Scientists are learning more about nutrients that impact the cells and brain. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a nutrient found in certain fruits, vegetables, tea, and eggs. PQQ supplements appear to improve mitochondrial functioning and improve the brain. As people age, the tiny mitochondria inside cells become increasingly damaged. PQQ is a quinone that could prove to be an important anti-aging supplement.
Humans cannot produce their own pyrroloquinoline quinone. You can get some PQQ through your diet. PQQ is found naturally in food such as bananas, cabbage, carrots, celery, egg yolks, fava beans, field mustard, green peppers, kiwi, miso, natto (fermented soybeans), oranges, papayas, parsley, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tofu, tomatoes, and green teas. Bacteria inside of people may be able to produce some PQQ. However, PQQ supplements provide a steady, predictable dose. We recommend just 10 mg to 20 mg of PQQ supplements per day. Continue reading “Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Supplements Have Anti-Aging and Brain Health Benefits”
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? 
Three time-tested supplements stand out as champions for eye and brain health: garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo. Research on these supplements backs up why they have been used for thousands of years. Garlic plays an important role in all three major traditional medicines–Traditional European Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginseng and ginkgo are crucial herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Do these supplements work? Are they beneficial for aging brains and eyes? What does the research show? 
Diabetic retinopathy is a vision-stealing effect of diabetes. What causes diabetes, and how can you prevent it? Can diabetic patients prevent this eye disease? What can you do to halt diabetic retinopathy? How can patients preserve their vision?
Scientists recently discovered a fat molecule that they called “palmitoleic acid”, a type of Omega-7 fatty acid. The substance appears to have special anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-7 occurs in certain fish oils and nuts. You may have heard of Omega-3 fatty acids, which come mostly from cold water fatty fish. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and heart disease risk. Omega-6 fatty acids occur in primarily in nuts and seeds, vegetable oil and grains. Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. Omega-7s are monounsaturated fats, similar to olive oil. How are these types of fats different? What makes palmitoleic acid so important for preventing Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome? Should you get them through food or supplements? How much should you take? 
Inflammation is a factor in many eye diseases, and what you eat affects inflammation. Whenever major holidays comes along, we are tempted to eat special foods. Many of these treats are high in calories and sugar, which contribute to inflammation. While you don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, you can choose to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory. At the end of this article, you will find tips for limiting the damage while still enjoying the holiday. 
Eye washes provide natural relief for irritated, inflamed eyes. Natural Eye Care recommends eye washes for a wide variety of eye conditions. Good lid hygiene can both soothe and prevent eye irritation.
More and more research is pointing to inflammation as playing a role in a wide range of diseases. Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis, and even the visible signs of aging are all linked to chronic inflammation. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Sjogren’s Syndrome can damage the eyes. Also, major eye diseases including Inflammatory (Uveitic) Glaucoma and Wet Macular Degeneration involve inflammation. Anti-inflammatory supplements can help tackle these conditions.
The links between antioxidants and vision health are strong. Antioxidants are the antidote to oxidization. Normal metabolism creates free radicals. These are atoms that lack an electron. Free radicals roam about the body, scavenging electrons and stealing electrons from healthy cells. This results in permanent damage to these afflicted cells which ultimately can result in disease. Significant research has shown that antioxidants protect against this cellular damage and are essential for maintaining health. The eye is especially vulnerable to free radical damage. Therefore, providing the body with sufficient antioxidants 
Researchers at Oregon State University found a link between chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction and zinc deficiency. [1. “Zinc deficiency enhanced inflammatory response by increasing immune cell activation and inducing IL6 promoter demethylation.” Carmen P. Wong, Nicole A. Rinaldi and Emily Ho. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. Article first published online: 17 MAR 2015 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201400761] Inflammation is involved in cardiovascular disease and other diseases.