Can blue light glasses help stop vertigo during screen time? With my timeline on Facebook plastered in stories about Hillary Clinton wearing special “blue light” sunglasses to stop seizures, it made me wonder if there were anything like this to help light sensitivity and vertigo?
Do you suffer from light sensitivity?
Do computer screens, florescent lights and even the TV trigger vertigo attacks?
This was something that I suffered terribly from when I was really sick with Meniere’s. I am sure many of you find computer screens and TV etc can spark attacks, so I did a quick search on google to see what I could find.
After sifting through page after page of the Clinton story I came up with a study on NIH related to epilepsy:
I looked on Amazon to see if they sell any and indeed they do. Prices range from nearly $90 down to around $10. So these glasses must widely available and easily accessible.
I posted immediately in a Meniere’s groups and the first comment to appear confirmed that these glasses did indeed help stop vertigo attacks:
“I use blue light goggles, and they help . I consulted Consumer Reports and they rated the cheap 8$ ones as filtering out the most blue light ( 70% I think ). They are not attractive but I don’t go into a store with fluorescent lighting without them or use any screen without them . . I would recommend them. In an acute attack reading on my tablet triggers an immediate vertigo. Mine were 8$.”
Other comments made on the subject in Meniere’s Disease supports groups online were as follows (2020):
“Most of the time they work for me but I did have one experience where they added to the problem but I was off balance a bit more that week. They were fine after that day”
“Have blue for office and computer screen and yellow for my progressives. No issues at all.”
“Big difference for me personally!”
“Made a HUGE difference for my migraines.”
“I love mine! Been using them for years now. I also have the blue light filter set on all my tech that has it, and I have a chrome extension that allows me to adjust the light/dark of websites.”
“Therespecs… they’re a miracle worker for me. When I go into stores or offices I no longer get dizzy when I wear these.”
“Mine have helped”
“I use a blue light filter on my phone and it really helps me”
“They help take that pressure off my eyes and forehead so decrease the chances of a migraine.”
“I used to be an optical consultant for a UK wide opticians.
Blue light filters were and remain controversial, with many denouncing the benefits due to lack of science.
My personal experience is that they make unnatural lighting significantly more comfortable daily and reduce eye strain.”
“They’ve been great for me. I suggest getting looser fitting frames that you use only @ home for comfort.”
So, Can Blue Light Glasses Help Stop Vertigo?
To my knowledge there are no cited studies relating to vertigo or Meniere’s disease. However, there are studies indicating that blue glasses help computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer screen. Two of the listed symptoms of CVS are dizziness/vertigo and Migraine.
In addition to possibly preventing vertigo, blue light glasses are also beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Do you use blue light blocking glasses or goggles? Do they help? Let us know in the comments section below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
Are there links between fungal infections, candida and Meniere’s Disease?
There are plenty of accounts from Meniere’s sufferers who also suffer from candida and some accounts that suggest dealing with candida was followed by reduced or eliminated Meniere’s symptoms.
There are very few if any clinical studies linking candida or fungal infections ‘directly’ to Meniere’s Disease, but plenty linking them to vertigo, tinnitus, labyrinthitis and the ear. Given that “Meniere’s” is simply a label given to a set of perceived to be idiopathic symptoms, these studies must be important.
Dig slightly deeper and links can be found to other conditions that are themselves related to Meniere’s and possible root causes. These links may suggest that candida is either a root cause or at least an associated cause in some people.
What is candida albicans and how might it be linked to Meniere’s?
Candida albicans is a yeast that can be found in everyone. Good bacteria in the body such as lactobacillus, acidophilus and bifidus usually keeps candida in check and stops any overgrowth. However if the immune system is compromised and body systems are thrown out of balance the yeast can proliferate and transform into pathogenic fungus that can further compromise the immune system and trigger a variety of symptoms and illnesses. The body also becomes more prone to allergies and infections as a result of this overgrowth.
Some possible causes of candida albican overgrowth (Candidiasis) are:
Prolonged use of anti-biotics
Oral contraceptives, estrogen-replacement and or steroid use (yeast festers in estrogen)
Anti-ulcer medication
Immune suppression from stress, environmental toxins, illness and infections
The emboldened and hyperlinked causes above have all been linked to Meniere’s disease. Given the overall need for strengthening your immune system to combat Meniere’s, the vicious cycle of immune suppression leading to fungal infection then fungal infection leading to more immune suppression alone is an obvious link in the many possible causes for Meniere’s in some people.
Finding your individual root cause for Meniere’s can seem daunting especially when there can be so many contributing triggers and causes all compounding your symptoms. For example: amalgam fillings leaking mercury can affect thyroid function, immune system, candida and is a known cause of Meniere’s symptoms. Hypothyroidism has been linked to Meniere’s, immune suppression and candida albicans overgrowth. Candida may be linked to Meniere’s. (See our readers messages below)
So if you are a Meniere’s sufferer and find you have hypothyroidism or candida albicans you may treat those individually and think it is enough. If you have one or more of these conditions but have missed the fact you have amalgam fillings then it is likely you will always be treating the symptoms and never addressing the cause.
By removing the amalgam from your body and detoxing the mercury from your system, strengthening your immune system through diet/supplements, re-balancing your thyroid/adrenal/endocrine system and treating the fungal infection, again a through nutrient application, then you should have covered all bases and dealt with the root cause(s) of your Meniere’s. (based on the hypothetical scenario above)
Stress is a known trigger and considered by some as a root cause of Meniere’s. We see above that stress can cause candida albicans, it can also result in thyroid dysfunction. So again we see a possible root cause that can lead either directly to Meniere’s through irregularities in blood flow and/or cause other conditions that may ultimately lead to Meniere’s somewhere down the line.
