16 Natural Ways to Manage Meniere’s

Disease Symptoms

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

estimates that 615,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed
with Meniere’s disease, and nearly 50,000 new cases are being diagnosed
each year. While the medical community doesn’t know why we are seeing
an increase in cases, research continues to look for a cure. Current studies
are examining stress management, steroid use, new imaging practices,
surgical approaches, and natural treatments.

While a de nitive cause has yet to be determined, it does seem to most

often strike those in mid-life — somewhere between the ages of 30 and 60.
This disease can cause signi cant challenges, adversely affect one’s
quality of life, and when severe, can be debilitating. Every person
diagnosed will experience this disease differently. Finding a Meniere’s
disease treatment that improves the symptoms and, most importantly,
improves the overall quality of life, is essential.

What Is Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s disease is a chronic, and — at least for now — incurable inner ear
disorder that causes dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo and other symptoms
typically associated with the abnormal uid collection in the inner ear. This
condition can come on quite suddenly and remain for years. Or a single
attack may be separated by weeks, months, or even years.

Permanent hearing loss is possible. It’s one of the most frightening

complications that Meniere’s disease can present. This potentially
disabling inner ear condition can also disrupt everyday activities and your
profession as common symptoms, dizziness and vertigo speci cally, can
make it impossible to drive, operate machinery or equipment. And, it can
result in stumbles and traumatic falls. (1)

Signs & Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease

Symptoms can vary quite signi cantly from person to person. While some
individuals af icted may experience all the symptoms mentioned here,
many people will experience only a few. In addition, the symptoms may
come and go, or they may remain for years, causing signi cant physical
and emotional distress. This really is a very personal disease as no two
people will experience it in the same manner.

Common symptoms of this disease include: (2)

Vertigo: Experiencing an overwhelming sensation that the world

around you is rocking, spinning, ip- opping, or twisting, or a feeling
that you are moving or spinning is called vertigo. These sensations of
movement may last a couple of minutes or may remain for several
hours, and they may be disabling when severe. Balance is extremely
compromised, and the utmost of care must be taken to ensure you
don’t fall or cause an accident. Even after vertigo symptoms ebb, an
overall sense of imbalance can last for hours or days.
Dizziness: While less severe than vertigo, dizziness upon rising, when
walking, when riding an escalator, or walking up and down stairs may
occur. Take precautions if you experience any symptoms listed here as
you can easily lose your equilibrium and balance. Dizziness can worsen
with sudden starts and stops, typical of being in a moving vehicle.
Hearing loss: Early in this disease, hearing loss of low frequencies
often occurs. For some, it is limited to a single ear. Others may
experience hearing loss in both ears. The severity of the loss may
progress with the disease, leading to permanent hearing loss.
Individuals with periods of remission may experience an improvement
in their hearing between attacks.
Nausea, vomiting and digestive distress: During an attack with
vertigo or dizziness, nausea and vomiting are common. Sipping herbal
tea or sucking on ginger lozenges may help to relieve nausea. Diarrhea
and general abdominal pain or discomfort may also occur.
 Pressure in the ear: Many people with this inner ear condition
experience a general pressure and discomfort in one or both ears.
Tinnitus: One of the more unsettling and distressing symptoms is
tinnitus, a constant ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, whistling or
chirping in the ear. For some individuals, the symptoms may worsen as
the disease progresses. While troubling and annoying, it is not
considered dangerous. Some prescription medications may make the
symptoms worse, including aspirin, certain antibiotics, cancer drugs,
and some antidepressants. Talk to your medical team about your
symptoms and if there are medications you can substitute that may
lessen the tinnitus symptoms. (3)
Uncontrollable eye movements: Nystagmus is when eyes move
rapidly and uncontrollably from side to side, up and down, or in circles.
This is sometimes referred to as “dancing eyes.” When associated with
Meniere’s disease, eye movements are caused by abnormal function in
the labyrinth of the inner ear that senses movement and position.

Meniere’s Disease Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of Meniere’s disease remains unknown, and it strikes both

women and men equally, with symptoms beginning between ages 30 to
50. There is some evidence that abnormal uid in the inner ear may trigger
the disease. Some conditions that may affect the uid levels in the inner
ears and are considered risk factors for this disease include: (4)

Chronic Stress
Abnormal immune system response
Smoking
Migraines
Alcohol use
Allergies: Both food allergies and seasonal allergies
 Genetics: A family history of the disease
Illness: A recent viral infection, head cold, or sinus infection
Certain prescription medications

Conventional Treatment

To determine if you have this disease, and get the best Meniere’s disease
treatment for your symptoms, an otolaryngologist, or ENT, will discuss the
symptoms you experience and your medical history. Typically, a variety of
tests will be ordered. They may include a hearing assessment, a balance
assessment, and imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out multiple
sclerosis, a brain tumor, or another condition that presents with similar
symptoms.  (5)

While there is no cure for the disease, treatments are available to help
manage the symptoms. For example, if you often experience vertigo, your
doctor may prescribe a motion sickness medication. While if you
experience extreme nausea, you may receive a prescription for anti-
nausea drugs. Other common conventional Meniere’s disease treatments
include: (6)

