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Myelination, Multiple Sclerosis, and Vision: What the Research Is Pointing To

YWoman with multiple sclerosisour nervous system runs on communication. Nerves send signals from the brain and spinal cord out to the rest of the body, and back again. Myelin is the protective, fatty coating wrapped around many nerve fibers. Think of it as insulation around wiring: it helps signals travel faster, more clearly, and with less electrical leakage. 1

Myelin is also part of a bigger support system. In the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), specialized cells called oligodendrocytes help build and maintain myelin. These cells do not just wrap nerves; they also support neurons structurally and metabolically, helping the nervous system meet energy demands over time.
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  1. Nave KA, Werner HB. Myelination of the nervous system: mechanisms and functions. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2014;30:503533. doi:10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100913-113101.

Mediterranean Diet Benefits: Brain, Heart, and Vision Health

Food prominent in the Mediterranean Diet including salmon, greens, fruits and vegetables, olives.A healthy, nutrient-rich diet supports long-term brain and eye health and may help lower the risk of serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as vision disorders such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.

One eating pattern often highlighted for these benefits is the Mediterranean-style diet. Research links consistent adherence to this approach with lower overall mortality, reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer, and a decreased likelihood of developing chronic, degenerative illnesses.1
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  1. Sofi F, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A. Accruing evidence on benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on health: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(5):1189-1196. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2010.29673

Neurogenesis, Eye and Brain Health – Artificial neurons successfully communicate with living brain cells

artificial neuronAs we get older, it’s common to notice changes in memory, focus, and mental sharpness. Researchers often discuss these changes in relation to neurogenesis—the ongoing creation of new brain cells—which tends to slow down with age. Because neurogenesis supports the brain’s ability to adapt and maintain itself (often called plasticity), a decline may be associated with reduced cognitive performance over time.

Age-related factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation are frequently discussed as reasons neurogenesis may slow down. At the same time, healthy dietary patterns and lifestyle habits are often studied for their potential to support brain health and the processes involved in maintaining brain tissue.
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Gut Health Affects the Brain and Vision

donuts and a poor diet contribute to bad gut healthWhat if the health of your gut were influencing far more than digestion? Emerging research suggests that the balance of microbes in the gut may affect inflammation throughout the body, with possible consequences for both brain health and vision. Scientists are uncovering connections that may reshape how we think about healthy aging.

Gut-Eye Axis

The gut and the eyes may seem unrelated, but they are connected through the immune system, inflammation, and nerve signaling. When the gut microbiota is in balance, it helps support healthy immune function and protective barriers throughout the body. When that balance is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis, inflammation can increase and may contribute to a range of eye problems. 1
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  1. Taylor R. The Gut and the Eye. EyeNet Magazine. 2020 Oct 1. Available from:  https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/the-gut-and-the-eye#disqus_thread 

Brain Aging, Microbiota and Health

The connection between the gut and the brain is gaining increasing attention as research continues to reveal how strongly digestive health may influence memory, mood, inflammation, and overall brain function. In previous blog posts, we explored how imbalances in the gut microbiome may affect vision and general health. Newer studies…
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What Are GMOs and Bioengineered Foods, and What Should I Look for on Labels?

senior reading labels in grocery store to find GMO and bioengineered ingredientsYou’ll often hear that GMO foods are “safe.” But that simple headline skips the part many shoppers care about most: in the U.S., many GMO/bioengineered crops are designed to work with specific herbicides. So the real-world question for consumers isn’t only “Is the genetic change safe?”—it’s also “What farming chemicals and residues tend to come with these GMO/bioengineered crops, and how do I reduce exposure?”.1

This guide breaks down what GMO and bioengineered mean, why herbicide-tolerant GMO/bioengineered crops are controversial, and exactly what to look for on packages and ingredient lists.2
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  1. Shen C, et al. “Evaluation of adverse effects/events of genetically modified food consumption: a systematic review of animal and human studies.” Environmental Sciences Europe 34, no. 8 (2022). https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-021-00578-9
  2. Non-GMO Project. “GMO Facts & Citations.” https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts-citations/

Are Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Diabetic Retinopathy, Allergies, Heart Disease, Cognitive Decline, and Abnormal Gut Bacteria?

Low calorie sweetener warning tapeScientific 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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  1. Liu L, Zhang P, Wang Y, Cui W, Li D. “The relationship between the use of artificial sweeteners and cancer: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.” Food Sci Nutr. 2021;9:4589-4597. doi:10.1002/fsn3.2395.
  2. Weihrauch MR, Diehl V. “Artificial sweeteners–do they bear a carcinogenic risk?” Ann Oncol. 2004;15:1460-1465. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdh256.
  3. Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, Plaza-Diaz J, Saez-Lara MJ, Gil A. “Effects of sweeteners on the gut microbiota: a review of experimental studies and clinical trials.” Adv Nutr. 2019;10:0-48. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy037.

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

How Does Astaxanthin Help the Skin, Vision, Brain, and Aging?

salmon is high in astaxanthinA large body of scientific research backs up the claim that astaxanthin is great for your body. As a potent antioxidant, astaxanthin scavenges free radicals that cause cellular damage. This benefits many parts of the body, including your skin, eyes, and brain. What is astaxanthin? Where does it come from? And what does the latest research say about its benefits?

Astaxanthin is a Pigment that Makes Seafood Pink

Astaxanthin is a marine xanthophyll carotenoid primarily produced by microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis. Dietary astaxanthin can be obtained through seafood, including salmon, trout, shrimp, and krill.
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How Do the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 Compare to the Mediterranean Diet?

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030The 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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  1. USDA Press Release, https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases
  2. Natural Eye Care, https://www.naturaleyecare.com/
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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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