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Gut Microbiota, Vision, and Mental Health

gut microbes and dietDid you know that how well your gut works is directly related to your healthy vision and your healthy brain?

Healthy gut microbiota function is linked to normal central nervous system (CNS) function. The microbiota is defined as all microorganisms in a particular location, such as the GI tract, and their respective genetic material. The microbiome is initially developed transmission through the placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium. The human gut microbiota comprises more than 100 trillion microorganisms associated with multiple functions, from nutrient metabolism to protection against pathogens.
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Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Eye Disease

An eye exam can reveal disease

People with cardiovascular disease may be at a higher risk of developing certain eye diseases including macular degeneration, retinopathy, retinal bleeding, a retinal vein occlusion, and blurred vision.

Why is heart disease linked to eye disease?

Good vision requires, among other factors, adequate blood circulation, and normal blood pressure. The eyes have a network of tiny blood vessels, each no wider than a strand of hair, which supply blood to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyeball.
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Aducanumab’s Serious Side Effects

brain disease

The FDA’s approval of aducanumab as a treatment for Alzheimer Disease in June, 2021 was controversial.  There were a number of known side effects and new information from clinical trials reveals possible serious consequences. Acucanumab was developed by Biogen and is being sold by Acumen as a $56,000-a-year treatment for Alzheimer’s.

According to an article in Nature1 the FDA’s advisory committee of outside experts and Alzheimer’s specialists recommended waiting on aducanmab approval, but it was fast-tracked and approved anyway. The committee reported that benefits were unclear and that there were serious side effects. Although Acumen claimed that aducanumab is likely to provide cognitive improvement, the statistics may not back that up. Unsurprisingly, the pharmaceutical company, Acumen, filed papers for a public stock offering immediately after approval.
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  1. Mullard A. (2021). Controversial Alzheimer’s drug approval could affect other diseases. Nature. Jun:595, 162-163.

The Sun and Your Eyes: Enemy or Friend?

Does Sunlight Danger Outweigh the Benefits?

Many studies demonstrate that exposure to sunlight provides protection to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and a variety of cancers, and avoiding sunlight may influence their progression.1  It has been thought that these protections are due only to vitamin D, whose creation requires sunlight, but researchers are now reporting that circadian clock influencing, immune response modification, and nitric oxide, melatonin, and serotonin formation are involved as well.2 In fact, researchers are finding that the risk of skin cancer increases with irregular patterns of sun exposure, while regular patterns convey relatively lower risk.  This is the difference between getting sunburned versus a brisk daily walk in the sunlight.
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  1. Razzaque MS. (2018). Sunlight exposure: Do health benefits outweigh harm? J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. Jan;175:44-48.
  2. Van der Rhee HJ, de Vries E, Coebergh JW. (2016). Regular sun exposure benefits health. Med Hypotheses. Dec;97:34-37.

Mitochondria: Essential Powerhouse for Brain & Vision

Cellular organelles called mitochondria produce energy.

Why are mitochondria essential to your health and well-being?

Mitochondria are the energy batteries of our cells. They are tiny organelles within most cells of the body that provide respiration and energy. Low metabolism develops in the brain as we age and is noticeable in brain regions where mitochondrial structure has changed. 1 The mitochondria attempt to replace themselves whenever they are damaged and destroyed. However, mitochondrial biogenesis can be disrupted. Mitochondrial disease, oxidative stress and free radical damage, drinking alcohol, eating a poor diet, and heavy metals can harm the mitochondria. Research on links between mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease are underway. The good news is that lifestyle and natural supplements can support healthy mitochondria functioning.
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  1. Hirai K, Aliev G, Nunomura A, Fujioka H, Russell RL, et al. (2001). Mitochondrial abnormalities in Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuro-sci. May 1; 21(9):3017-23.

Natural Eye Care Michael Edson’s Alzheimer’s Article in the Townsend Letter

The latest Townsend Letter features co-owner of naturaleyecare.com Michael Edson, L.Ac., MS  and his article, Underlying Causes and Natural Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The publisher’s discussion of Michael’s article also mentions that studies report that the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccination reduces the risk of dementia by 42% with similar results for flu and pneumonia vaccines.  Both results may be due to reduced overall inflammation in the body.

Top Nutrients for the Brain


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Diet and Eye, Brain and Overall Health

healthy dietFood for the Brain

Eating a healthy diet is one of the critical factors in helping both maintain good brain, eye and overall health. Also, the way we eat affects our digestion and how well we are able to breakdown and absorb the essential nutrients in the food we take in. Here are some basic recommendations.
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Melatonin: More than a Sleep Aid

What is Melatonin?

melatonin and sleepingMelatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle. It is typically taken at night before bedtime as a supplement. In addition to melatonin’s application as a sleep aid, this supplement can also be used for lowering eye pressure — such as in cases of open angle glaucoma or glaucoma suspects.  Research shows melatonin may also protect the eye’s macula by supporting the functioning of the mitochondria, the tiny “batteries” in each cell. Alzheimer’s disease appears to be linked to poor quality sleep and melatonin production; therefore, melatonin may prove to be a useful supplement and research is underway. Keep reading for details plus information about supplements available on this website.
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The Blood-Brain Barrier

blood brain barrier
This is the 4th article in our series on the brain, memory, and dementia.  This article discusses the blood-brain barrier which protects the brain.

What is the Blood-Brain Barrier?

The blood-brain barrier prevents toxins and microorganisms from crossing from the blood stream into the tissue of the brain. At the same time, beneficial nutrients are capable of crossing this barrier. Generally, integrity of the blood-brain barrier is important and its compromise contributes to a number of neurodegenerative conditions.


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Breaking Down Amyloid-Beta Plaque

amyloid plaquesAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating fatal neurological condition that we’ve all heard or read about or have first-hand experience through our family connection. It is characterized by memory loss and abnormal behavior.

Amyloid beta plaque

This article discusses the role of amyloid beta plaque and the possibility of preventing or slowing its development. Formation of this plaque is the first event in the pathology of Alzheimer’s eventually resulting in nerve cell death.1


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  1. Glenner GG. (1983). Alzheimer’s disease. The commonest form of amyloidosis. Arch Pathol Lab Med. Jun; 107(6):281-2.
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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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