Vitamins for Tinnitus Relief
Tinnitus is a persistent ringing, buzzing or roaring in the ears. With tinnitus, Latin for "tinkling like a bell," noise levels can reach as high as 70 decibels, sounding more like the motor of a vacuum cleaner. Common causes of the condition include head injury, high blood pressure, ear infections, aging and prolonged exposure to loud environmental noise. While most physicians use traditional treatment methods, diet and vitamins may offer tinnitus relief.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B12 has long been known to insulate and protect nerves. A deficiency of this important vitamin can raise levels of the amino acid, homocysteine, which may lead to nervous system conditions, including memory loss, impaired reflexes, damage to touch and pain perception, noise-induced hearing impairment, and tinnitus. According to the book, "Prevention's Healing With Vitamins," research completed by Tel Aviv University found that 36 to 47 percent of patients with chronic tinnitus suffered from B12 deficiency. When these same patients ingested 1,000 micrograms weekly of the vitamin, 54 percent reported improvements in their condition. The study also discovered that long-term exposure to noise may deplete vitamin B12 levels, multiplying the risk of tinnitus. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include clams, ham, salmon and tuna.
Magnesium
Low levels of magnesium, in conjunction with prolonged exposure to high levels of noise, can deplete the energy stores in nerve cells of the cochlea, the spiral tube forming part of the inner ear. This can lead to damage to the inner-ear cells. In addition, magnesium deficiency can cause the tiny arteries leading to the inner ears to constrict, which may play a role in developing tinnitus. Everyone, especially those who live or work in a noise-filled environment, can benefit from a daily intake of 400 mg of magnesium. Brown rice, avocados, spinach, oatmeal, baked potatoes, navy beans, lima beans, broccoli, yogurt and bananas are good food sources.
Vitamin A
High concentrations of vitamin A are found in the cochlea. Low levels of the vitamin may contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus. Although not yet scientifically proven, vitamin A supplements may offer partial relief to patients with tinnitus. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrot juice, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and tuna.
Zinc
Because high concentrations of zinc are found in the inner ear, some doctors believe that zinc deficiency may contribute to tinnitus. Dr. George E. Shambaugh Jr. of the Northwestern University Medical School in Illinois noted in "Prevention's Healing With Vitamins" that 25 percent of patients with chronic, severe tinnitus are zinc-deficient. The recommended daily dose for zinc is 15 milligrams. Food sources include cooked oysters, beef, lamb, eggs, whole grains, nuts and yogurt.
More Vitamins
Since tinnitus is associated with poor blood flow to the ears, antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, may be beneficial. Not only do they help to prevent damage to cell membranes, but they also aid in keeping arteries open and free of plaque buildup. A regimen of 400 international units of vitamin E daily, 250 milligrams of vitamin C twice a day and 50,000 international units of beta-carotene twice daily is the recommendation for those suffering with tinnitus.
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