When you are told or you read the cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown and there is no known cure, this is very deceptive. The fact that your Meniere’s symptoms are “idiopathic”, by very definition means that if you find your cause [one of the above for example] your condition is no longer considered to be ‘Meniere’s’.
When you see the word ‘Meniere’s’ for what it is, a label for a set of symptoms, then finding and dealing with your root causes becomes a much less daunting task. By first changing your perception of the condition, then joining the dots regarding the causes and triggers it is possible to, not only eliminate Meniere’s from our life, but come out the other end with an even healthier immune system and more energy than before your symptoms started.
According to research done in Australia in 1996 Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with disease of the inner ear.
What are the experiences of our readers?
Below are some extracts from emails sent to us ( used with permission )
Hi Michael, Sorry for the delay in replying to you. I am doing much better these days. Someone told me about a doctor in Belfast who no longer worked for the NHS as he took a more alternative therapy view on health, a more holistic approach. He diagnosed my problem as candida overgrowth. For this he put me on supplements to deal with the bacteria overgrowth and a strict diet (no yeast, no dairy, no sugar). He also had me attend a chiropractor as he felt my neck had a lot of tension in it which could be triggering some of my dizziness/vertigo. Since I have been on this diet & the supplementsand finished course of chiropractor treatment i am feeling much better, more energy, no vertigo in 2 months, sleeping better….just feeling like my old self again!
Joanne
Hey Michael,
I’m doing pretty good. I’m taking more of the grape seed extract to stop dizziness. And thankfully it does help me. I have cut salt out of diet even with prepared foods. Sodium is so my enemy. I fasted for 3 days recently and had no dizziness at all. So I know it is food. I continue to be careful. God I miss potato chips.
I recently realized that I may be harboring candidayeast in my body–saliva test positive……. Yes, of course you may use anything that I send you. Edit it as you see fit. As I definitely am telling you my experiences as honestly as possible, maybe my words will encourage someone to try this path. I also should tell you that I work out with a Nazi trainer…no, really!! I move a lot in the class. I try very hard to not trigger menieres in the workout and as a precaution, I take two extra grape seed extract.
If I did not take the grape seed extract, I would not be able to workout and would definitely have attacks that I could not control.
Thanks very much for asking after me. I do appreciate your emails.
Thanks,
Dodie
Hello Mike, You’re right! Sorry about that. Hope you are well too. I’m currently on a candida diet and I’m still ok without attacks!
Hello Mike,
First, thank you for your terrific book! You have done incredible research and provide a wonderful guide. We are quite knowledgeable re Meniere’s from Jeff’s experience with this wretched disease diagnosed in 1997. Jeff was completely disabled from 1996-2001 when he was able to return to work and international travel due to correct treatment by a great New York doctor, Dr. Harold Levinson. We need to determine what blood work and other tests to try to do. Especially for herpes, bacterial, respiratory and other infections, virus, fungal infection, candida, food allergies
We are so enthusiastic re your work and grateful for your help and the terrific book!
Your friends, Candice & Jeff
Hi Mike,
Thank you so much for your continued support and yes you were absolutely right. It turns out I have candida. I am staying away from dairy, sugary food and no yeast. I take a probiotic and Vitamin b12 supplement. After being sick so for sooooo long it is wonderful to feel so healthy and energetic again. I promise I will keep you updated and yes please use my mails for your blog. People should know about this.
Thanks again
Denise
There are very few effective drugs for candida and the fungus can easily become drug resistant. Balancing your gut flora is essential and a healthy gut goes a very long way in a healthy body.
What can help eliminate candida overgrowth?
Probiotic foods such as natural yogurt, yakult and a quality probiotic supplement will help build your good gut bacteria which in turn will keep candida in check. Good bacteria lactobacillus, acidophilus and bifidus manufacture the B vitamins, biotin and B12 that helps control yeast.
B vitamins are essential particularly for a healthy gut. Consider strengthening your gut balance with a quality B12 supplement. B12 can not be found in plants. It can only be created in the gut. Meat contains B12 as it has been manufactured in animal guts which is why vegetarians are sometimes at risk of deficiency.
According to a study at Hindustan University of arts and Science, “Vitamin B12 was effective against Candida albicans“
According to Dr Laurant Bannock who authored the much coveted ( and highly expensive) book ‘The Clinical Nutrition Desk Reference’, Nutrient applications for candida albicans include: Supplement support to increase immune function, detoxification, adrenal support, essential fatty acids support and grapefruit seed extract – acts as an anti fungal and natural antibiotic.
He recommends:
Increase immune and digestive function, especially liver
Avoid sugar in all forms including fruit juices, fruit, dairy, products, honey, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and possibly potatoes
Avoid alcohol, fermented and yeasty foods
Avoid food allergies/sensitivities
Eat sugar free yogurt, whole grains and organic meats
Avoid anti biotics
Follow candida diet ( a rotation may be helpful if allergies are present)
Avoid moldy places, chemical household products and chlorinated water
Avoid birth control pills
Promote healthy intestinal flora and increase fiber to eliminate toxins in the gut
Dr Edward Group of the Global Healing Center in Texas explains:
“With more and more of these organisms developing drug resistance, researchers are often looking for alternative remedies. A recent study looking at lavender oil may be just what any nature-loving herbalist needs for supporting immune health and possibly fighting candida. But while the essential oil shows good resistance to fungus, more research is needed to explore all its benefits. Some reports suggest colloidal silver could be helpful against candida. Now, while you might have heard taking garlic can help, recent research suggests that it’s actually not as beneficial against yeast as originally thought. That being said, I highly suggest using garlic every day.
Candida overgrowth could also lead to a condition commonly called leaky gut, something that can lead to food sensitivities and intolerances, among other things. If you suspect you have candida or have been diagnosed, you need to take immediate action.”
