What Foods To Avoid With Meniere’S Disease?

What Foods To Avoid With Meniere
The Basics –

Eat consistently throughout the day. Do not go longer than 4 hours without eating. Limit or avoid alcohol 1 drink max per day, this can help prevent migraines.1 drink = 12 oz. of regular beer or 5 oz. wine or 1.5 oz (shot) of liquor. Limit caffeine. Avoid things like coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate, and diet pills. Caffeine will stimulate the nervous system and make migraines and tinnitus worse. Eat a low sodium diet. Sodium causes fluid retention and can make your symptoms worse in your inner ear. Avoid MSG (monoSODIUM glutamate) – which is form of sodium that is a common migraine trigger. Common foods that contain MSG include Asian foods, Ramen noodles, and Accent seasoning.

Contents

What to eat when you have Meniere’s?

You have seen your doctor for Ménière disease. During Ménière attacks, you may have vertigo, or the feeling that you are spinning, You may also have hearing loss (most often in one ear) and ringing or roaring in the affected ear, called tinnitus, You may also have pressure or fullness in the ears.

During attacks, some people find bed rest helps relieve vertigo symptoms. Your health care provider may prescribe medicines like diuretics (water pills), antihistamines, or anti-anxiety medicines to help. Surgery may be used in some cases with persistent symptoms, although this has risks and is rarely recommended.

There is no cure for Ménière disease. However, making some lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce attacks. Eating a low-salt (sodium) diet helps reduce the fluid pressure in your inner ear. This can help control symptoms of Ménière disease. Your provider may recommend cutting back to 1000 to 1500 mg of sodium per day.

Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits.Fresh or frozen beef, chicken, turkey, and fish. Note that salt is often added to whole turkeys, so be sure to read the label.

Learn to read labels.

Check all labels to see how much salt is in each serving of your food. A product with less than 100 mg of salt per serving is good.Ingredients are listed in order of the amount the food contains. Avoid foods that list salt near the top of the list of ingredients.Look for these words: low-sodium, sodium-free, no salt added, sodium-reduced, or unsalted.

Foods to avoid include:

Most canned foods, unless the label says low or no sodium. Canned foods often contain salt to preserve the color of the food and keep it looking fresh.Processed foods, such as cured or smoked meats, bacon, hot dogs, sausage, bologna, ham, and salami.Packaged foods such as macaroni and cheese and rice mixes.Anchovies, olives, pickles, and sauerkraut.Soy and Worcestershire sauces.Tomato and other vegetable juices.Most cheeses.Many bottled salad dressings and salad dressing mixes.Most snack foods, such as chips or crackers.

When you cook and eat at home:

Replace salt with other seasonings. Pepper, garlic, herbs, and lemon are good choices.Avoid packaged spice blends. They often contain salt.Use garlic and onion powder, not garlic and onion salt.Do not eat foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG).Replace your salt shaker with a salt-free seasoning mix.Use oil and vinegar on salads. Add fresh or dried herbs.Eat fresh fruit or sorbet for dessert.

When you go out to eat:

Stick to steamed, grilled, baked, boiled, and broiled foods with no added salt, sauces, or cheese.If you think the restaurant might use MSG, ask them not to add it to your order.

Try to eat the same amount of food and drink the same amount of fluid at about the same time every day. This can help reduce changes in the fluid balance in your ear. Making the following changes may also help:

Some over-the-counter medicines, such as antacids and laxatives, have a lot of salt in them. If you need these medicines, ask your provider or pharmacist what brands contain little or no salt.Home water softeners add salt to water. If you have one, limit how much tap water you drink. Drink bottled water instead.Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which may make symptoms worse.If you smoke, quit. Quitting may help reduce symptoms.Some people find that managing allergy symptoms and avoiding allergy triggers helps decrease Meniere disease symptoms.Get plenty of sleep and take steps to reduce stress.

For some people, diet alone will not be enough. If needed, your provider may also give you water pills (diuretics) to help reduce the fluid in your body and fluid pressure in your inner ear. You should have regular follow-up exams and lab work as suggested by your provider.

Antihistamines may also be prescribed. These medicines may make you sleepy, so you should first take them when you do not have to drive or be alert for important tasks. If surgery is recommended for your condition, be sure to talk with your surgeon about any specific restrictions you may have after surgery.

Call your provider if you have symptoms of Ménière disease, or if symptoms get worse. These include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, pressure or fullness in the ears, or dizziness. Hydrops – self-care; Endolymphatic hydrops – self-care; Dizziness – Ménière self-care; Vertigo – Ménière self-care; Loss of balance – Ménière self-care; Primary endolymphatic hydrops – self-care; Auditory vertigo – self-care; Aural vertigo – self-care; Ménière’s syndrome – self- care; Otogenic vertigo – self-care; Ménière disease – self-care Baloh RW, Jen JC.

Hearing and equilibrium. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine,26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 400. Crane BT, Minor LB. Peripheral vestibular disorders. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery,7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 167.

Wackym PA. Neurotology. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery,8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 16. Updated by: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M.

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What can worsen Meniere’s disease?

Causes – The exact cause and reason why Ménière’s disease starts is not yet known. Many theories have been proposed over the years. They include: circulation problems, viral infection, allergies, an autoimmune reaction, migraine, and the possibility of a genetic connection.

Experts aren’t sure what generates the symptoms of an acute attack of Ménière’s disease. The leading theory is that they result from increased pressure of an abnormally large amount of endolymph in the inner ear and/or from the presence of potassium in an area of the inner ear where it doesn’t belong.

These conditions may be due to breaks in the membrane separating endolymph from the other inner ear fluid, perilymph. Some people with Ménière’s disease find that certain events and situations, sometimes called triggers, can set off attacks. These triggers include stress, overwork, fatigue, emotional distress, additional illnesses, pressure changes, certain foods, and too much salt in the diet.

What vitamins help Meniere’s disease?

Abstract – In the last 4 years the authors observed a trend that correcting vitamin D deficiency in newly diagnosed cases of Meniere’s disease decreased the necessity of the ablative therapy with intratympanic gentamicin. According to their hypothesis, vitamin D supplementation may indeed have a beneficial effect in Meniere’s disease if the symptoms are caused by a local postviral autoimmune reaction.

  • Vitamin D has a strong immunomodulatory role, one of which is the regulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators.
  • The authors suggest further epidemiological studies to decide if there is a connection between vitamin D deficiency and Meniere’s disease.
  • Eywords: Deficiency; Meniere’s disease; Vitamin D.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What can you not do with Meniere’s disease?

Avoid things that can trigger attacks Certain actions or events can trigger Meniere’s attacks or make attacks last longer. These triggers can be different for different people, but the most common are: High-exertion activities or sudden head movement, including tilting your head back. Bright lights or flashes of light.

How long does Meniere disease take to heal?

Symptoms of Ménière’s disease – During an attack of Ménière’s disease, you may:

feel dizziness with a spinning sensation (vertigo)feel unsteady on your feetfeel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomit)hear ringing, roaring or buzzing inside your earhave a sudden drop in hearing

These symptoms typically happen all at once and can last minutes or hours, but most commonly last 2 to 3 hours. The condition usually starts in 1 ear, but can spread to both ears over time. It can take a day or 2 for the symptoms to disappear completely.

  • You may feel tired after an attack.
  • Symptoms vary from person to person, but an attack of hearing loss without vertigo is uncommon.
  • Attacks can happen in clusters, or several times a week, or they may be separated by weeks, months or years.
  • Ménière’s disease most commonly affects people aged 20 to 60.
  • It’s uncommon in children.

See a GP if you have symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as persistent vertigo or hearing loss. If your GP thinks you have Ménière’s disease, they can offer treatment to help with the symptoms of vertigo and advice about living with the condition.

Does walking help Meniere’s?

Many people with Meniere’s disease feel better if they do vigorous aerobic exercise on a regular basis (e.g. bike, rowing machine, etc.). Don’t over-extend yourself – if you can’t physically manage vigorous aerobic exercise do something more low impact, like yoga or walking.

What triggers an episode of Meniere’s disease?

There are a lot of theories about what happens to trigger Meniere’s disease. Some of the most commonly referred to potential causes include: Anxiety or stress. Allergies. Inner or middle ear infection.

What is the last stage of Meniere’s disease?

3. Late Stage Meniere’s Disease – The last stage of Meniere’s Disease comes with significant hearing loss as vertigo begins to subside. It’s common to experience discomfort with specific sounds or general loudness. Some sounds may also sound distorted. As hearing becomes more difficult, your balance will continue to grow worse.

What test confirms Meniere’s disease?

