Keto Flu Symptom: Ringing Ears And How To Cope

The keto flu is a collection of symptoms experienced by some people when they first start a ketogenic diet. Symptoms can include nausea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, and sugar cravings. The keto flu is caused by the body adapting to a new diet consisting of very few carbohydrates. The drastic reduction in carbohydrates can come as a shock to the body and may cause withdrawal-like symptoms.

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears. Research has found a connection between high insulin levels and the development of tinnitus. A study published in Ear and Hearing found that a deficiency of vitamin B12, in particular, could increase the potential for developing tinnitus. The study also found that a diet too high in fat, calcium, and iron could increase the risk of tinnitus.

So, what is the connection between the keto flu and tinnitus? It is possible that the keto flu could cause tinnitus in some people. The keto flu is caused by a drastic reduction in carbohydrates, which can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms. Tinnitus has been linked to high insulin levels and vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be caused by a diet too high in fat, calcium, and iron. Therefore, it is possible that the keto flu could contribute to the development of tinnitus in some individuals. However, more research is needed to confirm this connection.

Keto flu symptoms and their management

The keto flu is a collection of symptoms experienced by some people when they start a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is very low in carbohydrates, high in fat, and moderate in protein. The intention is to put your body in a state of ketosis, where it burns stored fat instead of glucose. The keto flu is caused by the body adapting to this new diet, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Muscle soreness and cramps
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Poor focus and concentration
• Dizziness
• Sugar cravings
• Stomach aches or pains

Management Strategies

• Drink plenty of water: The keto diet can cause dehydration, so it's important to stay hydrated to prevent dizziness and headaches.
• Replace electrolytes: The keto diet can lead to a loss of electrolytes, which may cause muscle cramps and nausea. Increase your intake of salts, potassium, and magnesium, either through food or supplements.
• Eat enough calories: The keto diet can reduce appetite, but it's important to ensure you're consuming enough calories, especially from healthy fats. This may help reduce nausea and increase energy levels.
• Gradual transition: Instead of drastically cutting carbs, try reducing your intake gradually over a few days or weeks to give your body time to adjust.
• Get plenty of rest: Avoid heavy exercise during the first week of the keto diet. Instead, focus on light activities such as yoga or walking, and ensure you're getting enough sleep.
• Eat more fiber: Fiber can help suppress hunger and relieve constipation.
• Avoid caffeine: Reducing your caffeine intake can help improve sleep and reduce fatigue.

The link between keto, tinnitus, and insulin

Tinnitus is a condition characterised by a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can be symptomatic of underlying health issues, including hearing loss. Recent studies have found a link between tinnitus and elevated insulin levels, with around 84% of sufferers found to have hyperinsulinemia, a metabolic disorder caused by insulin resistance.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet that shifts the body's metabolism to burn fat for energy, resulting in the production of ketones. The keto diet's ability to stabilise blood sugar could be particularly beneficial for tinnitus sufferers, as sugar level fluctuations have been linked to worsening tinnitus symptoms.

The keto diet's impact on inflammation and blood sugar levels is key to understanding its potential benefits for tinnitus. Chronic inflammation is a recognised contributing factor to tinnitus, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the keto diet may alleviate symptoms.

Elevated blood sugar levels can damage various body parts, including the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. Excessive insulin can result in widespread inflammation, increasing the likelihood of heart issues, renal complications, cognitive impairment, and nervous system harm.

The nerves within the inner ear are particularly vulnerable to damage from elevated insulin levels, leading to abnormal signals and tinnitus symptoms. Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels can cause peripheral neuropathy, damaging nerves outside the central nervous system.

When adopting a ketogenic diet to manage tinnitus, it is important to ensure adequate hydration and sodium intake to mitigate potential side effects like the "keto flu". It is also crucial to monitor blood sugar and ketone levels to ensure the diet is effective and make necessary adjustments.

In addition to the keto diet, other management strategies for tinnitus include sound therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and medications to manage symptoms. Healthcare professionals may also recommend hearing aids or masking devices to neutralise the tinnitus sound.

The keto diet's potential to reduce inflammation and improve overall hearing health makes it a promising strategy for managing tinnitus. By cutting out sugar and processed foods, and focusing on whole foods rich in healthy fats, individuals may experience a decrease in tinnitus symptoms. However, more research is needed to definitively establish the direct connection between the keto diet and the improvement of tinnitus symptoms.

