6 foods to combat dry eye syndrome

6 foods to combat dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that’s known to cause a lot of discomfort with itching, pain, and blurred vision. Many reasons can attribute to having dry eyes, ranging from age to hormonal changes to even weather. While topical and home remedies to deal with dry eyes are aplenty, certain foods can also help. Introducing the following nutrients into your food regime can serve as part of your remedial process.

Fish
Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that are instrumental in reducing inflammation in the tear ducts of the eyes. Salmon, halibut, herring, tuna, mollusks, and oysters are great vitamin D sources that provide relief from dry eyes.

Meat
In meats, lean beef turkey and the more exotic ostrich meat are treasure troves of zinc that help in maintaining healthy eyes. For those who don’t mind eating organ meats, the liver is a good source of vitamin A that is necessary for treating dry eye syndrome.

Leafy greens
One of the most beneficial nutrients for eye health is vitamin C, and leafy greens that contain folate can prevent the deterioration of vision. Folate-rich leafy greens that also have vitamin C are kale, collards, and spinach.

Chia and flax seeds
If meats are not your preference, chia and flax seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is so chockful of nutrition that it’s a recommended substitute for fish-based omega-3 supplements.

Eggs
Only a few foods are as diverse and nutritious as the humble egg. This little off-white oval is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and beta-carotene—nutrients that are essential for alleviating the discomfort of dry eye syndrome.

Fruits
Citrus-based fruits like berries, oranges, lemon, and grapefruit contain antioxidants and vitamins that help reduce damage to your eyes and keep them healthy.

Natural remedies
Some natural treatments for dry eyes are

Eye drops
This over-the-counter treatment option can moisten the eye to subsequently reduce irritation and inflammation.

Warm compress
Holding a warm compress over the eyes can help loosen up the clogged oils in the glands. Such blockage is the cause of inflammation and discomfort.

Blink more
Such a remedy seems fairly obvious, but we tend to not blink as much while working, which can cause the eyes to dry out. Consciously blinking more can help a great deal.

Hydrate
Drinking enough water helps keep the eyes moist. Even water-rich food can help. Green tea is a good option if you don’t want to drink plain water.

If the irritation and inflammation persist, do consult your doctor for prompt treatment and relief from dry eyes.

In the case of chronic dry eye, doctors may prescribe RESTASIS®. The eye drop contains cyclosporine that helps increase the production of tears in the eye. Common side effects include burning sensations, discharge, redness, eye pain, and blurry vision. RESTASIS® is covered by insurance and can be purchased with coupons. RESTASIS® also provides a savings scheme that offers a 90-day supply for as little as $0.

Another treatment for dry eye is cyclosporine eye drops. It helps decrease the swelling in the eye and promote tear production. The eye drops are prescribed primarily to patients with certain eye conditions. People with dry eyes and presbyopia (blurry near vision) must consider VUITY™ (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), a prescription eye drop that works by reducing the pupil size to help the individual focus on nearby objects.

Patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis should consider using Verkazia’s dry eye drops. The prescription drops are topical immunomodulators used to improve the corneal bioavailability of cyclosporine in children and adults. One should also consider Cequa’s drops formulated with cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, which helps increase tear production in patients with dry eyes.

Protecting the eyes from sun exposure and preventing dry eye symptoms from worsening is also important. UV filter sunglasses provide dual protection, shielding the eyes from sunlight and particulate pollution. Ray-Ban features a wide range of sunglasses for men and women. You can choose from styles like Aviator, Original Wayfarer, Clubmaster, Round Metal, Hexagonal, and Marshal on the Ray-Ban website.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Reduce the symptoms of asthma by avoiding these foods

The type of food we eat plays an important role when it comes to certain health conditions in the human body. And this even goes for conditions like asthma, a chronic lung disease that causes severe inflammation of the airways, thus making it hard to breathe. Of course, some treatments include medications, among others, to regulate the symptoms of the condition. However, leaving out these foods from daily meals can also help complement one's recovery. Dairy products Most of us include dairy products in quite a few of our meals. However, studies have shown that consuming dairy products may also trigger the symptoms of asthma. This is because consuming dairy products leads to increased production of mucus in the lungs, leading to asthma symptoms. Dried fruits While dried fruits are considered healthy and a good food source for other conditions, it's something one ought to avoid when it comes to asthma. Dried fruits contain preservatives like potassium bisulfite. The sulfites are known to trigger inflammation in the airways and lead to an asthma flare-up. Desserts and red meats Foods like red meats, sausages, and desserts are known to increase the risk of inflammation. These foods contain unhealthy fats and can lead to weight gain. Excess weight can force the lungs to work harder than usual and may trigger symptoms of asthma. Wine and beer Any consumption of alcoholic beverages can be extremely injurious to one's health. That said, wine and beer are known to be preserved using sulfites. So, apart from all the other health problems they may cause, wine and beer are also linked to an increased risk of flare-ups in asthmatic patients. Beans Beans are a food source that can lead to gas in the system. The excess gas may put pressure on the diaphragm, tighten the chest, and lead to an asthma flare-up. Such a condition is more prominent in people who are affected by acid reflux. Other gassy foods that may lead to excessive gas include cabbage, garlic, fried foods, and onions. Frozen shrimp Frozen shrimps are preserved in sulfites to prevent the growth of unappetizing black spots. Unfortunately, while it helps preserve the flavor of the shrimp, the preservation process is unsafe for people with asthma and must be avoided.

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