nutrition Archives

In Nutrition

A B12 Deficiency is More Common Than You Might Think

January 15, 2024 No Comments

B12 is an essential nutrient. It plays an important role in nervous system maintenance, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. A deficiency can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and fatigue.

The vitamin is commonly found in animal products such as dairy, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Therefore, vegans and vegetarians often run the risk of a deficiency. This article will review how you can make sure you get enough B12 so you don’t become deficient.

B12 Benefits

Helps with red blood cell formation to prevent anemia
May prevent birth defects when taken in the early stages of pregnancy
May improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis
May reduce the risk of macular degeneration
May improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression
May improve cognitive function by preventing the loss of neurons
May improve energy levels
May improve heart health by decreasing homocysteine levels in the body
Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails

What are the Causes of a B12 Deficiency?

A Diet That Lacks B12: Vegans, vegetarians, and people on low-carb and low-calorie diets may not be getting enough B12 in their diets.
Malabsorption: Some people may be unable to absorb B12 due to health conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pernicious anemia, and more
Medications: Medications like proton-pump inhibitors which are taken for acid reflux and metformin which is prescribed for diabetes can interfere with B12 absorption.

How to Prevent a B12 Deficiency

Eat a B12 Rich Diet: Eat foods that are rich in B12 such as beef liver, clams, salmon, beef, fortified cereal, and dairy products. It is recommended that a person gets 2.4 mcg of B12 per day.
Take a Supplement: If you don’t get enough B12 in your diet, you may consider taking a supplement.
Get Tested for a Deficiency: if you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, consider going to the doctor to get tested for the deficiency. A medical professional will recommend improvements you can make to improve your health.
Consider Getting a B12 Vitamin Shot: A vitamin shot is recommended in cases of severe deficiency. The vitamin is administered directly to your muscle eliminating the need for it to be absorbed by the digestive system. It offers immediate relief of symptoms.
Address Underlying Health Conditions: If the deficiency is linked to health conditions like Crohn’s disease, anemia, etc. address them at their root to avoid further deficiencies.

B12 provides a wide range of benefits. If you don’t get enough in your diet, you may be dealing with a deficiency. The right diet and supplements will ensure you are getting the proper amount of B12 every day. What will you be doing to boost your intake?

In Nutrition

Study Reveals Prenatal Supplements Don’t Offer Enough Nutrition for Mothers and Babies

January 9, 2024 No Comments

Pregnant women need all the nutrition they can get. Doctors will prescribe supplements to make sure they are getting the nutrients they need during this important time of life.

But a new study reveals most prenatal supplements aren’t offering enough nutrition to meet the needs of both mother and child. Read on to find out what you need to know.

The Study

Researchers from the Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity (LEAD) Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that 90% of pregnant women don’t get adequate nutrition from their diet. They must use supplements to make up for deficits. But the study also found that most supplements that are available do not contain the nutrients that are necessary for making up for the imbalance.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition yesterday, followed 2450 pregnant women analyzing what they ate and drank throughout their pregnancy. They determined how much they were getting of vital nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They measured that against the Institute of Health (NIH) nutritional guidelines for how much of each nutrient pregnant women should be consuming each day.

They compared over 20,000 vitamins available in the United States today to determine which were up to the challenge.

The Results

The results showed that only one supplement offered enough nutrition to meet pregnant women’s needs. The study did not reveal which supplement that was. However, Katherine Sauder, Ph.D. deputy director of the LEAD Center and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and lead author of the study shared some information on the supplement, and it wasn’t very encouraging.

“Out of all the prenatal and general vitamins analyzed, we found only one that may potentially give pregnant patients the optimal amounts of the most important nutrients. But the monthly cost of this supplement can be too high for some people, and it requires pregnant people to take seven pills a day,” she said.

While the study brings negative news, it also means hope for the future.

“The research will inform pregnant patients and their doctors about key nutrients they may be missing in their diets and help them choose prenatal vitamins that can provide the nutrients they need. Dietary supplement manufacturers can also use these results to inform better dosing in their products.

She is hoping the study will emphasize the need for prenatal vitamins that are effective and low-cost. She also said more research is needed to help pregnant people get more key nutrients in their diets.

Saunders also stressed the importance of pregnant women getting the right amount of nutrients in their diets.