Dietary patterns that may trigger tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition that causes a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, though there is no external source for the sound. While there is no cure, certain approaches may reduce symptoms.

There is no strong evidence proving that particular foods cause or worsen tinnitus. However, some people may find that their dietary choices affect their symptoms. For example, a 2014 study of middle-aged adults in the United Kingdom found an association between persistent tinnitus and the avoidance of dairy, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increased bread intake, particularly wholegrain bread. Conversely, those who ate more fish and fewer eggs were less likely to report persistent tinnitus.

In addition, a 2020 study of 34,576 UK adults found that higher intakes of calcium, iron, and fat were associated with increased odds of tinnitus, while higher intakes of vitamin B12 and a dietary pattern high in meat intake were associated with reduced odds of tinnitus. A separate 2020 study of more than 34,000 UK adults found that a high-fat diet may be harmful to tinnitus sufferers.

While there is no consistent evidence that specific foods worsen tinnitus, certain dietary choices have gained a reputation for their potential impact on the condition. For example, caffeine and alcohol are believed to affect tinnitus symptoms, though there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.

Salt consumption is believed to be linked to tinnitus. Specifically, there is a significant correlation between salt intake and Ménière’s disease, a chronic inner ear disorder that can cause a spinning sensation, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Some people find that certain foods alleviate their tinnitus symptoms. These include:

• Vitamin B12, found in mackerel, salmon, chicken, beef, and eggs
• Bromelain, found in pineapple, which helps reduce inflammation in the body
• Potassium-rich foods, such as apricots, sweet potatoes, pears, papayas, bananas, yogurt, spinach, mangos, and apples
• Zinc, found in nuts, dark chocolate, yogurt, chicken, beef, spinach, lamb, and shellfish
• Folate, found in beans, spinach, romaine lettuce, broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, and bok choy

In summary, while there is no definitive link between dietary patterns and tinnitus, some people may find that their symptoms are affected by their dietary choices. Starting a food diary may help individuals identify any potential triggers and make informed decisions about their diet.

Nutrients that may increase the risk of tinnitus

While there is no cure for tinnitus, it can be managed by watching what you eat. According to a study published in the official publication of the American Auditory Society, certain nutrients may increase the risk of developing tinnitus. Here are some of them:

• Calcium: A high calcium diet was associated with a higher risk of tinnitus.
• Iron: Similarly, a diet high in iron was linked to an increased risk of tinnitus.
• Fat: A high-fat diet was associated with a higher likelihood of tinnitus.

In addition to these specific nutrients, the study also found that overall dietary patterns could play a role. Diets high in protein were associated with a reduced risk of tinnitus, while low-fat diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and meats appeared beneficial for reducing tinnitus symptoms.

The role of diet in preventing tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common disorder defined as the perception of noise, typically a buzzing, rustling, or whistling sound, in the absence of an external acoustic stimulus. While there is no cure for tinnitus, many have found success managing their symptoms by better managing their diet.

The science behind it

The inner ear, like the brain, has no energy reserves. Its metabolism depends directly on the supply of oxygen and glucose (sugar) from the blood supply. Alterations in glucose metabolism therefore have great potential for disturbing the workings of the inner ear.

What to eat

• Vitamin B12 can help alleviate your tinnitus symptoms that are a result of noise damage. You can find vitamin B12 in mackerel, salmon, chicken, beef, and eggs.
• Bromelain, found in pineapple, can help reduce inflammation in the body, thus lessening the effects of tinnitus.
• Potassium-rich foods that may help alleviate your symptoms include apricots, sweet potatoes, pears, papayas, bananas, yogurt, spinach, mangos, and apples.
• Zinc is responsible for healing and cell growth. Keep your levels up by eating plenty of nuts, dark chocolate, yogurt, chicken, beef, spinach, lamb, and shellfish.
• Folate helps improve blood flow to the inner ear by increasing circulation and can help improve tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, and age-related hearing loss. Get your daily dose of folate by eating plenty of beans, spinach, romaine lettuce, broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, and bok choy.

What not to eat

• Processed/pre-packaged/fast foods
• MSG
• Table salt
• Artificial sweeteners
• Vegetable oils
• Sulfites
• Saturated fats
• Refined carbohydrates
• Trans fats
• Caffeine
• Processed sugar
• Alcohol

Frequently asked questions