Q I was diagnosed with Meniere's disease and told to cut out salty foods and coffee. Does food really affect dizziness?
A Yes. Meniere's disease is a condition in which excessive lymph fluid builds up in the inner ear, so salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol disturb the fluid balance and worsen attacks of dizziness and tinnitus. A low-salt diet and limiting caffeine alone often reduce the frequency of attacks.
Detailed Answer
Meniere's disease is rooted in endolymphatic hydrops, an excessive accumulation of endolymph in the inner ear, and it features recurring spinning vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a blocked-ear sensation. Salty food draws water into the body and raises endolymphatic pressure, while caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can alter inner-ear blood flow and trigger attacks. A low-salt diet (limiting daily salt intake) and regular fluid intake are recommended as basic management.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In the same vein, Dongjedang advises avoiding caffeine and salty food and drinking warm water frequently to lower blood viscosity and swelling. From a Korean medicine standpoint, we view this as a state in which stagnant fluid waste, dampness and phlegm (dameum), has pooled in the ear, so we combine treatment that dissolves phlegm and opens circulation with dietary management. The goal is to create an inner-ear environment that is less easily disturbed by the same foods.
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