Eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy usually do not have a single cause. Instead, they arise from a mix of influences, including genetics, environment, age, diet and nutrition, and oxidative stress. Among these, oxidative stress is especially important because it directly affects a vital cellular process called autophagy.
Autophagy is the body’s built-in “cellular housekeeping” or recycling system. It allows cells in the eyes and brain to break down and reuse worn-out components, including damaged mitochondria and large, clumped proteins.[1. Kulkami VV, Maday S. Compartment-specific dynamics and functions of autophagy in neurons. Dev Neurobiol. 2018;78(4):298-310. doi:10.1002/dneu.22524] When autophagy is working properly, it helps maintain healthy cell function. But when this process is disturbed, cellular waste can build up, organelles are not renewed as they should be, and the normal physiology of the eye can begin to break down. Continue reading “How the Eye and Brain Handles Removal of Natural Waste”
Hair loss is one of the most frequent concerns people bring to their doctors, regardless of age or gender. What many do not realize is that thinning hair or lash loss can sometimes signal deeper health issues that also impact vision. The eyes are closely connected to the rest of the body, so chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases can affect both hair and eye health.
Allergies to food can cause eye symptoms, but food allergies can also lead to vision problems. Grouped with food allergies are food intolerances and food sensitivities. While food allergies are an immune system reaction, intolerances and sensitivities are related to the digestive system. In this article, we discuss how individuals with these food issues need to protect their eyes from harm.
The brain and visual system rely on a significant portion of the nutrients you consume to maintain optimal health and function. Supporting the connections between the body, mind, and eyes is key to promoting healthy vision, preserving brain health, and reducing the risk of age-related eye and brain diseases. This includes macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, plus dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.
Wintertime 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.
Macular degeneration is also known as AMD, which is an acronym for “Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Limited conventional treatments are available. However, natural remedies can go a long way toward reducing the risk of AMD onset. They can help prevent AMD from progressing to the point of vision loss. And, in many cases, lifestyle considerations and targeted supplementation can improve vision loss from AMD.
Hair 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. 
New 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?
Lack of Vitamin D has been associated with eye diseases like uveitis, macular degeneration, and dry eye. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to cancer, immune disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, bone pain, depression, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and even dementia. Shockingly, more than 40% of the US population is Vitamin D deficient. The body manufactures Vitamin D, so why is deficiency wide spread? Indoor living, aging, and many other factors are behind this virtual pandemic. How can you measure your vitamin D levels? How can you get enough? Isn’t fortified milk enough? Should you take a supplement? Which one?