Diuretics: Diuretics may be prescribed to help control dizziness by

reducing the amount of uid the body retains. Certain prescription
diuretics carry the potential for side effects, including a loss of
potassium, low sodium levels, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps,
thirst, and increased blood glucose levels. Talk to your physician about
any side effects you experience. (7)
Salt-restricted diet: As excess sodium levels are associated with uid
retention, a salt-restricted diet is often recommended by physicians.
Typically a diet of with less than 2,000 milligrams is suggested.
Hearing aid: If hearing loss is present in one or both ears, an
audiologist will work with you to determine best options available.
Technology has improved hearing aids over the last decade, and
discussing all available options with an audiologist may help you hear
better.
Meniett device: When vertigo is a problem, a Meniett device may be
used to apply pulses of pressure to the ear canal to improve inner ear
uid exchange. Treatments are done at home, generally three times
each day. Research indicates it improves vertigo, tinnitus, and pressure
in the ear for those with the disease.
Rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation may be recommended to help
improve balance between episodes. Rehab of this type may help to
prevent falls and give you a better sense of well-being.
Injections: An injection of the antibiotic gentamicin into your ear may
reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks; however, hearing
loss is a known risk of this procedure. An injection of the steroid
dexamethasone is considered less effective than the antibiotic
injection, but it is less likely to cause further loss of hearing.
According to the National Institute of Health, scientists believe that as
many as 6 out of 10 people can get better on their own, or control their
symptoms using a combination of diet, drugs and devices. However, a
small percentage may require surgery to get relief. Common surgeries
include: (8)

Endolymphatic sac procedure: To alleviate vertigo, a surgical

procedure that decreases uid production or increases uid absorption
may be performed. During the endolymphatic sac procedure, a portion
of bone is removed, and a shunt may be placed with a tube to drain
excess uid from the inner ear.
Labyrinthectomy: Only performed on those with near-total hearing
loss, a labyrinthectomy procedure removes the part of the inner ear
responsible for balance. This causes a loss of hearing in the affected
ear. This procedure is done to encourage the other ear to take over
balance and hearing functions. It should not be entered into without
signi cant consideration and consultation.
Vestibular nerve section: For those with extreme vertigo symptoms,
this surgical procedure requires the cutting of the nerve that connects
the balance and movement sensors (vestibular nerve) in the ear that
 connect to the brain. This surgical procedure can correct vertigo and
preserve hearing; however, it does require general anesthesia and at
least one overnight in the hospital.

16 Natural Ways to Manage Meniere’s

Disease 
As there is no known cure for the disease, managing the troubling
symptoms is key.

The Vestibular Disorders Association recommends these dietary

considerations for a Meniere’s disease healthy diet that supports the
regulation of uid balances. (9)

1. Limit salt. Excess salt may increase uid retention, worsening the
symptoms of this disease. Sodium intake affects uid levels in the body
and how the body regulates them. Avoid high-sodium foods and limit
total sodium intake to 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams daily (about one-half
teaspoon to 1 teaspoon). Spread out the consumption equally throughout
the day.

2. Limit caffeine. For those with tinnitus, caffeine, even in small amounts,
may make tinnitus louder — and you more miserable. Pay attention to your
body and, if your symptoms worsen after consuming caffeine, eliminate it
from your diet. This includes coffee, black tea and green tea.

3. Limit alcohol. Drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, can adversely

affect the inner ear by changing the composition and volume of uid. Save
alcohol for special occasions, or eliminate it all together.
4. Don’t use tobacco. In addition to the myriad of other health conditions
that tobacco can cause, for those with this disease, the nicotine found in
tobacco products (and smoking cessation products) can increase
symptoms as nicotine decreases the blood supply to the inner ear by
constricting blood vessels.

5. Balance food and liquid intake. Food and liquid intake should be
evenly distributed throughout the day with no one meal having more food
or liquid than another. In addition, each day should mimic the next with
quantity and type of food and liquid consumed each day. Evenly spacing
consumption of food and beverages helps to stabilize inner-ear uid
levels.

6. Avoid high-sugar foods and beverages. This includes fruit juices,

sodas, desserts and snacks. Sugar can cause uctuations in the volume of
bodily uids, increasing symptoms. But, don’t even think about replacing
natural sugars with arti cial sweeteners; this can cause even greater
problems with uid levels and cause long-lasting adverse health effects.

7. Avoid foods you are allergic or sensitive to. A study published in

Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery Journal found that patients treated
with a desensitization protocol and diet showed signi cant improvements
in both allergy and Meniere’s disease symptoms. In addition, frequency,
severity, and interference of everyday activities appeared better after
treatment with researchers noting the inner ear may be the target,
indirectly or directly, of an allergic reaction. (10)

Try an elimination diet after you have been diagnosed to help determine
your food sensitivities. Common allergens removed from the diet, and then
reintroduced one at a time, include: gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, peanuts, corn,
eggs, alcohol and processed foods. While not an easy process, if it relieves
the troubling symptoms, then it is well worth the journey.
In addition to dietary considerations, there are a variety of other natural
treatments that can help reduce the symptoms and improve your quality
of life after diagnosis.

