Many people with Meniere's disease are told to cut down on salt. This article explains the idea in plain words and how VertigoMe can help you keep track. It is general information, not medical advice.
Why salt is discussed
Meniere's disease is linked to a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. Salt affects how much fluid the body holds. Because of this, a low-salt diet is one of the most common first steps doctors suggest, often alongside other treatment. Spreading salt evenly through the day, instead of one very salty meal, is also often advised.
The evidence for a low-salt diet is mixed, and it does not help everyone. Your ENT is the right person to tell you whether it suits you and what level to aim for.
Where salt hides
Most salt comes from food that is already made, not from the salt shaker. Common sources:
- Bread and breakfast cereals.
- Cheese, ham, bacon and other cured meats.
- Ready meals, takeaways and pizza.
- Soups, stock cubes, gravy and sauces such as soy sauce.
- Crisps and salted snacks.
Using VertigoMe to keep track
- Log what you eat on the Diet screen (Monitor tab, Diet card). Barcodes and typed searches both bring in sodium.
- Watch the Sodium today card on Home. It counts towards a fixed 1,500 mg target.
- If you have a very salty meal, you can also log the High sodium meal trigger from Quick Log, Trigger.
- Over a few weeks, Insights can show whether salty days and your spins line up for you.
When to see your ENT or neurologist
Talk to your doctor before making big changes to your diet, especially if you have heart or kidney problems or take water tablets. See them promptly if your hearing changes, your attacks change pattern, or you have new symptoms.
