April 2, 2023 - EyeClarity Blog
You are not alone if you suffer dry eye disease, styes or conjunctivitis, uveitis, or optic nerve and retina inflammation.
Some symptoms include redness, pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.
Aside from steroids, antibiotics, and surgery, what else can you do from a holistic, functional medicine perspective to reduce inflammation?
First, let’s define some of the most common causes of eye inflammation:
Some of the most common causes of eye inflammation:
1. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can all cause inflammation in the eye. Common diseases that can cause uveitis include herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis.
2. Autoimmune disorders: Uveitis is often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis. In these cases, the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues in the eye, leading to inflammation.
3. Trauma: Injuries to the eye, such as a blow to the eye or penetration by a foreign object, can cause inflammation.
4. Allergies: Allergies to substances such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause inflammation in the eye.
5. Chemical exposure: Exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides or cleaning agents, can cause inflammation in the eye.
6. Unknown causes: In some cases, the cause of uveitis is unknown; it is called idiopathic uveitis
While no supplements or specific diets can cure eye inflammation, some nutrients may help reduce eye inflammation. Here are some supplements and foods that may be beneficial for reducing eye inflammation:
1.Turmeric: This spice contains a compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Adding turmeric to your diet or taking a curcumin supplement may help reduce eye inflammation. My curcumin formula is a highly bioavailable curcuminoid formulation. It contains a unique combination of three bioactive, health-promoting curcuminoids: curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and turmeric oil. The three curcuminoids are the strongest, turmeric root’s most potent, most protective, and best-researched constituents
2. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant the body produces to protect cells from oxidative damage. It plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can damage cells and cause inflammation.
Here are some foods that contain glutathione:
Fruits: Avocado, watermelon, grapefruit, peach, and strawberry are good sources of glutathione.
Vegetables: Asparagus, spinach, broccoli, garlic, onion, and tomato contain glutathione.
Meat and fish: Beef, fish (such as salmon and cod), and poultry are all sources of glutathione.
Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, and sesame seeds contain glutathione.
Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are sources of glutathione.
Legumes: Lentils and chickpeas contain glutathione and other beneficial nutrients.
Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats are sources of glutathione.
While consuming these foods can help increase the amount of glutathione in your diet, it’s important to note that glutathione is not well absorbed intact by the body. Therefore, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients can help to support the body’s natural production of glutathione and overall antioxidant defense system.
3. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment found in high levels in tomatoes, watermelon, and other red-colored fruits and vegetables. It is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Lycopene can help reduce eye inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can damage cells and cause inflammation.
Furthermore, lycopene can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines involved in the inflammatory response. It \ reduces the expression of genes involved in inflammation and decreases the activity of enzymes that promote inflammation.
Research also suggests that lycopene may help prevent oxidative stress in the eye, leading to various eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Overall, lycopene is an important antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and protect the eye from oxidative damage. Lycopene is found in a healthy diet or supplementation and may be helpful for individuals with eye inflammation or other eye conditions.
Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their red color. Here are some foods that contain lycopene:
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene. Tomatoes are eaten raw or cooked; tomato sauce and paste are excellent sources.
Watermelon: Watermelon is another good source of lycopene, especially the red flesh near the rind.
Grapefruit: Pink and red grapefruit contains lycopene, while white grapefruit does not.
Papaya: Papaya is a tropical fruit that is a good source of lycopene.
Guava: Guava is another tropical fruit that contains lycopene.
Apricots: Apricots are an excellent lycopene source, especially when dried.
Red bell peppers: While not as rich in lycopene as tomatoes or watermelon, red bell peppers do contain some lycopene.
Lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body when cooked or processed, such as in tomato sauce or paste. Consuming a diet rich in lycopene-containing foods may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and other chronic diseases.
4. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme naturally produced by the body and is a potent antioxidant. It is vital in reducing inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can damage cells and cause inflammation.
In the eye, inflammation can occur by various factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and infections. SOD can help to reduce inflammation in the eye by scavenging superoxide radicals and preventing them from causing damage to the cells in the eye.
Additionally, SOD can help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines involved in the inflammatory response. It can also help to prevent the activation of enzymes that promote inflammation.
Research has also shown that SOD can help prevent oxidative stress in the eye, leading to various eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Overall, superoxide dismutase is an important antioxidant enzyme that can help to reduce inflammation and protect the eye from oxidative damage.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme in the body but can also be in certain foods. However, the amount of SOD in foods is relatively small and can vary depending on the food source and processing methods.
Here are some foods that contain superoxide dismutase:
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are all good sources of SOD.
Leafy green vegetables: Spinach, kale, and collard greens contain SOD, as well as other beneficial antioxidants.
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are good sources of SOD, as well as other antioxidant compounds.
Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons all contain SOD.
Nuts and seeds: Pistachios, sunflowers, and pumpkin seeds are all sources of SOD.
Soy products: Tofu and soybeans contain SOD and other beneficial compounds.
Barley grass: This green superfood is a good source of SOD and other beneficial nutrients.
While consuming these foods can help increase the amount of SOD in your diet, it’s important to note that SOD is not absorbed intact by the body and absorbs during digestion. Therefore, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients can help to support the body’s natural production of SOD and overall antioxidant defense system.
5. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays many vital roles in the body, including regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. While more research is needed to understand the effects of vitamin D on the eye healthfully, there is some evidence to suggest that it may have a role in reducing eye inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury, infection, or other stimuli. Still, chronic inflammation can contribute to various eye diseases, such as uveitis and dry eye syndrome. Vitamin D reduces inflammation by several mechanisms, including:
Modulating the production of inflammatory cytokines: Vitamin D can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which signal molecules that contribute to inflammation.
Regulating the activity of immune cells: Vitamin D can regulate the activity of immune cells, helping to prevent overactive immune responses that can contribute to chronic inflammation.
Increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines: Vitamin D can increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which help to counteract the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
While more research is needed to understand the effects of vitamin D on eye inflammation fully, some studies have suggested that it may have beneficial effects on eye health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology in 2014 found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome in women.
6. Benfotiamine is a derivative of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. While more research is needed to understand the effects of benfotiamine on eye inflammation fully, there is some evidence to suggest that it may have a role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes.
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury, infection, or other stimuli. Still, chronic inflammation can contribute to various eye diseases, such as uveitis and dry eye syndrome. Benfotiamine reduces inflammation by several mechanisms, including:
Inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes: Benfotiamine can inhibit the activity of enzymes that contribute to inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
Modulating the production of inflammatory cytokines: Benfotiamine can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, signaling molecules that contribute to inflammation.
Reducing oxidative stress: Benfotiamine can reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to inflammation and eye damage.
While more research is needed to understand the effects of benfotiamine on eye inflammation fully, some studies have suggested that it may have beneficial effects on eye health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology in 2015 found that benfotiamine reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes of rats with diabetic retinopathy.
In addition to supplements and foods, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking, which can help reduce eye inflammation and promote overall health. My philosophy is only to use pharmaceutical drugs or surgery as a last resort. Many alternatives exist to help reduce inflammation!