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For Tinnitus Sufferers, Coffee and Apples Could End the Misery
Study Finds ^ | March 19, 2025 | Staff

Posted on 03/19/2025 8:11:09 AM PDT by Red Badger

In a nutshell

* Eating more fruits, consuming dairy products, and moderate caffeine intake could reduce your risk of tinnitus by up to 35%, according to comprehensive research involving over 300,000 participants.

* The study challenges conventional advice about caffeine, finding it may actually protect against tinnitus rather than worsen it.

* Researchers believe these protective effects may work by improving blood flow to the inner ear, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall vascular function.

==========================================================================

SICHUAN, China — Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide—that persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing that haunts ears when no external sound exists. While treatments have remained limited, scientists from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine reveal surprising connections between everyday foods and your chances of experiencing this auditory nuisance.

Researchers investigating the connections between 15 dietary elements and tinnitus found that regularly consuming four specific foods—fruits, high-fiber foods, caffeine, and dairy products—might actually reduce your risk. These discoveries hint at simple dietary changes that could help prevent this condition that troubles approximately 14.4% of adults around the world.

The Tinnitus Connection

Many tinnitus sufferers describe how the condition damages their quality of life, reporting heightened stress, depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide. Despite affecting so many people, doctors still debate its origins, with theories ranging from neural problems to unusual activity in brain regions including the anterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus.

Current approaches to managing tinnitus include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, sound-based treatments, and various medical interventions. Yet none has proven consistently effective, leaving many people looking for better options.

The relationship between diet and tinnitus has long been a subject of interest and debate. Some population studies have indicated that increased fruit and vegetable consumption correlates with decreased tinnitus incidence, while other research suggests associations with various nutrients like water, protein, riboflavin, and niacin intake. The mechanisms behind these relationships may involve improved blood flow to the cochlea, reduced oxidative damage, and decreased inflammation—all factors that could potentially protect the intricate structures of the inner ear.

This new systematic review, published in BMJ Open, represents the most thorough examination of diet-tinnitus connections to date. Their analysis incorporated data from ten observational studies, with eight included in the formal meta-analysis, covering more than 300,000 participants.

Four Foods That May Help

The research uncovered four dietary elements with protective benefits:

Regular consumption of fruit showed the strongest benefit, with a 35.1% lower tinnitus risk.

Dairy consumption corresponded to 17.3% reduced risk.

Dietary fiber intake was linked to 9.2% lower risk.

Caffeine consumption connected to 10.2% fewer cases.

The caffeine findings challenge conventional wisdom, as many doctors have traditionally recommended tinnitus sufferers avoid it. While some experts worried caffeine might worsen tinnitus by disrupting sleep, this research points to protective benefits instead. The researchers hypothesize this might stem from how caffeine affects anxiety in some people, or through its interactions with brain chemistry and the nervous system.

Fruit consumption and dietary fiber showed strong protective connections. The researchers believe these benefits might come from fiber’s positive impact on insulin sensitivity. Research indicates that high insulin levels from poor insulin sensitivity could disrupt the inner ear environment. Additionally, fiber and nutrients from fruits may improve blood vessel function, enhancing circulation to the cochlea and lowering the chances of damage that leads to tinnitus.

Dairy products also appeared protective, though exactly why remains less clear. Some studies indicate dairy consumption may likewise improve vascular function, potentially benefiting the intricate blood supply system of the inner ear.

Which Remedies Don’t Help Tinnitus?

Interestingly, the study found no significant associations between tinnitus and several other dietary factors that might intuitively seem relevant, including consumption of vegetables, carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water.

The researchers also examined chocolate consumption and dietary flavonoids, though these were only investigated in individual studies and could not be included in the meta-analysis. Previous research has suggested that flavonoids, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that could theoretically protect against age-related hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the evidence from the single study examining this relationship did not support a protective effect of flavonoids against tinnitus development.

Similarly, chocolate, despite its high phenolic compound content, did not show a significant association with tinnitus in the one study that examined this relationship. Some animal studies have suggested that polyphenols might alleviate oxidative stress in the cochlea by suppressing apoptotic pathways, but excessive chocolate consumption has also been linked to adverse effects on brain hyperexcitability.

