Foods to avoid for better eye health

Foods to avoid for better eye health

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health.

Margarine
Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems.

Red meat
Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina.

Fish
Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element.

Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active. But studies link caffeine to a slew of health problems, including those related to the eyes. Caffeine may increase the pressure inside the eye, especially in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. The increase in pressure may result in loss of vision and even blindness.

Sweetened beverages
Sweetened beverages like energy drinks, sodas, and lemonade contain an abundant amount of sugar. Each drink might contain about seven to ten teaspoons of added sugar. Such sugars may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart diseases. These diseases may also lead to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

One should maintain caution about the foods they eat since the eyes are a delicate part of the body. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the optic nerve and the spinal cord. The inflammation caused by the condition can result in symptoms like visual impairment, loss of sensation, and weakness or paralysis of the limbs. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help in better management of symptoms and slowing down the progression of the condition. Regular checkups can help prevent any damage to the eyes.

Sunglasses for better eye health
Apart from foods, ultraviolet rays from the sun may also affect one’s eye health. The UV rays can damage the macula, a region at the back of the eye that transmits images to the brain. To avoid such damage, we recommend wearing sunglasses. Brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and American Optical offer premium sunglasses that may protect an individual’s eyes from UVA and UVB light.

One can also use certain therapies to maintain optimal eye health. Such treatment options are beneficial for people with eye issues like presbyopia. Doctors recommend VUITY eye drops to manage age-related blurry vision. One can use LUMIFY to treat chronic dryness and redness of the eyes. CEQUA™ is a treatment option to help patients increase their tear production and manage dry eyes. Verkazia® eye drops are recommended for younger people with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Its formulation ensures the eyes get sufficient cyclosporine so that the symptoms of VKC can be treated.

SYSTANE® has an extensive range of eye drops. Some of its products are Preservative-Free eye drops, SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops, and special eye drops for contact lenses. You can get fast acting and long relief up to eight hours with a single application. Alcon’s SYSTANE® eye drops come with nano droplet and hydro boost technology for smooth and lasting application to manage dry eye symptoms.

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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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10 foods to have for a healthy bladder

The bladder is a type of muscular sac located just above the pubic bone behind the pelvis. Its primary function is to collect and store the urine produced by the kidneys. The bladder can hold 400 to 600 ml of urine produced in a day before it is evacuated from the body. Foods and beverages consumed daily play a crucial role in maintaining bladder health. So here are ten bladder-friendly options to assist organ function. Cauliflower Cauliflower is a rich source of fiber, folates, vitamin C, vitamin K, and mainly indoles, a specific plant chemical compound that is effective in countering inflammation in the urinary tract. Broccoli and cabbage are also excellent cruciferous vegetables to consume regularly. In addition, nutritionists suggest kale and collard greens, among other cruciferous vegetables, to boost fiber and antioxidant intake. Watermelon Water helps the body flush out toxins by way of urine. Thus, including water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, peaches, and coconuts can help boost hydration. This is one of the reasons why urologists also suggest drinking more water as it helps dilute the urine and increases the frequency of urination. Assorted berries Cranberries and cranberry juice are generally recommended for managing bladder and urinary tract infections. Blueberries are also potent antioxidants to include as a snack option as it is low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, and high in vitamin C, which helps the kidneys filter out fluids more efficiently. Strawberries and raspberries additionally help boost the acidity content in the bladder to fight off bacteria growth and prevent UTIs. Bananas Those who suffer from constipation have trouble passing motion, and this forces the intestines to become enlarged. An enlarged intestine further puts pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. Bananas are rich in fiber and potassium that help speed up digestion and bowel movements to relieve this pressure and promote a better urine flow from the bladder to the tract. Potatoes Regular potatoes and sweet potatoes can be consumed to promote bladder health. According to many studies, the veggie is known to have a calming effect on a sensitive bladder. Plus, it is easy to incorporate potatoes into daily cooking. Lean proteins Chicken and turkey meats are lean sources of protein that are easily digested and don't put pressure on the internal organs. Also, they are low in fats, additives, and preservatives and don't trigger inflammatory responses. Eggs Eggs are a rich source of omega-3 healthy fats that counter inflammation. The food item is also rich in lean proteins suitable for bladder health. Assorted nuts Almonds, cashews, peanuts, and macadamia nuts are great low-calorie healthy fats to also include as part of one's bladder-friendly daily meals. Garlic Garlic is a potent antibiotic that helps manage a number of digestion problems, intestinal issues, and urinary tract infections. Garlic cloves can be consumed raw or included in daily cooking. Whole grains Whole grains are digested slowly, so they don't put pressure on the bladder and digestive tract, making them a great source of fiber to include in daily foods. Popular choices include quinoa, buckwheat, oats, and bulgur wheat.

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