#144: The Best Self Care Tips for your Eyes this Winter, Part 2
I've been talking a lot about how Winter is a dry eye season. There are many factors in your environment and also in your lifestyle that can be significantly affecting how your eyes feel this time of year.
If you haven't been following along with this series about how to help your dry eyes feel more comfortable this time of year, you can catch up with these blogs: self-care, indoor adjustments, and outdoor adjustments.
1) Diet
Now let's talk about your diet this time of year, especially with the holidays, you probably ate all sorts of things that aren't part of your normal diet. There's usually lots of potlucks and people bringing in little treats from home this time of year.
When you're at the office, you may be eating too much sugar, wheat, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine. Just be aware that this isn't part of your usual diet. And, try to keep all the extras in moderation. When you're not at a party or event, try to stick with your normal diet. Too much of any one thing can mess with your digestion.
Do everything in moderation and enjoy yourself. Don't let your eyes hold you back this holiday season, but take into consideration the effects that these indulgences can have on your eyes.
2) Vitamins
Make sure you are continuing to do the things that are good for your eyes and your health. Continuing to take your omega 3 fatty acid supplement is a great idea. I have seen some amazing results with my patients who stick with HydroEye on a regular basis. It is just 2 capsules twice a day with food.
HydroEye gives your body the building blocks of healthy tears. It gives you the fuel you need for your eyes even if you are not eating your regular diet. I did an interview with the maker of HydroEye a few months ago. Check it out here
3.) Hydration
And the final thing is to make sure you stay hydrated. When the weather is cold outside, maybe you're not drinking as much water as you would in the summertime. And, you need extra water to fight against dehydration from the heaters that are drying out the skin and eyes. Also, water will flush the toxins from your system if you may have over indulged in caffeine or alcohol.
The day after you've overindulged, make sure to do some extra hydration. A good rule of thumb is to take your weight and divide that by two. Drink that many ounces of water daily.
Just for example, if a person weighs 200 pounds, divide that by two and you need 100 ounces of water. That's a lot more water than the eight, eight ounce classes we learned about in school.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it, my best tips to take care of yourself this season. The winter season is often the driest of the year, but taking these steps will keep your eyes happy.
As far as your diet goes, enjoy yourself. But, keep all things in moderation. Continue to take a dry eye supplement that will give your eyes the building blocks to make healthy tears. I recommend my patients to take HydroEye on a regular basis. Finally, continue to hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water.