Tinnitus-Friendly Daily Menu

Breakfast Options:

Yogurt parfait with fresh berries and high-fiber granola

Whole grain toast with ricotta cheese and sliced peaches

Oatmeal topped with banana slices and a sprinkle of walnuts (fiber boost)

Coffee or tea (caffeine appears beneficial, contrary to previous advice)

Lunch Ideas:

Spinach salad with apples, cheese cubes, and whole grain croutons

Mediterranean wrap with hummus, vegetables, and feta cheese

Lentil soup with whole grain roll and a side of cottage cheese

Fresh fruit smoothie with yogurt and ground flaxseed (fiber)

Dinner Suggestions:

Baked salmon with quinoa (high fiber) and a side of fresh fruit compote

Vegetable stir-fry with high-fiber brown rice and a small cheese plate for dessert

Bean and vegetable chili topped with shredded cheese

Whole grain pasta with vegetables and a light cream sauce

Snack Options:

Apple slices with cheese

Berries with a dollop of Greek yogurt

High-fiber crackers with cottage cheese

Trail mix with dried fruits and nuts

Dietary Focus Areas:

Emphasize fresh fruits daily (showed strongest protective effect)

Include dairy products regularly (milk, yogurt, cheese)

Choose high-fiber foods (whole grains, legumes, fruits)

Don’t avoid moderate caffeine consumption

Note: This meal plan incorporates the four dietary elements linked to lower tinnitus risk in the research. Individual results may vary, and you should consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Looking Ahead

While the study offers valuable insights into potential dietary approaches to tinnitus prevention, the authors acknowledge important limitations. Most included studies were cross-sectional, making it difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, the relatively small number of included articles meant that some commonly accepted beneficial dietary elements (like vegetables and eggs) may not have shown significant differences.

For the estimated 741 million adults worldwide suffering from tinnitus, these findings offer hope that adjusting what they eat might help manage or prevent the condition. Eating more fruits, getting enough fiber, and not necessarily avoiding caffeine or dairy products could potentially lower the risk of that unwanted ringing in the ears.

It’s important to remember that while these dietary elements showed protective associations, they don’t guarantee prevention or cure. Tinnitus remains complex with multiple causes, and individual responses to dietary changes vary widely.

The research team recommends future large-scale studies to further explore the relationship between diet and tinnitus. They particularly emphasize the importance of studying dosage effects and categorization of dietary components to provide more detailed guidance.

For people currently enduring the constant buzz, ring, or hiss of tinnitus, this research hints that what’s on your plate might affect what’s in your ears. By eating more fruits, consuming enough fiber, and not necessarily cutting out caffeine or dairy, you might be taking steps toward quieter, more comfortable hearing.

As always, you should first speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or health routines.


TOPICS: Food; Gardening; Health/Medicine; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: diet; tcoyh; tinnitus
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To: Red Badger

Apples make my stomach hurt.


21 posted on 03/19/2025 8:51:54 AM PDT by yldstrk (Nothing like the truth)
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To: Red Badger

[[Coffee and Apples Could End the Misery]]

Nope- coffee daily and an apple nearly daily- ‘maybe’ a slight decrease- but still pretty loud and annoying-


22 posted on 03/19/2025 9:02:18 AM PDT by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana)
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To: waterhill

My thoughts exactly. It’s too late for some of us to “prevent” it.

For people who don’t have tinnitus, it’s not on their radar screen. They’re not going to try and prevent it. You can’t try to prevent every single condition on earth. Once a person gets tinnitus, they’re going to want to get rid of it, but I doubt many people are working hard to prevent it.


23 posted on 03/19/2025 9:08:30 AM PDT by Nea Wood ( )
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To: Red Badger
..could reduce...may actually...may work..

Don't ya just love definitive absolutes in scientific "research?" Yeah. Me neither.

24 posted on 03/19/2025 9:13:50 AM PDT by LouAvul
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To: airborne

Mine is deafening.


