Effect of Stress on Our Eyes & Health

stressors such as covid fear trigger the fight or flight responseOur bodies are designed to handle stressful situations, referred to as the “flight or fight” mode, wherein when we need to quickly react, the body goes into action and produces hormones that stimulate the adrenal system, raise cortisol levels, and gets our muscles instantly ready to go. Once that situation is resolved, our body has the remarkable ability to return back to homeostasis or normal balance quickly.

But modern-day life may keep one in flight or fight readiness too often. This may be due to ongoing work pressure, relationship and money issues, or the stress related to COVID-19. Chronic stress can, over time, overwork the adrenal system resulting in fatigue and poor circulation.  In turn, fatigue and poor circulation limit the ability of the body to deliver essential nutrients to the eyes.

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Zeaxanthin and Lutein Save the Eyes and Improve Brain Circulation

corn with luteinThe antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin help keep the eyes healthy. A new study has found that these nutrients also improve the circulation of blood to the brain. Seniors experience gradual cognitive decline. A recent study showed that taking enough of these antioxidants halted cognitive decline. Research supports the idea that nutrition has a direct impact on the brains and eyes throughout one’s lifespan from infancy (breast milk contains lutein) to old age.[1. Johnson EJ. (2014). Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan. Nutr Rev. Sep;72(9):605-12.]

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Herbs that Fight Abnormal Microbleeding in Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Eye Disease

retinal bleeding from diabetic retinopathy or macular degenerationMacular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy have something in common. Although the indirect causes may be different, a consequence of untreated AMD or untreated diabetes is similar. Untreated, both conditions may result in macular microbleeding, in which abnormal capillaries develop (angiogenesis) that leak fluid or blood into the retina. A holistic approach may reduce the risk of the development of abnormal blood vessels bleeding into the retina and destroying vision

Why Angiogenesis is a Problem

Let’s consider dry and wet (advanced) macular degeneration. AMD is basically a form of “starvation of the retina,” particularly the age-related form, in which essential nutrients are not reaching their target. Insufficient delivery can be due to some combination of a poor diet, lack of exercise, issues with absorption, poor circulation, candida, or chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Since the function of blood is to deliver oxygen and nutrients, one might reasonably think that growing new blood vessels would improve the ‘starvation’ issue, and that would be the intention of angiogenesis, but it’s not quite that simple. Angiogenesis occurs in an effort to deliver deficient nutrients to the retina, but unfortunately, these blood vessels are poor in quality and end up leaking. They also distort the delicate structure of the macula.

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The Search for Covid-19 Vaccine

scientist looking thru microscope for vaccineAbout Coronaviruses

Corona viruses (of which there are over 100 types) infect birds and mammals with varied degrees to damage to the respiratory and other systems.  When these viruses are transmitted to people the consequences are potentially fatal. This is true of the two serious coronaviruses we have seen in the past: severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Continue reading “The Search for Covid-19 Vaccine”

Mild Allergies + Eye Fatigue Cause Itchy Eyes

rubbing dry eyesRed, itchy, watery eyes are common in the spring, when allergies and hay fever strike. Sometimes we wake in the morning and what we notice most is that our eyes are itchy and sore.  This may be due to a combination of seasonal allergen sensitivity and tired eyes from computer eye fatigue.

Why are the eyes affected? What can you do about the effects of allergies on the eyes in the spring? Any why does eye fatigue worsen the feeling of itchy eyes?

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The Search for Covid-19 Treatment

The hunt is on for effective treatment for COVID-19 (SAR-CoV-2). The New York Times reports that there are over 254 therapies being explored. Medical professionals have, even in these few months, been adapting their treatments as they learn more about the nature of the virus. The fact that COVID-19 can affect people in a wide variety of ways requires almost individually tailored treatments.  Furthermore, the symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely, sometimes limited to red eyes (conjunctivitis), painful toes, slight fever, mild cough, or general aches and pains, depending on where in the body the virus lodges or begins its attack, how strong the existing immune system is, and how healthy the individual is before being exposed. Continue reading “The Search for Covid-19 Treatment”

Why Should You Reduce Your Sugar Intake?

sugar cake or appleYou have heard that our diets have too much sugar. What does this mean? How does sugar affect our health, short-term and long-term? A large body of research shows the detrimental effects of excessive sugar, from tooth decay to diabetes. High-fructose corn syrup is especially villainized. And sugar is even blamed for hurting immunity. Continue reading “Why Should You Reduce Your Sugar Intake?”

Exercise and Immunity

Exercise, a Key Element to Robust Immune System

Researchers have repeatedly found that regular exercise improves health and immunity. They see reduced risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive problems, vision conditions, weight management issues, hormonal imbalances, and those who get regular moderate exercise have stronger immune system. Depending on our personal likes and dislikes, this exercise can be moderate or intense, but regular modest exercise has been shown again and again to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. Continue reading “Exercise and Immunity”

Dark Chocolate for Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue

box of xhocolates
image via FDA.gov

When you’re feeling low, some chocolate can often perk you up.

If you are someone who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, the flavonoids in chocolate may actually help alleviate your symptoms.

A study published in Nutrition Journal describes how dark chocolate that is rich in polyphenols was more effective in helping subjects manage their chronic fatigue symptoms over eight week periods than those taking “regular” chocolate.[1. https://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/55.] Continue reading “Dark Chocolate for Fatigue”