Category: Diet

A Healthy Diet Promotes Healthy Aging

What we eat earlier in life has a profound effect on long-term health and aging. Many studies confirm that eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is essential to long-term health.

Multiple studies have found that proper nourishment can increase life expectancy. The biggest gains come from eating plenty of nuts and legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables. Also, indulging in less processed meat, red meat, sugar and refined carbohydrates has a significant positive effect. And, a large study showed that artificially sweetened soft drinks are associated with deaths from circulatory diseases.[1. Mullee A, Romaguera D, Pearson-Stuttard J, et al. Association Between Soft Drink Consumption and Mortality in 10 European Countries. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179(11):1479–1490. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2478]

Continue reading “A Healthy Diet Promotes Healthy Aging”

Food Combining Tips for Better Health

food combination better healthNot all foods play well together. Meat and Potatoes. Surf and Turf. Chicken with Rice. Sounds yummy, right? However, proponents of food-combining diets would not combine protein with carbs, and or mix different types of proteins. Food combining advocates believe that eating certain types of food in the same meal can lead to disease, toxin buildup, and digestive issues. They also believe that proper combinations can help relieve these problems.

Food-combining principles first appeared in the Ayurvedic medicine of ancient India, but they became more widely popularized in the mid-1800s under the term “trophology,” or “the science of food combining.”
The principles of food combining were revived in the early 1900s by the Hay diet. Continue reading “Food Combining Tips for Better Health”

The Body-Mind-Organ Connection

mind body organ woman touching stomachThe human body contains approximately 36 trillion cells. Cells communicate with each other every millisecond of life to coordinate functioning and maximize health. The mind-body connection includes how you think, and how organs communicate back and forth with the brain.

Keeping in balance in Western medicine is referred to as “homeostasis”. An example of homeostasis is maintaining the optimum body temperature at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When you exercise, your body sweats to cool off. If you are cold, you shiver involuntarily to create more body heat. Continue reading “The Body-Mind-Organ Connection”

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?”

Heavy Metal Contamination in Chocolate – Mercury and Lead Harm the Brain

dark chocolate can be contaminated with lead and cadmiumChocolate stands alone as both a tasty confection and a healthy food. However, a recent Consumer Reports study found that heavy metals contaminate many brands of chocolate. Cadmium and lead pose health risks, especially neurological health. This includes Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Why is chocolate—especially dark chocolate—considered to be healthy? Why is chocolate contaminated? And how can you find chocolate that is safest to eat? Continue reading “Heavy Metal Contamination in Chocolate – Mercury and Lead Harm the Brain”

The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners

artificial sweeteners and sugar packetsA sweet taste with zero calories sounds tempting, but what are the dangers of artificial sweeteners? What does the research on zero-calorie artificial sweeteners show? Too much sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can damage your health. Artificial sweeteners sound like an easy alternative. How can you tell the difference between artificial and natural low-calorie sweeteners? And, how can you get that sweet taste without risking your health?

At Natural Eye Care, we recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners because they may be dangerous for your health. This article will discuss these dangers and explore several low-calorie, natural sweeteners. Continue reading “The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners”

How Your Gut Health Affects Your Eye Health

Woman with healthy eyes and good gut healthThe digestive tract is filled with over 100 trillion microorganisms, many of which are needed for gut health — and good health.[1. Thursby E, Juge N. Introduction to the human gut microbiota. Biochem J. 2017;474(11):1823–1836] The gut flora, as they are called, has a similar function to that of other organs in the body.[2. O’Hara AM, Shanahan F. The gut flora as a forgotten organ. EMBO Rep. 2006;7(7):688–693] The intestinal microorganisms are their own environment. This environment aids the body’s immune system and helps keep you healthy.[3. Vrancken G, Gregory AC, Huys GRB, et al.. Synthetic ecology of the human gut microbiota. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2019;17(12):754–763]

The health of the eyes depends upon the health of these gut microorganisms. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and dry eye disease (DED) are impacted by inflammation in the gut. Continue reading “How Your Gut Health Affects Your Eye Health”

All About Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids foods and supplementsThe standard Western diet, with many processed foods, white grains, fats, sugars, preservatives, and flavorings lacks essential nutrients to support the retina. These non-beneficial components aggravate inflammation in the body – an underlying, and sometimes a direct cause of illness, premature aging, and cellular degeneration.

Essential nutrients include a wide range of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and vitamin-like nutrients. Among them, a star component of good health and good vision, are the omega-3 fatty acids.

Continue reading “All About Omega-3 Fatty Acids”

Nutrition for Diabetic Retinopathy

diabetic retinopathy nutrition - fruits and vegetablesDid you know that proper nutrition and exercise can help prevent diabetic retinopathy?[1. Bryl A, Mrugacz M, Falkowski M, Zorena K. (2022). The Effect of Diet and Lifestyle on the Course of Diabetic Retinopathy-A Review of the Literature. Nutrients. Mar 16;14(6):1252.]  Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes that damages the eye’s retina; it is a leading cause of vision loss in the world. About 10% of Americans have diabetes. One in three people with diabetes has symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. Of these, a further one-third have vision-threatening DR, including diabetic macular edema. And yet, the condition can potentially be preventable. Continue reading “Nutrition for Diabetic Retinopathy”

The Vision Diet: Food for Your Eyes

Vision Diet PyramidDiet for Better Vision and Overall Health

The standard Western diet tends to lack essential phytonutrients that support the health of the retina, as well as other nutrients such as adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and a wide range of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and vitamin-like nutrients. The standard diet features processed foods, non-whole grains, fats, sugars, and some types of meat that may aggravate inflammation in the body. Inflammation is an underlying cause, or sometimes a direct cause, of many health issues, such as arthritis. Inflammation also harms vision health.

