I did a search and didn't see any reference on this forum so I thought I mention it. I have been reading books recently on the subject and read an interesting sidebar in Dr Benjamin Bikman's book "Why We Get Sick":
Thanks for the info. I agree. I was told many years ago after a glucose tolerance test that I have insulin spikes and should be careful of sugar intake. I have noticed that with Meniere's, I should eat like a pre-diabetic person-- if I exercise without eating some protein, I will feel my inner ear fill up as soon as I come home and eat. I should have some protein first, then starches, and preferably complex (not simple) starches. Sugar intake should be low, and taken at the end of the meal. I should eat several times a day small amounts to keep my blood sugar consistent, and also, drink water consistently throughout the day. I believe this is much more important than avoiding salt. The other issue for me, and many other Menieres sufferers, is a forward and misaligned head position that strains the nerve in the neck. I have NO neck pain-- it is the nerve that runs through the neck and to the inner ear that is experiencing (painless) stress, and at some point, instigating vertigo.
Interesting. I would also recommend getting in protein, fat (like peanut or almond butter or greek yogurt if you tolerate dairy, something healthful) and fiber before any carbohydrates, because they can all blunt the spikes, causing the carbs (which are metabolized as sugar) to be digested much more slowly. I've battled a forward head posture for years and went through some PT and different chairs to try to correct it. I feel like it's better now, but I wonder if I only got part way there. The annoying thing about this disease is how often it causes you to speculate at causes. It can be a bit maddening.
Very interesting that you have the same forward head posture. It seems to strain the nerve and can suddenly throw you into a terrible vertigo attack if you bite down on something hard, or even cough while doing, say, the breast stroke with neck extended while swimming, or sitting at the table with next extended while eating. It is very hard to correct this position, as it requires such postural attentiveness. The other variable I have is seasonal allergies which further inflame the nerve leading to the ear. Thanks for the tip on the healthy fats before (or at least, with) carbs.