“Eye illnesses are symptoms that should awaken us to look more closely at ourselves and seek new paths to a healthier life,” writes Dr. Robert Abel, Jr., ophthalmologist and author of The Eye Care Revolution.  In his book, he advocates treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.  Patients need to be viewed in their entirety and as a whole body of systems that contribute to or detract from good health.   When just the symptoms are treated the underlying causes are often neglected.  Mehmet Oz, MD and cardio-thoracic surgeon shares, “My interest in Dr. Abel’s work was piqued by his ability to demonstrate how the eye is directly related to the heart. If the heart fails or a patient requires certain potent cardiac drugs, cataracts and other eye conditions may occur.”

Many health conditions can be first diagnosed by looking at or in the eyes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, brain tumors and hardening of the arteries.  With over 40 years of experience treating multiple eye conditions, Dr. Abel shares that  “… the eyes serve as a mirror of general health and reflect symptoms of hidden imbalances.”  Improving these hidden imbalances may help to improve not only your vision, but your general health as well.   Some of the ways we can address these imbalances include:

Nutrition

Replace trans fats and processed fats, like canola oil, with healthy fats from wild caught salmon, avocados, or flaxseed.  Include antioxidant rich vegetables and berries to counteract free radical damage.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps to reduce high blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, reduces weight and improves your cardiovascular system which in turn improves circulation to your eyes delivering needed oxygen and nutrients while removing toxic waste material.

Hydration

Dehydration contributes to many chronic diseases.  It is recommended that a person drink at least one half of their body weight in ounces every day.  Drink filtered water to remove chlorine and contaminants.

Reduce Your Toxic Load

Toxins come into the body through the food we eat, the water we drink and harmful chemicals in personal care and cleaning products. Choose organic foods when possible – foods free of pesticides, preservatives and artificial chemicals.  Select personal care products that use safer ingredients without parabens, sulfates or fragrance.

“Since the eye is intimately connected to the body, a total approach to health and healing is mandatory. “  Mehmet Oz, M. D.

For more tips on nutrition and an anti-inflammatory diet that benefits your body and your eyes visit:

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com