Written by: Sofia Keady
Middle ear infection also known as otitis media is one of the most common reasons for childhood visits to paediatricians and medical doctors. It is an infection that occurs in the small space just behind the eardrum in the middle of the inner ear. Signs and symptoms include mild to severe pain in the ear or face (otalgia), fever, mild deafness, ear discharge, irritability, loss of appetite, vomiting, and loss of balance.
Most common causes of otitis media are viral or bacterial infection and often happen during or after respiratory tract infection such as a cold. But did you know that certain allergenic and mucus-forming foods are also linked to middle ear infection? According to Dr Green (1974) in his study of chronic otitis media in Indian children, otitis media is a response of the middle ear to allergic stimulus. Acute and chronically infected ears will clear up without antibiotics or nose drops if one eliminates the dietary causes of the disease. By eliminating certain foods, such as eating or drinking sugar, coffee, milk, cheese and cereal grains for a few weeks, most of the problems will disappear (1). His study was supported by another research published by the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in 1994 which found that out of 104 children with recurrent serous otitis media, 81 had evidence of food allergy (2). Similar research was conducted in Turkey in 2014 of the role of allergy in recurrent otitis media with effusion. The result suggested that allergy plays an important role in the repetitive OME cases thus an allergy test should be utilised for proper diagnostic and therapeutic management of otitis media (3).
Food allergy is a significant and frequently overlooked cause of (or triggering factor for) a wide range of chronic and mental disorders including recurrent otitis media. The abovementioned studies evidently indicate that an allergy test together with routine use of elimination diet in clinical practice can greatly increase the response rate in many children who suffer from agonising ear infections.
Most common causes of otitis media are viral or bacterial infection and often happen during or after respiratory tract infection such as a cold. But did you know that certain allergenic and mucus-forming foods are also linked to middle ear infection? According to Dr Green (1974) in his study of chronic otitis media in Indian children, otitis media is a response of the middle ear to allergic stimulus. Acute and chronically infected ears will clear up without antibiotics or nose drops if one eliminates the dietary causes of the disease. By eliminating certain foods, such as eating or drinking sugar, coffee, milk, cheese and cereal grains for a few weeks, most of the problems will disappear (1). His study was supported by another research published by the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in 1994 which found that out of 104 children with recurrent serous otitis media, 81 had evidence of food allergy (2). Similar research was conducted in Turkey in 2014 of the role of allergy in recurrent otitis media with effusion. The result suggested that allergy plays an important role in the repetitive OME cases thus an allergy test should be utilised for proper diagnostic and therapeutic management of otitis media (3).
Food allergy is a significant and frequently overlooked cause of (or triggering factor for) a wide range of chronic and mental disorders including recurrent otitis media. The abovementioned studies evidently indicate that an allergy test together with routine use of elimination diet in clinical practice can greatly increase the response rate in many children who suffer from agonising ear infections.
Foods to avoid when dealing with an ear infection
Allergy causing foods such as cow’s milk, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, beans and tomatoes (4)
Some children may benefit from eliminating common food allergens from the diet. Research has found that children with cow’s milk allergy had experienced significantly more recurrent otitis media (5) because children with food allergy are more likely to suffer from allergic disorder. The immunological reaction causes inflammation in the nose and around the Eustachian tube which impedes with drainage of the middle ear thus causes infection.
Some children may benefit from eliminating common food allergens from the diet. Research has found that children with cow’s milk allergy had experienced significantly more recurrent otitis media (5) because children with food allergy are more likely to suffer from allergic disorder. The immunological reaction causes inflammation in the nose and around the Eustachian tube which impedes with drainage of the middle ear thus causes infection.
Refined carbohydrates (such as breakfast cereals, white flour, white bread, white rice, pastries, sodas, and pasta)
Refined carbohydrates are also called empty calories as they provide energy but little nutritional value. This is because most of the fibre, vitamins and minerals in the processed carbohydrates have been removed and once consumed, will lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin level. Studies have shown that refined carbohydrates are related to oxidative stress and drive inflammation that lead to chronic diseases (6).
Refined sugars
Table sugar (sucrose) and high fructose sugar (commonly found in sodas or soft drinks) are the two main types of sugar mostly found in packaged foods sold in the supermarket. Sugar (in particular HFS) causes inflammation within the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels that leads to many diseases such as insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer (7).
In addition to food allergies, exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution and environmental allergens (such as moulds and pollens) can increase upper respiratory tract congestion, providing a perfect breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria and viruses (8).
Foods for Ear Health
1.) High fibre foods found in vegetables will help prevent ear infections, particularly for individuals who are prone to candida infections. Candida albicans is a type of fungus (or form of yeast) present in the mouth, intestinal tract and other mucous membranes. It is normally a part of microbiome that lives in the human body. But the overgrowth of this single-celled fungus in the back of the throat promotes the growth of bacteria in the upper respiratory tract, which in turn can lead to ear infections (9).
2.) Fish oil is rich in anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). It also contains natural source of Vitamin D and Vitamin A to help improve impaired immune function as well as to reduce pain and inflammation. Beneficial effects on respiratory outcomes including reductions in asthma and other allergy manifestations or markers (10).
3.) Zinc improves the body’s immune system, treat recurrent ear infections, and important in children’s growth and development (11). Foods that are high in zinc are spinach, chick peas, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and chicken.
4.) Multi B Vitamin protects the immune system, helps fight free radicals, and responsible for production of new cells and antibodies (12).
5.) Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps slow down or prevent cell damage. It is needed to strengthen the body’s immune system and build resistance to infection (13). Food sources that are high in Vitamin C are capsicum, kale, papaya, broccoli, strawberries, cauliflower, kiwi, mango and citrus fruits.
6.) Vitamin D reduces the respiratory infections and may also play an important role in the immune system regulation. Low levels of Vitamin D nutrient are associated with the increasing occurrence of acute otitis media (14).
7.) Probiotics is essential in promoting the health of gut flora and restore the balance of the ecological community of gut microorganisms (15).
8.) Coconut oil - The fatty acid found in coconut oil is called Lauric acid, a powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal that can kill dangerous pathogens such as Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida Albicans (16).
9.) Xylitol - When used regularly, it reduces instances of otitis media because of its antimicrobial property particularly against the microbes commonly linked to ear infections which are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza (17).
10.) Water - Promote hydration by drinking more water to help keep mucus clear and free running.
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