Are you tired of having dark circles under your eyes?

By Sherese Ijewere

Dark rings or puffy eyes can be very concerning and embarrassing for some people.  For some it may be too many late and sleepless nights or perhaps being in smoky areas. By altering your lifestyle a little we can take the first steps to eradicating the problem.

Dark shadows under the eyes are known to be caused by the lack of nutrients or an unbalanced diet.   Insomnia, fatigue, stress and/or depression can be causes of dark or puffy eyes. Progressive aging or underlying health problems can be a contributory factor to dark and puffy eyes. If it is in the genes, it can be unavoidably handed down.

The first and important step towards treatment is to have a few early nights. Sleep is the most important step towards any kind of the healing process.   Avoiding junk food is the next step with the intake of vitamins A, C, E, K, and a balanced diet.
Drink as much water as possible (at least 8-10 glasses daily). Food plays an important part in the condition of eyes. Beta carotene, vitamins A, C and E are essential for healthy eyes. All orange, red and yellow fruits are excellent for the eyes and should be included in an everyday diet as it helps with circulation and vision.

Causes of Baggy Eyes

• Thyroid problem can cause baggy eyes. If one has an overactive or under active thyroid one must consult a doctor.

• With age, skin loses out on its elasticity, thus causing baggy eyes.

• Poor nutrition also affects the elasticity of the skin resulting in baggy eyes.

• Smoking also causes baggy eyes or second hand smoke. Even passive smokers can suffer from it.

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• Lack of adequate sleep.

• Watching a lot of T.V. or working too many hours at a time on the computer.

• Water retention.

• Not applying facial creams properly.

• Cosmetics that cause allergies.
SOLUTIONS

• One needs to take extra Vitamin C supply to improve the collagen. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables help eyes to look shiny, youthful and beautiful

• Avoid tiredness. This causes baggy eyes. One must get adequate sleep. Avoid watching too much of T.V. like late night shows, which will keep you awake and cause eyestrain.

• Soak pieces of cotton wool in rose water and place them on the eyelids before you go to sleep.

• In the day time adjust your drapes to prevent excessive light in the room, and reduce computer time which cause eyestrain.

• One can place cooled tea bags after boiling and hot water has been poured on tea bags – put in fridge to cool – then place on eyes.

• One can also go in for eye exercises. Looking to the right, center, left, center, up down for 30 second intervals are exercises for the eyes.

• Fluid retention should be avoided as it can cause baggy eyes. One must try to investigate the underlying medical condition and have it treated.

• Salt also causes water retention. Try to cut down on it.

• It is good to go on a detoxifying diet. Speak with your Nutritionist or healthcare Professional

• Stop Smoking and minimise smoke filled areas. Secondary smoke can also affect eyes. Get a lot of fresh air.

• Minimise eye cosmetics. One needs to select cosmetics that do not cause allergies.

• One can go in for facial massages.

• Apply frozen cucumber slices to your closed eyes.

• Vitamin K helps to eliminate dark under-eye circles. Vitamin K is found in foods such as yogurt or green leafy veggies.

• For some people a dab of preparation H takes down the puffiness like magic.

Home Remedy

Wear A Cooling Face pack: Placing cucumbers over the eyes to rejuvenate them is an age old tradition, and a good one at that. Cooling the eyes for approximately 15 minutes should help to reduce any puffiness. Instead of cucumbers you can use chilled moist green tea bags, a bag of frozen peas, potato slices or carrots to eyes.
Your eyes are the windows to your soul, in them shows your state of mind – take care of them!

Guest  columnist Sherese Ijewere is a Nutrition Consultant
– 0703 271 3731
caribbeanhn@gmail.com
www.caribhealthng.com

Edited by GABRIELLA OSAMOR