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.

Continue reading “All About Omega-3 Fatty Acids”

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. Continue reading “Nutrition for Diabetic Retinopathy”

Allergy season is once again upon us, causing many people a great deal of discomfort, including eye irritation and redness. According to conservative estimates, more than one in five Americans has allergies, and the number rises every year.

And to compound the problem, researchers have noted that due to climate change, allergy season will be longer in the upper latitude of North America. Continue reading “Protect Your Eyes During Allergy Season”

Gut-Brain Access

“Mind-body connection”? It is the link between our emotional/mental and physical selves. The link becomes evident as you learn about gut-brain access and the function of the vagus nerve.

Through two-way communication with the brain via the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system, the gut and central nervous system form a gut-brain axis. They communicate with each other constantly, in both sickness and health.¹ The gastrointestinal tract has its own nervous system that includes neurotransmitters, neurons, and electrical signals. Called the enteric nervous system, it is often referred to as the second brain. Researchers have concluded that mechanisms that degenerate the neurons in the brain also degenerate neurons in the enteric nervous system.² For example, exercise stimulates gut motility. If the vagus nerve is impaired, as in animal models, the gut has limited motility and nutrient absorption is hindered.³ Continue reading “Why is the Vagus Nerve Important?”

A growing body of evidence continues to show that the microvasculature in the retina may be a reliable indicator of the overall health of the body’s circulatory system and brain. Changes in the eye accompany aging and also reflect other health conditions and various age-related diseases include: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, AIDS, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

The optic nerve is brain tissue, so there is a strong correlation between changes in the brain and signs in the optic nerve and retina. The optic nerve and retina are created from brain tissue in the womb. The retina contains some of the smallest capillaries in the body, so they are sensitive to health changes in the body.¹

Recent study results suggested that potentially, an eye doctor should be able to determine the trajectory of aging with 71% accuracy by doing an eye exam. The doctor would note discernable changes in the eyes of seniors, providing an actionable evaluation of gero-protective therapeutics.

Alzheimer’s Disease

One marker that determines Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the build-up of beta amyloid plaque (Aβ), commonly found in the brains of patients with AD. Although Dr. Howard Krauss cautions that the science is still new, he reports that “the same cellular, chemical and molecular changes which are in evidence in the Alzheimer’s brain are evident in the retina.”² AD can sometimes be identified up of 8-9 years from changes in the retinal before final diagnosis.  The importance of this is the there is a lot of research now on diet, exercise and targeted supplementation taken early on that may prevent AD onset, or at least slow it down or possibly reverse it.

Chronic inflammation has also been identified as a risk factor for AD. The researchers also looked at inflammatory markers in the retinas. Microglia are immune cells, the action of which is changed in people with AD and other forms of dementia. Research has found that overactivated microglia increase Aβ and Tau protein buildup associated with AD, and promote neuroinflammation.[Guan YH, Zhang LJ, Wang SY, Deng YD, Zhou HS, et al. (2022). The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and progress of treatment. Ibrain. Spring 8;1:37-47.]

An alkaline diet can help reduce and manage inflammation and keep the eyes, body and brain nourished. For more information on alkaline versus acidic foods, go to https://www.naturaleyecare.com/articles/alkalizing-foods-chart.asp

Retinal Cell Regeneration

In another recent study, lab-grown retinal eye cells made successful connections, opening the door for clinical trials to treat blindness.³ The next step is to establish clinical trial dates.

Essential Nutrients for Retinal, Optic Nerve and Brain Health.

Some of the essential nutrients include: taurine, lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, B vitamins, bilberry, gingko biloba, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, glutathione, bilberry, bacopa monniera, lycopene, selenium, zinc, lion’s mane (see formulas below).

Back in Stock

Cineraria (Crystaline Lens) Homeopathic Eye Drops (10ml)– for cataract management and lens support.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps. contains lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg), mesozeaxanthin (10mg) and Astaxanthin (6mg).

Supplements to Consider

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – this is our whole food, organic, GMO free foundation eye formula.

Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz – helps reduce inflammation and the risk of unwanted blood vessel growth.

Brain and Memory Power Boost 120 caps

Brain and Memory Support Package 1

Footnotes

Myopia on the Rise

Lifestyle changes resulting in reduced outdoor activities coupled with rapid urbanization have been associated with a huge increase in nearsightedness (myopia) across many parts of the world. Indoor activities include concentrated near-work and digital device use which results in myopia.¹

Myopia now appears at earlier ages, and usually the earlier it appears, the deeper the person advances into nearsightedness. Increasingly strong lenses for distance vision are required as myopia progresses. Continue reading “Green Space Lowers Risk of Myopia”

Understanding your personality is one key to understanding your vision strengths and weaknesses.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides humanity into five types, based on the five elements:

• • • • Wood: The Controller
      • Fire: The Performer
      • Earth: The Peacemaker
      • Metal: The Critic
      • Water: The Thinker

When personality types are in balance, they function well, but when out of balance, related health and eye conditions can ensue. Continue reading “Vision Health Linked to Personality”

Iritis, the most common form of uveitis, is more prevalent than most people realize. What are the symptoms of this eye condition? What can you do to prevent and manage all types of uveitis? When does uveitis signal an underlying condition?

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is made up of the iris, the colored part of the eye; the ciliary body, which makes the fluid that fills the eye and flexes the eye lens; and the choroid, the layer beneath the retina.

