Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is a naturally-occurring chemical, so why might seniors need to supplement it? Our bodies create small amounts of this omega-3 fatty acid. DHA from the diet, such as seafood, also counts. Docosahexaenoic acid is crucial to brain development in infants, and it is found in large quantities in the brain and retina. Researchers have found that consuming extra DHA can fight eye disease. How much docosahexaenoic acid do you need to get these effects? Can you get enough through your diet, or do you need to supplement DHA for optimum health? Continue reading “Do Seniors Need to Supplement DHA for Vision Health?”
Category: Wellness
Why Might Seniors Need Digestive Enzyme Supplements?
Our body naturally produces enzymes for digestion, so why might we need digestive enzyme supplements? Some fresh and fermented foods contain large amounts of digestive enzymes. How do these chemical catalysts help digestion? What happens if we do not have enough enzymes? Do we produce enough enzymes as we age? Does our diet today contain enough digestive enzymes? Continue reading “Why Might Seniors Need Digestive Enzyme Supplements?”
Eye-Healthy Recipes: Where to Find Nutritious Recipes
Where do you find nutritious recipes for the eyes? A significant body of research has shown that certain nutrients are very important to healthy vision. This makes sense, because your eyes are the most nutrient-hungry organ in the body for their size. Cooking at home is less expensive and generally more nutritious than eating restaurant foods. Therefore, having an arsenal of healthy recipes could help prevent and support glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other age-related eye diseases. Continue reading “Eye-Healthy Recipes: Where to Find Nutritious Recipes”
Save Your Vision at All Stages in Life
How can you save your vision regardless of your age? Eye disease is prevalent in seniors; however, people of all ages can take steps to protect their eyes. Here is Natural Eye Care’s guide to preserving the precious gift of sight.
At All Ages
Wear Sunglasses: The earth’s atmosphere has thinned, exposing our eyes to more ultraviolet light whenever we are outdoors. Wear 100% UVA/UVB protecting sunglasses when you are outside in the Continue reading “Save Your Vision at All Stages in Life”
Sunglasses for Driving: Protect the Eyes and Increase Safety
Whenever the sun is shining, drivers need to wear sunglasses. Glare from the sun is unsafe and can cause accidents. The eyes are vulnerable to damage from sunlight. Which types of sunglasses are best for driving? How do sunglasses protect the eyes?
Driving Safety
New drivers have the mantra drilled into them: “Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.” Bright sunlight streaming through the windshield is hard on the eyes. Even a slightly Continue reading “Sunglasses for Driving: Protect the Eyes and Increase Safety”
Dry Eyes, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Dry eye is a common complaint at the optometrist’s office.
Symptoms include dry, itchy, eyes. Causes of dry eye are diverse. Sometimes the root cause is treatable, and sometimes only the symptoms can be managed. However, dry eye syndrome is not new. Neither is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient system of healthcare that dates back thousands of years. TCM has techniques for addressing the complete spectrum of human wellness, including dry eye syndrome. Continue reading “Dry Eyes, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture”
Protect Your Eyes During Dry, Windy Weather
You need to protect your eyes when the weather is dry or windy. During the colder seasons, relative humidity indoors is low. Outdoors, wind can blow dust, pollution, ice and snow. Find out how to protect yourself from dry eyes, allergens, irritation, and injury.
Dry Eye from Low Indoor Humidity
Dry eye is a common eye complaint. The eyes may feel itchy, burning, irritated, sore or gritty.
The tear film has three layers: a thin mucus layer, Continue reading “Protect Your Eyes During Dry, Windy Weather”
Does Glycation Accelerate Ageing?
What is this new buzzword “glycation”? When sugars bind with protein molecules, aging apparently accelerates.
Doctors are starting to offer the hemoglobin A1c blood test to more patients because tissue glycation is suspected of accelerating aging. This simple blood test was typically reserved for diabetics. However, research is pointing to its usefulness for all ageing individuals. The test results are good indicators of poor blood sugar control, disease risk, and longevity.
Glycation is the binding together of sugar and protein molecules. A visible result of glycation is Continue reading “Does Glycation Accelerate Ageing?”
Artificial Sweeteners Ironically Linked to Weight Gain
Artificial sweeteners are marketed to dieters and diabetics as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. However, a meta-study found that these sweeteners have negative impacts on gut bacteria, appetite, and metabolism.[1. CMAJ July 17, 2017 vol. 189 no. 28 doi: 10.1503/cmaj.161390. “Non-nutritive sweeteners and cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies” by Meghan B. Azad et.al] Ironically, long-term users of artificial sweeteners were more likely to experience weight gain and obesity than non-users. They also had a higher incidence of weight-related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart Continue reading “Artificial Sweeteners Ironically Linked to Weight Gain”
Mediterranean Diet Associated with Better Memory and Attention
A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that seniors had better memory and attention if they followed the Mediterranean Diet. Many seniors struggle with memory and attention impairment. Research is finding that what you put in your mouth strongly impacts brain functioning. A large body of research shows that certain types of diets have better cognitive outcomes than others.
At Natural Eye Care, we recommend the Mediterranean Diet. Saying the word “diet” does not necessarily imply losing weight. Rather, this style of eating Continue reading “Mediterranean Diet Associated with Better Memory and Attention”