Addressing Tinnitus Naturally

by Tony Isaacs

Fifteen million people in the United States are estimated to suffer from tinnitus - which is the perception of a noise sensation in one or both ears without any actual noise source being present. The perceived noise can be ringing, chirping, roaring, or humming. In many instances, tinnitus can be either eliminated or greatly relieved through changes in diet and lifestyle as well as with nutritional supplementation and herbal remedies.

Tinnitus is a little understood condition and, while many causes have been suggested, there is no general agreement in medical circles on the causes and treatments in medical circles. Inflammation and poor blood flow are considered to be among the primary culprits. Other causes which have been identified or suggested include: wax buildup, fluid in the ear, spongy bone growth in the inner ear (otoslcerosis), low blood pressure, high blood pressure, and a breach of the eardrum.

One of the best ways to help improve circulation and prevent inflammation is getting plenty of healthy physical activity, including moderate exercise. In addition to physical activity, a good plan for relieving and possibly eliminating tinnitus is to eat a healthy diet and take supplements which help reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

An anti-tinnitus diet should be a mostly high protein diet nutrient dense diet which includes lots of fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Use healthy items such as coconut, olive oil, grass-fed meat, free range eggs, avocados, nuts/seeds, and non-starchy vegetables as primary fuels every day.

Food items which reduce and protect against inflammation include nutrient and phytonutrient dense fruits & vegetables, healthy fats, and grass-fed/free-range animal products. Choose fruits which are mostly low-sugar and rich in anti-oxidants. Examples include berries, lemons/limes, & grapefruits.

Some of the best meats are non-farmed cold water fish (especially salmon), free range organic chicken, turkey, beef and bison. Do not consume processed meats or meat from animals subject to unhealthy and inhumane feed lot practices. Raw organic goat milk is an excellent nutrient dense food which usually does not have inflammatory properties found in other dairy products.

Herbs which are noted for their anti-inflammatory properties include:

*turmeric
*ginger
*dandelion
*oregano
*garlic
*green tea.

Foods that can aggravate tinnitus are saturated fats, dairy products, sugar, salt, processed foods, junk foods, and fast foods. Avoid coffee, tea, sweets, and alcohol, as these foods can result in low blood sugar.

B vitamins help reduce and prevent inflammation. Vitamin B12 is a considered to be essential for combating tinnitus because it is essential for the formation of the myelin sheaths that surround and protect nerve fibers. B12 deficiency can make nerves more susceptible to inflammatory damage. Healthy meats are good sources of B12 and other B vitamins.

Studies have shown that the supplement pycnogenol is often effective against tinnitus for many people. Among other beneficial properties, pycnogenol is a powerful anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants limit free radical damage and the inflammation which such damage can cause. Other powerful anti-oxidant items which have shown powerful effects at enhancing blood supply to the inner ear and reversing symptoms of tinnitus are: grape seed extract, resveratrol, and bilberry.

Other items which can help reduce inflammation, enhance circulation and help treat tinnitus include:

*vitamin E
*zinc
*choline
*EPA
*DHA
*GLA
*ginko biloba (especially when applied as ear drops)
*maidenhair tree extract (applied as ear drops)

Melatonin has been reported in at least one study to help improve tinnitus symptoms and provide better sleep.

In addition, the homeopathic remedy “ring stop” has been reported to completely eliminate tinnitus in many instances.

Note: Use digestive enzymes and apple cider vinegar to enhance the absorption of proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and supplements.

Sources included:

http://www.naturalnews.com/031021_tinnitus_inflammation.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/866785/tinnitus_that_unsettling_ringing_noise.html?cat=70
http://www.naturalnews.com/030042_pine_bark_tinnitus.html
http://www.tbyil.com/Tinnitus.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/020075_tinnitus_sleep_melatonin.html