Our eyes, ears, nose and throat are the gateways through which we experience the world around us. Keeping these delicate sensory organs in top shape is vital for maintaining a high quality of life as we age. However, there are many proactive, natural steps we can take to support optimal eye, ear, nose and throat health through targeted nutrition and lifestyle habits.
#1: Eye Health
Our precious eyes deserve tender care and preservation — after all, vision is one of our most important senses.
A variety of nutrients and simple practices can help keep eyes comfortable, clear and strong well into our later years.
One standout is the maqui berry, a potent antioxidant cultivated overseas that has been shown in studies to combat dryness, irritation and even slow the progression of macular degeneration as we get older.
The dynamic duo of lutein and zeaxanthin, plant-based antioxidants found in supplements as well as green leafy vegetables, are also eye health superstars that prevent dryness and protect vision.
Maritime pine bark extract is another powerful compound that boosts overall ocular health and function when added to one’s regimen.
On the dietary side, making sure to consume anti-inflammatory omega-3 rich foods like fish, walnuts and flaxseeds can help counter inflammatory eye conditions like floaters.
And speaking of inflammation, staying properly hydrated is a simple step that can work wonders for preventing dry, strained eyes that feel gritty and uncomfortable.
Lastly, just as we stretch other areas of our body, it pays to give our eyes a workout too! There are specific eye exercises that can relieve strain and promote peak eye performance over time.
#2: Ear Health
From tinnitus (ringing) to dizziness and vertigo, ear issues can seem to come out of nowhere and significantly disrupt our daily lives. The good news is that many ear problems can be improved naturally by first identifying the root cause, then utilizing targeted nutritional regimens and therapies:
For those plagued by tinnitus, incorporate more beneficial foods like ginger, and nutrients like melatonin that have been shown to reduce the severity and intensity of the ringing sensation.
In cases where a virus is behind ear issues like vertigo or hearing loss, a potent antiviral protocol can be tremendously helpful. This may include ingredients like oregano oil, monolaurin (lauric acid extracted from coconut oil), lysine, vitamin D, and an overall immune complex to allow the body to fight off the offending virus.
No matter the ear issue, following an anti-inflammatory diet full of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices is wise. This allows the body to reduce unnecessary inflammation that could be triggering or exacerbating ear problems like dizziness, vertigo or tinnitus.
#3: Mouth & Throat Health
That scratchy, dry feeling in your mouth and throat is more than just annoying — it can lead to serious discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and compromise your ability to speak clearly or even eat and drink normally if left unchecked.
The good news is that simple, soothing remedies can get these areas hydrated and feeling fresh again!
For a chronically dry mouth, simply increasing your hydration levels can work wonders. Instead of chugging a ton of plain water at once, try taking frequent small sips every 15 minutes or so to allow it to fully absorb.
You can enhance the hydrating effects by adding electrolytes or a nutrient-dense greens powder to your water. Ginger tea and aloe vera juice are other beverages that can replenish much-needed moisture in a dry mouth.
When hoarseness and throat irritation strikes, the first step is to go on strict vocal rest and avoid overusing your voice any further.
From there, upping your intake of antioxidants like vitamins C and E as well as glutathione (the “mother” antioxidant) can help eliminate irritants and reduce inflammation and irritation in throat tissues. Sipping warm herbal teas can also help soothe a hoarse, inflamed throat.
#5: Nasal Health
Being stripped of your sense of smell can hugely impact your enjoyment of food and drink as well as leave you feeling disoriented without your full range of senses.
While it’s common for viral infections to dull or even eliminate the sense of smell temporarily, certain nutrients and herbs can help bring back your smelling capabilities:
- B-complex vitamins provide general micronutrient support for smell receptors to operate optimally.
- Zinc is especially critical for maintaining smell and taste bud health.
- Vitamin D enhances immune function to expedite recovery from viral infections impacting smell and taste.
An overall immune-boosting regimen of vitamin C, and herbs like andrographis, elderberry and more can accelerate healing.
The Takeaway?
Regardless of which area of eye, ear, nose or throat health you wish to focus on, by focusing on natural remedies, you can begin taking your sensory health into your own hands.
By being proactive with a nutrient-rich diet, beneficial supplements, good hydration and smart lifestyle habits, you can go a long way in preserving and promoting the precious functions of these sensory gateways for years to come.
