Following a healthy diet may help reduce risk of hearing loss in women

Sticking to a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of hearing loss in women. This is according to a new study by a top hospital in the United States called, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The study looks at the relationship between hearing loss and three different diets. These are the Alternate Mediterranean diet (AMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010).

Researchers followed 81,818 women for 22 years and found that women who closely followed the AMED and DASH diets had about a 30% lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss, as compared to women who did not follow these dietary guidelines.

The study says that eating well contributes to overall good health, and it may also be helpful in reducing the risk of hearing loss.

A Mediterranean diet is mainly made up of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, fish, and seafood. It allows for sweets and red meat for special occasions. Cheese and yogurt is allowed in moderation.

The DASH diet is high in fruits and vegetables, lower in dairy, meat, poultry, and fish and minimal in fats, oils, and sweets.

The AHEI-2010 diet has similar components to both the AMED and DASH diets.