Brain Health and Nutrition

Family sharing a meal. Nutrition is crucial for brain healthThe brain and eyes are intimately connected, and the nutrients essential for eye health are the same as for brain health. A retinal scan can detect the early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis before symptoms appear.

Numerous studies have shown that dietary factors help prevent brain and eye disease. They have a critical effect on neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. Recent findings have shed light on key processes through which nutrition influences brain health and cognitive performance. Alongside lifestyle factors like physical activity, what we eat has played a significant part in the development of our mental abilities and the evolution of the human brain. Continue reading “Brain Health and Nutrition”

Flu and Cold Season – Natural Ways to Stay Healthy

fluWintertime is when colds and flu are the most common. Why should we try to avoid these infectious diseases, and how? In addition to annual vaccines, what are some natural ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season? At Natural Eye Care, we see healthy eyes as part of a healthy body. This article references research that supports lifestyle, nutrition, botanicals, and supplements to fight colds and flu. Find out how to avoid getting sick, reduce the impact, and recover faster.
Each year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu. Although most recover without incident, flu-related complications typically lead to at least 200,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 60,000 deaths each year. People tend to recover from bacterial-related colds much more quickly than virus-related colds. Seniors and small children are especially susceptible.

Continue reading “Flu and Cold Season – Natural Ways to Stay Healthy”

How Are Hair Loss and Eye Conditions Connected?

Senior man and woman with hair lossHair loss is a prevalent concern, affecting both men and women. Surprisingly, there may be a connection between hair loss and eye conditions. This intriguing link stems from healthy vision being closely tied to overall bodily health. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension are associated with declining eye health. The root causes of many chronic conditions, such as incomplete nutrition and chronic inflammation, can damage hair and impede hair growth. Certain autoimmune diseases can cause alopecia. Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can cause hair loss and affect the eyes. Menopause impacts both the eyes and hair. In this article, we will explore androgenetic alopecia, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, eyelash loss (madarosis), menopause, diet and vitamin deficiencies, and insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Continue reading “How Are Hair Loss and Eye Conditions Connected?”

Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Eye Disease

An eye exam can reveal disease

People with cardiovascular disease may be at a higher risk of developing certain eye diseases including macular degeneration, retinopathy, retinal bleeding, a retinal vein occlusion, and blurred vision.

Why is heart disease linked to eye disease?

Good vision requires, among other factors, adequate blood circulation, and normal blood pressure. The eyes have a network of tiny blood vessels, each no wider than a strand of hair, which supply blood to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyeball. Continue reading “Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Eye Disease”

Protect the Optic Nerve with Taurine, Bilberry, and More

eye and optic nerveSeveral nutrients and vitamins such as bilberry and taurine help protect the optic nerve from damage. Glaucoma causes optic nerve damage. Optic neuritis and optic nerve atrophy are serious conditions that harm the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve sends electrical signals from the eye to the brain, any interruption damages vision. How does the optic nerve work? Which diseases damage the optic nerve? What does the research show about how nutrients, foods, and vitamins protect the optic nerve? Taurine, gingko biloba, a fruit called bilberry, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B12 among others have demonstrated their usefulness. Continue reading “Protect the Optic Nerve with Taurine, Bilberry, and More”

Can You Prevent or Reverse Cataracts?

prevent cataractsIs it possible to prevent cataracts, or even reverse cataracts? Can you put off cataracts surgery? Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases in seniors. More and more people have a special “glint” in their eye when the light hits the lens just right. What is the value of preventing cataracts and other eye diseases? Continue reading “Can You Prevent or Reverse Cataracts?”

Diminished Cognitive Function in Elderly Linked to Homocysteine

older cognitive function Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be measured with a simple blood test. The study, which appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders in August 2013, studied 358 people aged 50 and up who had symptoms of depression.

They gave the subjects cognitive tests that looked at immediate and delayed memory, as well as global cognitive performance. They measured Continue reading “Diminished Cognitive Function in Elderly Linked to Homocysteine”

Dose Size of Sleeping Pill Ambien Lowered Due to Negative Effects

sleeping pill is a quick fixThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that the block-buster sleeping pill Ambien (zolpidem) dose be lowered, especially for women, due to negative side-effects. The drug stays in women’s system much longer than in men’s. Too many car accidents the day after taking Ambien have lead to the government agency to halve the recommended dose for women, and re-consider the dose for men.

Continue reading “Dose Size of Sleeping Pill Ambien Lowered Due to Negative Effects”

Eggs Provide Nutrients and Ward Off Eye Disease

A new study further supports the benefits of eating eggs.

Michigan State University researchers sought to determine how eggs might be part of a healthy diet and also determine the impact egg consumption may have on cholesterol.  Egg eaters showed higher levels of such vital nutrients as vitamins B12, A, E, and C.  The study does remind us to enjoy eggs in moderation – four eggs per week is optimal.  Eating more than four eggs per week can lead to increased cholesterol.

Source: maculardegenerationassociation.org

Eating eggs can also help prevent a number of eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Vitamin C

In many parts of the world, especially in Europe and Asia, the value of vitamin C is well known.  It is considered to be an important part of routine glaucoma treatment. It lowers pressure in the eye by lessening fluid production within the eyeball and improving the circulation of aqueous humor, as toxins are removed, from the eye.  Vitamin C also improves the metabolism of collagen which is possibly an underlying cause of glaucoma.

Learn more about how the nutrients in eggs and other foods can increase your eye health and overall health.

Vitamin B12 Helps Fight Alzheimer’s, Anemia, and Glaucoma

fish in sea
Image via swfsc.noaa.gov

A study out of Sweden shows that people with diets rich in vitamin B12 are much less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Published in the journal Neurology, researchers describe how the risk of Alzheimer’sdropped by 2% for every micromole per liter of vitamin B12 found in the blood.

However, they also found that decreased levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is also associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke, can also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Vitamin B12 can actually lower those homocysteine levels.

According to the source of this story, Medical News Today, study authors conclude that “their study reveals the need for more research into vitamin B12’s role as a marker for identifying individuals at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Good food sources of B12 include eggs, sardines, clams, and mackerel.  Learn more about food sources of nutrients.

It has long been known that B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system, with deficiencies leading to permanent damage of nerve cells.  B12 comes from fish, meat, eggs, milk products and processed fortified foods.  People who are on a vegan diet need to make sure they are getting enough B12, since the body stores B12 for a long time and deficiency symptoms may not appear until the problem is serious.