About MicronutrientsVitamins, minerals, and other special nutrients are known as micronutrients because we only need tiny amounts of each one. However, micronutrients are essential for well-being, healthy development, and disease prevention. The human body needs nearly 30 micronutrients, but it can only produce one: vitamin D.
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The standard Western diet, with many processed foods, white grains, fats, sugars, preservatives, and flavorings lacks essential nutrients to support the retina. These non-beneficial components aggravate inflammation in the body – an underlying, and sometimes a direct cause of illness, premature aging, and cellular degeneration.
Essential nutrients include a wide range of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and vitamin-like nutrients. Among them, a star component of good health and good vision, are the omega-3 fatty acids.
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Did you know that proper nutrition and exercise can help prevent diabetic retinopathy?1 Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes that damages the eye’s retina; it is a leading cause of vision loss in the world. About 10% of Americans have diabetes. One in three people with diabetes has symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. Of these, a further one-third have vision-threatening DR, including diabetic macular edema. And yet, the condition can potentially be preventable.
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Did you know that untreated high blood pressure increases the risk, not only of heart attacks and strokes, but eye conditions such as advanced macular degeneration, glaucoma, and macular edema?
Studies support a target blood pressure for most people of 120/80 mm Hg, with an optimal level of 115/75 mm Hg for many people.1
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What is CoQ10?Co-enzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient and antioxidant found in every cell in the body. It supports and promotes mitochondrial function essential for cellular energy. It is critical for eye, brain, and heart health. Health conditions like heart disease, brain disorders, diabetes, and cancer have been linked to low levels of CoQ10.1 The highest concentrations of COQ10 are found in organs with the greatest energy demands, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.2 It is present in large quantities in the retina and the brain.3 4
CoQ10 is essential because it supports mitochondria processes. Mitochondria are the cellular energy producers that support all cellular activity. When CoQ10 is depleted or deficient, cells throughout the body are deprived of a fundamental need. Other nutrients such as acetyl-l-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, PQQ, and alpha-lipoic acid enhance CoQ10 functioning.
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The body produces the hormone melatonin in several places, mostly in the pineal gland and the eyes. It is also produced in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, skin, and white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Melatonin coordinates circadian rhythms and helps induce sleep. Research suggests the decline in melatonin levels that occurs during aging contributes to insomnia and other aging-associated conditions.
Melatonin does more than assist in balancing our circadian rhythms. New research substantiates that it helps our vision.
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Use Ghee Instead of ButterGhee has long been a staple in Indian cuisine and is quite popular in US cooking.
Ghee is a type of clarified butter. It’s more concentrated in fat than butter, as its water and milk solids have been removed. Because there are no milk solids, it does not have to be refrigerated. Ghee stays solid at room temperature and does not go rancid.
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Did you know that there are three nutrients that are fundamental to visual health? Why are they so important?
The top three nutrients for your eyes (and brain) are lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin. Lutein, zeaxanthin and mesozeaxanthin are primarily found in the macula, that center part of the retina essential for detailed vision. They are found, not only in the macula, but in all of the retina, in the lenses, and in the aqueous humor. People with macular degeneration, other retinal diseases, and cataracts are deficient in these nutrients.
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Why is nitric oxide important for vision?
Nitric oxide, one of the principal oxides of nitrogen, is produced naturally to assist with many health aspects. It contributes to vasodilation, relaxing the muscles that line your blood vessels allowing them to widen and improve circulation. In that capacity it allows nutrients and oxygen to travel throughout the body efficiently.
As a free radical, in excess, nitric oxide (NO) contributes to inflammation, so should only be taken in recommended dosages. In a balanced system, it is beneficial and can actually reduce inflammation. And in the case of glaucoma, it can be helpful in reducing elevated eye pressure (IOP) naturally.
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These powerhouses provide a great starting point for your vision nutrition. Lutein and zeaxanthin (along with mesozeaxanthin) are carotenoids, a class of mostly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including carotenes, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes.
These macular pigments act as an internal pair of sunglasses to protect the retina from the damaging effects of UV radiation and blue light. They support microcirculation in the tiny capillaries within the eye. They protect the functions of the immune and anti-inflammation systems within the different regions of the eye.
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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.