Several studies cited on pubmed suggest supplementing with Vitamin B12 can improve both tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. The most recent ” Therapeutic role of Vitamin B12 in patients of chronic tinnitus” was published in 2016 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918681/)
The anti-vertigo treatment DiVertigo contains both Vit B12 an Vit B6. B12 is also part of the B complex used in Lipoflavonoid Plus
What is Beta-Glucanase?
Beta-glucans are health-promoting in that they act as intestinal fiber. People suffering from an overgrowth of the candida fungus may benefit from taking beta-glucanase. Candida is notoriously difficult to eliminate because of its inherent ability to resist antimicrobial agents. Sadly, many people treat digestive problems and infections with prolonged and high-dose antibiotics which can be totally counterproductive.
Beta-glucanase is an enzyme that has been found to be particularly useful in reducing the coating or biofilm of Candida..
A great number of studies on enzymes have been conducted in Europe and Russia on human participants. The great majority suggests that a broad-spectrum enzyme preparation containing beta-glucanse can improve overall digestion and reduce a large amount of negative gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusion
Judging by the accounts of some sufferers, controlling your candida overgrowth and rebuilding your immune system may be all it takes to live free of Meniere’s symptoms but more than likely in most cases it may also take other positive proactive measures depending what other issues are present in the individual.
Each individual case may have varying pathology and root causes for Meniere’s. It is a case of gaining knowledge, knowing your own body and taking the appropriate action needed. If you are waiting for a ‘definitive’ root cause to be found and a wonder drug to appear you will be disappointed. Understanding what you are dealing with and taking the appropriate action in your own individual case, as we repeat ad nauseum throughout the Meniere’s Help website and blog can free you from Meniere’s. It can be done, it has been done by multiple thousands (just that we know of) and is being done all the time.
To restore overall gut health consider eliminating fungal causing foods, eating foods that promote good gut bacteria (see above) and supplementing with a quality probiotic and Vitamin B12 .
Sources: Menieres-Help.Com, The Global Healing Center, The Clinical Nutrition Desk Reference, University of Hindustan, PubMed, Noise & Health International Journal.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. What are your experiences with candida albicans, fungal infections and Meniere’s. Tell us all about it in the comments boxes below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
Why Magnesium is important when you suffer with the symptoms of Meniere’s disease
Table of Contents
Magnesium links to Meniere’s Disease whether it be deficiency or the benefits of supplementation are pretty well documented. It appears to be an important mineral for sufferers to consider
Below we look at just how important magnesium is for cellular and internal balance and most importantly how important a factor it is for those suffering with Meniere’s.
In 2015 a paper titled ‘Optimal Management of Meniere’s Disease’ was published in PubMed by ‘Therapeutics and clinical risk management’ in Auckland NZ.
It was stated:
“At our institution, Ménière’s disease is treated as a cerebrovascular [meaning of or relating to the brain and its blood vessels] disorder. Migraine prophylactic medications, magnesiumsupplementation, sodium restriction, migraine trigger elimination, diuretics, anticoagulants, and antihypertensives are among the treatments used”
The ENT department University of Milan stated in a 2004 paper that they included sulfate magnesium i.v to treat vertigo and dizziness for people with Meniere’s Disease and PPV.
A 2009 article in ‘Integrative Medicine Journal’ reported on a trial in which:
“a series of intravenous magnesium sulfate infusions appeared to be beneficial in 14 of 18 patients with Ménière’s disease.”
Magnesium and Nystagmus
Nystagmus, the flickering of the eyes or eyesight is a common symptom of ‘late stage’ Meniere’s. There are several studies linking magnesium deficiency to this.
In a study in the Netherlands in 1993, nystagmus was linked to hypomagnesemia (a deficiency of magnesium in the blood). In a paper published in 1981, ‘The manifestations of magnesium deficiency’ nystagmus was quoted as one symptom. Researchers in Switzerland in a paper for the journal ‘Neurology’ concluded that the nystagmus in a patient “may have resulted from severe hypomagnesemia, possibly associated with thiamine deficiency.
Several other studies can be found on cited on NIH ( as can the above) all suggesting the same thing.
Not everyone with Meniere’s suffers from Nystagmus and not everyone with Nystagmus suffers from Meniere’s disease. Given that one cause of magnesium deficiency is diuretics, especially the long term use of diuretics, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to hypothesize that Nystagmus, in at least some Meniere’s sufferers, is a direct result of magnesium depletion caused by the very medication used to combat Meniere’s symptoms.
Between January 2004 and October 2012, there was only one case reported to the FDA of diuretics directly causing nystagmus, out 3146 cases caused by other drugs. So ‘officially’ this is an unlikely scenario. The focus on studies or papers discussing this subject is on ‘ototoxicity‘, meaning something toxic to the ear.
The dots are not being joined to the extent where magnesium depletion as a result of diuretic use is considered. I think that says it all when the medical community deals with Meniere’s. It seems the bigger picture is rarely taken into account.
If you are a long term Meniere’s sufferer, a long term user of diuretics and a sufferer of Nystagmus, some light bulbs must surely be flashing in your head with this information. Even more so if you have reduced or eliminated your symptoms through diet and supplementation.
Magnesium has been used for tinnitus treatment. In a 2011 study published in the International Tinnitus Journal, ‘Study examining magnesium-dependent tinnitus.’ It concluded that magnesium could lessen the severity of tinnitus. suggesting deficiency may be a contributing cause.
The many functions of magnesium include: important in neuromuscular contractions/relaxations, regulates acid/alkaline balance, helps regulate body temperature, activates enzymes needed for metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids, needed for lipid and protein metabolism, cofactor for many enzymes in energy metabolism. ( Read Metabolism and Meniere’s Disease here and Gluten links to Meniere’shere.
Over 300 enzymatic reactions rely on magnesium to happen.
