DIETARY THERAPY FOR EAR, HEAD AND NECK PATIENTS

Meniere’s Disease and Tinnitus

The goal of dietary treatment in Meniere’s and Tinnitus is to provide stable body fluid/blood levels so that secondary fluctuations in the inner ear fluid can be avoided.  The dietary goals include limiting intake of caffeine, alcohol, MSG and sodium.

Additionally, tinnitus patients may experience hyperinsulinemia or hyperlipidemia and following a carbohydrate-controlled or low fat/ low cholesterol diet may be beneficial in controlling their symptoms.

A dietitian can help patients meet their special dietary needs through meal planning, label reading, and suggesting ways to prepare favorite foods for a sodium-restricted, low fat/ low cholesterol or carbohydrate-controlled diet. Click here for more information.

Reflux Disease / Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPR)

In patients with Reflux disease or LPR, the muscle at the end or beginning of their esophagus does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus or throat and irritate it.  Many of the symptoms caused by reflux disease or LPR can be greatly improved just by modifying ones diet with the help of a dietitian. Click here for more information.

Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer treatments for head and neck cancers may cause a number of different eating problems for patients.   These problems may include difficulty swallowing, sore mouth, sore throat, loss of appetite, weight loss and changes in sense of taste or smell.  A dietitian can help cancer patients ensure they are getting adequate protein, calories and vitamins and identify foods that they can tolerate. Click here for more information.

Sleep Apnea

The American Sleep Apnea Association has found that additional adipose tissue in the neck may make the airway narrower, making obstructions more likely to occur.  Therefore, the association cites weight loss as an effective treatment for sleep apnea.  Overweight individuals who lose even 10% of their weight can reduce sleep apnea and improve sleep quality.  A dietitian can help sleep apnea patients develop an individualized weight loss program that works for them. Click here for more information.