Eyes Have It Part 1 - Vision Nutrition

Jim Golick, CCN, LDN

It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. The eyes also reflect health conditions throughout the body, as well. Therefore pay attention to eye conditions, and reflect upon their potential relationship to seemingly unrelated ailments elsewhere. General dietary causes of health and vision problems include:

1. Refined grains and sugar, lacking nutrients such as B-vitamins, and minerals,
2. Caffeine (in coffee and colas),
3. Nicotine which restricts capillary blood flow
4. Saturated and hydrogenated/trans fats in junk/ fast food and fatty meats
5. Aspartame, preservatives, and artificial colors, which strains the liver’s ability to detoxify

These common substances (we can’t call them “food”, can we?) are also known to contribute to common killer diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is no coincidence that common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are related to these very same dietary and lifestyle choices. Take inventory of these substances in your present diet, and begin reducing and eliminating them, for better overall health, from eyes to toes.

General dietary measures for good health and eyes include:

1. Abundant fruits and vegetables greater than 5-a-day (especially blueberries, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, avocado, onions)

2. Antioxidants: vitamins C, E, beta carotene. and key amino acids like N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and glutathione (GSH)

3. Essential Fatty Acids (salmon and sardines, fish oil, flax seeds/oil)

4. Minerals (such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, and copper)

5. Multiple vitamins, high in B-vitamins (NOT the drug store variety)

6. Pure water- and LOTS of it!

In part 2, I’ll share nutritional suggestions for combating common eye ailments.