A study published in BMC Bioinformatics found that your body has 3,751 magnesium binding sites. This indicates that magnesium benefits are far greater than previously imagined. Because your body requires and uses magnesium for so many different functions, you can quickly become low in magnesium especially if you are not consuming enough high magnesium content foods.
Magnesium also plays a role in your body’s detoxification processes and therefore is important for helping to prevent damage from environmental chemicals, heavy metals and other toxins.
Given how common mercury from amalgam fillings is the probable root cause of Meniere’s, this makes magnesium even more valuable. One of the body’s most powerful antioxidants, glutathione, sometimes referred to as “the master antioxidant,” needs magnesium for its synthesis.
Clearly Magnesium is not a mineral that should be ignored or taken too lightly. It is vitally important for human health.
Magnesium and Vestibular Migraine
Many, though not all Meniere’s patients suffer from migraine. There seems much grey area between Meniere’s and vestibular migraine as they may be variants of the same thing. Both involve vertigo and other shared symptoms. Clinically, it may be that VM is considered a central problem, while MD a peripheral problem yet it is accepted that there is at least an association between the two.
In migraines themselves, Magnesium supplementation has been found to help relieve symptoms.
The American Migraine Foundation suggest taking a 400–500 milligram (mg) supplement of magnesium oxide daily to prevent migraines.
An Adelaide university study states that. “Research on magnesium has found it to be a potentially well-tolerated, safe and inexpensive option for migraine prevention, while it may also be effective as an acute treatment option for headaches including migraines, tension- type headaches and cluster headaches, particularly in certain patient subsets. Magnesium may be used for the treatment of acute migraines”
Meniere’s Help readers experiences with magnesium and Meniere’s disease?
What are our readers experiences with magnesium and Meniere’s? Below are some extracts from Meniere’s sufferers’ emails to Meniere’s Help (used with permission ) :
“Dear Mike,
Thank you for your very informative book. I am a Meniere’s sufferer. My symptoms began in 2010. A biochemist friend suggested I take a magnesium supplement and the attacks of vertigo stopped altogether for about a month. But after a month, dizzy spells minus the vertigo started and continue. Though disturbing, these incidents are far less violent and are shorter in duration than before taking the magnesium.
After reading your book, I made an appointment to see a chiropractor in our area who specializes in chiropractic neurology because I know I have neck issues and perhaps spine issues (I broke my femur 4 months ago and a patched together with a rod, bolt and screw. The bone has healed.).
The chiropractor I will see is the President of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. He and his team utilize chiropractic neurology, nutrition, Erchonia low level light laser therapy, and detoxification programs. They are familiar with the supplements to help improve immune response.
Thank you for your encouraging book. Regards
Janet”
“Hello Mike,
The Dr went over every page with her. She was so deficient in magnesium she should have had a heart attack. She was deficient in almost every vitamin and mineral, her mitochondria were very damaged and the life (energy) within them was fading. Her omega 3’s and 6’s were all messed up. Trans fats were extremely high and the toxins (mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, aluminum) were off the chart.
She told her to get off of ALL processed food and trans fats. After a week of the supplements all the symptoms disappeared. She did have one little issue when she took some antibiotics.[antibiotics deplete magnesium – see below]
She started having attacks every other day again. She threw away the antibiotics, the attacks stopped and the next day her ears were completely clear again. No ringing, fullness or anything. Interesting! So there it is,, we have our lives back. Thank you for contacting me (2014)
Update 2016:
Hello Mike,
Yes, Crystal is doing great. She hasn’t had an attack in about 1 1/2 years. Her progress was slow as far as the fullness and ringing goes but the attacks stopped completely in about 3 months. I think she had a total of 3 more attacks over a 3 month period after starting the supplements.
She also had chronic fatigue and didn’t even realize it since she was so sick with menieres.
She is still taking the supplements but is taking many of them every other day and still does fine. The only problem she seems to have is trouble absorbing magnesium. She can tell when her magnesiumgets low because her hands start hurting and in a day or two her ears will start ringing and she will go mostly deaf for about a day. She is fine after that as long as she gets her magnesium up. We really don’t understand that part.
Another fun part of this is after a year she went back to the dr who had told her she would be disabled the rest of her life. Crystal walked in her office mostly well. The dr was so surprised she listened to Crystal’s story and couldn’t deny the results. She said she didn’t understand but that Crystal was obviously helped by the supplements.
Thank you for asking about her. I’m sure she would be very happy to share her story with others on your blog.
Thank you,
Becky”
One of the most powerful components of the supplement regimen that has been so successful in keeping sufferers symptom free over the past 12 year is a grape seed extract with flavonoids, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
“Hi Mike,
Thanks for your email. At the moment the symptoms have all but gone away (just a bit of ‘brain fog’ from time to time, no dizziness).
I have been taking a Ginkgo supplement twice daily, plus an array of vitamins and minerals, based on the hair analysis results and the recommendations from the lab.
I have also been to yoga once a week, and seeing an osteopath, as it was found I had a lot of tension, and not much mobility in the neck.
I have attached the hair analysis results, feel free to share this information with anyone who may be able to use it. The lab recommended I take B6 , Chromium and Manganese, and zinc, iron,magnesium, Vit C, Vit E.
Hopefully the dizzies will stay away!
Be well,
Ottilie”
Magnesium deficiency
Why would someone be deficient in Magnesium and what should you do and not do to make sure you are getting adequate amounts?
According to the WHO (World Health Organization) in 2009, an estimated 75% of Americans have daily magnesium intakes less than the RDA, with similar figures estimated for most industrialized nations. ( It is important to note that RDAs are a ‘MINIMUM’ recommendation)
You can raise your Magnesium levels by eating more magnesium rich foods ( see below ), using magnesium salt baths, magnesium oils and magnesium supplements.
