Scientific studies strongly suggest that artificial sweeteners, once thought to be safe alternatives to sugar, are linked to significant health risks. Key findings include increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, and potential carcinogenicity.1 2 Artificial sweeteners discussed include erythritol, sucralose, and aspartame, which can alter gut microbiota,3 increase inflammation, and cause blood clotting.
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The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its long-awaited update to the nation’s dietary guidelines on January 7, 2026, promising a “historic reset” that puts real, minimally processed food back at the center of American nutrition policy 1. Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are high, and these guidelines aim to “Make America Healthy Again.”
On the other hand, the Mediterranean Diet is popular for its proven benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting long-term wellness. It focuses on plant-based meals, healthy fats, and a balanced lifestyle. At Natural Eye Care, we adapted the Mediterranean Diet specifically for people with vision issues and called it the Vision Diet. This diet includes additional recommendations on antioxidant intake, organic foods, and avoiding certain additives and fats 2.
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Coronary artery disease stands as the leading form of heart disease in the United States, impacting more than 20 million people. Among atherosclerosis’s most serious risks are heart attacks and strokes, both of which can have life-altering consequences. Fortunately, there are powerful steps you can take to protect your heart health. Building a balanced diet, staying active, and using carefully chosen supplements all play an important role in preventing and managing atherosclerosis. In this article, we will discuss how atherosclerosis happens, its effects on the body, and nutrients that support heart health. We also review basic lifestyle choices, such as exercise and remaining smoke-free, that can add years to your life.
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A 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.
What 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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The link between cardiovascular disease and eye health may not be obvious. However, the eyes are made from nutrients. A large body of research shows how important nutrition is for eye health. Maintaining healthy vision depends on whether the eyes and visual system are properly nourished. Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, can affect the flow of essential nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Poor circulation to the eyes can cause damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels, with potentially sight-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular disease can often be identified through retinal scans well before the disease is detectable through traditional tests.
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Did you know that two substances of Asian origin, nattokinase and serrapeptase, have significant health benefits? Scientific studies have revealed some of the reasons why longevity is associated with regular consumption of serrapeptase and nattokinase supplements. Specifically, we will discuss cardiovascular disease, eye issues such as floaters, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, internal scar tissue from autoimmune disorders, lung disease, sinusitis, neurological disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Staying hydrated is an essential part of maintaining health. Drinking healthy fluids throughout the day helps the body detoxify and is critical in maintaining temperature control and proper blood viscosity. Seniors, in particular, generally do not drink enough water.
Why are we told to stay hydrated for our health? At Natural Eye Care, we care about the eyes and the body. Thus, keeping the body’s fluid balance is part of maintaining vision health. While 60% of the human body is composed of water, the eye is 98% water. Dehydration impairs the functioning of all systems in the body. Overhydration is also dangerous. In this article, we discuss the benefits of hydration, the deleterious effects of chronic dehydration, and how much water you need to drink.
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Retinal 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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When tiny plastic particles pollute the ecosystem, can they cause harm? If so, can you do anything? At Natural Eye Care, we have mined the research on the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. Read on to find out what they are, how they affect living organisms, and how to reduce your exposure.
Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158
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.
