What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears. Most people experience it fleetingly at some point in their lives, but for some, it becomes a more persistent problem.

In some cases, tinnitus interferes with concentration, and can be associated with anxiety and depression. In this article, we explore natural tinnitus remedies.

Tinnitus explained:

What it is, why it happens and ways to reduce tinnitus naturally

Its causes vary, including noise exposure, stress, and underlying health conditions, but there are ways to manage it naturally. Nutritional support and herbal remedies are gaining attention for their potential to ease symptoms.[i].

What are the symptoms of tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often described as ringing, buzzing, humming, or clicking in the ears when no external sound is present.

It can be high or low-pitched, affect one or both ears, and vary in intensity.

Some people notice it constantly, while others experience it occasionally. Symptoms may feel worse in quiet settings or during periods of stress.

In some cases, tinnitus is linked to dizziness, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or hearing loss[ii].

Tinnitus causes and risk factors: what you need to know

Common tinnitus risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Head injuries [iii].

Lifestyle changes to help with tinnitus:

1. Protect your ears: Exposure to loud noises can worsen tinnitus. Wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones when you are in a noisy environment or turn the volume to a healthy setting when listening to music.
   
2. Manage stress: Stress can make tinnitus worse, so try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
   
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise can improve blood flow to the ear and reduce stress, which may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
   
4. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress and worsen tinnitus. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep, consistently per night.

Dietary advice for tinnitus:

There is no specific diet that has been proven to cure or eliminate tinnitus, but some dietary adjustments may help reduce symptoms. In general, it is advisable to:

Avoid salt: Eating a diet high in salt can lead to fluid retention, which can worsen tinnitus symptoms. To reduce your sodium intake, try to limit your intake of processed foods, canned foods, and salty snacks.

Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can increase blood flow to the inner ear, which can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Try reducing your intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, and other caffeinated beverages [iv][v].

Increase fruit and vegetable intake: Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet [vi].

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen tinnitus symptoms, so make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day [vii].

Avoid trigger foods: Some people find that certain foods, such as those high in sugar or artificial sweeteners, can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Try to identify your trigger foods and avoid them [viii].

Try: Hopi Ear Candles. The theory behind Hopi Ear Candles is that they create a vacuum that draws out earwax and other impurities from the ear canal, which can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Supplements for tinnitus relief:

Magnesium:

Magnesium has been suggested as a potential treatment for tinnitus, as it may have a protective effect on the auditory system and improve blood flow to the inner ear[ix] [x].

Try: Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate


Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo biloba has been suggested as a potential treatment for tinnitus due to its ability to improve blood flow to the inner ear and reduce inflammation [xi].

Try: Viridian Ginkgo Biloba Leaf (60 caps) 


B12:

Vitamin B12 has been suggested as a potential treatment for tinnitus due to its role in maintaining the health of the nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear. However, the evidence supporting the use of vitamin B12 for tinnitus is limited and mixed[xii].

Try: Viridian High Twelve B-Complex B12 - Vitamin B12 


Zinc:

Zinc has been suggested as a potential treatment for tinnitus due to its role in maintaining the health of the auditory system and its antioxidant properties[xiii].

Try: Pure Encapsulations Zinc 15mg (60 caps) 


Multivitamin:

There is some evidence to suggest that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may be associated with tinnitus. Studies have found that low levels of magnesium and vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of tinnitus[xiv] [xv].

Try: Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin (ONE Multi) (60 Caps)

Plantago:

Plantago (commonly known as plantain) has been traditionally used to treat tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears. While research on the effectiveness of plantain for tinnitus is limited, some studies have shown promising results [xvi].

Try: Plantago Tincture by A Vogel

Functional testing and nutritional therapy for tinnitus

Could nutritional therapy help with tinnitus?

There is growing evidence to suggest that there may be a link between gut health and tinnitus. As such, certain nutritional deficiencies may also play a role in the development or exacerbation of tinnitus. For example, some studies have found that people with tinnitus are more likely to have gut problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease, while others have found that deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12 may contribute to tinnitus [xvii] [xviii].

Learn more about:

• Metabolomix Plus

• NutrEval