Navigating Meniere's: Your Low-Sodium Restaurant Survival Guide
Discover how to dine out safely with Meniere's disease using a low-sodium approach and tech tools that decode menus and identify hidden salt traps.
MM Food Team

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Navigating Meniere's: Your Low-Sodium Restaurant Survival Guide
Living with Meniere's disease means sodium isn't just a nutrition label number—it's a potential trigger for vertigo attacks, hearing fluctuations, and tinnitus. Dining out can feel like a minefield when hidden salt lurks in sauces, broths, and processed ingredients. This guide helps you reclaim restaurant meals confidently, with practical strategies and smart tech assistance.
Why Sodium Matters for Meniere's Management
High sodium intake causes fluid retention in the inner ear, worsening Meniere's symptoms. Most guidelines recommend limiting sodium to 1,500–2,000 mg daily—a challenge when restaurant meals average 3,500 mg per dish. Successful management demands vigilance and preparation.
The Hidden Sodium Traps When Dining Out
Watch for these common offenders:
- Broths and soups (often base-made with high-sodium stock)
- Marinated meats or brined proteins
- Sauces and dressings (soy sauce, teriyaki, gravy)
- Processed ingredients (cured meats, cheese, pickled items)
- Menu terms like: smoked, cured, creamed, au jus, or "house-seasoned"
Empowering Your Dining Experience with Tech
This is where mm food transforms the game:
- Set your profile: Create a "Meniere’s Low-Sodium" dietary restriction preset, or customize your sodium threshold.
- Scan or upload menus: Use our AI analyzer to instantly flag high-sodium risks and safe options.
- Translate unfamiliar menus: Decipher foreign-language dishes to identify hidden salt bombs.
- Get modification tips: See AI-generated suggestions like "request sauce on the side" or "substitute steamed vegetables."
Pro Tips for Low-Sodium Success
- Speak up: Request "no added salt" during ordering and clarify with servers.
- Prioritize fresh foods: Opt for grilled proteins and steamed veggies instead of fried or sauced dishes.
- Avoid the salt shaker: Use lemon, herbs, or vinegar for flavor enhancement.
- Check apps: Use mm food's pre-visit feature to analyze online menus ahead of time.
Embrace worry-free dining—download mm food today to turn restaurant anxiety into culinary confidence. Your inner ear will thank you.

Dine Confidently Anywhere
Get the MM Food app for instant menu translation and allergy detection.