What Is a Low-Sodium Diet for M�ni�re's Disease?

Meniere's disease is a disease of the ear that typically causes vertigo, episodic tinnitus, and the sensation of a clogged ear. The disease can be treated by maintaining a low-sodium diet and taking a diuretic. Patients need to make some significant dietary changes in order to reduce the effects and discomfort associated with the disease.

Definition

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear, and often causes feelings of vertigo, disorientation and general discomfort. The cause is not known, but the disease can cause significant damage to the inner ear because it slowly kills the hair lining the inner ear, resulting in progressive hearing loss and then complete deafness. There are four symptoms of Meniere's disease: incapacitating vertigo lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to eight or more hours; progressive hearing loss that worsens during a vertigo attack; episodic tinnitus; and the sensation of plugging of the ear that also worsens during a vertigo attack.

Diet Program

A low-sodium diet combined with a diuretic is often prescribed to patients diagnosed with Meniere's disease, because the goal is to reduce fluid pressure in the body. A diuretic helps reduces the body's ability to retain salt, and the low-sodium diet helps keep sodium levels in the body at a minimum.

Foods to Eat

A number of low-salt foods can be eaten as part of the treatment plan for Meniere's disease. These include: low-fat dairy products; low-sodium cheese; lean meat; water-packed tuna; fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables; low-sodium soup; low-sodium canned vegetables; low-salt crackers; whole grain and enriched breads; whole grain and enriched cereals; unsalted popcorn; fresh salads; low-sodium salad dressings.

Benefits

Low sodium levels can significantly reduce the inner ear's ability to retain salt that may be causing the plugging sensation and vertigo. Low-sodium diets have also been linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems. If the patient with Meniere's disease is undergoing surgery as part of his treatment plan, the low-sodium diet can help keep vertigo under control and improve overall results of the treatment.

Warnings

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, maintaining a low-salt diet involves restricting sodium intake to between 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day. This means cutting out more than just salt in cooking or as a condiment. Sufferers of Meniere's disease need to pay attention to the nutritional makeup of everyday foods such as processed cheese, buttermilk, processed meats, salty snacks and commercial salad dressings to make sure they are maintaining a low salt intake on a regular basis.