Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you couldn’t see? How’s your vision now? Can you see okay? Do you expect to get cataracts or macular degeneration because your parents did? More importantly, do you even know what to do... moreHave you ever wondered what you’d do if you couldn’t see? How’s your vision now? Can you see okay? Do you expect to get cataracts or macular degeneration because your parents did? More importantly, do you even know what to do to save your vision?
March was Save Your Vision month, did you give it any thought? You’d better! If you’re under 40 you might be thinking this doesn’t apply to you – it does! In fact, the younger you are, the more you should pay attention!Our dependence on technology has really impacted our vision. For example, “nearsightedness has increased from 25 to 41% from the 1970’s to the 2000’s, in large part to our use of computers.” Given the addition of smart phones, I-Pads, notebooks and Kindles, this number is likely to increase. You’ll learn more facts like this in 6 Ways to Save Your Eyesight from AARP . But whether you’re young or old, you need to pay attention to what’s happening with your vision.Here are a few eyesight problems and natural things you can do to make them better or better yet, prevent them from happening:
1) Nearsightedness and farsightedness
The mainstream medical fix is glasses or contacts. They don’t fix the problem, they treat the symptoms. Did you know wearing glasses can actually make your vision worse over time? Many people opt for Lasik surgery.
Since I have a family member who’s eyesight was damaged from this surgery, I’m biased against it, but I’m not alone. Thousands of people have suffered from Lasik surgery as you’ll see in this article from Dr. Mercola. So what do you do? A much more natural solution which gets to the root cause is the Bates Method of vision correction or you can order Dr. Mercola’s natural vision correction. By the way, Dr. Bates says mental stress is the primary cause of vision problems not heredity!
2) Dry Eyes
If you’ve had Lasik surgery,spend a lot of time in front of a computer, are over 50, postmenopausal, are diabetic, have a thyroid disorder, (millions do and don’t know it!) rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or a number of other health conditions, you may have dry eyes.
Prescription medications can also cause dry eyes. These drugs include:
blood pressure medications
antihistamines and decongestants
hormone replacement therapy
various antidepressants
some acne medications.
To help dry eyes naturally ,consider our bestselling homeopathic eye drops from Sanum. The Mayo Clinic says lubricating eye drops with preservatives can be irritating so if you need to use drops more than a 3-4 times a day; single dose vials are better. Omega-3 essential fatty acids can also be helpful. Moistur-Eyesfrom Carlson Labs provides nutrients to support and help maintain normal eye moisture. In addition to eye drops, take breaks from your computer and drink plenty of water.
3) Cataracts
This happens when the clear jelly substance covering the lens becomes cloudy. Surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts, but in this Daily Mail article, you’ll see that free radicals are a major cause of cataracts and you can fight free radicals with antioxidants and the author recommended the Eye Support as it is specifically formulated for eye conditions like cataracts. Here’s more interesting news from the article:
One study showed that individuals taking a multivitamin and mineral containing either or both of these nutrients for 10 years or more enjoyed a 60 per cent reduction in risk of cataract. Another study found that taking vitamin C supplements for at least a decade reduced the risk of cataract development by 70 per cent. Supplementing with 500 mg of vitamin C each day might also help you in the long term.
4) Glaucoma
This is a serious vision problem that affects pressure in the eye which can damage the optic nerve. This can only be diagnosed by a trained medical physician. According to LiveStrong.com, here’s how to to prevent and minimize glaucoma. These include:
Avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar to keep your blood pressure down (think inflammation!)
Avoid trans-fats and refined foods (white flours, junk food, etc,…think inflammation!)
Limit caffeine – it can temporarily increase the pressure in your eyes
If you have glaucoma, don’t drink large amounts of water at one time, this can also increase eye pressure. Sip smaller amounts throughout the day.
5) Macular Degeneration
Like glaucoma, this is a serious condition and should only be diagnosed by an opthalmologist. Mayo clinic gives a comprehensive explanation of macular degeneration, but it’s a chronic eye disease that “causes the deterioration of the macula (center of your retina) which is the layer of tissue on the inside back wall of your eyeball.” Here are the symptoms.
What puts you at risk?
Age, family history, smoking, your race (Caucatians are more susceptible) obesity, poor diet, cardiovascular disease and unhealthy diet, and those who have difficulty absorbing nutrients in their diets (digestive disorders).
Prescription medications can put you at risk!
These include: erectile dysfunction drugs, anti-psychotics, corticosteroids, tamoxifen, amitriptyline and imipramine, hydroxychloroquine. Make sure you get your eyes checked more often if you are taking any of these medications.
Natural treatments for macular degeneration
Surgery is an option for some people with macular degeneration, but again there are natural options to help prevent or slow it down.
Increase your vitamin intake (antioxidant vitamins & zinc) These arefrom Mayo Clinic recommendations
Daily consumption of high antioxidant foods in the diet or from juicing. Spinach, kale, garlic, carrots, berries, etc. are just a few examples.
Frequency specific micro-current (FSM) and micro-current stimulation (MCS) have both shown promise.
A clinical trial in Australia showed saffron to be helpful. The dosage was 20 mg. Vision improved after only two weeks on the saffron!
Do you think taking care of your vision is important? Start now and make your eyes a priority.
Put “eye-healthy” foods in your diet
Foods that help your eyesight are spinach, salmon, walnuts, broccoli, green tea, eggs, avocados and berries (blueberries, cherries, blackberries & strawberries), kale. Foods that are high in antioxidants are a must.
Take supplements that support eye health
Besides the Eye Support listed above, other popular choices for eye support are Macushield from Douglas Labs and Omega7 Eye Relief from Terry Naturally. And don’t forget the omega-3 fatty acids!
Don’t ignore changes in your vision. Seek medical help ASAP if vision changes come on suddenly. If you have good vision, take action now and follow these tips to save your sight! less
Ever wondered why your hair gets less easy to manage, more frizzy, and generally drier after a good wash? You’ve tried hair products for natural hair, moisturizing shampoos, and you still feel like your hair could be even b...
Caring for your skin can seem like a complex process, but the truth is the healthier your skin is to begin with, the more radiant it will appear.
Meanwhile, inflammation of the skin can lead to redness, irritation or exacerba... more
Caring for your skin can seem like a complex process, but the truth is the healthier your skin is to begin with, the more radiant it will appear.
Meanwhile, inflammation of the skin can lead to redness, irritation or exacerbate breakouts. “Inflammation is largely caused by free radicals and irritants in the skin. Vitamins and nutrients can act as powerful antioxidants to help fight this and reduce inflammation, leading to more even skin tone and smoother skin,” says Dr. Agarwal.
And at the same time, dry or cracked skin requires nourishment and hydration. Dr. Agarwal describes that “adequate vitamins and nutrients can help to keep the body hydrated and reduce dryness and cracking. Additionally, vitamins like C help the repair process so these cracks are healed more quickly.”
BEST VITAMINS FOR SKIN
Nourishing your body with real, nutrient-dense foods can help combat your unique skin concerns and support an even, fresh skin tone. According to Dr. Agarwal, “vitamins & nutrients are often used as cofactors required in cellular processes that repair damaged skin and help grow healthy new skin. Additionally, nutrients help to protect the integrity of our skin both inside and out and when we are depleted of Vitamins, like A, C, E, and omega 3’s, we lack radiance, elasticity, and shine that is seen in healthy and hydrated skin cells.”
For Hydrating Skin: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are responsible for the health of the cell membrane which influences the cells ability to hold water for moist, soft, wrinkle-free skin. Jess Nelson, Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer recommends foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help replenish and revitalize skin. “The best vitamins for skin can be found in foods like wild Alaskan salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and olive oil. Also look for foods that offer anti-inflammatory properties like grapeseed oil and the spices turmeric and ginger.” When your diet is lacking these healthy (monounsaturated) fats, supplementation with a high-quality omega-3 fish oil can be beneficial for skin and overall health.
For Skin Strengthening: Vitamins B1 + B6
Vitamin B1, Thiamine, is found in many foods such as grains, beans, nuts and meat. Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, can be found in legumes, eggs, fish and veggies such as carrots, spinach and peas. As some of the best vitamins for skin B1 and B6 make up a larger group of B vitamins considered B-complex. B-complex vitamins help the body metabolize fats and protein and are essential vitamins for healthy skin, hair and nails.
According to Dr. Agarwal, “B1 and B6 are important in maintaining healthy skin. This can be quickly depleted after drinking alcohol and with a stressful lifestyle. We may also become deficient if we are exercising frequently. These are important for maintaining balance within the skin and adequate B6 helps reduce excess sebum or oil production on the skin.”
For Antioxidants: Vitamins A, C + E
The best vitamins for skin act as antioxidants in the body to give your skin extra protection and strength. Vitamin A is key to cell growth as it regulates the growth and division of cells. The antioxidant vitamin C is essential in producing collagen and protects you from the damage done by free radicals. Vitamin E protects your cell membranes from damage and regulates your body’s vitamin A levels.
Nutrients that work in the body as antioxidants are some of the best vitamins for skin. Dr. Agarwal describes why: “When the body breaks down pollutants, chemicals, and certain foods it creates free radicals. Antioxidants help break down these free radicals and reduce stress and damage to the skin. Antioxidants can be found in specific vitamins (for example A or C) and help to repair and rebuild skin.
For Skin Clearing: Probiotics
The research on the role of probiotics in skincare is growing at an exciting pace. Early research has shown that certain strains have been prominent in reducing inflammation and eczema, while others were able to decrease oil production and help reduce breakouts. There is a clear connection between the gut and skin clarity and health.
For Protecting Skin: Polypodium Leucotomos
For skin protection and anti-aging supplement, Polypodium Leucotomos is a Latin American fern that we named one of the best supplements for skin in 2016 — and for good reason. Prevention Magazine included it as one of their top anti-aging supplements that work thanks to recent research which found that the plant helped “preserve human skin’s fibroblasts”, supporting collagen production to prevent wrinkles and sagging skin. If that’s not enough skin-supporting power, the fern was also found to increase the dose of UV radiation it takes to cause sunburn, preventing sun damage in the process.
SKIN SUPPLEMENTATION
Nutrient-dense foods are key in maintaining healthy skin and a youthful, glowing complexion. Jess recommends, “if you are already eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and using a good skincare routine but still having skin issues, it may be that your body requires a supplement. Supplementation can provide you with more of these highlighted nutrients and/or some unique herbal ingredients that are not readily available at the supermarket such as black currant seed oil.”
When choosing the best nutrients for your skin concerns, Jess recommends looking for a supplement that offers you a range of essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, and E that have been shown to improve the look of skin and the texture and feel of your skin. less