The story doesn’t end there though. Understanding how magnesium is absorbed and excreted is important. Magnesium can be eliminated as waste through the gastrointestinal “GI” tract (the stomach, intestines and colon) and is excreted through the kidneys.
To maintain homeostasis (balance), several systems of the body work together like an internal thermostat. In healthy individuals, two kidneys filter all of the blood in the human body. All of the contents of the blood, including nutrients, ultimately pass through the kidneys’ filters and can be excreted out of the body at any time.
If we don’t take magnesium “in” we obviously can’t use it, but in a similar way, if we send it “out” after we take it in, we still can’t use it! Problems arise when not enough magnesium is absorbed by the GI Tract, or too much of a nutrient is filtered out of the blood.
Certain disorders and medications such as diuretics and antibiotics can disrupt the healthy functioning of the kidneys. Under such influences, a nutrient such as magnesium is excreted rather than reabsorbed.
Digestive factors unique to the individual can also influence the amount of magnesium absorbed in the GI tract. These include the ability to breakdown magnesium containing foods in the stomach, and the ability to absorb magnesium in the small intestine. Aging, disease, stress, and illness can also reduce magnesium absorption.
Some conditions known to impact magnesium availability include:
Individual variations in amount of stomach acid, commonly reduced in older adults
Excessive use of alcohol
Crohn’s disease, celiac sprue, and any disorder of the digestive or intestinal function
Kidney disorders
Genetic magnesium absorption disorders
Stress, surgery, and chronic disorders such as diabetes
Diarrhea and vomiting
Vomiting with constant vertigo is a regular fact of life with the worst symptoms of Meniere’s. Stress and alcohol are known Meniere’s triggers. Food allergies and in particular gluten intolerance affect the digestive and intestinal functions and are linked to Meniere’s Disease in some people.
*Medications that deplete magnesium:
Antacids
Anti-inflammatories (including Prednisone, commonly used for Meniere’s)
Antibiotics (including gentamicin, commonly used for Meniere’s)
Diuretics (including Hydrochlorothiazide, commonly used for Meniere’s)
*Source: University of Maryland Medical Center
One of the biggest culprits in the depletion of magnesium is phosphates found in sodas. Researchers in the The Journal of Nutrition have noted that high intake of sodas have placed many members of the population at risk for magnesium deficiencies. Consuming these beverages with food, as well as common drinks such as coffee and tea, ultimately reduces the amount of magnesium available to the body.
Add the sugars or worse, the toxic artificial sugars in diet sodas to the above information, consider the amount of sodas consumed all over the world and you get a good example of the bigger picture of what the modern diet is doing to human health.
As seen above magnesium plays a vitally important role in so many of the body’s processes, it is important that you know where you stand when it comes to getting enough of this mineral on a daily basis.
If you are not getting enough, finding a high-quality supplement, particularly one that is combined with calcium may be a wise move. These two nutrients work together synergistically to benefit the entire body. It has to be the correct type of calcium and the balance needs to be correct as calcium can also compete with magnesium.
If you suspect you are low in magnesium one of the best ways to consume this mineral is through organically bound magnesium, found in whole foods. Green leafy vegetables and especially chlorella are rich in chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll, which enables plants to capture solar energy and convert it into metabolic energy, has a magnesium atom at its center. Without magnesium, in fact, plants could not utilize the sun’s light energy.
Chlorophyll is like a plant’s version of human hemoglobin as it shares a similar structure but has magnesium plugged in the middle rather than iron ( as in hemoglobin ).
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard are excellent sources of magnesium, as are some beans, nuts and seeds, like almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
Avocados are also a good source. Juicing your vegetables is an excellent option to ensure you’re getting enough in your diet. (see superfoods for more on chlorophyll, chlorella benefits for Meniere’s and green juicing)
Other foods that are also high in magnesium include: salmon, coriander, cashews, goat cheese and artichokes.
Drinking water can be an important source of magnesium, especially ‘hard water’.
The ‘superfood’ Moringa is packed with Magnesium. According to Dr Oz, adding 3 tablespoons of Moringa Powder to your daily diet will provide 37% of your daily Magnesium needs. Moringa is also rich in B vitamins that help magnesium absorption.
We constantly state throughout the Meniere’s Help website that avoiding heavily refined, processed foods and junk foods is essential. This is confirmed in terms of magnesium deficiency in the 2003 Clinical Biochemist Review article ‘Magnesium Metabolism and its Disorders’ that states:
“Refining or processing of food may deplete magnesium content by nearly 85%“. Importantly, it goes on to state that “cooking, especially boiling of magnesium-rich foods, will result in significant loss of magnesium.“
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. What are your experiences with Meniere’s and magnesium? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
Are your Meniere’s symptoms caused by tympanic membrane retraction?
I received this email recently from a Meniere’s Help reader asking were his symptoms due to Tympanic membrane retraction or Meniere’s disease?
Hi Mike,
It’s nice to hear from you again, I hope you’re well. Funnily enough, I was going to email you soon anyway with an update with my current health. As I have mentioned before, this past year saw many of my old meniere’s-type symptoms return after a nearly three-year absence, and after taking on board the suggestions from your book, I began investigating the possible cause for these symptoms. After several tests, it was discovered that I have an impacted eardrum, or Tympanic membrane retraction, in my right ear which is the cause for the inflammation in my middle ear and hence, symptoms similar to meniere’s. I’m booked in for surgery in two week’s time to have it corrected, which will hopefully sort everything out, as well as restore a good portion of my hearing for good measure. I’ll keep you updated on everything post surgery.
All the best, Alex
Tympanic membrane retraction may cause some of the same symptoms as Meniere’s but not all.
Tympanic membrane retraction is described as a condition in which a part of the eardrum lies deeper within the ear than its normal position.