Types of Uveitis

• • Iritis or anterior (front) uveitis. Anterior uveitis can involve the iris, ciliary body, cornea, and sclera. It is the most common type of uveitis and accounts for about 50–60% of all uveitis cases in special care clinics.¹ Sixty-five percent of cases are related to another health condition. The remaining 35% are idiopathic (no discernible relationship to another health problem).
  • Cyclitis or intermediate uveitis. Intermediate uveitis is the least common type of uveitis, involving the area between the ciliary body and the back of the eyeball. It has been found to account for 3–17% of uveitis around the world.²
  • Choroiditis or posterior (back) uveitis. This category accounts for only 10–40% of uveitis cases. However, more visual loss results in these cases than from other uveitis forms. Such vision loss may be due to cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, subretinal fibrosis, or optic nerve damage.³ Up to 50% of patients with posterior uveitis have an associated systemic disease.

Iritis, the most common form, is an immune system-related condition affecting the front part of the eye. The iris becomes inflamed and is often experienced as a painful red eye. Iritis mostly affects people between the ages of 20 and 59 and is uncommon in children. It affects women only slightly more than men, a little less than 2% of the population.⁴ Iritis causes 2.8–10% of legal blindness in the US, or nearly 30,000 new cases of blindness each year.⁵

Chronic Inflammation, Iritis and Uveitis

Chronic inflammation can affect the health of the body and eyes in many ways, including negatively affecting circulation, digestion (poor absorption of nutrients), joint damage, and increased free-radical activity. Common eye problems resulting from chronic inflammation include not only uveitis, but scleritis, macular edema, Sjogren’s syndrome, central retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Uveitis may arise from problems in the eye itself or as a symptom of diseases of other parts of the body. It can be short in duration (acute) or continue for a long time (chronic). It may develop as a result of an autoimmune condition, trauma, bruise, infection, tumor, or due to environmental or other toxins.⁶ The resulting inflammation, if untreated, can destroy tissue, leave scars, lead to eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve, and retinal damage, and even result in blindness.

How to Reduce Inflammation

Antioxidants

We can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress to protect our vision. Antioxidants in our diet and supplemental nutritional support provide ingredients for fighting excess inflammation and oxidative stress. These include antioxidant enzymes like glutathione⁷ and superoxide dismutase (SOD),⁸ phytonutrients such as lycopene,⁹  lutein,¹⁰ and astaxanthin,¹¹, and vitamin and vitamin-like compounds.

Superoxide dismutase has been found to be helpful in treating uveitis.¹². It has a greater antioxidant effect compared to the corticosteroid dexamethasone. Adding it to therapy with dexamethasone results in lower inflammation intensity and enhanced dexamethasone effect.

Nutrients and Spices for Inflammation

Other nutrients and spices that help reduce inflammation include omega-3 fatty acids¹³ (such as fish oil), holy basil,¹⁴ turmeric (curcumin),¹⁵ and ginger.¹⁶

Other important nutrients that may be helpful (according to animal studies) include bilberry, trans-resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid, green tea, and ginkgo Biloba.

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D levels are seen in patients with uveitis.  Since vitamin D is an important part of the body’s immune defenses, scientists are investigating this therapeutic avenue.¹⁷ Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for people at risk for a uveitis relapse.¹⁸

Vitamin B1

Benfotiamine, a derivative of thiamine found in roasted garlic, has potent antioxidative properties and has been shown to prevent diabetic complications such as uveitis.¹⁹

Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent Iritis and Uveitis

A well-balanced diet, combined with good eating habits, promotes the best possible absorption of nutrients. The Vision Diet is an anti-inflammatory diet. It is based on the Mediterranean diet. The Vision Diet is an alkalizing and anti-inflammatory diet high in essential nutrients. We recommend favoring alkaline foods for everyone with an inflammatory condition (including heart conditions, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, and digestive disorders of any kind), but even more so for anyone with chronic eye problems (even if not inflammatory), such as glaucoma, macula edema, uveitis, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Acidic diets, like the standard American diet, include high amounts of processed food, refined carbohydrates, poor-quality oils, and high levels of salt, which promote inflammation.

Moderate daily exercise not only supports our muscular system and physical strength, but it supports every system of the body, including the visual system, circulation, respiration, digestion, the immune system, brain functioning, and hormonal balance.

Managing stress and anxiety is also important, as these have been found to contribute to chronic inflammation.

Lifestyle habits are important; for example, it can make a significant difference if you stop smoking and wear ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses.

Supplement Recommendations

Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula 60 vcaps – whole food, organic GMO free fomula

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C – (plant-based) 60 vcaps Formula

Resveratrol (Trans) w/Quercetin 60 vegcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) – wild crafted herbal tincture

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin and astaxanthin.

Supplement Packages

Anti-Inflammatory Eye and Whole Body Package 1 (1 month supply)

Endnotes

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 Continue reading “Nutrients & Diet for High Blood Pressure”

The food you eat supports your body, your eyes, and your brain.  And some foods, containing phytonutrients, enzymes, and vitamin and vitamin-like nutrients, are especially helpful. A common feature of these foods is that they contain a wealth of antioxidants.

The most powerful way to get these nutrients is through juicing. In the prevention section of our website, we discuss our favorite juicing recipes by eye condition, as well as the benefits of juicing. Continue reading “Best Foods for Eyes & Brain”