We recommend an anti-inflammation diet based on a combination of the Mediterranean Diet and the Alkalizing Diet.

Dietary Guidelines

  • A well-balanced diet, combined with good eating habits, promotes the best possible absorption of nutrients.
  • Avoid foods containing AGEs. AGEs are biochemical compounds that form naturally within the body through enzyme reactions involving sugars, proteins, fats, or nucleic acids. If too-high levels of AGEs form, they cause oxidative damage and inflammation. AGEs are found in some foods and are formed by cooking these foods. High-heat methods of cooking meat and cheese, such as grilling, searing, roasting, and frying, hasten the formation of additional AGEs. High-fat, aged cheeses contain more AGEs than low-fat cheeses (low-fat mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese). Other foods high in AGEs include butter and processed foods such as cream cheese and mayonnaise. Oils and nuts contain lower quantities.
  • Favor an Anti-inflammatory diet. Tight control of blood glucose levels and hypertension is essential to slow and manage inflammation. There are several treatments available to help control it.
  • Limit or avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is thought that excess sugar in one’s diet results in too much glucose making its way to the eyes, making it difficult for the eyes to utilize all the glucose. This may result in more dry eye symptoms and can cause diabetes. 54.3% of diabetics suffer from dry eye syndrome. Know what you are putting into your body.
  • Avoid toxic fats in commercial red meats, dairy products, fried foods, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and shortening. These fats interfere with the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids in the body and, indirectly, cause dry eye syndrome.
  • Gut issues may contribute to dry eye. Try taking a high-quality probiotic to replenish the healthy flora in your gut, particularly if you have been on long-term antibiotics. Once your symptoms are under control, try switching from probiotics in pill form to real food ferments such as sauerkraut, pickles, miso, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, yogurt, etc. They provide a greater variety of beneficial bacteria than can be found in a pill. And they contain many vitamins and minerals.

Suppose inflammation is a contributing factor in an individual’s dry eye syndrome. In that case, it is imperative to look at the possibility that your gut may be the source of the inflammation. Leaky gut syndrome and imbalances in gut flora may also be contributing. Chronic inflammatory conditions have been tied to dry eye syndrome.

Nutrition and Vision

The eyes need essential nutrients to maintain healthy vision, second only the needs of the brain. Macular degeneration is often related to the retina “starving” for essential nutrients. Glaucoma, cataracts, macular edema, epiretinal membrane, retinal tears and detachments, and other eye issues have underlying causes. Major contributing factors to eye disease are often connected to a poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and underlying inflammatory conditions. Other factors can come into play, such as genetics, being highly myopic, and exposure to environmental toxins. This represents an opportunity to take charge of our healthy vision and overall health. The body is always trying to heal, so the focus is on taking actions that support the body’s natural healing process.

The Vision Diet: A Plant-Based Diet

We believe that the Vision Diet is a healthy diet for both eyes and body. The diet consists mainly of plant-based foods, along with small portions of preferably organic, consciously produced animal products, such as free-range, grass-fed meats. Vegetarians on a strict plant-based diet need to routinely check their levels of certain nutrients that are difficult or not possible to obtain solely from plants, particularly vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.

The Vision Diet incorporates the following principles:

    1. The Alkalizing Diet avoids the foods that cause inflammation, including high amounts of processed food, refined carbohydrates, poor-quality oils, and high levels of salt.
    2. The Mediterranean Diet, for example, is alkaline and avoids processed and refined foods; it is rich in vegetables and fruit.
    3. Balanced omega-3 and omega-6. Minimize carbohydrates, particularly all refined carbohydrates (white flour, pasta, white bread and rice, and sugar).

Learn more about the Vision Diet.

Juicing

Make healthy juice in your kitchen. Choose at least four to six fruits and vegetables. Do not use too many carrots and beets due to their natural sweetness. Remember to include healthy ingredients, such as ginger, parsley, beets, cabbage, carrots, endive, green-leafy vegetables, chlorophyll, wheatgrasses, and berries. Favor organic produce. Do not use cold fruit or ice. Cold arrests the digestive fires. In the winter, you may have warm soups or stews instead.

Supplement Recommendations

Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula – our whole food, organic, GMO free formula with lutein and zeaxanthin.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – with lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, and astaxanthin

Dr. Grossman’s Whole Food Organic Superfood Multi-Vitamin 120 Vcaps -our organic, whole food, GMO-free multivitamin

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) – strengthens blood vessels and capillaries and are potent antioxidants.

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic) – and GMO-free. Helps reduce inflammation.

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – wild-crafted herbal formula basic on classic Chinese formulation to promote healthy circulation and energy flow in the eyes and body.