The eardrum is a flexible, very thin membrane which separates the middle ear from the outer ear. It is medically referred to as the tympanic membrane.
A retracted eardrum refers to a condition wherein the eardrum gets pulled or sucked into the area behind it. This occurs when the pressure in the middle ear area becomes very low. A retracted eardrum is mostly caused due to infections. However, a rapid change in the external air pressure can also lead to a sudden drop in the pressure within an individual’s ear, and possibly cause a retracted eardrum.
Symptoms are: hearing sensitivity, possibly tinnitus, ear pressure and ear pain, sometimes dizziness and even vertigo hence the confusion with Meniere’s Disease.
It has a completely different diagnosis to Meniere’s. The problem is in the middle ear as apposed to the inner ear with Meniere’s.
One of the biggest differences is the pain in the ear. Meniere’s sufferers do not usually have physical pain in the ear.
Retracted ear drums or Tympanic membranes are fairly common, especially in children but also adults.
If you suffer from pain in the ear and other Meniere’s type symptoms and especially if you suffered from and ear or sinus infection prior to your symptoms it may be worth being checked for this.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Do you have experience with Meniere’s disease or Tympanic membrane retraction? Let us know in the comments below or email Mike at: meniereshelp@gmail.com
What links endocrine disorders to vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus and Meniere’s disease?
The connection between endocrine disorders and Meniere’s Disease has been discussed and studied since late 1950’s and early 60’s. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and as I pointed out in my recent lengthy article, Thyroid Dysfunction Connections to Meniere’s Disease , according to studies over one 3rd of Meniere’s sufferers have thyroid issues.
Add to this fact that there has been a 600% increase in Meniere’s cases in Fukushima following the disaster at the nuclear power plant in 2011, adrenal and metabolic issues have been linked to Meniere’s and we see a pattern through the endocrine-thyroid-immune system with many cases of Meniere’s.
In addition to this, we have long preached the importance of dietary considerations, nutrition and keeping the immune system strong and healthy in order to stay symptom free, regardless of the particular root cause(s) of the inflammation within the ear (there are several possibilities and every case is different).
By joining the dots, we can see that it is vital to keep everything in balance. For example, adrenal stressors such as stress, allergies, poor nutrition, toxins, lack of sleep, gut irritating foods, some prescription drugs and caffeine have been linked to Meniere’s either as triggers or root causes.
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. Stressed adrenal glands can result in endocrine imbalances, thyroid dysfunction and can possibly ultimately result in the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease. As with all possible root causes of Meniere’s, it can lead to a domino effect and underscores the difficulty for the medical community in pinpointing a definitive cause. That is because there is no one definitive root cause. There are many, but as I point out in the book Managing Meniere’s Disease, that doesn’t mean you can not find yours and eliminate it from your life though.
Studies suggesting links between endocrine disorders and Meniere’s disease
In a 1977 German study published on Pub Med it concluded “This would result in reduced generation of the receptor potentials as well as in decreased activities of the first order afferent neurons as it was supposed earlier by other authors. This mechanism may be combined with a decompensation of active ion transport processes due to microcirculation disturbances. Finally it will be pointed out that true ruptures of the endolymphatic walls cannot be the usual mode of reversible lesions in Menières disease but a diffuse leakage of the perilymph-endolymph barrier.”
Blood flow is also an issue with Meniere’s Disease. Prescription drugs or supplements have been used to treat Meniere’s symptoms by promoting good blood flow. “Microcirculation disturbances” are an issue with Meniere’s.
A study was published in 2011 from The Department of Otolaryngology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan titled “The relevance of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis-related hormones to the cochlear symptoms in Ménière’s disease”.
The study was done to investigate the association of the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical) axis-related hormones with the progression of cochlear symptoms in patients with Ménière’s disease.
Their reported conclusion was: “Our results suggest that the cortisol levels influence the endolymphatic homeostasis resulting in a deterioration of hearing at high frequency with upstaging of Ménière’s disease.“
In layman’s terms, the balance of fluids within the endolymphatic system was affected by hormones produced by the adrenal gland and endocrine system.
Why would the endocrine system not function as it should and what can you do about this?
Something that disrupts the endocrine system can affect the adrenal gland, thyroid and metabolism causing all kinds of related health issues that doctors have difficulty finding the root cause of. All of the above have been linked Meniere’s Disease.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that throw the endocrine system out of balance and as this system is the main hormone regulator, as stated above this can cause all kinds of knock on effects, dysfunctions and disorders, including ultimately the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease.
Chemicals like BPA and phthalates are surprisingly used all around us in daily life and can infiltrate our body in many unsuspected ways. Most people are completely unaware of the toxins and health damaging chemicals that saturate our environment and directly enter our bodies everyday.
One of the reasons for this is the proliferation of plastics used today. Everything from food containers and drink bottles, to cosmetic and skin care product containers. Plastic is one of the main sources of endocrine disruptors. But it doesn’t stop there. Substances and materials used in paper receipts, tin cans, electronics and even money are common everyday items that contain endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Efforts by the European Union have been made to ban endocrine disruptors in all products but with the power of Billion dollar corporations whose only concern is profit the going is very slow. With the introduction of recent global “trade deals” such as TTP it may become increasingly difficult to control the use of such harmful toxins in our lives.
Endocrine disruptors are commonly found in personal items, medicines, and cleaning products. Things we use to protect ourselves from harm can actually be harming us in different unintended ways. Sunscreen is a classic example.
The reproductive organs are part of the endocrine system. A recent study found a chemical in sunblock has been linked to infertility in men, and another noted that phthalates in toys cause many of the same issues.
Dr Edward Group of the Global Healing Center in Texas explains how endocrine distruptors are such a huge health problem:
“Constant exposure to endocrine disruptors is like putting a drop of water in the gas tank of a car. One drop may not have a major impact, but drip by drip, the car soon breaks down.
