Vision & Nutrion in North Charleston, SC
Good vision is an absolute essential when considering your best quality of life. Studies have shown that the addition of certain nutrients to your overall diet, whether through well selected foods or vitamin supplements, can help save your vision by promoting eye health and reducing your chances of developing serious, sight-threatening conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc are essential building blocks for long term eye health. They help reduce inflammation and prevent growth of new blood vessels, both of which contribute to macular degeneration. Given that there is a strong connection between certain vitamins and nutrients and the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration, the eye doctors at Lesslie Vision Care recommend an increase in intake of certain antioxidants in a person’s every-day diet.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important antioxidants that are essential for the long term health of the macula, and can be found in many fruits and vegetables. These can be found in highest concentration in leafy greens such as spinach and kale.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids also help to reduce the chances of developing serious eye conditions, and can be found in flax seeds, flax oil and salmon, among other sources.
Vitamin E is also important and can be found in nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts. Note, however, that doctors recommend that you minimize your salt intake when eating these, so be sure to choose unsalted when possible.
Vitamin C can be found in Oranges (as well as orange juice), tomatoes, bananas and many other sweet fruits. Be sure to always eat fresh fruit rather than canned or packaged, since the canned and packaged variety may have added sugars and preservatives that can degrade the health benefits of the fruits themselves.
Zinc is another very important building block of long term eye health that can be found in beef, many dairy products and eggs.
Many people in the United States today are not successful at eating the recommended serving of five fruits and vegetables and good sources of vitamin E that make proper intake of these essential vitamins and nutrients possible. If you have difficulty with your diet in this way, your doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement to replace the nutrients you are not getting naturally. This will help you to maintain long term eye health and prevent sight-threatening eye conditions.
Other ways to help guard your precious sense of sight are:
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Avoid smoking, excessive weight gain or foods high in trans fats or saturated fats.
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Maintain a regular exercise regimen and minimize stress.
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Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the consequences of bright sunlight.
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Always make sure to keep up with regular comprehensive eye exams to be sure that any signs of dangerous eye conditions can be identified early, and your eye condition can be treated promptly.