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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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Have you been feeling forgetful, confused, unmotivated, irritable, anxious?  These may be symptoms of “brain fog,” a general term for decreased cognitive ability.

Top descriptors of brain fog are ‘forgetful,’ ‘cloudy,’ and ‘difficulty focusing, thinking, and communicating’.¹ Symptoms of brain fog can include: slow or hazy thinking, difficulty focusing, confusion, lack of concentration, low motivation, trouble remembering things, irritability, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and lack of incentive to exercise.
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Untreated dry eye syndrome can cause permanent eye damage,¹ particularly to the cornea.

Relief for Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome affects up to 49 million Americans. It is an epidemic partially the result of excessive computer and cell phone use. Studies have shown that people who use computers, smart phones and tablets are at greater risk for dry eye syndrome,² at least partially due to the fact that they blink less during computer usage, reducing the protective tear film over the surface of the cornea.
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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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Researchers have noticed that patients with severe or fatal covid-19 are usually deficient in the amino acid and powerferful antioxidant, glutathione.

In fact, some researchers feel that glutathione deficiency may be the Trojan horse of covid-19-related death.¹

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Did 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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Your Best New Year’s Resolution is to Go For a Walk

The World Health Organization estimates that 3.2 million people worldwide die prematurely each year due to a sedentary lifestyle.  In contrast, an active lifestyle improves one′s general health and decreases the risk of chronic diseases.

Sitting long hours in many typical work scenarios increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic health risks. This sedentary time may have musculoskeletal and/or cognitive impacts on office workers. Sitting (with a relatively low energy expenditure) has the potential to result in a decline of cognitive function over time.  It is known that exercise improves cognitive function.¹
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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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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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