How is Ménière’s disease diagnosed? – To diagnose the disease, your doctor will do a physical exam that includes checking your ears, eyes, and nervous system. The doctor will also ask questions about your past health and your symptoms, such as:

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How you feel when you have a vertigo attack. How long an attack usually lasts. Whether anything seems to trigger an attack, like changing your position. Whether you have other symptoms along with vertigo, like hearing loss or nausea.

Your doctor may also do tests to confirm a diagnosis of Ménière’s. These tests may include:

A Dix-Hallpike test to find out if certain head movements trigger vertigo. Hearing tests, including one to find out if the nerve from the inner ear to the brain is working as it should. A test called an electronystagmogram (ENG), which measures your eye movements. This can help the doctor find where the problem is that’s causing vertigo. Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan of the head. These tests can find out if the symptoms are caused by a brain problem.

What can a neurologist do for Meniere’s disease?

Meniere’s disease may also require bed rest and diuretic medications in addition to VBAs. Ultimately, once your neurologist has diagnosed the cause of your vertigo, they will provide you with a customized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.

Does Meniere’s affect the brain?

Meniere’s Disease Causes – The cause of Meniere’s disease isn’t known, but doctors think they understand how the symptoms of Meniere’s happen. Fluid builds up inside a part of your inner ear called the labyrinth, which holds structures that help with hearing and balance.

Poor drainage (because of blockage or an abnormal structure in your ear) Autoimmune response (when your body’s defense system attacks healthy cells) Allergic reaction Viral infection Inherited tendency Blow to the head Migraine headaches

It’s possible that a combination of issues come together to cause Meniere’s.

Does Weather Affect Meniere’s disease?

2. Meniere’s Disease Symptoms May Worsen – Affecting around 615,000 people in the United States, Meniere’s disease is somewhat rare – but if you’ve been diagnosed, it’s important to understand the effects of cold weather on your condition and your life during the wintertime.

Do you have to stop driving with Meniere’s disease?

Meniere’s and Driving – What Foods To Avoid With Meniere One of the biggest changes for many people diagnosed with Meniere’s disease is that driving is not recommended for anyone prone to Meniere’s attacks. The more severe and sudden the attack, the less likely a person with Meniere’s will be allowed to drive.

  • Much like seizure disorders, there is simply too much risk that someone with active and uncontrolled Meniere’s would lose control of their vehicle because of an attack.
  • However, patients who can more accurately predict an attack may still drive, so it is possible to have Meniere’s disease and still be a driver.

It’s just important to monitor your symptoms and to pull over immediately if you think you are in danger of having a Meniere’s attack while driving.

What can I drink with Ménière’s disease?

Timothy C. Hain, MD and Marcello Cherchi, M.D., Ph.D. of Chicago Dizziness and Hearing • Page last modified: September 6, 2022 See also: Meniere’s disease (main page) • Hydrops diet The primary goal of treatment is to provide stable body fluid/blood levels so that secondary fluctuations in the inner ear fluid can be avoided.

  1. Aim for a 1.5 gram sodium intake diet. High sodium intake results in fluctuations in the inner ear fluid pressure and may increase your symptoms. Aim for a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in canned, frozen or processed foods.
    1. One teaspoon of table salt has about 2 grams of sodium. Note that sodium (one of the two elements in table salt) is not exactly the same as sodium chloride (salt). There are many other foods and chemicals that we ingest that contain sodium.
    2. This web site: https://www.myfitnesspal.com, has a diet program that can be configured to track sodium – it is a bit too busy however, and a book may be more useful (e.g. AHA.2013). So far we have not found any useful smartphone apps good for this (e.g. Sodium-tracker on iphone is useless).
  2. Drink adequate amounts of fluid daily, This should include water, milk and low-sugar fruit juices (for example, cranberry or cranapple). Try to anticipate fluid loss which will occur with exercise or heat, and replace these fluids before they are lost. Some studies suggest that drinking more water helps, perhaps because it dilutes out the salt. Don’t overdo it though – -one can get “water intoxication”.
  3. Avoid caffeine-containing fluids and foods (such as coffee, tea and chocolate). Caffeine has stimulant properties that may make Meniere’s symptoms worse. Caffeine also may make tinnitus louder. Two regular cups of coffee/day, or the equivalent in other beverages, is ususually safe however.
  4. Limit your alcohol intake to one glass of beer or wine each day. Alcohol, especially red wine is a migraine trigger. Migraine and Meniere’s are linked.
  5. Avoid foods containing MSG (monosodium glutamate). This is often present in pre-packaged food products (such as flavored chips) and in Chinese food.
  6. Distribute your food and fluid intake evenly throughout the day and from day to day, Eat approximately the same amount of food at each meal and do not skip meals. If you eat snacks, have them at regular times.
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How do you live a normal life with Ménière’s disease?

