Let’s talk about food! We have all heard “you are what you eat,” right? That could not ring more true. What we put into our bodies truly affects us and how we function.
Today we are going to talk about some foods that keep our EYES healthy! We can do Vision Therapy exercises every day to keep our eyes moving together…but how do we keep them healthy?
Here at our office, during an exam we like to educate our patients about nutrition for the eyes. I hope this encourages you to start incorporating good eating habits into your families.
Let’s start! There are many antioxidants and other nutrients that can reduce your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease. Check out the following:
- Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is essential for the proper functioning of the retina. It may protect against night blindness and dry eyes. Good sources for Vitamin A are beef or chicken liver, cod liver oil, eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, mangoes, papayas, peaches and apricots.
- Vitamin C may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration in addition to keeping your immune system in good shape. You can get your daily allowance of Vitamin C by eating not only oranges and other citrus fruits, but also from red or green sweet peppers, strawberries, kale, and broccoli.
- Vitamin E has been associated with the prevention of cataracts and the delaying of cataract growth. When combined with carotenoids and Vitamin C it may reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration. Food sources for Vitamin E are almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and green leafy vegetables.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are a great defense against dry eyes and macular degeneration. The following foods have a great source of Omega-3: salmon, mackerel, herring, flaxseed, fish oil or walnuts.
With the above foods, lets not fry, over cook or put tons of cheese on top. To get the better source of nutrients try to keep the vegetables or fruits closer to the raw state. Also there are great vitamin supplements with the above nutrients.
Let’s start eating better today! Try to incorporate these foods into you and your families lives.