8. Manage stress. Effectively reducing stress naturally may lessen the

severity of the symptoms. This disease takes a toll, physically and
emotionally, and as we know, emotional stress does impact the body,
causing hormonal changes that may increase your risk for heart disease,
obesity, diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders, and
even certain types of cancer.

9. Sound & Music Therapy. A study published in the Journal of Clinical

Neurology found that the sound of streams, rain, waterfalls, and wind can
decrease tinnitus-related activity. The same is not true for chirping birds or
bugs. The sound should be pleasing and just in the background. In
addition, music therapy may help to improve blood ow in the inner ear
and facilitate relaxation while reducing stress. Finding the right blend of
nature sounds and music may help reduce your symptoms. (11)

10. Breathing Exercises. To improve sleep length and quality, reduce

anxiety, and lower stress, practice breathing exercises whenever you feel
anxious and before bed.

11. Group support. This disease affects the real essence of life and can be
debilitating. Finding support within a community that suffers with similar
symptoms can help you build effective coping strategies. This is
particularly important for those recently diagnosed. Find a support group
near you through the Vestibular Disorders Association. Connecting with a
community is essential for any chronic illness but particularly for one that
has symptoms as debilitating as this condition.

One-on-one counseling can also help you learn to adjust to your new
reality while also learning effective stress-busting techniques when tinnitus
or vertigo symptoms are.
12. Foam rolling. To improve circulation and blood ow, as well as reduce
stress, doing foam roller exercises that are known to help facilitate
myofascial release may be bene cial in reducing troublesome symptoms.

13. Massage. Deep tissue massage focusing on the stretching and

massage of the neck is associated with signi cant improvements in
tinnitus, according to a study published in the Journal of Manipulative
Physiological Therapeutics. In addition to deep tissue massage, reiki,
craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage may help to
increase circulation and reduce uid buildup. Test a variety of different
massage techniques to nd the one that best alleviates your symptoms.
(12)

14. Acupuncture.  A study published in the Journal of Alternative and

Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture helped to alleviate
vertigo symptoms. In this small study, four acupuncture sessions were
conducted every other day and then one week later. Signi cant
improvement was shown after the rst session. Vertigo symptoms ceased
after the second session. Six months later, the patient remained symptom-
free. Researchers stress that further clinical and laboratory research is
needed. (13)

Another study also found that acupuncture has a positive effect on

controlling vertigo for those with Meniere’s disease. However, no
improvement in hearing was experienced. (14)

15. Allergy Relief. As mentioned above, allergies play a role in the amount
of uid in the ears and are considered a risk factor for developing this
disease. If you have seasonal allergies, adding a touch of raw, local
honey to your diet is bene cial. In fact, research shows that raw honey is
signi cantly better at controlling seasonal allergy symptoms than
conventional allergy medications. (15)
16. Dandelion Tea. Used for generations, dandelion tea is a traditional
medicine that greatly increases the frequency of urination, and quickly.
Research shows that it is a promising diuretic; however, if you are allergic
to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, avoid it as it can
trigger an allergic reaction. (16)

Precautions

Some of the symptoms of Meniere’s disease mentioned here may also be

linked to another underlying medical condition. A recent head injury,
middle or inner ear infection, or a more serious condition may be at the
root cause of the symptoms. Please seek medical attention for a proper
diagnosis. (18)

This disease may cause permanent hearing loss, chronic fatigue, stress,
anxiety and depression. Persistent vertigo may be disabling as accidents
may occur while driving or operating heavy machinery. A “drop attack”
may occur with severe vertigo or dizziness that results in a fall. In the midst
of an attack, it is imperative that you stop what you are doing and sit or lie
down until the symptoms abate.

During an attack:

Lie down or sit still when dizzy or experiencing symptoms of vertigo.

Do not drive a vehicle, ride a bike, climb stairs or a ladder, or ride an
escalator while dizzy or experiencing symptoms of vertigo.
Do not operate heavy machinery or household items like a chain saw,
electric knife, or other potentially dangerous equipment during an
episode.

Final Thoughts
 Diet plays a signi cant role and should be a top consideration when
seeking an effective Meniere’s disease treatment.
Eating a low-salt diet is essential to help prevent excess uid from
settling in the ears.
Limit or eliminate alcohol, sugar and caffeine.
Avoid processed foods high in salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate, and
arti cial sweeteners.
Avoid foods that you are allergic to or have a sensitivity to. An
elimination diet or comprehensive testing can help you pinpoint foods
you should avoid.
Divide food and drinks into equal portions and balance consumption
throughout the day; no single meal should be larger than another.
Manage stress through talk therapy, massage, essential oils, and deep
breathing exercises.
Acupuncture may help alleviate vertigo symptoms.
While most people will get better on their own, or control symptoms
with diet, drugs, or devices, a small portion of those diagnosed may
only get relief through a surgical procedure.
After experiencing vertigo, your balance may be impaired for hours or
even days.

Read Next: How to Prevent Motion Sickness + 13 Natural

Treatments