“Nutrition is critical for a healthy mom and healthy baby. Too little of certain nutrients can cause pre-term birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and other health challenges. At the same time, too much could change how the baby’s body develops and their risk of having health problems in the future. That’s why eating a balanced diet and choosing a good prenatal vitamin is so important.”

In Nutrition

New Study Reveals Mediterranean Diet is Just as Good For Women as it is For Men

January 5, 2024 No Comments

The Mediterranean diet is known to boost heart health. But a recent study review shows that it can reduce heart disease risk by 24% and early death risk by 23% in women.

The research was compiled by Prof. Sarah Zaman, a member of the Westmead Applied Research Centre at the University of Sydney. She told the press that this study supports previous studies establishing the heart-healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet. But it highlights the fact that it can be just as beneficial for women as it is for men.

In 2020, heart disease was a driving factor in the deaths of one out of five women. Yet scientists consistently highlight men when conducting cardiovascular health research.

Senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation Victoria Taylor acknowledges that the Mediterranean diet has been established as beneficial to heart health. But she says it’s encouraging to see it being studied for its effects on women. And the fact that it is producing positive results in both genders is even more promising.

What Did the Review Entail?

The review, which was published in the Heart Journal, analyzed studies on the Mediterranean diet that separated men and women. Women were given points for eating diets rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seafood, and nuts and cutting back on the consumption of processed foods and red meat. This is the type of meal routine the diet recommends.

It was found that women who followed the diet had a 24% lower risk of heart disease and a 23% lower risk of early death as compared to those who didn’t follow the diet. There was also a decrease in strokes, although the results weren’t statistically significant.

Dr. Roxana Mehran, a cardiologist, and director of cardiovascular research and clinical trials at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said she was excited to see the data because previous studies on the diet had little to no information on women’s health. She was not involved in the study.

Although the recent review highlighted women’s health, the Mediterranean diet has similar effects on men’s health. Men who stick to a Mediterranean diet have a 22% lower risk of heart disease and a 23% lower risk of early death as compared to those who don’t follow the diet.

Limitations to the Study

Taylor pointed out that the review had limitations. All 16 of the studies considered were observational and therefore, did not show cause and effect. They also mainly used self-reports of food intake which are not reliable because they can be affected by memory.

The authors of the study acknowledge the limitations and understand that more sex-specific research is needed to support their findings.

However, it has been well established that the foods included in the Mediterranean diet are effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular issues. Will you be making the switch?

In Nutrition

More Reasons to Eat Broccoli: It Boosts Immunity and Digestive Health

December 29, 2023 No Comments

Not everyone loves broccoli. But it has been shown to have positive effects on health. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it is rich in nutrients. It may also reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.

A recent study backs new reasons to eat broccoli. It shows that it can bind to receptors in mice to protect the lining of the small intestine. It improves digestive health and reduces the risk of disease.

Read on to find out why you should be adding broccoli to your diet.

The Study

Researchers at Penn State were not satisfied knowing that broccoli is good for you. They wanted to know why it provides benefits.

They focused on the small intestine lining which allows water and nutrients to pass into the body but prevents harmful food particles and bacteria from getting into the system. Cells that line the small intestine are responsible for this activity. They include:

Enterocytes absorb nutrients and water
Paneth cells secrete lysosomes that contain digestive enzymes
Goblet cells secrete a protective layer of mucus on the intestinal wall

The cells work together to maintain a healthy balance in the gut.

The study, which was published in the Laboratory Investigation journal, revealed the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands, which are found in broccoli molecules, bind to a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The binding causes activities that affect intestinal cell function.

The scientists experimented on a group of mice subdivided into two. One group was fed a diet of 15% broccoli which equals about 3.5 cups a day. The others were fed a diet without broccoli.

They studied the animal’s tissues to determine AHR activity, cell types, mucus concentrations, and other factors.

They found that AHR activity was diminished in mice that were not fed broccoli. Their intestinal barrier function was altered. The time it took for the food to reach the small intestine was reduced.

It also decreased Paneth cells, lysosome production, enterocyte cells, goblet cells, and protective mucus.

“The gut health of the mice that were not fed broccoli was compromised in a variety of ways that are known to be associated with the disease. Our research suggests that broccoli and likely other foods can be used as natural sources of AHR ligands and that diets rich in these ligands contribute to the resilience of the small intestines,” explained Gary Perdew, Ph.D. of veterinary and biomedical sciences at Penn State lead the study.

