People are quick to stress the importance of taking care of our bodies and looking after our health and well-being, yet when it comes down to it, people often focus on things like: their weight, their cholesterol, their blood glucose levels, and various other things. Now, obviously we all know that all of the above, and much more besides, all play crucial roles in our health and well-being, and should all be monitored extremely closely at all times. However, one part of the body that barely gets a second thought, is the eyes, which is one of the reasons why so many people are relying on contact lenses, glasses, and even laser eye surgery to help correct and improve their vision. If you’ve ever suffered with dry eyes, chances are that you didn’t think it was that much or a big deal, and although irritating and perhaps a little painful, many of you would rather suffer in silence than make a big song and dance about things. However, although dry eyes may not seem serious, in reality, dry eyes are often a precursor to more serious vision-related problems later in life, which is why you should stop dry eyes dead in their tracks, before the condition has chance to get any worse. Here’s a look at a few foods, supplements, and tips in general, to help you to deal with dry eyes.
Eat plenty of dark green, leafy vegetables
Vegetables in general, are so, so healthy and good for us as they are low in unhealthy fats and sugars, they’re a great source of dietary fibre, they’re full of minerals, and they’re crammed full of vitamins and antioxidants in the process. When it comes to your eyes however, if your eyes are dry or are irritating you, you may wish to consider consuming more dark green, leafy vegetables as part of your weekly dietary regime. Food such as kale, collard green, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage, are all nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which posses antioxidant-like properties and can help prevent cell damage within the body, including within the eyes. In the rear part of the eyeball, these two nutrients are naturally present, so ensuring these levels remain fully stocked and fully replenished, is a great way of not only preventing dry eyes, but of also promoting healthy vision in general.
Drink more water
Water is a natural life giver, which is why, in space, if we can find traces of water, it is almost guaranteed that there will be, or there will have been, life there at some point in time. It is also why our planet is the only planet in our solar system with proven life upon it. Heck, our bodies are made up of close to 80% water, so obviously that gives us a rough idea of just how important and beneficial water is to us. Experts have found that dry eye syndrome, can often be resolved, or improved greatly, by simply consuming more fresh and natural water each day. If possible, filtered or mineral water is the best, because your body is also benefitting from the minerals found naturally in the liquid. Nowadays, most people are dehydrated or get their fluid from chemical-laden soft drinks instead, which is one of the main reasons why so many people are now suffering with vision-related issues.
Eat more oily fish
Oily fish is some of the healthiest types of food in the entire world, as it is not only rich in minerals and protein, it is also jam-packed full of omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are so important because they are responsible for producing oily and watery aqueous layers of tear film within the eyes. As you know, keeping the eyes hydrated and moistened is a great way of preventing and reducing dry eyes, and ensuring that our tear film within the eye, is functioning as it should be, our chances of suffering from dry eyes are greatly reduced. Experts have found that individuals who consume more omega-rich products, can see dramatic increases in tear production in as little as 10 days time.
Consume more antioxidant-rich foods and supplements
Antioxidants are found in a number of supplements and whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, and they have been found to provide numerous benefits for the human body in the process, especially when it comes to cell damage. Antioxidants help to protect our cells against the damage caused by oxidative stress brought on by toxins and free radicals within the body. Experts have found that one of the primary causes of dry eye, is damage brought on by oxidative stress, which is why antioxidants are so important and beneficial. Put very simply, as well as vitamin supplements, if you consume a diet rich in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, you will almost certainly be getting plenty of antioxidants in your body, which will then help to fight dry eye. On top of dry eye however, antioxidants can also help to protect you against certain forms of cancer, and other harmful diseases.
Potassium and zinc
In truth, all essential minerals are beneficial for our eyes, and indeed for our bodies in general, but in terms of importance, potassium and zinc are both up there as two examples of the most beneficial. Studies have found that, in most cases of people suffering with dry eye, the amount of potassium found in their systems, was deemed to be far too low, making them deficient in that mineral. With zinc, as zinc plays a key role in the functioning of several enzymes found within the eyeball’s vascular coating, again, ensuring your zinc levels remain topped up regularly, is absolutely essential. As well as natural mineral supplements, foods such as: bananas, kelp, wheat, figs, oysters, liver, lean red meat, almonds, pecans, avocados, fish, sunflower, and whole grains, are all great sources.
