Meniere's disease is a condition
that effects one or both ears and its symptoms include: loss of balance, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, and
vomiting. What causes Meniere's disease is not exactly known, however, it is believed to
result from metabolic problems of carbohydrates similar to
hypoglycemia. Poor blood flow to the brain
from poor circulation and clogged arteries can also be a factor. In women, fluid retention
during premenstrual cycle may also be involved. Other things that may be factors are:
allergies,
anxiety, listening to loud noises, too much salt, and
stress.
Ringing in the ears, loss of hearing, loss of balance, vertigo
or dizziness, tinnitus, and a
sensation of fullness or pressure are symptoms of the inner
ear health problem called Meniere's disease. One or both ears
maybe affected. The exact cause or causes of Meniere's disease
are not known, but many experts believe it may result from
endolymphatic hydrops, which is an excessive swelling of the
small, fluid filled chambers of the inner ear. Other causes
include a middle ear infection
or head injury. Eventually, the pressure and severe
disruptions inside the inner ear cause periodic attacks of
vertigo. The attacks may last from between 10 minutes to many
hours. During a severe attack, symptoms include: balacne
probelms, nausea, sweating, and vomiting. The balancing
problem may last for several days after an attack. Impaired
blood flow to the brain from clogged arteries and poor
circulation may also be involved. Allergies, alcohol or
caffeine, stress, barometric changes, pregnancy, visual
stimuli, experiencing orgasm, sugar, loud noises, and
excessive salt intake may trigger an attack. Other factors,
such as obesity and
high
cholesterol , may contribute to this syndrome. Allergies,
spasms of the blood vessels that supply the inner ear, and,
for women, fluid retention during the premenstrual period may
also be related to Meniere's disease.
Drug
addiction, smoking, eyestrain,
trauma, hypoglycemia, and TMJ
or temporomandibular joint syndrome,
nutritional deficiencies, may be involved as well. Meniere's
disease normally affects adults. It affects men more than
women. People between 30 and 60 years of age appear to be the
most affected.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Manganese |
10 |
a deficiency in this
mineral may make a person more vulnerable to Meniere's disease. |
B
vitamins |
10 |
important for proper
function of the nervous system. They also help with stress,
depression, and related problems. |
Niacin |
10 |
deficiencies in
vitamin B3 are common in people with Meniere's disease. |
Pyridoxine |
9 |
vitamin
B6 aids in reducing fluid retention |
vitamin
C |
9 |
boosts immune system
and should be taken with bioflavonoids |
Bioflavonoids |
9 |
works with vitamin C |
Ginkgo
biloba |
9 |
this herb increases
circulation to the brain |
Essential
fatty acids |
9 |
extremely important
for reducing inflammation associated with . Meniere's disease.
Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish
oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. |
Coenzyme Q10 |
10 |
improves blood circulation, some supplements will
include reishi mushroom which helps boost the
immune system as well. |
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains B vitamins, vitamin E ,
vitamin A , vitamin C manganese,
calcium, and magnesium, which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of Meniere's
disease. A daily supplement provides nutrients required for general
good health and well being. |
Aloe Vera |
9 |
herb that helps with stress |
Lecithin |
8 |
required for cell protection and
brain function |
Calcium |
8 |
required for a healthy nervous
system and muscle contraction |
Magnesium |
8 |
this mineral works with calcium |
vitamin E |
8 |
promotes good oxygen use and
promotes healing in the body |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|