Your eyes indicate your overall health. When the whites of your eyes are bright and, well, white, it’s a sign of good health. Thus, you want to keep them shining like they did when you were a mere child.
There are lots of ways to do that without drugs or medical help. Here are seven that have proven to be effective in making reddened or yellowed “whites” white again.
Water and more water: Dehydration is a major culprit in discoloring the white of the eye (which, incidentally, is called the “sclera”). The more you drink, the easier it will be to keep those whites glowing.
Soy milk: You can drink it, of course (soy milk is mostly water), but you can also use it to “soak” your eyes back to whiteness, according to dermatologist and author Dr. Jessica Wu.
Place some cotton pads or balls in cold soy milk until they’re good and wet. Then place them over your closed eyes.
The cold and the soy milk’s proteins will help shrink the swollen blood vessels that are reddening your eyes, and reduces puffiness.
Carrots: Have you ever seen a rabbit with red or yellow eyes? Of course not! Carrots are loaded with Vitamins A and C, which help brighten your eyes and, over time, make them look healthier.
A healthy diet: Carrots in your diet are a definite “yes.” So are almonds, leafy greens, yellow and orange vegetables, and zinc-laden foods such as cashews and avocados; they’re all beneficial in whitening eyes.
Sugars, fats and caffeine are definite “nos.” Okay, we both know that among life’s little pleasures are that hamburger and fries you had last week, or the pizza you shared with friends, the chocolate cake and the ice cream you devoured after dinner. Not to mention that cup of coffee or tea that wakes you up every day.
Let’s be frank: You’re not going to get stop eating cheese or cookies completely, but the less fat and sugar you eat, and the fewer caffeinated beverages you drink, the better your eyes are going to look. Yes, it’s that simple!
A typical cup of regular coffee has anywhere from 95 to 200 mg of caffeine. (Even decaf is loaded. A 16-ounce cup may have as much as 13.9 mg, according to a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology.)
But, at least coffee has been shown to have an upside; sugary cola drinks don’t: They don’t have any nutritional benefit (just look at the label) but they do have lots of sugar and caffeine — between 30 and 35 mg per 12-ounce serving, according to the Mayo Clinic. (Diet colas may not have the sugar, but they do have just as much caffeine.)
Pay attention to your environment: Dust, smoke, pollen, animal fur/hair (especially if you’re allergic) can all redden your eyes. Use an air filter at home, and avoid places where smokers (or cats) congregate. During the season, you can’t avoid pollen, but stay inside — with the windows shut — as much as you can when the pollen count is high, and invest in a good air conditioner. That will keep the pollen in your house or apartment to a minimum. By the way, pollen counts are usually highest early in the morning, so plan to jog or go on your excursion after 9 a.m.
Sunglasses and hats: Wind and ultraviolet rays contribute to discoloration of the whites of your eyes. It’s called “pterygium.” But wearing sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim will protect them. Pterygium becomes a greater problem as you age.
Natural eyewash: You can make simple eyewashes at home using totally natural ingredients that will make the whites of your eyes clear and clean. Two easy ones are:
- Saline, made from 1 teaspoon of salt stirred into a cup of distilled water.
- Green Tea, a mix of one-half cup of distilled water and a cup of brewed green tea.
You can use either several times daily. (Just be sure the ingredients are uncontaminated, and the container is thoroughly sterilized each time you make a batch.)
Follow these tips and your eyes will not only look healthier and younger, but you’ll feel the difference when you look in the mirror and see the difference.
~ Health Scams Exposed
