10 Foods That Can Help Improve Your Vision

by admin | Sep 7, 2022 | Health Awareness

Consuming foods that support eye health can play a vital role in maintaining good vision and protecting your eyes from conditions like cataracts. 

The next time you’re planning dinner, keep the eye-boosting benefits of these ten foods in mind.

1.  Carrots

Carrots’ orange hue comes from beta-carotene. The body needs this compound to produce vitamin A, a nutrient that supports eye health. Low vitamin A levels can cause you to be more susceptible to dry eye, night blindness, and vision loss. 

2. Fish

Fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s support overall health and protect eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts. Those who don’t or can’t eat seafood can supplement with fish oil or vegetarian options like flaxseed oil.

3. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Foods like kale, spinach, and broccoli provide the body with the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds protect the retina from damaging UV rays and blue light. 

4. Eggs

Eggs contain lutein and vitamin A, which are both essential to supporting eye function and protecting against degeneration.

5. Peppers, Citrus Fruits, and Berries

Peppers, citrus fruits, and berries all contain high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help prevent cataracts.

6. Beans and Legumes

Kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas restore the body with bioflavonoids and zinc, the key to preserving night vision, preventing macular degeneration, and protecting the retina.

7. Whole Grains

Whole grains with a low glycemic index are full of vitamin E, zinc, and niacin, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and protecting your eye health. 

8. Nuts and Seeds

Sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts are rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, three crucial nutrients for keeping your eyes working properly and feeling good.

9. Lean Meats

Lean meats like beef, chicken breast, and pork loin contain zinc, which delays sight loss due to age and macular degeneration. While beef contains more zinc than chicken or pork, all three can support the health of your eyes.

10. Water

The eye is surrounded by protective fluid that works to keep the eyes clean and healthy, washing away dust and debris. Maintaining proper hydration levels supports your eye health and protects you from conditions such as dry eye syndrome. 

Swap Your Pop with These 5 Healthy Soda Alternatives

by admin | Aug 10, 2022 | Health Awareness

One of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce sugar consumption is limiting your soda intake. While most of us enjoy a cool, bubbly glass of cola, we could do without the dyes, sugars, acidity, and artificial sweeteners that come with it. 

However, one of the easiest ways to kick a soda habit is to swap it out with one of these five better alternatives:

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water has become the hot new soda alternative, quickly outpacing regular sodas for sales growth. There’s a good reason for their popularity. People want a healthier option that still feels like a treat. 

If most sparkling water feels too bland, you can add a splash of your favorite fruit juice to punch up the flavor.

Unsweetened Iced Tea

Are you missing your afternoon caffeine fix? A refreshing glass of iced tea can give you the energy boost you need without a sugary soda. While most pre-packaged iced teas are sugared, unsweetened options are available. Plus, you can always make your own at home for an inexpensive option.

Infused Water

Do you want to drink more water but feel like your regular water isn’t cutting it in the taste department? Try infusing herbs, fruits, or veggies into your regular H2O. You can inspire yourself with new recipes like strawberry basil or cucumber mint. 

For the most flavor, grab a pitcher and fill it with your concoction at night, letting the water infuse while you sleep, and then greet the new day with a delicious combination of infused water you can sip on all day long.

Coconut Water

If you’re looking for a beverage you can look forward to instead of your standard daily soda, coconut water is a delicious, low-calorie, and lower-sugar alternative to soda or sports drinks. 

Kombucha

Kombucha is a sweetened, fermented, lightly bubbly tea drink with anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and probiotic benefits. Kombucha has quickly gained popularity amongst those looking for a healthy, flavor-filled soda alternative that provides a wide range of health benefits.

What Is the Candida Diet?

by admin | Aug 4, 2022 | Health Awareness

Candida is a yeast, which is also a type of fungus, that normally lives on the skin and in areas of the body, including the mouth, throat, vagina, and digestive system. However, in cases where candida grows out of control or in areas of the body where it shouldn’t be present, it can form a fungal infection called candidiasis or Candida albicans. 

Candida albicans causes conditions such as oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. 

What Causes Candida Overgrowth?

Candida overgrowth is most common in immunocompromised patients, those with uncontrolled diabetes, or those who have recently or frequently used antibiotics since antibiotics can kill off both good and harmful bacteria, unbalancing yeast levels.

Additionally, certain medications, high levels of stress, and increased alcohol intake may lead to candida overgrowth.

How Does the Candida Diet Work?

The candida diet aims to limit yeast and sugars to reduce the amount of candida in the gut and restore balance to the bacteria and yeast that live in your body. In addition, the candida diet focuses on foods that reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar. 

A complete candida cleanse often lasts four to six weeks and prioritizes eating lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. Followers should avoid:

• Processed, refined-flour, and refined-sugar foods
• Gluten
• Sweeteners
• Dairy
• Sugary foods, like ice cream and candy
• Mushrooms
• Alcohol, especially beer, wine, and hard ciders

While following a diet to increase fiber, eliminate junk food, and drink more water is almost universally beneficial to your health, you should always check with your primary physician before starting a diet, especially one that restricts carbohydrates. 

Most patients who follow a candida diet for the recommended four to six weeks report a lift in brain fog, bloating, indigestion, fatigue, nausea, and gas. 

Suppose that you’re concerned about restoring balance to your gut microbiome and reducing or eliminating digestive concerns, aches and pains, and other issues that may stem from candida overgrowth. In that case, a candida diet may be worth considering.