Improve Vision Naturally With Good Dietary And Lifestyle Habits

Around 1000 AD the first visual aid was a clear rock placed on top of the document you were reading. Eye glasses were invented 1284 in Italy. Today the use of contacts and eye glasses has become common. With as many people wearing corrective lenses as there are in the 21st century, one wonders if everyone had difficulty seeing before 1284. History hasn't documented worldwide blindness in earlier centuries so they must have done something else. Corrective lenses aren't the only treatment option available to those who want to improve their vision. Natural vision improvement is possible by avoiding bad habits and developing good habits to protect your vision.

Smoking damages eyesight. The damage done to eyesight by smoking isn't reversible. The extent of damage done correlates to the length of time and the number of cigarettes smoked. Vision is supported by antioxidants. Smoking decreases the amounts of antioxidants (specifically beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin) found in the bloodstream. Even if they are taking supplements and eating a diet high in antioxidants, smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood streams than non-smokers have.

High-fat diets increase arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis or thickening and hardening of the walls of arterial blood vessels, reduces blood flow. This reduced flow blood reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the eye. When photoreceptors do not get the nourishment they require they die effecting vision negatively.

Eating a low-fat diet including low-fat versions of dairy products, lean meat, fish, and complex carbohydrates can help to naturally improve vision. Diet should include leafy green vegetables, yellow and orange vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and fish. Pre-packaged foods should only be eaten occasionally. Fried foods should be avoided as well. Roasted, grilled, or baked meats are flavorful and are not as high in fats.

Drinking alcohol in moderation has health benefits; reduced coronary artery spasm in response to stress, increased coronary blood flow, and reduced blood pressure. Routine alcohol consumption with the intent to get drunk and heavy alcohol consumption are unhealthy. Heavy alcohol consumption means consumption of more than three drinks daily on a routine basis.

Heavy alcohol consumption often correlates with poor dietary habits. Drinking alcoholic beverages can affect eyesight negatively causing double or blurred vision and decrease ability to bring images into focus. Alcohol affects the liver negatively, keeping it from functioning properly. One of the liver's jobs is to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for proper vision. Red wine has antioxidants and can be included in a diet that supports good vision. Drinking is often a way to escape stressful life situations. Groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, teach better ways to deal with stress and other problems.

Stress effects overall health including vision. Mental stress, depression, and tension in the head, neck, and shoulders all cause a decline in vision. Negative thinking can also decrease visual accuracy. People who are in a stressful job should have a plan to help deal with stress so their health and vision aren't suffering. Going to a counselor to discuss negative thoughts and stress levels are common ways to decrease stress. Discussing problems with a close friend can decrease overall stress levels. Decreasing stress improves mood and is an important part of natural vision improvement.

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