Monday 31 August 2009
Protecting Your Eyes
Are you engaging in activities that stress your eyes? Have you ever experienced cloudy or blurry vision? Do your eyes always feel dry? Is your night vision worse than your day vision? Are your eyes very sensitive to bright lights? There are strategies you can employ to protect your eyes from strain and fatigue. When your eyes feel puffy or tired, try slicing cucumbers, lying down and placing the cucumber slices on your eyes. Scientists have discovered that poor vision is not just caused by aging and environmental factors but is also due to a deficiency in nutrients that nurture the eyes.
In 1979 the Archives of Ophthalmology published the results of a six-year study that concluded hyaluronic acid was beneficial for the eyes. The major part of our eyes is filled with vitreous jelly. Hyaluronic acid comprises 95% of the vitreous jelly. It is active in nurturing the vitreous fluid inside the eye and transports nutrients within the eye. One form of glaucoma is attributed to a deficiency in hyaluronic acid.
In addition to eye problems we also have joint issues. In addition to helping to maintain a healthy body, this acid also has cosmetic benefits. By hydrating the skin, the acid wards off wrinkles and helps our skin maintain its youthful texture. For cosmetic purposes the hyaluronic acid is available in creams and applied topically to the skin.
To support eye health as well as joint, tissue, neurological and cardiac health, it is taken as a supplement.
Saturday 22 August 2009
How to Slash Your Risk of Eye Blindness
The most common cause of eye blindness in people over age 55 in Western industrialized nations is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD occurs when abnormal blood cells grow in the eye, damage the retina, and blur central vision.
The human eye contains the highest concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the body. The highest concentration of zeaxanthin is in the vision sensing part of the eye, the fovea. When the eyes become chronically short changed of dietary zeaxanthin, the retinal pigment loses density over time, resulting in the loss of central vision.
Researchers believe the best way to do this is to increase your dietary intake of zeaxanthin and lutein, as well as high antioxidant, high polyphenolic nutrients.
If you have macular degeneration or want to prevent it, here are some simple steps you can take to protect your vision:
(1) Get plenty of antioxidants-vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and the mineral zinc: These carotenoids are found in large quantities in berries, fruits, and green vegetables.
(2) Get plenty of zeaxanthin and lutein: These carotenoids are found in large quantities in dark colored berries. The NingXia wolfberry is the richest known source of zeaxanthin and antioxidants.
(3) Take fish oil or cod liver oil regularly: A fat found in fish (DHA) may help protect and promote healthy retinal function.
(4) Avoid trans fats: A diet high in partially hydrogenated oils appears to contribute to macular degeneration.
Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration by 50 percent.
Consuming foods high in antioxidants are probably more effective than taking isolated supplement