August 22, 2022 - EyeClarity Blog
As I reflect on coronavirus (COVID-19) since it began spreading globally since 2019, the fundamental question I thought about was:
- How to reduce the risk of spread
- How to improve the health of our eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and our brain.
Since I am an eye doctor and I have seen patients in whom the virus affected the eye-brain connection, I would like to start here, in terms of learning protocols that protect our eye health, mental and cognitive wellness.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) conducted a short survey to provide information to the public about the pandemic’s influence on our mental health. The survey showed us that over 33% of Americans are now experiencing anxiety and depression since the pandemic began. The big factor is the level of STRESS we are under, which affects all the major glands and organs of the body, especially the eyes and brain.
Here are some things you can do to improve the eye-brain health!
- Make sure you are getting enough Omega 3 Fatty acids in your diet. Eating foods like sardines, salmon, mackerel, and herring can help boost fat levels. You can include flaxseeds, walnuts, Chia seeds as well. If you are going to take a supplement, I recommend 1500-2,000mg a day, and make sure it has a high enough Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the formulation. Studies have shown increasing DHA can reduce the risk of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy[1]
Since the brain is 60% fat, increasing Omega 3 improves cognitive function.[4] And, Omega 3 has been show to improve mood, especially in people suffering depression and anxiety[5].
- The second ingredient I recommend is polyphenols. These high-powered antioxidants are found in plant-based food like grapes, berries, green tea, and my favorite, cacao. Studies have shown that polyphenols protect the brain neurons from inflammation and oxidative stress—two aspects of chronic stress.[6] Polyphenols also help prevent retinal degeneration.[7]
The Master Antioxidant
Studies show that people with severe or fatal COVID-19 are deficient in glutathione.[8]Glutathione is produced in the liver, and high amounts are needed for the brain and visual system. Trauma, stress, and infections can deplete levels of glutathione. Since this antioxidant is responsible for detoxing free radicals and oxidative stress on a cellular level, glutathione therapy of 500-2000 mg a day can help boost our immune health.
Vitamin D
In a study published by the Social Science Research Network and the Lancet, scientists found patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection were randomized to either get a form of calcifediol Vitamin D or not.[9] In the group that received the Vitamin, 2% needed treatment in the ICU. In the group that did not receive the Vitamin D treatment, 50% had to be transferred to the ICU and 2% of those died. I would recommend discussing Vitamin D levels with your doctor who can determine your dose based on your blood test.
Some other things you can do to improve your eye-brain health and ultimately your immune system, include the following:
Learn how to breathe! I highly recommend Breath by James Nestor. He describes the optimal ways to breathe to improve your health and wellness.
Take a break from the news cycle.
Reduce your intake of daily caffeine
Get 30 minutes of natural sunlight a day.
Do my physical eye therapy exercises.
Stop working on your digital device 1 hour before you retire for bed.
Get 30 minutes of exercise that stimulates your lymphatic health.
Work with your doctor to learn how to improve your sleep.
Conclusion:
Our fast-paced modern world puts stress on our eye-brain-body. Part of developing resilience is learning how to self-regulate and be proactive in taking care of our brain, eyes and immune system. Contact me if you have further questions: hello@drsamberne.com
[9 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3771318