Which natural ingredients do you recommend for inner ear problems, like Meniere’s?

Eye, Ears, Mouth, Hair, Nails & Skin

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Q. Dear Terry, “Which natural ingredients do you recommend for inner ear problems, like Meniere’s? Thank you.” – Michelle H.

A. Dear Michelle, The causes of Meniere’s disease are not completely understood, but may include nerve dysfunction, abnormal fluid in the inner ear, viral infections, anatomic abnormalities, and genetic predispositions. Researchers have also found that vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient deficiencies may play a role.

To support the nerves influencing the inner ear, I believe you would benefit greatly by taking a combination of nutrients specifically targeting nerve health. These nutrients include: B vitamins, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, and zinc, among others. B vitamins (B1-B3, B6, B12, folate, and pantothenic acid) can help our nerves function better, delay damage to nerves, and reduce the frequency and intensity of the pain symptoms. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can boost levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants, which helps protect delicate nerves and the cochlea (found in the inner ear) from many forms of damage. ALA has also been shown to reduce tinnitus. Extremely effective as an antioxidant, zinc helps the body’s repair mechanisms and has been researched for its effects on tinnitus. 

When looking for nutrients, choose B vitamins in their “active” forms, as well as minerals in the form of amino acid chelates. Active B vitamins do not need conversion in the liver and are already in the effective form our body needs. This is important because many people (some experts estimate up to 50% of our population) do not convert B vitamins efficiently and, therefore, don’t receive their full benefits. I also prefer the amino acid chelates for minerals because they are so much better absorbed.

I recommend taking: 25 mg of vitamin B1, 25 mg of vitamin B2, 10 mg of niacin, 30 mg of vitamin B6, 425 mcg of folate, 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 1,000 mcg of biotin, 200 mg of pantothenic acid, 10 mg of zinc, 200 mcg of chromium, 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid, 100 mg of boswellia, and 50 mg of benfotiamine, twice daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally