Healthy blood and oxygen flow to the eyes and brain are essential for supporting ongoing nourishment and healthy functioning. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events have become the major killer of people’s health and life all over the world. 
Poor circulation and vascular damage heavily impact the eye because the retina and optic nerve require a massive, constant supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar damages and clogs tiny retinal blood vessels, starving the tissue of oxygen and causing abnormal, leaky, or fragile new vessels to grow.
Glaucoma: Diminished blood flow and poor perfusion to the optic nerve head—often linked to high pressure, low blood pressure drops at night, or systemic vascular disease—contribute to the gradual death of retinal ganglion cells.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Reduced blood flow in the choroid and retinal microvasculature causes chronic tissue hypoxia, waste buildup (drusen) (dry AMD), or abnormal vessel growth (wet AMD_
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) / Eye Stroke: A blood clot or physical compression (often from hardened arteries) blocks a retinal vein, trapping blood and fluid in the retina and causing sudden vision loss or blurring.
Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO / Branch Occlusion): Plaque or an embolism blocks an artery feeding the retina, cutting off oxygen and leading to sudden, severe vision loss.
Hypertensive Retinopathy: Chronic high blood pressure narrows and thickens retinal blood vessels, leading to restricted blood flow, retinal swelling (edema), and small hemorrhages
Nutrients That Help Promote Healthy Blood and Oxygen Flow
Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule that helps regulate eye pressure, maintain healthy blood flow to the retina, and support wound healing on the ocular surface. Because it acts as a natural vasodilator (relaxing blood vessels) and cell messenger, proper levels of nitric oxide are vital for preventing and managing several degenerative eye conditions.
Glaucoma and Nitric Oxide:
Nitric oxide relaxes the cells in the trabecular meshwork the eye’s primary drainage system. This allows the aqueous humor (eye fluid) to drain efficiently, lowering intraocular pressure .1
Large prospective studies, such as research published in JAMA Ophthalmology, have found that higher dietary intake of nitrates (primarily from green leafy vegetables like kale and collard greens) is associated with a 20% to 30% lower risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma 2
NO regulates basal blood flow to the retina, choroid, and optic nerve head. By ensuring these tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, it helps protect against the ischemic damage often seen in diabetic retinopathy and advanced glaucoma.3
Corneal Repair:
On the surface of the eye, low, physiological levels of nitric oxide produced by corneal epithelial cells facilitate faster wound healing. It helps repair corneal injuries, chemical burns, or persistent epithelial defects.4
Note: NO should be taken only in recommended dosages as while normal, low concentrations of nitric oxide are highly beneficial and neuroprotective. Overproduction of nitric oxide can cause severe eye damage.
Cardiovascular Health:
Nitric oxide is a key player in maintaining cardiovascular health. It acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the inner muscles of blood vessels, and thus widening them. This action improves blood flow, oxygen delivery, and reduces blood pressure. Studies have shown that NO can significantly improve circulation, which is crucial for heart health.
Brain Function:
The brain benefits from nitric oxide as it supports neurotransmission and increases blood flow. This is particularly important for cognitive functions like memory and learning.5
Foods that promote NO include:
cayenne pepper, garlic, fatty fish, beets, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and berries.
Gingko Biloba:
Active compounds in ginkgo (flavonoids and terpenoids) help dilate or relax blood vessel walls.6 Terpenoids inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF), which can decrease blood viscosity (thickness) and platelet aggregation. 7 By supporting small-vessel blood flow, ginkgo is frequently taken to enhance oxygenation and cellular nourishment to the brain. 8 In addition, gingko contains potent antioxidant content, helps reduce inflammation, reduces anxiety and depression, headaches and migraines, and supports healthy vision.
Resveratrol:
Resveratrol helps stimulate the lining of blood vessels (the endothelium) to produce more nitric oxide (eNOS), which relaxes and widens blood vessels to improve blood flow.9
Dong Quai (Dang Gui – Angelica sinensis)
Often called the “female ginseng,” this root is a cornerstone for blood-building, nourishing, and moving circulation.
