Baggy Eye care

The eyes are the most sensitive part of the body. Even the slightest scar or scratch can harm the eye permanently. That’s why not many fiddle with the eye. However as age advances and sometimes much before that, the eye may demonstrate symptoms of puffiness and swelling which are not fatal but depict ill health of the eye. In addition it reduces the sharpness of features in a person and hence affects the beauty. However still this is not a major cause to call for medication as medications may cause many other side effects. On the other hand natural care could be the best choice to alleviate the symptoms.

Lets start with the reasons or causes of development of baggy eyes as the management would arise out of the same.

Thyroid problems

People suffering from a thyroid problem (also referred to as a goiter) normally have very baggy eyes - if you have any qualms about your thyroid, or if you have any symptoms of an over - or under active thyroid please consult your doctor immediately.

Aging and nutrition

As we age the fragile skin around our eyes start to lose its elasticity, and here we can look at nutrition to assist us in our fight against aging, as poor nutrition contributes to aging as well.

In the absence of vitamin C, collagen cant be synthesized by the skin. To assist in collagen formation and re-vitalizing your fragile skin around the eyes - please consider taking an extra vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement.

Tiredness

Plain tiredness will also add to the problem of bags under your eyes, and especially to those ugly dark circles under the eyes.

Have a look at the amount of hours you sleep and also check on the amount of hours you work in front of a computer terminal or watch television – both these actions place a tremendous strain on your eyes.

Eye drops will relieve the blood shot look of your eyeball, but will do little to soothe the tired eyes as such.

To relieve strain, look at having a regular soothing treatment, which can easily, and inexpensively, be done at home.

Some people believe in placing sliced figs or slices of cucumber on their eyes – and although it does work, it may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

If you are looking at an alternative treatment to freshen your eyes, try the following:

1. Take two pieces of cotton wool, large enough to cover your eyes, and soak them in rose water (an inexpensive product that you can buy at the pharmacy / chemist / drug store) and place it over your closed eyelids while lying down.

If doing it during the day close your drapes / curtains and if doing it at night switch off your lights. You will find that doing it in the dark really gives your eyes and stressed out body a relaxing break. Switch off your television during this period of rest, and rather listen to your favorite soothing music. Relax for at least 20 – 30 minutes.

2. Sit, relax and while breathing normally but deeply, look at a spot between your eyes, above the bridge of your nose. Keep looking at this spot for a count of five, and then relax the eyes. Next look at the tip of your nose, also to the count of five and relax.

Fluid retention

Fluid retention can be a major cause of swollen eyes, and here you will have to look at your general health and any other underlying medical condition. Diuretic pills (to remove excess water from your body) can be helpful, but many people do have side effects from them.

Salt or sodium

If you are ingesting a lot of salt, either directly or indirectly, it could add to your problem with water retention. Try and cut down on eating raw salt, and check food labels as well, as processed food can contain large amounts of salt – check for sodium on the label

The way you sleep

If you find that your eyes are more swollen in the morning, have a look at increasing the height of your pillows, by adding another pillow when going to bed. The raising of your head could assist with draining excess fluids as well.

Many of my friends do not eat nuts because of health consciousness. They do not want any extra pound and do not savor many of their favorite high-calorie dishes. Makes sense. My association with almonds began only a few years ago, during my graduation days. I eat almonds, use them as an eye pack for dark circles (thanks to the long hours of reading) and also used almond oil for skin and hair. Once my cousin told me that eating almonds is just not enough. You have to chew them into a milk like consistency to ensue maximum absorption. I am normally fond of nuts like my father whose favorite is cashew. Many people asked me avoid eating nuts as they are high-fat foods. So did my friends who told me “I am nuts”. They say almonds are nutrition bombs but only for children. I am sure I have to write an article on the health benefits of almonds to convince them.

Studies bear witness to the fact that eating a few almonds daily can lower the LDL cholesterol in your body. This applies to people who have low saturated fat diet. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, lots of protein, magnesium and manganese, fiber, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus. It is abundant in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

The presence of magnesium in the body will resist any free radical injury to the heart while calcium will provide strength to the bones. Potassium in proportion would aid to maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular functions. Alpha-tocopherol in almonds can deal the Vitamin E cravings of your body. Alpha-tocopherol is the kind of vitamin E the human body absorbs best for its daily functions.

Almond skins are found to contain 20 potent antioxidant flavanoids which are highly essential for our good health. After a meal, there is an increase in the blood sugar level. Experts say that almonds can decrease this blood sugar level and also help to destroy the free radicals to some extent. And the fun part is, a regular intake of almonds even can protect you from the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Almonds also help you lose weight while helps to prevent weight gain. Most of the nuts have a positive impact on cardiovascular health but they are much avoided in fear of weight gain. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found a positive change in the health of people who had a diet of 2 ounces of almonds daily.

Raw almonds have a healthier fatty acid composition than roasted almonds. They make a nutritious and
stomach-filling snack. Enjoy a spread of almond butter on your toast for a wholesome breakfast.

Almonds are not just for children, they are great for adults too.

-Aparna K V

Tags: herbal, diabetes, acupuncture, weight loss, blood pressure

HEALTH IS WEALTH

“Stress”, “busy”, “hectic schedules”, “appointments” are some of the terminologies of today’s worldly lifestyles. We don’t have time to wash remember birthdays, anniversaries and they are stored on the mobile phone or reminded on our mail account. Breakfasts are only an old age affair as today we step out of home after a cup of hot coffee. Patience is only a word kept in the heritage canister and is rarely perceived and acted upon. Carelessness and mistakes are easily forgotten and hopefully forgiven on a “Sorry”. Things are changing today…but for the better or the worst is only an irony.

Its better to learn from one’s mistakes rather than repeating them. Today we all are closer to machines rather than humans. We get up on alarm, move out on clock, work on boss’s buzz, eat on deadlines and think rarely! In this scenario health is just a medical word perceived as efficacious drugs and effective surgeries. “Its only kids go to the doctors for a regular check up, we as adults don’t need it.” This is a common notion which now needs to be revamped. On this pretext, some guidelines to help us remain healthy, avoid chronic diseases, remain alert, avoid embarrassments on forgetfulness are provided which would grant a happier and more productive life for all of us. So go on…stay healthy….read and implement.

• Sleep well

Sleep is the time when your body restores the energy for the work to be done when awake. This is a very important physiological process which if compromised affects the body functioning adversely causing headaches, passiveness, eye irritation and irritability of mood. Hence, it is utmost important to get adequate sleep which may differ to some extent from person to person. However, on an average an adult needs 6-8 hours of sleep everyday and women need more sleep than men. Good sleeping habits and favorable postures like lying straight on back ensure good quality of sleep. Do remember not to keep gazing at the alarm clock when you don’t get sleep. Its a better idea to keep your eyes shut and try to remain relaxed. On the other hand, never remain in bed for more than two minutes after you are awake. If you do, you would be lazing out throughout the day.

• Eat well

The thrust on a balanced diet with fiber and vitamins is laid many times in previous articles. This ensures nourishment, avoids diseases and helps in remaining fit and fine. Along with a balanced diet around 8-10 glasses of water also need to be included in your regimen. If you forget to drink water, put a yellow slip on your working desk to remind you about it. The pace at which you eat and drink is also important. Avoid snacking or gulping water in front of the refrigerator. Chew well before you gulp the food. Don’t eat when stressed and confused, you would end up eating the wrong wrongly. When stressed up, try to first put