Tips for Healthy Sight

Improve diet – The eye has a very high demand for nutrients and poor diet can have an immediate effect on eye health. Nutrients such as vitamin C, A, E and minerals like zinc, manganese, copper and selenium can reverse eye disease. If these are not being consumed in high amounts in the diet, a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may help.

Ideally the diet for eye health should include 5-10 portions of vegetables per day (including plenty of greens), 3 portions of fruit (including those with purple skins) and fats from fish, lean meat, avocados, nuts and seeds.

Proper digestion – A major problem with eye disease is that nutrients are not being absorbed and delivered to the eye. This could be due to a dysfunction of the digestive tract, insufficient enzyme secretion or age-related mal-absorption. Taking a digestive enzyme with meals may encourage absorption, as well as dealing with any inflammation in the gut. Low stomach acid may play a role in poor digestion so one may need to supplement with Betaine Hydrochloride.

Good circulation – Gentle exercise is important to improve circulation. Poor circulation is associated with conditions like diabetes and heart disease and these people are more at risk to develop eye problems. Improving circulation increases oxygen to the eye.

Quit smoking – Studies show that smoker are 2.5 time more likely to get eye disease as they are more susceptible to blockages in the tiny blood vessels to the eye, therefore starving the eye of nutrients.

Omega 3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA from fish, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts have a beneficial effect on circulation and may be able to heal and support the blood vessel walls.

More antioxidants – Anthocyanadins from dark skinned fruit and vegetables protect the eye tissues from oxidative damage. Quercitin in onions may help to prevent cataracts and rutin and lycopene protect the blood vessels and tissues of the eye.

Lutein and zeaxanthin – these important anti-oxidants are both essential parts of the macular pigment of the eye. Studies have conclusively shown that they help to reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. They are found in peppers, sweet corn and spinach.