The Cure For Dry Eyes

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/oct/27/the_cure_for_dry_eyes.htm

 

The Cure For Dry Eyes

 

A recent Harvard study identified an interesting new advantage for

those who consume high amounts of foods rich in omega-3 fats:

 

Women who ate the most lowered their chances of dry eye syndrome by as

much as 68 percent. Conversely, those who ate a higher ratio of

omega-6 fats versus omega-3 fats doubled their odds of dry eye syndrome.

 

The study, which was conducted on more than 32,000 women aged 45-84,

demonstrated the validity of both clinical observations on the subject

and theorized biological mechanisms. Omega-3 fatty acid intake reduces

overall inflammation in the body, which has been shown to be a factor

in dry eye syndrome.

 

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most frequent eye problems in the

United States, and a common complaint of patients seeking eye care. It

is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that

lubricates the eyes.

 

Conventional treatment options may include surgical intervention

(punctal plugs inserted into tear ducts) or eye medicines. Often,

these treatments provide only temporary or incomplete relief.

 

Dry eye syndrome can lead to discomfort, poor vision, and problems

with reading, using a computer, or driving at night.

 

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition October 2005; 82(4): 887-893

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Without a doubt fish oil (EPA and DHA fatty acids) is the single most

important nutritional deficiency in the United States. Fish (and cod

liver oil) is important to your health in relation to fighting

depression, inflammation, and Alzheimer's. Now important eye-care

effects have been demonstrated, which is apparently a benefit some

clinicians have already observed for quite a while.

 

Most doctors have no idea that most cases of dry eyes can be cleared

up, as this research suggests, simply by increasing consumption of

healthy omega-3 fats. The other eye benefit from omega-3 would be a

reduction in the risk of the most common cause of blindness in most

developed countries, age-related macular degeneration.

 

Over 2,000 scientific studies have demonstrated the wide range of

problems associated with omega-3 deficiencies. Your brain is more than

60 percent structural fat, just as your muscles are made of protein

and your bones are made of calcium. But it's not just any fat that

your brain is made of. It has to be certain types of fats, and it is

highly likely you no longer eat these types of fats like you used to.

 

In fact, researchers believe that about 60 percent of Americans are

deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and about 20 percent have so little

that test methods cannot even detect any in their blood.

 

I test omega-3 levels on every patient in my clinic and find that the

numbers are even worse than the researchers have demonstrated.

 

Other parts of your body also need omega-3 fats. Symptoms of fatty

acid deficiency include a variety of skin problems such as eczema,

thick patches of skin, and cracked heels.

 

Meanwhile, Americans eat excessive amounts of man-made trans-fats and

saturated fats and vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, all of

which interfere with your body's attempt to utilize the tiny amount of

omega-3 fats that it gets.

 

Omega-3 deficiencies have been tied to many conditions, including:

 

Dyslexia

Violence

Depression

Memory problems

Weight gain

Cancer

Heart disease

Eczema

Allergies

Inflammatory diseases

Arthritis

Diabetes

 

My only concern with this particular study is that the women in it got

most of their omega-3s from eating fish, which would be a near-perfect

food if they weren't so contaminated with mercury, PCBs and dioxins.

 

That's why I so strongly advocate consuming a high-quality fish or cod

liver oil daily. But you may not know how to select the best one for

your health. I've created a special page full of links that can answer

most of your questions about the many benefits of consuming a

high-quality fish oil and recommend the best product available.

 

Please remember that for most Americans we are now in the cod liver

oil time of year, as we simply don't have access to enough sunshine on

our bare skin to help us produce vitamin D.

 

Important NEW Information About Cod Liver Oil Capsules

 

You have to be VERY cautious about using cod liver oil capsules. If

for some reason you are not using the more economical liquid you need

to understand that most brands of cod liver oil capsules can provide

excessive doses of vitamin A (unlike the liquid) that can cause you a

problem if you take dose in the 10-15 capsules per day that you will

need to meet your omega-3 needs.

 

I reviewed this issue with Carlson and they were able to develop a low

vitamin A cod liver oil capsule that won't get you into trouble.

Interestingly they also taste great if you chew on them, almost like

candy and I frequently chew them as a treat in the winter.

 

SO when you take cod liver oil if you feel you need to take the

capsules the choice is very clear. Get Carlson's low vitamin A. If you

can't find them we do have them in our store for your convenience.

 

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