Meniere's Disease
Updated Jun. 13th, 2023
This often mysterious illness can at times become debilitating due to the vertigo and nausea that it produces in those afflicted with it. While conven-tional treatments focus primarily on symptomatic relief, many nutritional supplements and herbs can help to get to the root of the problem.
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that is characterized by episodes of hearing loss, dizziness and ringing in the ears. Nausea, vomiting and a feeling of pressure within the ear may also occur. The exact cause is unknown. Researchers postulate Meniere’s disease may be due to increased fluid volume in the inner ear or dental and jaw problems. Attacks can be triggered by stress, decreased circulation to the ear, toxin accumulation or food sensitivities.
Conventional treatment of Meniere’s involves a variety of medications. Promethazine is used to treat nausea and vertigo. Diuretics may be used to decrease fluid accumulation. Valium is often used to lessen anxiety and sedate the balance system. Prescriptions for antihistamines, steroids or calcium channel blockers may also be used. Surgical procedures are reserved for severe cases. Some techniques destroy the balance centre while others physical drain the ear’s fluid.
Nutritional support for Meniere’s can include several nutritional supplements:
Manganese. Clinical studies have shown that a deficiency in this vital trace mineral plays a role in the onset of Meniere’s disease. Since it is often difficult to get from the diet, supplementation is usually the only practical route for ingesting a significant enough dosage for a therapeutic effect
Ginkgo. This herb helps to improve circulation through small blood vessels. Poor circulation to the ear and the head play a role in the often debilitating symptoms of Meniere’s.
CoQ10 helps to improve circulation and oxygen utilization.
B complex. These vitamins are crucial for your body to cope with stress effectively. Stress can play a role in the onset of a Meniere’s attack.
Ginger. This herb’s nausea fighting effects are widely known. Use it at the onset of an attack to settle the stomach.
St. John’s wort. The frustration of dealing with a potentially debilitating illness like Meniere’s can often lead to subsequent depression. St. John’s wort has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety and elevate mood.
Lecithin or Phosphatidly Serine both help to optimize neurotransmitter production and brain & nerve health.
Stress reduction is an important part of preventing Meniere’s attacks. To decrease symptoms during an attack, lie with the unaffected ear against the floor and look in the direction of the affected ear. To decrease vertigo restrict your head movement and look at a stationary object a comfortable distance away from you. Increase circulation to the affected ear by massaging the head and ears.
Following a hypoglycemic diet helps some individuals because it keeps insulin levels in check. High insulin levels impair circulation. Dietary changes should also support the cardiovascular system so that vessels remain healthy. Avoid the following things; saturated fats, fried foods, salt, monosodium glutamate, alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to. Eat foods that are high in B vitamins because they help with stress. For example, eat whole grains, green vegetables, white beans and nutritional yeast. Vitamin C and bioflavinoids are antioxidants, which protect the vessels. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables especially green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, kiwis, currants, and dark coloured berries.