol. No set amount is recommended, so you may need to experiment with the intake of either substance to determine your personal threshold.
Recommendation
Before making any drastic changes to your diet, talk to a doctor. Your primary care physician may have other recommendations for treating the condition and controlling its symptoms.
Member Comments