Endocrine disruptors do the same thing to the human body. Unlike the car, before the body breaks down its main systems go haywire and present symptoms such as infertility, weight gain, cardiac disease, dementia, and so much more. That’s because hormones from endocrine organs, such as the thyroid, pituitary gland, testes, ovaries, pancreas, adrenal glands, and even the gastrointestinal tract, control every function in the body.”
Endocrine disruptors to avoid:
Organophosphate Pesticides
The overuse of pesticides in modern forced food production is discussed elsewhere on this website. It doesn’t take a genius to put 2 and 2 together to realize that the explosion of degenerative diseases over the past half century or so coincides with the introduction and proliferation of forced farming techniques that have robbed the soils of their mineral content and consequently resulted in the over use of chemical fertilizers and more and more pesticides.
Pesticide residue on vegetables and fruits are one of the most common ways we consume dangerous chemicals. Organophosphate pesticides have been shown to cause infertility in men, slow brain development in children, and have even been shown to affect thyroid function.
The only way to avoid these toxins is to eat organic. If that is impossible then regular detoxing and/or using quality, clean, safe dietary supplementation would seem very wise.
17a-Ethynylestradiol
Estrogen mimickers abound in consumer products these days, causing all kinds of problems but 17a-Ethynylestradiol is a synthetic form of estrogen and the only one that remains active when taken orally. Currently, this synthetic hormone can be found in all forms of oral birth control.
Perhaps its most dangerous side effect is increasing the chances of breast cancer. Even the US government ( not known for over protecting its consumer public much in recent times) has had to acknowledge the dangers of this chemical.
PBDEs
PBDEs are fire retardants used in mattresses and other furniture and household goods. Normally exposure is associated with dust but according to a study published in the USA in 2009 one of the major sources of exposure to PBDEs was red meat and poultry! The study analyzed data from 2004 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
The study found serum levels of 5 different PBDEs were associated with eating poultry. People who ate more poultry had higher levels of the PBDEs. Poultry fat was the greatest contributor to the body’s burden of PBDEs.
Red meat intake was associated with two of the measured PBDE levels. Seafood and dairy were not associated with any changes in the PBDE levels in serum.
Vegetarians had 23-27 percent less PBDEs circulating in their serum as compared to meat-eaters.
The highest levels of PBDEs were found in males, the youngest age group examined (12-19 yrs old), the poor and the underweight (subjects with lowest BMI).
This study indicates that food is a more important route than previously thought. A number of scientific studies have suggested that PBDE levels in food supplies are rising.
The toxic garbage that ends up on our plate in the form of meat is the subject of a whole book but why is this all significant to the Meniere’s sufferer?
PBDEs, or polybrominated diethyl ethers, disrupt thyroid function by blocking the uptake of iodine, eventually taking its place in the thyroid. Because of this action, they also mimic and disrupt thyroid hormones.
As already stated above, over a 3rd of Meniere’s sufferers have thyroid issues and this may contribute to the root cause. Read about the importance of iodine and thyroid dysfunction connections to Meniere’s Disease here.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used as plastic additives for durability and flexibility. The negative health effects of these chemicals have been constantly reported in various studies all across the world. They can easily leach into water so people drinking water from pet-bottles are the most susceptible to chronic exposure. Again the proliferation of pet-bottle use for water over the past 30 years can be correlated to the rise in so many serious diseases and health conditions.
These chemicals have been linked to infertility in men, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid conditions. Returning to the old ways of storing foods and liquids in glass whenever possible would seem wise, or choose phthalate-free varieties if possible.
BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well known health hazard yet they still manage to permeate their way into our food and environment. Its use has continued in plastic bottles, dental sealants, cell phone protectors, water pipes and it even coats store receipts.
This toxin easily leaches from containers and can absorb through the skin on contact; studies have found people who handle receipts have this chemical in their urine just a few hours later. According to government research, 93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies.
Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.
First synthesized in 1891, bisphenol A came into use as a synthetic estrogen in the 1930s. Later, chemists discovered that, combined with phosgene (used during World War I as a toxic gas) and other compounds, BPA yielded the clear, polycarbonate plastic of shatter-resistant headlights, eyeglass lenses, DVDs and baby bottles.
BPA is another estrogen mimicer. When it enters the body the endocrine system thinks it is estrogen and this throws hormonal balance out of sync.
Geneticist Patricia Hunt wrote in ‘Scientific America’ in 2008 of her studies into BPA, that with one dose of exposure in lab mice, “We’re actually affecting three generations simultaneously.” She explained, “With hormones (and estrogen mimicers like BPA), she says, high doses can sometimes “shut down” the body’s response, and low doses are enough to exert effects.”
It would seem wise to choose BPA-free storage containers and use glass whenever possible.
Perchlorate
Primarily used in rocket fuel, explosives, fireworks and fertilizers, yet water contains the highest concentrations. According to the Water Research Foundation perchlorate contamination was found in ground water, surface water and drinking water in at least 26 US states as well as Canada. Although at very low levels it can be found naturally occurring, for a number of mainly industrial reasons high levels of contamination have been found everywhere from India to the UK.
Similarly to PBDEs, perchlorate replaces iodine in the thyroid and leads to decreased thyroid activity. Symptoms of decreased thyroid activity include weight gain, poor energy, depression and of course most importantly for readers of this website, decrease thyroid activity is linked to Meniere’s Disease.
The best solution to prevent damage from this endocrine disruptor is to ensure you are getting enough quality iodine on a daily basis and to use a high-quality water filter may also help filter out perchlorate and other contaminants.
Arsenic
This highly toxic element naturally occurs in trace amounts deep within the earth’s crust, but can enter water supplies through mining, industrial practices and agriculture.
