Tinnitus and diet
Examining the scientific basis into possible triggers.
Food
Many individuals with tinnitus believe that their dietary choices impact their symptoms and may adjust their diet accordingly. Here, we explore some common factors to help you determine what might be suitable for you. However, eliminating specific food and drink items from your diet to pinpoint a potential link can be challenging. This discussion also delves into the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Several individuals associate fluctuations in their tinnitus with consuming certain foods. However, there are just as many people who don’t notice any effect on their tinnitus from these same substances. While there’s some limited evidence suggesting that dietary factors might influence Ménière’s disease, particularly its dizziness symptoms rather than tinnitus itself, the connections remain uncertain and the research yields conflicting results for other types of tinnitus. Moreover, many of these associations indicate only a minor change in risk, suggesting that overall diet likely doesn’t play a significant role in tinnitus. Therefore, it’s advisable to maintain a balanced diet that promotes general health.
Elimination diets
While there’s no conclusive evidence of universal triggers, we acknowledge that some individuals observe a connection between certain foods and their tinnitus. Unfortunately, confirming such reactions isn’t straightforward. Similar to investigating other types of food intolerance, the only way to explore this is through a trial elimination diet. This process entails completely removing the suspected food type from your diet for 2-6 weeks and then reintroducing it to observe any effects on your tinnitus.
However, there are some drawbacks to this approach. Firstly, closely monitoring your tinnitus during the elimination and reintroduction phases may make it seem louder. Secondly, excluding food groups can pose risks and should be done under the guidance of your GP and/or a dietitian. Lastly, eliminating foods you previously enjoyed may add to the overall burden of tinnitus. We understand your desire to find ways to alleviate your tinnitus, and while our Tinnitus Support Team cannot provide medical advice, we are here to listen and support you as needed.
Our Mission
The dietary supplement industry is vast and attracts many individuals seeking relief from tinnitus. Research indicates that approximately a quarter of people with tinnitus resort to using dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies in hopes of alleviating their symptoms.
However, the majority of individuals with tinnitus do not find any significant evidence to support the efficacy of dietary supplements. While there is some limited evidence suggesting that individuals with vitamin or mineral deficiencies may experience benefits from correcting those deficiencies, there is no conclusive proof of benefits for those without deficiencies.
If you suspect that you may have a deficiency, it’s advisable to consult your GP. They can conduct simple tests to confirm or refute the presence of deficiencies and provide appropriate guidance based on the results.
Drinks
Alcohol, caffeine and the rest.
Caffeine
Individuals with tinnitus are often cautioned against consuming caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee, yet there is no scientific evidence supporting this recommendation. Several comprehensive scientific reviews have concluded that caffeine is not linked to the causes of tinnitus.
Therefore, the prudent advice regarding the consumption of tea or coffee suggests maintaining a moderate and consistent intake. If you are concerned about your caffeine consumption and opt to eliminate it from your diet, be mindful of potential side effects. Abruptly cutting out caffeine may lead to headaches and nausea, which could potentially exacerbate your tinnitus symptoms.
Alcohol
Individuals with tinnitus often inquire about the potential impact of alcohol consumption on their condition, with red wine being a particular concern for many. However, there is limited empirical evidence to support this concern. Numerous research studies have explored the relationship between alcohol and tinnitus, and the consensus is that alcohol is not a significant risk factor for tinnitus.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that individual responses to alcohol may vary. Similar to dietary considerations, conducting a trial period of alcohol withdrawal and subsequent reintroduction could help determine if alcohol is associated with changes in your tinnitus symptoms.
Interestingly, some individuals report that alcohol actually alleviates their tinnitus. Nonetheless, it is essential for everyone to maintain alcohol consumption within safe and moderate limits to safeguard overall health.
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