An analysis published in BMJ Open has suggested that increased consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products, and caffeine may be linked to a reduced risk of tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears. However, the researchers caution that the evidence is not strong enough to confirm a direct causal relationship and stress that the findings should be interpreted with caution.
Tinnitus affects approximately 14% of adults globally and is often associated with a range of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, with severe cases sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts. While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, treatments such as counseling, behavioral therapy, medications, and hearing aids can help alleviate symptoms.
The study, which examined existing research up to May 2024, highlights the potential influence of diet on tinnitus symptoms. Nutrient-rich foods are believed to positively impact hearing by improving blood circulation to the inner ear, reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidative damage. Despite this, previous studies have yielded mixed results, and there is ongoing uncertainty regarding which specific foods might exacerbate or alleviate the condition.
To further investigate the link between diet and tinnitus, researchers analyzed eight observational studies involving a total of 301,533 participants. These studies assessed 15 dietary factors, including carbohydrates, caffeine, eggs, fruits, fiber, fat, meat, protein, sugar, fish, vegetables, and dairy. The findings revealed that higher consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products, and caffeine was associated with a decreased risk of tinnitus. Specifically, fruit intake was linked to a 35% reduction in tinnitus occurrence, while dietary fiber, dairy products, and caffeine were associated with reductions of 9%, 17%, and 10%, respectively.
No significant links were found between other dietary factors and tinnitus, and further analyses confirmed these results. However, the association between caffeine and tinnitus remains a point of contention among experts.
Due to the observational nature of the studies, the results cannot establish causality. Additionally, the limited number of studies included in the analysis may have led to inconclusive results for commonly recommended dietary factors such as vegetables and eggs.
Despite these limitations, the researchers suggest that the observed protective effects of certain diets may be attributed to their positive influence on blood vessels, nerves, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They call for further large-scale studies to validate and expand on the findings, ultimately providing clearer insights into the relationship between diet and tinnitus.
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