The World Health Organization (WHO) clearly states that it is hazardous to human health. Scientific American published an article in 2011 with headlines, ‘Many U.S. Drinking Water Wells Contaminated with Arsenic, Other Elements‘ stating it is a national problem, scattered in every region.
Exposure to arsenic can result in insulin resistance, immune system suppression, slowed cognitive development, cardiovascular damage, and weight gain/loss. The best way to protect against arsenic is to install a water filter, one that specifically contains the ability to remove arsenic.
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)
It’s estimated that 99% of Americans have PFC accumulation in their bodies. PFCs are commonly used to make non-stick pans. During cooking, some of these chemicals escape into your food and have the power to accumulate in your body. Once it’s there, it can be very difficult to remove.
PFCs disrupt hormone function and have been tied to infertility, ineffective sperm, heart disease, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and low birth-weight in babies. In a study for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 it was confirmed PFCs, especially PFOA and PFHxS, negatively affect thyroid hormone levels.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at the CDC, PFCs can among many other things, alter thyroid functions and the immune system. They state that completely preventing exposure to PFCs is unlikely, however, if you live near known sources of PFC contamination, you can take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to PFCs. Minnesota, Michigan, and Alabama have issued advisories cautioning consumers to either stop or limit eating fish from waters contaminated with PFOS or other PFCs.
Avoiding non-stick cookware, checking packaging and clothing labels may help you to avoid PFCs, and a deep and thorough cleansing may be helpful for removing built up levels of PFCs in the body.
Mercury
Mercury toxicity is a well known possible root cause of Meniere’s Disease, usually from leakages in amalgam fillings.
Mercury also attacks the pancreas in the endocrine system, thereby affecting insulin production. It can also result in headaches. Many people with Meniere’s symptoms also suffer from Migraines. High mercury counts have been found in fish in recent years and the type of new CFL light bulbs contain dangerous levels of mercury. In fact, if one of these light bulbs break, it’s recommended you evacuate the area to prevent exposure.
A whole host of health problems can occur from mercury exposure depending on the source, if it is organic mercury, inorganic mercury or elemental and vaporized mercury. Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, the immune system and cause hearing loss.
Mercury is known to be the most poisonous, non-radioactive, naturally occurring substance on our planet and The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no safe level of mercury. Mercury toxicity from amalgam can take a long time to accumulate. It’s a scientific fact that toxic mercury vapor can continually be released from amalgam fillings. 80% of it enters the body and accumulates in it.
Many people have stopped all Meniere’s symptoms after removing amalgam fillings and detoxing. Exposure to mercury in general is known to cause nausea/vomiting, dizziness, ringing in ears, sinusitis, lack of concentration/brain fog, allergies and water retention (edema). All of these are knownMeniere’s symptoms or triggers.
It is also connected to these diseases related to the endocrine system: Hormonal dysfunction, Immune system disorders, Metabolic encephalopathy, Thyroid disease.
Dr Tom McGuire, a “Mercury free’ dentist has campaigned for years for the banning of the practice of using amalgam fillings and written several acclaimed books on the subject, including how to detoxify naturally.
Dioxin
Dioxin is recognized by the US government as an endocrine disruptor, yet the environment continues to be polluted. Research connects dioxin, a by product of many industrial processes, with heart disease, diabetes, reduced fertility, poor sperm activity and low sperm counts.
Meats and other food products which contain animal products provide the majority of exposure to Americans. It accumulates in fat and can remain for years, slowly poisoning us and slowly resulting in disease states.
Alcohol
Even if you never drink, alcohol can still be a relevant endocrine disruptor for you to consider. Alcohol has the power to negatively affect glands associated with the secretion and regulation of hormones, like the pituitary gland, possibly leading to complications with the body’s ability to maintain normal hormonal balance.
The pituitary gland, for example, synthesizes and secretes essential healing and repair hormones, such as human growth hormone (HGH). This gland has been shown to experience noticeable impairment from alcohol exposure.
Insulin, an important hormone that regulates blood sugar, can be severely impacted from prolonged alcohol consumption. Alcohol can also potentially impede the body’s ability to regulate and absorb calcium.
Even if you do not drink, topically applied alcohol can enter your bloodstream. The proliferation of alcohol (ethanol) hand cleansers means that more and more people are exposed to this endocrine disruptor. Consider the rubbing alcohol in your medicine cabinet as another example.
Other common sources include body lotions, cosmetic oils (even baby oils), aftershave, air fresheners, eye makeup, shampoos, insect repellants, hair dyes, dishwasher and laundry detergents, paint, perfumes, deodorants, and cooking oils.
In the case of hand sanitizers, one study that focused on hospital employees found that over 30% exhaled low levels of ethanol just one minute after using hand sanitizer. In one case, a one-month old baby suffering from lethargy was found to be intoxicated from an alcohol-soaked gauze used to treat the umbilical cord.
We already know that alcohol is a massive trigger for Meniere’s attacks so it would be prudent to avoid it completely, at least until you have recovered from Meniere’s.
The best way to minimize exposure is to avoid alcoholic beverages and check the ingredient lists of other products for alcohol, ethanol, ethyl alcohol, ethyl hydrate, ethyl hydroxide, and methylcarbinol. There are plenty of other non-alcoholic options available.
What can you do with so many toxins attacking your endocrine system?
While difficult, it is possible to take steps to avoid endocrine disruptors. If you eat meat or fish, choose organic, free-range, or wild sources. Buy fresh, organic produce as much as possible, and choose glass for food storage. Supplementing with the correct iodine to protect the thyroid can have dramatic results. Regular cleansing to help the liver remove toxin accumulation would also seem prudent given the information above.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. What are your experiences with Meniere’s and endocrine/thyroid issues? What made it worse and what helped? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
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