You At Your Best

By marla ricHarDs wolfPacK HearinG Ringing in the new year always makes for exciting resolutions! Focusing on one's health seems to be the popular resolution. Many of our patients know that I am a Registered Dietitian by trade. I joined my husband, Dr. Dustin Richards, in founding Wolfpack Hearing Clinic and now work here full-time! Having worked in both nutrition and hearing healthcare, I am still passionate about healthy lifestyle, so naturally discussing a link between healthy eating and hearing loss piques my interest. Did you know that a healthy diet could potentially reduce your risk of developing hearing loss by up to 30%? So what is the link between your diet and ability to hear? Research shows that risk for acquired hearing loss is higher in diets too high in sugar and carbohydrates. Furthermore, high cholesterol is closely linked with age-related hearing loss. As a dietitian, I tell my weight loss clients to consume a variety of foods and to focus on foods that provide the most benefit for the amount of calories, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and unsaturated fats. Micronutrients that are good for your heart are good for your hearing as well. Other minerals that make a big impact on hearing are folic acid, zinc and magnesium. In fact, deficiency in these nutrients can increase your risk for developing hearing loss by nearly 40%. High levels of folic acid are found in leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. I'm sure you've been told to take zinc during the cold season to prevent sickness. Zinc is powerful in healing wounds and fighting off free radicals in the body. By taking zinc you are helping in preventing ear infections, which can result in conductive hearing loss. Eating a variety of nuts can ensure you're getting natural sources of zinc in your body. Consuming nuts will give you a healthy dose of unsaturated fats and protein as well! Magnesium is a very powerful mineral that can help fight off bad bacteria as well. For a healthy dose of magnesium, try to make whole grains a big part of your daily intake. These nutrients are all part of a healthy, balanced diet. So, if you're eating healthy, you're consuming important nutrients that are necessary for the body, including your hearing. It's the perfect time of year to make the changes that you've wanted to make. If you've noticed that you're not hearing as well as you once did, it may be time to have your hearing checked. For more information or to set up a hearing evaluation, go to Wolfpackhearing.com, or call (479) 957-9300 marla richards, ms, rD, lD. – managing Director at wolfpack Hearing clinic The link between healthy eating and your hearing KeepArkansasBeautiful.com 12 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST JAnUARY - nEw YEAR'S RESOlUTiOnS | SATURdAY, dEcEmBER 29, 2018 Our patients succeed. You will, too! (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Located in East Fayetteville – 2630 E Citizens Dr #7

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