A new study suggests that eating more fruit, fiber, dairy products, and caffeine could lower the risk of tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears.
The research, published in BMJ Open, analyzed existing studies and found a link between these foods and a reduced chance of developing tinnitus.
However, the researchers emphasize that the findings do not prove cause and effect and should be interpreted with caution.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing ringing, buzzing, or clicking sounds when no external noise is present.
It affects about 14% of adults worldwide and can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
While there is no cure, treatments like counseling, therapy, medication, and hearing aids can help manage symptoms.
How diet might play a role
Scientists believe that nutrition can affect tinnitus by improving blood circulation to the inner ear and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
However, past research has shown mixed results, making it unclear which foods help or worsen the condition.
To explore this further, researchers reviewed studies on diet and tinnitus up to May 2024. They found eight observational studies involving 301,533 people that met quality standards for their analysis.
These studies examined 15 dietary factors, including carbohydrates, caffeine, eggs, fruits, fiber, fat, meat, protein, sugar, fish, vegetables, and dairy.
The results showed that certain foods were linked to a lower risk of tinnitus:
- Eating more fruit was associated with a 35% lower risk of tinnitus.
- Higher dietary fiber intake was linked to a 9% reduction in tinnitus risk.
- Dairy product consumption was associated with a 17% lower risk of tinnitus.
- Caffeine intake was linked to a 10% reduction in tinnitus risk.
Interestingly, no clear link was found between tinnitus and other dietary factors like meat, fish, or vegetables. The study also pointed out that the relationship between caffeine and tinnitus remains debated, with past studies showing mixed results.
The researchers stress that since their study was based on observational data, it does not prove that these foods directly prevent tinnitus. There were only a few studies included in the analysis, which means some potentially beneficial foods, like vegetables and eggs, may not have shown strong effects.
However, they suggest that the protective effects of fruit, fiber, dairy, and caffeine may come from their ability to support blood vessel and nerve health, as well as their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
More large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the role of diet in tinnitus prevention. In the meantime, eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, fiber, and dairy could be a good way to support overall ear health.
While diet alone may not cure tinnitus, making healthy food choices could be one step toward reducing the risk or managing symptoms.