“These data suggest that dietary cues, relayed through the activity of AHR, can reshape the cellular and metabolic repertoire of the gastrointestinal tract,” stated study authors.

Other Broccoli Benefits

Broccoli is well known for offering an array of benefits including:

Improves heart health
Contains cancer-protective compounds
Benefits eye health
May support hormonal balance
May boost immunity

With all the benefits broccoli has to offer, you can’t afford not to be adding it to your diet. What broccoli dishes will you be including on today’s menu?

In Nutrition

A Fasting Diet that Reduces Diabetes Risk

December 26, 2023 No Comments

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Adelaide and South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMR) shows a fasting diet that involves eating early in the day could reduce risk markers of type 2 diabetes.

The study involved comparing two diets, a time-restricted, intermittent fasting diet, and a calorie-reduced diet. Researchers aimed to find out which was most beneficial to people prone to developing type 2 diabetes.

Senior author and University of Adelaide’s Professor Leonie Heilbronn of Adelaide Medical School explained what happened.

“People who fasted for three days during the week, only eating between 8 AM and 12 PM on those days, showed greater tolerance to glucose after 6 months than those on a daily, low-calorie diet.

“Participants who followed the intermittent fasting diet were more sensitive to insulin and also experienced a greater reduction in blood lipids than those on the low-calorie diet.”

About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes happens when the cells in the body don’t effectively respond to insulin. As a result, the body is unable to produce the hormone responsible for controlling blood glucose levels.

Medical experts estimate that nearly 60% of type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed and prevented with diet and lifestyle changes.

“Following a time-restricted, intermittent fasting diet could help lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes,” said Heilbronn.

About 1.3 million Australians are living with diabetes. About 37.3 million Americans are living with diabetes comprising about 10% of the population.

Symptoms include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst and hunger
Weight loss for unknown reasons
Blurry vision
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Fatigue
Dry skin
Slow-healing sores
Frequent infections

As opposed to type 1 diabetes, which tends to start in childhood, type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood.

Largest Study in the World

The University of Adelaide study is one of the largest medical studies in the world to date. More than 200 South Australian participants were recruited in the 18-month study which was published in the scientific journal, Nature Medicine.

Participants on both diets experienced similar amounts of weight loss. However, the intermittent dieters reduced diabetes markers.

“This is the largest study in the world to date and the first powered to assess how the body processes and uses glucose after eating a meal, which is a better indicator of diabetes risk than a fasting test,” said first study author Xiao Teong, a University of Adelaide Ph.D. student.

“The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence to indicate that meal timing and fasting advice extends the health benefits of a restricted calorie diet, independently from weight loss, and this may be influential in clinical practice.

Further research Is needed to establish whether the same benefits would be experienced with a longer eating window. This would show the diet to be sustainable long-term.

In Nutrition

A Plant-Based Diet May Reduce Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women

December 23, 2023 No Comments

Hot flashes are one of menopause’s many unpleasant symptoms. They occur due to a widespread dilation of blood vessels that causes your skin temperature to increase. They may occur at night, manifesting as night sweats.

80% of women who go through menopause will experience hot flashes. They are not fun to deal with, but with the right lifestyle changes, they can be reduced. For example, experts are saying that a plant-based diet may decrease hot flashes symptoms.

Why Do Hot Flashes Happen?

When a woman goes through menopause, her estrogen levels plummet. Communication between estrogen receptors and brain neurons is disrupted. The hypothalamus, which controls thermoregulatory centers in the brain, is unable to keep the body at a constant temperature.

The disruption also alters serotonin and dopamine levels in the body affecting mood. It can cause inflammation which increases the risk of heart-related conditions.

Hot flashes typically last one to five minutes, but they can go on for as long as an hour. They may be worse in people who first enter menopause. They will become less frequent and severe over time. However, women can experience them for up to seven years.

Can a Plant-Based Diet Reduce Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are not easy to deal with, but they are manageable. A recent study published in the Menopause Journal reveals that a plant-based, whole-food diet may reduce hot flashes by up to 88%.

However, the study was limited in scope. It did not consider women who underwent premature menopause due to surgery. These women are at a high risk of experiencing cardiovascular issues due to their condition.