L-Arginine and L-Citrulline
Amino acids that serve as building blocks for nitric oxide production, helping to dilate blood vessels and improve muscle and tissue blood flow.
Flavonoids and Antioxidants
Found in berries (anthocyanins), citrus fruits (vitamin C), pomegranates, and dark chocolate; they protect artery walls from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Magnesium and Potassium
Essential minerals found in leafy greens and vegetables that help regulate blood pressure and keep artery walls relaxed.
Vitamins C, E, D, and K
Vitamin C supports collagen and capillary strength, Vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant/blood thinner, Vitamin D supports endothelial health, and Vitamin K helps regulate calcium to prevent arterial stiffness
Foods that promote healthy blood flow and circulation
Foods that support healthy circulation include: cayenne pepper, onions, garlic, ginger, pomegranate, cinnamon, beets, turmeric, fatty fish, citrus fruits, green, leafy vegetables, berries and tomatoes, nuts and seeds.
Health conditions that affect circulation
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, obesity, smoking, and Raynaud’s disease are some of the many causes of poor circulation.
Lifestyle Considerations
Lifestyle strategies like quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, maintaining a moderate weight, and managing stress can help optimize blood flow and support heart health. Eat a healthy diet which includes vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods, which can improve circulation and support heart health.
New Study on the Dangers of Sugar Substitutes
Six popular sugar substitutes are linked to faster brain aging. A study of 13,000 adults found that people consuming the most artificial sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in memory and thinking skills, equivalent to approximately 1.6 additional years of brain messaging. This association was particularly pronounced in those with diabetes.
Researchers evaluated verbal fluency, or the ability to quickly retrieve and produce words, along with working memory which enables people to temporarily hold and use information.
The 6 sugar substitutes identified were aspartame, acesulfame K, erythritol, zylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. These ingredients frequently are found in ultra processed foods, including flavored waters, energy drinks, yogurt and low-calorie desserts. They are also sold separately for sweetening foods and beverages.
The six sugar substitutes that were associated with a faster decline in overall cognitive performance, particularly memory were aspartame, acesulfame K, erythritol, zylitol, sorbitol, Of the sweeteners reviewed, sorbitol was the most commonly used.
This research was supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.
Supplements to Consider
Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye Formula 2oz (oral spray) – easily absorbed essential nutrients for retinal and overall vision health.
Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye (oral Spray)/Meso Plus Combo
Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Formula with Astaxanthin – 90 vcaps (3-month supply)
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – our whole food, organic GMO free eye formula for overall retinal and vision health.
Dr. Grossman’s Circulation and Optic Nerve Support Formula
Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) – helps strengthen blood vessels and capillaries, and support healthy circulation
Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – based on classic Chinese Liver tonic. In Chinese medicine, the Liver “opens to the eyes”, so is the primary meridian (flow of energy) to support the free flow of circulation and energy throughout the eyes (and body as well).
Dr. Grossman’s Whole Food Organic Superfood Multi-Vitamin 120 Vcaps – our whole food, organic, GMO free formula
Nitric Oxide Supplement
H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 60 tabs
Cognirev Extra Strength 2 oz Oral Spray
Recommended Books
Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing
Natural Parkinson’s Support (ebook): Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s
- https://glaucoma.org/articles/new-nitric-oxide-medication-to-reduce-intraocular-pressure-takes-on-glaucoma-from-a-new-angle . ↩
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2480455 ↩
- https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/114463/html ↩
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8293394/ ↩
- https://n1o1.com/nitric-oxide-cognitive-function-exploring-the-connection/ ↩
- https://www.nebraskamed.com/neurological-care/what-does-ginkgo-biloba-help-with-and-is-it-safe ↩
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3163160/ ↩
- https://www.aroma-zone.com/en/page/ginkgo-biloba-benefits-advice-on-use-and-precautions ↩
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6479680/ ↩
