Hi Barry,
I have a question regarding the natural sweeteners stevia and erythritol: Where do they fit in as to being healthy or not healthy? Does either act like a carcinogen? Is it really true when they say zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero sugars, zero fat? Is all of that truth or fiction?
Thanks,
Matthew L.
Dear Matthew,
Many of the mainstream artificial sweeteners (Equal, Splenda etc.) are known to exacerbate tinnitus and generally be bad for one’s health.
Stevia however is an excellent choice. It is from a natural plant in South America and is much sweeter than sugar so less is used. Stevia is very healthy to use.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. It is less sweet than sugar and is not completely calorie-free. It is not completely absorbed by the body so can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea if too much is taken. Erythritol actually has 0.24 calories per gram, with only 6% of the calories of sugar, it still has 70% of the sweetness.
Stevia has zero calories and sugars.
Neither of these is carcinogenic. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose are carcinogenic and have many other side effects. These should be studiously avoided.
We have an in-depth article about sugar substitutes and tinnitus that you may find helpful.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hi Barry,
My husband has a severe form of tinnitus for seven years and can barely function. Other than benzodiazepine what are the latest meds that seem to have some relief? I read that Lamictal can cause tinnitus so I’m leery about anti-convulsives, unless others act differently in the brain and are safe.
Thanks,
Janice K.
Dear Janice,
There are no drugs that will help tinnitus in the long term. Benzodiazepines are used by many people and they help. But, they are addicting and cause a host of other problems. The dosage needs to be increased over time, and the problems they were taken for in the beginning are often worsened over long-term use. Anti-convulsives also have many serious side effects and can worsen tinnitus.
Arches Tinnitus Formula has been shown in scientific studies to reduce tinnitus loudness for the great majority of people who use it. It is especially helpful for those who have tinnitus caused by hearing loss, about 85% of people with tinnitus. One Manhattan ear doctor states that among his patients with hearing loss and tinnitus, 75% to 80% have a significant reduction in the sound level.
As with all dietary supplements used for specific conditions, it can take up to three months to get the full benefit. We recommend Arches Tinnitus Starter Kit, a full three-month supply of four bottles. You can buy these individually but the Starter Kit is offered at a significant discount over single bottle pricing, there is a large savings in shipping costs, and you won’t accidentally run out during the critical three-month period.
I hope this is helpful for you.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hello Barry,
I can see the medical value of your tinnitus formula, but my boyfriend is all “mainstream” and discounts your website. He asked, “How come the medical community does not know about this?” How can I help him understand? What would you say to him to win his confidence?
Thank you,
Cheryl W.
Dear Cheryl,
There are people in the medical community who do know this. You must keep in mind that most ENT doctors are surgeons. That’s how they make their money so that’s what they concentrate on. Many are not well versed in alternative treatments. There are, however, a continuing and growing number of ENTs and other physicians who refer their patients to Arches Tinnitus Formulas based on clinical evidence.
Here’s the monograph on Ginkgo biloba from the German Commission E. The Commission E is similar to our FDA and is a German government agency. Their charter is to review herbs and minerals for therapeutic effects and recommend them based on their findings. They recommend Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus.
Also, here is an article which cites clinical studies conducted on Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. It clearly shows it is helpful in reducing tinnitus sound levels.
Finally, here’s a clinical study on the use of zinc for tinnitus. Ginkgo biloba and zinc are the two most active ingredients in Arches Tinnitus Formula.
I hope your boyfriend is open to these scientific studies.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate