How to Keep Your Brain Healthy–And Your Eyes!

healthy habits for the brain and eyesWhat is the relationship between brain health and eye health as we age? Our brains adapt and form new connections throughout our lives. Nutrition, lifestyle choices, and early detection play major roles in keeping the brain healthy, and the eyes. Find out about Natural Eye Care’s holistic approach to brain and eye health. Continue reading “How to Keep Your Brain Healthy–And Your Eyes!”

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Updated Studies on Carotenoids for the Eyes

foods high in lutein and zeaxanthinLutein and zeaxanthin are two important nutrients found in various parts of the body, including the retina and eye lenses. Acting as powerful antioxidants, they are like an internal pair of sunglasses, filtering out harmful UVA/UVB and blue light. Additionally, they aid in reducing night glare, enhancing visual sharpness, and improving color contrast.

Research indicates that boosting levels of these carotenoids can lead to better visual function while also protecting against the onset and advancement of eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other eye diseases. Continue reading “Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Updated Studies on Carotenoids for the Eyes”

Eye Studies Reveal Natural Eye Care Effectiveness

Eye studiesAt Natural Eye Care, we view vision health from a whole-body perspective. Eye studies can reveal how to manage the visual system. However, the health of the eyes is connected to overall health. The visual system requires as much as 25% of the nutrients we take into our bodies. The brain needs even more. How we take care of ourselves goes a long way in helping to preserve healthy vision. Personal care includes emotional balance, and lifestyle considerations such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and targeted supplementation. Continue reading “Eye Studies Reveal Natural Eye Care Effectiveness”

Heavy Metal Contamination in Chocolate – Mercury and Lead Harm the Brain

dark chocolate can be contaminated with lead and cadmiumChocolate stands alone as both a tasty confection and a healthy food. However, a recent Consumer Reports study found that heavy metals contaminate many brands of chocolate. Cadmium and lead pose health risks, especially neurological health. This includes Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Why is chocolate—especially dark chocolate—considered to be healthy? Why is chocolate contaminated? And how can you find chocolate that is safest to eat? Continue reading “Heavy Metal Contamination in Chocolate – Mercury and Lead Harm the Brain”

Molecular Hydrogen for Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy

drinking hydrogen water while exercising - a seniorMolecular Hydrogen is gaining popularity as a therapy for everything from skin problems to eye disease to arthritis to cancer. Is molecular hydrogen the latest supplement craze? Or is there merit to using this therapy? Find out how it works, and look at the research.

The Smallest Molecule Has Advantages

Hydrogen is the very first molecule on the Periodic Table of Elements. As the smallest molecule, hydrogen can reach places that other molecules cannot. For example, hydrogen easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches the interior of the eyes. It can also get into the smallest parts of the cells, which many other antioxidants cannot. Modular hydrogen is two molecules of hydrogen bonded to each other. Water is H2O — two molecules of hydrogen plus a molecule of oxygen. Molecular hydrogen is written as H2. Continue reading “Molecular Hydrogen for Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy”

Sleep Is Fundamental for the Eyes, Brain and Overall Health

senior having trouble with sleepGetting enough sleep is crucial to your daily life and long-term health. However, many seniors struggle to get sufficient sleep. They also may have difficulty with the quality of sleep. What do the statistics show? How bad is sleep deprivation for your health? And what are some natural solutions?

Shocking Sleep Statistics

Sleep comes naturally. So why do we see these shocking sleep statistics? Continue reading “Sleep Is Fundamental for the Eyes, Brain and Overall Health”

Alzheimer’s Disease, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: New Research

lifestyle choices such as exercise have an influence on senior healthNew research studies have found strong relationships between lifestyle and the aging brain. How can you help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia? The eye’s retina is brain tissue. Not surprisingly, researchers have found connections between Alzheimer’s Disease, glaucoma, and lifestyle. What does the new research show? Are nutrition, supplements, exercise, and smoking avoidance shown to help?

What Are The Chances?

By the age of 65, 10% of seniors have Alzheimer’s Disease. Every five years, the risk doubles. Instead of waiting for any type of dementia to strike, you can take steps right now!

Alzheimer’s Disease is a complex brain disease. Amyloid-beta plaque builds up in the brain. Early symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation, losing items, and personality changes. Later, the brain is fully impaired, resulting in the need for caregivers. Multiple systems in the brain break down, including: Continue reading “Alzheimer’s Disease, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: New Research”

Taurine: An Amino Acid Crucial for Health and Aging

taurineTaurine is an amino acid that your body manufactures and obtains from food. Crucial to health, taurine has many benefits for the eyes, heart, and brain. It is also an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and bad cholesterol levels. However, seniors often have taurine levels that are 80% lower than younger people.[1. Ito T, Yoshikawa N, Inui T, et al. Tissue depletion of taurine accelerates skeletal muscle senescence and leads to early death in mice. PLoS One. 2014;9(9):e107409] [2. Singh P, Gollapalli K, Mangiola S, et al. Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging. Science. 2023 Jun 9;380(6649):eabn9257.]

Night vision, eye health, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, the gastrointestinal system, immunity, bones, and diabetes are all linked to taurine.[3. Ibid. Science. 2023 Jun 9;380(6649):eabn9257] This article covers the benefits of this amino acid and how to check your taurine levels. It also discusses ways to get extra taurine if needed. Continue reading “Taurine: An Amino Acid Crucial for Health and Aging”

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids Fight Macular Degeneration

macular degeneration can cause loss of central vision - try omega-3 fatty acidsAge-related macular degeneration is an eye disease you do not want to get! One of the treatments is injections directly into the eye on a regular basis. The consequences can be devastating. The loss of central can steal your driving independence and your ability to recognize faces, watch TV, read, do crafts and hobbies, and cook. Research studies on carotenoids and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids show hope for preventing and supporting Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD). Continue reading “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids Fight Macular Degeneration”

The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners

artificial sweeteners and sugar packetsA sweet taste with zero calories sounds tempting, but what are the dangers of artificial sweeteners? What does the research on zero-calorie artificial sweeteners show? Too much sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can damage your health. Artificial sweeteners sound like an easy alternative. How can you tell the difference between artificial and natural low-calorie sweeteners? And, how can you get that sweet taste without risking your health?

At Natural Eye Care, we recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners because they may be dangerous for your health. This article will discuss these dangers and explore several low-calorie, natural sweeteners. Continue reading “The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners”