How Diet can Effect Your Earwax

We often associate diet with its impact on our overall health and wellbeing. However, did you know that the food and drink we consume can also affect our earwax?

In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating connection between our dietary choices and the composition of earwax.

What foods and drinks can cause excessive earwax production?

There is limited scientific evidence directly linking food to earwax, most findings are largely anecdotal. However, some observations suggest that fatty foods, spicy foods, dairy, sugar, caffeine and alcohol, may play a role in causing more earwax through increasing glandular secretions. Below we outline why these foods may lead to increased earwax production for some individuals…

Fatty Foods

Eating foods high in fat can increase sebum production which may trigger an increase in earwax production. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands found throughout the body, including in the ear canal. Sebum is constantly secreted by the sebaceous glands,and when secreted in the ear the sebum combines with dead skin cells, and ceruminous (sweat glands in the ear) secretions, to create earwax. Individuals with a wet earwax type, (earwax that contains a higher volume of sebum secretions), are particularly susceptible to an increase in wax production when consuming a diet high in fat.

Sugary foods

Eating foods with a high sugar content can cause a rapid increase in blood glucose. This can trigger an insulin release which may increase sebaceous gland activity and lead to more sebum production. More sebum in the ear canal means an increase in the likelihood of wet earwax, resulting in an excess of wax.

Dairy Products

Dairy can affect the production of earwax in some individuals - particularly those prone to wax build-up or impactions. Dairy contains proteins such as fat, casein, and whey. These proteins can increase and thicken secretions by the ceruminous or sebaceous glands. When secretions become thicker, the overall consistency of the earwax can become denser, making wax accumulate faster and slows natural migration of wax out of the ear canal.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, capsaicin can stimulate sweat and sebaceous glands in the ear, and lead to excessive ear wax due to increased sebum production. The increased sebum from spicy foods can add more lipid (fat) content to earwax, and increase the volume of it within the ear. Much like with fatty foods, those with “wet” earwax are particularly susceptible to increased earwax production from spicy food, as their earwax already contains a higher volume of sebum. Additionally, the consumption of capsaicin can also cause temporary vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) which increases gland secretions, as the body attempts to cool itself down.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant which activates the sympathetic nervous system (involuntarily body reactions, known as the “fight or flight” response), causing increased heart rate and blood pressure, airways to widen, and stimulated glands (sweat and sebaceous glands). Due to increased sebaceous gland activity more sebum is produced and can result in a higher volume of earwax. Caffeine also has a mild diuretic effect on the body, and dehydration can trigger more gland activity as the body attempts to maintain a moisture balance.

Alcohol

When alcohol is consumed it has a dehydrating effect on the body, and can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).  The combination of increased blood flow (from vasodilation) and an increase in secretions to maintain moisture (dehydration) can increase wax production.

What foods and drinks can cause hardened earwax? 

A diet high in sodium (salt) can lead to fluid retention in the body, including the ears. This fluid retention can influence the consistency of earwax, making it stickier and potentially more prone to blockages. Reducing your intake of processed and salty foods can help maintain a healthier balance of earwax.

What foods and drinks can help reduce earwax production?

There is limited direct scientific evidence that specific foods or drinks can reduce earwax production, but some dietary habits and nutrients may help support overall skin and gland health, which could indirectly reduce excess wax, particularly in people prone to “wet” earwax. These include…

Hydrating Fluids

Staying well hydrated helps maintain normal glandular function and ear canal moisture, this prevents secretions becoming overly thick and allows earwax to migrate naturally out of the ear canal.

Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3’s have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce mild inflammation in the ceruminous or sebaceous glands. Lack of inflammation, and healthy gland function helps to maintain normal sebum production.

Foods that support Hormonal Balance

Eating foods such as legumes, nuts and seeds, can support hormonal balance. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased sebaceous gland activity and boost sebum levels. By maintaining a stable diet that promotes stable blood sugar and hormone levels it can prevent increased sebum levels.

What foods and drinks can help soften ear wax?

Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for various bodily functions, including the production and consistency of ear wax. When our bodies are dehydrated, the glands in the ear may produce thicker, drier ear wax, potentially leading to discomfort and an increased risk of blockages. Drinking plenty of water can help maintain optimal hydration and promote healthier ear wax.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamin C and antioxidants, can support overall ear health. Vitamin C and antioxidants help strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of ear infections and associated changes in ear wax odour and consistency. 

Can smoking, alcohol or other legal/illegal substances affect ear wax?

Some stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can have a similar effect on ear wax as spicy foods, potentially causing an increase in ear wax production that can lead to blockages.

It is well known that smoking cigarettes isn’t good for your health, but it can also increase your ear wax production and can cause pressure inside your ears, potentially leading to blockages or hearing loss.

Cutting down your intake of caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes can help promote a lot of health benefits, including healthy ear wax.

Summary

The food, drink, and overall diet we consume can influence various aspects of our health, including the composition and characteristics of ear wax. By adopting a balanced diet, staying adequately hydrated, and paying attention to how certain foods affect our ears, we can potentially maintain healthier ear wax and reduce the risk of blockages or discomfort.

Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so paying attention to your individual reactions and seeking professional advice when necessary is key to nurturing your ears and overall wellbeing.

If you are concerned about your ear health, book in with Ear View to speak to our professional and dedicated audiologist and get the help you need.