Living with Meniere’s disease – Meniere’s disease is often frustrating for people who have it. You may have to change the way you live to control the attacks. You should follow your doctor’s advice about your diet, and about cutting out alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

Is Meniere’s disease life long?

Overview – M é ni è re’s Disease is an inner ear disorder that’s accompanied by dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing, hissing or roaring in the ears) and a sensation of fullness. Ménière’s Disease is a lifelong, chronic condition that usually strikes between ages 20 and 50, but is most common in the 40s and 50s.

  • The National Institutes of Health estimate that about 615,000 Americans have Ménière’s Disease and about 45,500 new cases are diagnosed each year.
  • There are currently no risk factors identified or cure for Ménière’s Disease.
  • This condition may get progressively worse over time, leading to hearing loss and episodes of severe dizziness that can interfere with work, driving and daily activities.

Some people with Ménière’s Disease may also suffer from depression and anxiety because of the symptoms associated with this condition.

Does drinking water help Menieres?

Things to Try at Home to Reduce Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease – Here are a few suggestions for you to try at home so as to reduce the incidence and severity of Meniere’s disease.

  1. Follow a low sodium diet – This is the most recommended idea for those suffering from Meniere’s disease. It has to do with having the proper balance of salt in the body and how it relates to inflammation, a major contributing factor to this condition. An increase in the amount of fluid the body is retaining can be done away with by lowering your salt intake.
  2. Balance your carb and protein intake – Carbs are broken down into simple sugars that increase how much insulin is in your blood. Protein is responsible for releasing glucagon in the body and regulating how much insulin the body has. Keeping your insulin in control contributes to managing this frustrating disease.
  3. Drink lots of water – This may sound counterproductive as Meniere’s is the result of too much fluid in the inner ear. However, if the cause of Meniere’s has to do with a virus, a pathogen, or a bacteria, drinking lots of water can flush these things out of the body. By keeping the water in your body balanced, you can help it to remove excess salts through urination. Toxins are removed as well.
  4. Avoid inflammation-causing foods – These include any kind of food that is hard to digest or those that mimic allergenic substances. Mild, easily digested foods are a good choice if you suffer from Meniere’s disease.
  5. Avoid MSG and sugar substitutes – Both of these things have been closely tied to the onset of Meniere’s disease. While these are hard to avoid if you purchase a lot of processed food, healthy, natural food is free from them.
  6. Avoid caffeine and nicotine – Both of these substances are stimulants. Therefore, they both intensify the symptoms. For example, caffeine and nicotine both extend how long your hearing loss will last, how severe your vertigo will be, and increase the volume of tinnitus. Avoid these if at all possible.
  7. Stress management – A definite link has been seen between stress and anxiety. The release of stress hormones has been seen to trigger bouts of Meniere’s symptoms. Getting care for chronic stress is a good place to start. You may also want to try engaging in things that reduce your stress: breathing exercises, taking a long walk, taking a bubble bath, or reading your favorite book. Also, brushing up on books or websites designed specifically to help you manage your stress levels is a good way to try to take some control over the stress in your life. In response, your Meniere’s symptoms might decrease.

Does sugar trigger Menieres?

Limit salt and sugar intake – Foods with a high sugar or salt content cause water retention, which can worsen symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Sugar prompts an insulin response from the body, and insulin retains sodium. Sodium causes the body to retain water. Try to avoid foods with concentrations of simple sugars, such as:

table sugarhoneyhigh-fructose corn syrupcandychocolate

Instead, focus on foods with higher levels of complex sugars, such as:

legumes, like nuts, beans, and lentils whole grains brown rice sweet potatoes

The same rule applies to salt intake. It’s difficult to cut back on sodium because so much of our Western diet is packed with salt. However, people with Meniere’s disease should aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day, according to the Mayo Clinic.

fresh fruits and vegetables unprocessed grainsfresh meats, poultry, and fish