These include dietary or lifestyle changes, oral treatments, treatments administered by injection into the ear (intratympanic) and surgical treatments. The diagnosis of Ménière’s disease is challenging, due to the episodic nature of the condition, clinical heterogeneity and the lack of a ‘gold standard’ diagnostic test. Even the agreed, international classification system has scope for two categories of diagnosis – ‘definite’ and ‘probable’ (Lopez‐Escamez 2015).
Living with Ménière’s disease can be challenging, especially when dining out at restaurants where high sodium dishes are common. However, there are still plenty of options available for those looking to enjoy a meal without compromising their health. Here are some tips and suggestions for finding low sodium restaurant options suitable for individuals with Ménière’s disease.
However, we only identified a single study for each comparison in this review, therefore no meta‐analysis was possible. Ménière’s disease is unlikely to be a stable condition, and interventions may not have a temporary effect. If cross‐over trials are identified then we planned to use the data from the first phase of the study only. If cluster‐randomised trials were identified then we would have ensured that analysis methods were used to account for clustering in the data (Handbook 2021). However, we did not identify any cross‐over studies, or cluster‐randomised trials. We searched the COMET database for existing core outcome sets of relevance to Ménière’s disease and vertigo, but were unable to find any published core outcome sets.
Finding Low Sodium Restaurants
When searching for a restaurant that offers low sodium options, it is essential to do some research beforehand. Look for restaurants that have menu items specifically labeled as “low sodium” or “heart-healthy.” Websites like Yelp or Google Reviews can also provide insights from other diners about the sodium content of dishes.
The richest dietary sources are unprocessed foods, especially fruits, many vegetables, and fresh meats. As a form of medical treatment in several conditions, it is not uncommon for physicians to recommend salt restriction and diuretics. In a study by Acharya et al. there is no evidence of benefit by dietary salt restriction in terms of hearing improvement, number of vertigo, severity of vertigo and tinnitus score [47]. Dietary sodium restriction has been advised by many clinicians as a first line treatment for Meniere disease [45].
Airlines will always accommodate dietary restrictions, and often the replacement meal is higher quality than the standard fare. But a preference for salty food is actually an acquired taste and can be unlearned. So if you struggle with the low-sodium diet at first, know that after a little bit of time, the cravings will dissipate and the higher sodium foods you used to enjoy will start to taste terrible. The important variable here is sodium concentration in the body.
Controversy remains about the gentamicin dosage and method used. We know that the saccule, the main labyrinthine structure affected by pathological damage due to the endolymphatic hydrops, has a large numbers of insulin receptors. This observation was confirmed by the examination of cadaveric subjects and in vivo analysis by cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMPs) [11]. Based on this evidence, we suggest to pay special attention in the evaluation of MD patients who present hyperinsulinemia anticipating a MD crisis. So, we think that it is important to define the correct daily intake for patient with MD to reduce recurrences.
Menu Modifications
Treatment with SPC appears to be well tolerated by most patients [57] without any complications and, in most of studies, more than half of the study cohort reported subjective improvement in functional level. Also Sanchez-Sellero [53] observed that caffeine should be considered as a precipitating factor for the onset of symptoms in people predisposed to developing Menière’s disease. The authors suggested that it should be recommended to reduce caffeine intake in those population groups with higher risk of Menière’s disease.
If you are unable to find a restaurant with dedicated low sodium options, don’t be afraid to ask your server about possible menu modifications. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary restrictions and can often prepare dishes without added salt or sodium-rich ingredients.
FAQs About Low Sodium Dining
- Are there any cuisines that are naturally lower in sodium?
- What are some common high-sodium ingredients to avoid?
Yes, cuisines such as Japanese, Mediterranean, and Indian tend to use less salt in their cooking compared to Western cuisines.
Soy sauce, canned soups, processed meats, and condiments like ketchup and mustard are all high in sodium and should be consumed sparingly.
By being mindful of your sodium intake and making informed choices when dining out, individuals with Ménière’s disease can still enjoy delicious meals without sacrificing their health.
