Eyes/Vision
Vision loss, particularly later in life, is considered a fact of life for many, but age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts have all been linked with nutritional deficiencies. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients can prevent, slow, and sometimes reverse these conditions.
Many websites offer eye exercises that may also help improve vision. Additionally, be conscious of how often you blink. Blinking every 5 seconds is normal and healthy, but computer use, day dreaming, or poor vision often cause people to hold their eyes open for long periods of time, which strains and dries out the eyes.
Beneficial Foods
| Avocado | Contains the phytonutrient, lutein, which helps maintain good vision as we age. |
| Bell Peppers | Help protect against cataracts. Red bell peppers may help prevent blindness associated with old age. |
| Blueberries | Improve eyesight, particularly night vision, and prevent age-related vision loss. |
| Broccoli | Helps prevent cataracts. |
| Coconut Oil | Reduces dark circles and bags under the eyes. |
| Goji Berries/Wolfberries | Improve eyesight. |
| Onions | May prevent or reverse cataracts. |
Beneficial Nutrients
| Chlorophyll | Improves vision. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | May reduce the risk of glaucoma. Numerous studies have shown an association between Omega-3s and a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older people. |
| Potassium | Can relieve puffiness under the eyes caused by too much sodium. Too much potassium can cause dark under-eye circles. |
| Sodium | Helps relieve dark circles under the eyes, caused by too much potassium. Too much sodium can lead to puffiness. |
| Vitamin A | Prevents cataracts and age-related vision loss. Maintains healthy surface linings on the eyes to keep out bacteria and viruses. Helps the eyes adjust to changes in light. A deficiency can cause night blindness. An overdose can cause blurred vision. |
| Vitamin B1/Thiamin | A deficiency may be related to glaucoma. |
| Vitamin B2/Riboflavin | Can prevent or reverse cataracts when obtained through food sources, rather than in supplement form. A deficiency may cause blurred vision or itching, watering, sore or bloodshot eyes. |
| Vitamin C | Prevents cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related vision loss. |
| Vitamin E | Prevents cataracts and age-related vision loss. |
| Zinc | Improves vision, particularly night vision. Prevents age-related vision loss. |