If you enjoy listening to the roar of the ocean, make sure you're also eating what's in those waters... because a new study finds that fish consumption can help protect you from deafness and other hearing problems.
The secret is in those terrific omega-3 fatty acids--the ones you're probably not getting enough of if you've been listening to the anti-fat nonsense coming from the mainstream.
The magic number is two: Two servings of good, fatty fish a week led to a 42 percent reduction in the risk of hearing loss in people 50 years old and older when compared to people who ate one serving of fish per week or less, according to the study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study also found a similar connection between hearing protection and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids--so a good fish oil supplement or eating more free-range meats will do the trick if you don't like seafood.
And if you've been taking sex drugs, maybe you should double up on the fish oil--one recent study found that men who take meds like Viagra have double the risk of hearing loss or deafness.
Omega-3 fatty acids can do so much more than help protect you from hearing loss. These essential fats--fats so many people on a low-fat diet are completely missing out on-- can also help boost cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides, improve vision and fight diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
One recent study even found that fish oil can help ward off mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
And if you're one of the 36 million Americans already coping with hearing loss, there are a few other nutrients that can help. Recent studies have found folic acid, magnesium, beta carotene and vitamins C and E all might help keep you from saying "HUH?" a few too many times.
But don't worry--if you follow these tips and your hearing remains sharp, you're still free to pretend you didn't hear your spouse ask you to take out the trash.
On a mission for your health,
Ed Martin
Editor, House Calls
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