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Can I Get Better Sleep by Reading at Night Instead of Screen Time?

Senior reading at before sleep time instead of watching a screenReading at night is recommended for health and improved sleep, compared with staring at electronic screens. Studies show that nighttime reading can improve sleep quality, lower stress, and reduce exposure to blue light, which can disrupt melatonin.1 Using phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions close to bedtime can make it tougher to drift off. The blue-leaning light they emit can interfere with your body’s natural “time to sleep” signals.2
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  1. ScienceDaily. “Blue light exposure may affect sleep quality, study suggests.” August 22, 2017. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170822103434.htm
  2. Chang, Anne-Marie, Daniel Aeschbach, Jeanne F. Duffy, and Charles A. Czeisler. “Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112, no. 4 (2015): 1232-1237. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1418490112

Are the Kidneys Linked to Dementia and Vision Health?

Kidneys may be link to Dementia and VisionThe kidneys play a crucial role in supporting brain health and maintaining optimal vision. In this article, we will examine the flow of vital energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and look at the latest findings on Parkinson’s Disease. Find out how the intricate relationships between the kidneys, brain, and eyes can help you stay healthier as you age.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridians

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians run throughout the body, with many going to the eyes. Therefore, healthy meridian flow is essential for helping maintain and support healthy vision and overall health.
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Can Artificial Sweeteners Damage My Brain and Eyes?

artificial sweeteners such as in diet soda could cause damageArtificial sweeteners have long been marketed as a “healthier” alternative to sugar, especially for those managing diabetes, obesity, or simply aiming to cut calories. But as we explored in a previous article, mounting research suggests these sugar substitutes may come with hidden health risks that cannot be ignored.

Now, new evidence is shining a spotlight on erythritol—a sugar alcohol commonly found in low-calorie snacks, drinks, and specialty foods. While erythritol is often promoted as a safe, natural option, recent studies suggest it may have unexpected and serious effects on our health, particularly when it comes to brain and cardiovascular function. In this article, we’ll unpack the latest research, explore how artificial sweeteners could affect not just your body but also your vision, and share safe, natural alternatives for those seeking a genuinely healthy way to satisfy their sweet tooth.
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Neurogenesis Regrows Brain and Eye Tissue

Scientists examine a brain model. Research into neurogenesis regrows brainDid you know your brain is capable of growing new cells and forging fresh connections, even as you age? The science of neurogenesis is reshaping our understanding of brain and eye health. Neuroplasticity isn’t just for kids! About 30 years ago, scientists began to acknowledge the brain’s amazing ability to adapt in all stages of life. In this article, we will discuss the science of neuroplasticity and how it impacts both the brain and the eyes. Also, we will talk about how neurogenesis regrows brain and eye tissue, and how it could improve eye conditions such as glaucoma. And, we will recommend nutrients that can help your brain build new connections and neurons.
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Vascular Disease, Brain Disease and Eye Health Are Connected

senior checks blood pressure for cardio vascular screeningA new study has found a link between vascular diseases, specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk for dementia. Vascular risk factors were higher in both female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene, which is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.1

The statistical results of this cohort study suggest that between 22% and 44% of incident dementia cases by 80 years old were attributed to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors.


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  1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2834600

Caffeine, Coffee and Eye Health

cups of cappuccino coffeeWhat are the connections between caffeine, coffee and eye health? Do the negatives outweigh the positives? This is a tricky question, given the contradictory research on this popular beverage. Coffee is high in antioxidants that have broad health benefits. However, coffee is typically acidic, which can cause stomach symptoms. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that increases alertness, but it can also cause energy crashes. Caffeine research has not yet pinpointed the ideal amount of caffeine for better health. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, coffee can be helpful or harmful, depending on the constitution of the drinker.
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Eye Brain Connection: The 5 Steps

occipital lobe is the part of the brain that interprets signals from the eyes
The Occipital Lobe Interprets Signals From the Eyes

One important concept for maintaining eye health is understanding the eye-brain connection. This pathway starts with light entering the eye and ends when your brain makes sense of the visual world around you. Disruption or damage at any point in the pathway distorts your perception. Therefore, maintaining the health of each part of the eye-brain connection pathway ensures accurate perception. Your vision accounts for around 80% of your perceptions, learning, and thinking. Maintaining your vision as you age improves your quality of life. Consider how your ability to drive, watch television, read, prepare food, walk in nature, shop, and recognize friends and loved ones enables you to live independently and passionately. At Natural Eye Care, we want you to have the best chance at maintaining healthy vision throughout your whole life.
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9 Healthy Lifestyle Habits for the Eyes, Brain and Body

healthy lifestyle - diet, hydration, sleep, exercise The brain and visual system rely on a significant portion of the nutrients you consume to maintain optimal health and function. Supporting the connections between the body, mind, and eyes is key to promoting healthy vision, preserving brain health, and reducing the risk of age-related eye and brain diseases. This includes macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, plus dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Many of these conditions stem from a lack of essential nutrients reaching the eyes and brain, leaving them deprived of what they need to thrive. Other factors, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, medications, chronic stress, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and both genetic and epigenetic influences, can also play a role.
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Retinal Scans Can Detect Diabetes, MS and Dementia Early

retinal scanRetinal scans are proving to be an effective way to detect early signs of diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and dementia. They can sometimes detect disease before symptoms appear. The best news about retinal scans is that they are painless and non-invasive. You may have looked into machines that scan the retina at your optometrist or eye surgeon’s office. Why are retinal scans helpful for detecting diseases that are not, technically, eye diseases? How is the retina connected to the brain and brain health?
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Nutrients That Support the Eyes and Brain: Sage & Goji Berries

Blog-Brain and VisionDid you know that your daily habits affect your eyes and brain? As our population ages, more effort is needed to support seniors’ eyes, brains, and overall health. Research shows that a balanced diet, regular exercise, meaningful social interactions, and targeted supplements can have a significant impact. Remember, your retina and optic nerves are essentially brain tissue, meaning the nutrients that nourish your brain also bolster your vision. Read on to discover some of the latest research in this field.


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Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158

Natural Eye Care

NaturalEyeCare™ started in 1999 to help the public and professionals learn about complementary care in eye disease treatment.

The information and recommendations we offer are based on over 30 years of peer review research and personal clinical experience which guides us in providing a valuable resource to our readers, customers and patients regarding maintaining healthy vision naturally.

We believe that vision health is intimately connected to overall mental, physical and spiritual health. Therefore we encourage people to look at their overall lifestyle and diet as part of keeping healthy vision and reducing the risk of eye disease onset. This includes diet, regular exercise, and management of daily stress. If one has health issues such as high blood pressure, a thyroid imbalance, any autoimmune disease and/or are on medication(s), these possible contributions to eye disease should considered when working with your health care professional.

Please do not hesitate to call us at 845.475.4158 with any questions and concerns.

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