Lifestyle Changes
Dietary changes. Patients diagnosed with Ménière's disease may benefit from following a low-sodium diet, limiting their daily sodium intake to between 1,000 and 2,000 mg. A low-sodium diet is believed to have a positive impact on inner ear fluid homeostasis by decreasing fluid retention and reducing the endolymphatic hydrops. Decreasing alcohol and caffeine consumption is also routinely recommended as part of the treatment of Ménière's disease. Researchers have recently suggested a different approach to dietary changes for Ménière's disease that reflects the underlying loss of ability to regulate fluid in the inner ear. This alternate method of dietary regulation aims to maintain fluid homeostasis by avoiding variations in the daily intake of sodium, caffeine, or alcohol, rather than limiting daily consumption. The goal of any proposed dietary changes is to limit fluid and electrolyte shifts that could disrupt the delicate fluid balance in the inner ear. When caring for patients with Ménière's disease, clinicians need to keep in mind that dietary changes maybe difficult and will probably require ongoing encouragement.