If you wish to improve your eye health, you may want to zone in on your gut health, first.
Having a healthy gut microbiome plays a key role in your overall health, which includes the eyes. Recent studies have revealed the clear link between gut and eye health in mice. There are several eye conditions that can be caused by changes in gut flora.
Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which causes eye pain and vision changes. Scientists discovered that changes in the gut microbiota and permeability are linked to the development of inflammatory conditions in the eye like uveitis.
Dry Eye Disease develops when there is a breakdown in the tear film of the eyes. Symptoms of dry eye disease can include blurry vision, gritty feeling in the eyes, redness and sensitivity to light. Having the proper amount of gut microbes can improve dry eye symptoms.
Researchers believe that changes in gut microbes could activate inflammatory pathways that trigger age-related macular degeneration, which includes the deterioration of photoreceptors.
Taking steps to improve your gut health and, in turn, improving the health of your eyes involves making changes to your diet. Reduce or eliminate simple sugars, fried foods and ultra-processed foods. Add colorful fruits and vegetables as well as fermented foods including, yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. Avoiding antibiotics whenever possible, can help keep the gut microbiome intact.
