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”

Retinal Cells Rewire to Preserve Vision in Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retina cross-section diagram showing retinal cells - rods and cones - that have been found to rewire themselves. Retinitis Pigmentosa is a progressive eye disease that has long been associated with gradual vision loss and limited treatment options. Affecting about one in every 4,000 people, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is marked by the degeneration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells—first the rods, which are responsible for night vision, and then the cones, which enable us to see in daylight and color. While the genetic complexity and slow progression of RP have posed challenges for patients and researchers alike, recent discoveries are offering new hope. Exciting new research reveals that the retina may have an unexpected ability to adapt: certain retinal cells can rewire themselves in response to degeneration, potentially helping to preserve vision even as the disease advances. Continue reading “Retinal Cells Rewire to Preserve Vision in Retinitis Pigmentosa”

Eye Brain Connection: The 5 Steps

occipital lobe is the part of the brain that interprets signals from the eyes
The Occipital Lobe Interprets Signals From the Eyes

One important concept for maintaining eye health is understanding the eye-brain connection. This pathway starts with light entering the eye and ends when your brain makes sense of the visual world around you. Disruption or damage at any point in the pathway distorts your perception. Therefore, maintaining the health of each part of the eye-brain connection pathway ensures accurate perception. Your vision accounts for around 80% of your perceptions, learning, and thinking. Maintaining your vision as you age improves your quality of life. Consider how your ability to drive, watch television, read, prepare food, walk in nature, shop, and recognize friends and loved ones enables you to live independently and passionately. At Natural Eye Care, we want you to have the best chance at maintaining healthy vision throughout your whole life. Continue reading “Eye Brain Connection: The 5 Steps”

Can Collagen Reduce Glaucoma Risk?

collagen powderCollagen can help reduce the risk of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Connective tissue is made up primarily of collagen. This scaffolding provides elasticity and strength to the tendons, bones, ligaments, and skin. The eyes depend on collagen to function properly. As we age, we produce less collagen. This causes wrinkles in the skin. Losing collagen leads to an eye condition in middle age called “presbyopia” – a longer focal distance. Adding collagen may improve the elasticity of the eye. This article explores the research on collagen and glaucoma. Continue reading “Can Collagen Reduce Glaucoma Risk?”

Reducing Digital Eye Strain, Tired Eyes and Fatigue Naturally

woman drinks a tincture for digital eye strain while reading a computer tabletIn today’s digital age, our eyes are under constant stress from extended screen time on computers, tablets and smartphones. This leads to digital eye strain, tired eyes, fatigue, and even long-term vision concerns. At Natural Eye Care, we are committed to helping you maintain healthy vision naturally. This blog post discusses the scientifically studied ingredients in our new wild-crafted herbal formula: Dr. Grossman’s Tired Eyes and Fatigue Formula. This powerful tincture is a blend of natural ingredients, including ginger, ginseng, bilberry, green tea, ashwagandha, and schisandra. We selected the ingredients carefully to support eye health and combat eye fatigue. Continue reading “Reducing Digital Eye Strain, Tired Eyes and Fatigue Naturally”

Nattokinase Supplements for Heart Health Benefits

Did you know that two substances of Asian origin, nattokinase and serrapeptase, have significant health benefits? Scientific studies have revealed some of the reasons why longevity is associated with regular consumption of serrapeptase and nattokinase supplements. Specifically, we will discuss cardiovascular disease, eye issues such as floaters, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, internal scar tissue from autoimmune disorders, lung disease, sinusitis, neurological disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease. Continue reading “Nattokinase Supplements for Heart Health Benefits”

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”

Visual Detox – A Whole-Body Connection

visual detoxVisual detox refers to purifying the eyes of debris, toxins, and the effects of bad visual habits. Debris build-up can affect vision health and contribute to the onset of eye disease. These diseases can include eye irritation, effects on lacrimation related to dry eyes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration (AMD). Focusing too much on close-up computer screens leads to computer eye strain symptoms and reduces the free flow of energy to the eyes. As the eyes’ health is directly connected to whole-body well-being, we must look at detoxification from a whole-body perspective.

Other symptoms of toxin build-up can include ocular burning, watering, pain, and photophobia [1. Dwivedi et al., 1985], conjunctivitis and corneal opacity.[2. Maskati, 1986]

Whole-body toxicity symptoms can include:  Continue reading “Visual Detox – A Whole-Body Connection”

Aged Black Garlic Supports Glaucoma and New Eye-Related Research

aged black garlic bulbsAged black garlic, a culinary staple, is gaining recognition for its unique flavor and remarkable health benefits. Garlic has long been celebrated for its medicinal properties. Aged black garlic is a fermented food with even more potency and health benefits. Recent research has uncovered the benefits of aged black garlic, particularly in relation to the cardiovascular system and the eyes, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. From improving optic nerve blood flow and reducing intraocular pressure to boosting HDL cholesterol levels and mitigating heart disease risks, aged black garlic is a versatile and powerful ally in promoting overall health. Continue reading “Aged Black Garlic Supports Glaucoma and New Eye-Related Research”

DHA is a Crucial Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Salmon rich in dha and omega 3 fatty acidsDHA is one of the omega-3 fatty acids that nutritionists implore us to eat. Why are grilled salmon and canned tuna part of nearly every diet and nutrition plan? Fatty fish is just one good source of DHA and other crucial nutrients. Find out how omega-3 fatty acids reduce chronic inflammation and help prevent diseases such as macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma, and diabetes. Pregnant people need omega-3’s to help the fetus develop. How much omega-3 fatty acids should you eat? And how do you balance them with omega-6 fatty acids, found in refined foods and certain meats? Continue reading “DHA is a Crucial Omega-3 Fatty Acid”