25 posted on 03/19/2025 9:14:04 AM PDT by sauropod (Make sure Satan has to climb over a lot of Scripture to get to you. John MacArthur Ne supra crepidam)
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To: goodnesswins

Ditto


26 posted on 03/19/2025 9:39:41 AM PDT by al_c (Democrats: Party over Common Sense)
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To: Red Badger; AdmSmith; AnonymousConservative; Arthur Wildfire! March; Berosus; Bockscar; BraveMan; ..
The next step will be GMO apple coffee. :^) Yes, I do make my own fun.

27 posted on 03/19/2025 9:40:41 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (Putin should skip ahead to where he kills himself in the bunker.)
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To: Red Badger

Want to stop that crazifying ringing: Get an unlisted ear.


28 posted on 03/19/2025 10:05:02 AM PDT by DPMD
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To: Red Badger

I called the tinnitus hot line 800 number the other day.
No one answered, it just kept ringing...


29 posted on 03/19/2025 10:19:52 AM PDT by AFret. (.)
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To: DPMD
Get an unlisted ear.

Too late for me. The spammers have my ear's number now. I even tried buying an auto warranty. Nothing helps.

30 posted on 03/19/2025 10:23:40 AM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: airborne

I used high quality Gingko, which brought mine under control.


31 posted on 03/19/2025 10:29:02 AM PDT by aimhigh (1 John 3:23 "And THIS is His commandment . . . . ")
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To: AFret.

😁....................


32 posted on 03/19/2025 10:37:40 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: hardspunned

“”” I still have my private band of cicadas chirping in my head 24/7.”””

Ditto


33 posted on 03/19/2025 12:11:04 PM PDT by shelterguy
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To: Red Badger; All

Thanks R.B!

While people wait for a nutritional support to kick in (or not) here are two videos about a manual techniques that may provide some relief.

The ear covering and tapping the occiput provides me with a reduction but does not eliminate tinnitus completely. (I suppose if I did this multiple times as recommended it might provide a better result.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QPOK2uYNrM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S7dukWIn7k


34 posted on 03/19/2025 1:12:44 PM PDT by Pete from Shawnee Mission ( )
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To: al_c
I already drink coffee daily and eat apples. Dang, how bad would it be if I didn’t?!

Same. I have five fruits daily with breakfast, and 12 oz coffee. Guess I'd be jumping out a window if not. Still sounds like buzzing insects on a summer night, 24/7.

The one diet recommendation that is hard for lactose-intolerant people or sinus sufferers like yours truly is to eat dairy. I cut it out for the winter constant stuffy nose season, and there's been a worsening of the unwanted drone.

Anyone know what kind of dairy, cheese, etc. a lactose-intolerant person can consume?

35 posted on 03/19/2025 1:25:40 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (“Did you ever meet a woke person that’s happy? There’s no such thing.” —Donald J. Trump)
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To: Red Badger
Me too, but I don’t care much for apples..............

Applesauce can give you constipation, and is often a recommendation by pediatricians (along with bananas, dry toast and weak sweet tea) for children who have the runs. But it's a "use with caution" item for old folks.

36 posted on 03/19/2025 1:29:17 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (“Did you ever meet a woke person that’s happy? There’s no such thing.” —Donald J. Trump)
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To: Red Badger

weird- i posted i n this thread and went to email hours later, and had tinnitus emails-

It’s not paranoia if they’re really out to get you


37 posted on 03/19/2025 5:36:04 PM PDT by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana)
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To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; telescope115; ...

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List

This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

38 posted on 03/19/2025 10:09:49 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: Red Badger

Tinnitus Ring List!......................

Brought to us by the letter “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”


39 posted on 03/20/2025 4:22:39 AM PDT by military cop (I carry a .45....cause they don't make a .46....)
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To: Red Badger
Eating more fruits, consuming dairy products, and moderate caffeine intake could reduce your risk of tinnitus by up to 35%, according to comprehensive research involving over 300,000 participants. * The study challenges conventional advice about caffeine, finding it may actually protect against tinnitus rather than worsen it.

Ahhh, I've never had tinnitus - this diet helps explain why...

40 posted on 03/20/2025 5:13:26 AM PDT by GOPJ (New democrat talking point/lie: what about the honest public servant who's just doing his job?)
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