The study also looked at women who experienced two or more hot flashes a day which is considered mild. It did not consider women with more severe symptoms.

It also involved putting the women on a strict vegan diet for 12 weeks. Researchers guess that the average woman wouldn’t be able to stick to such a strict diet for a prolonged amount of time.

Which Foods Should You Eat to Reduce Hot Flashes?

The foods the women in the study ate included:

Soy products; Soy contains phytoestrogens that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and reduce menopause symptoms.
Whole grains: Whole grain high-fiber foods help control weight gain due to hormonal changes during menopause.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats help you feel fuller longer making them helpful in reducing weight gain.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables lower menopause-related inflammation and they are beneficial to heart health.
Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are a good source of phytonutrients, a precursor to phytoestrogens. One study showed women experiencing mild hot flashes symptoms saw a 50% reduction in frequency and a 57% decrease in the severity of hot flashes after adding 4 tablespoons of flax seed to their daily diet for 6 weeks.
Oils and Supplements: Some research finds that herbs such as evening primrose, ginseng, and black cohosh can reduce menopause symptoms.

So, what’s your take on it? Will you be adding plant-based foods to your weekly diet?

In Nutrition

Which Fruits Contain the Highest Sugar Content?

December 20, 2023 No Comments

We all know fruits have natural sugars. But some, like bananas, grapes, cherries, figs, and apples, have a higher sugar content than others. So, should we be cutting these fruits from our diets? Here’s what you need to know.

Is the Sugar in Fruit Bad?

Experts tell us to eat plenty of fruit. But they also tell us to stay away from sugar. So, if fruit contains sugar, how can that be good?

Well, fruit is high in sugar, but it also contains vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. This makes it different from foods with added sugars that make for empty calories.

Fruit is also high in fiber which means it is digested more slowly. This makes for more stable blood glucose levels.

However, people with diabetes must be careful about how much sugar they consume regardless of the source. So which fruits have the highest sugar content? All will be revealed in the next section.

Fruits and Sugar Content

Apples: 17.1 – 20.8 grams of sugar

Apples are rich in antioxidants that protect against diabetes and cognitive decline.

Bananas: 15.4 grams of sugar

Bananas are a good source of potassium and healthy fats which support cellular and heart health.

Figs: 6.52 – 10.4 grams of sugar

Figs are rich in phenolic compounds and carotenoids which have antioxidant properties.

Grapes: 23.2 grams of sugar

Grapes offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Mangoes: 22. 5 grams of sugar

Mangoes are a good source of the antioxidants vitamins A, C, and beta-carotene. They are also rich in potassium.

Oranges: 8.98 – 17.2 grams of sugar

Like other citrus fruits, oranges are a good source of vitamin C. They are also plentiful in potassium and calcium.

Pears: 15.7 grams of sugar

Pears are high in fiber which is beneficial to digestion. It also contains antioxidants that lower blood fat and protect against ulcers.

Pomegranates: 38.6 grams of sugar

Pomegranates have been shown to lower blood pressure. They also have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Sweet Cherries: 19.7 grams of sugar

Cherries are rich in polyphenols and vitamin C which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Watermelon: 9.42 grams of sugar

Watermelon contains polyphenols and other compounds that reduce the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, ulcers, and diabetes.

What Sugars Do I Need to Avoid?

So if the sugar in fruit is mostly okay to consume, which sugars should you be avoiding? You should stay away from foods that contain added sugars such as:

High-fructose corn syrup
Corn sweetener
Malt sugar
Dextrose
Maltose
Glucose
Fructose
Fruit juice concentrate
Malt sugar
Honey

Added sugars are typically found in items such as candy, pies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, ice cream, sugary sodas, and beverages.

Now that you know the lowdown of fruit and its sugar content, which will you be adding to your diet?

In Nutrition

Are Air Fryers Healthy?

December 18, 2023 No Comments

Many people use air fryers when frying food because they use less oil than conventional fryers. In theory, this makes them a healthier option. But are they all they’re cracked up to be?

Read on to find out.

Air Fryers vs. Other Cooking Methods

Air fryers are a healthier way to eat fried foods. But they are not healthier than other forms of cooking such as roasting and grilling.

For example, a 100-gram fried and battered chicken breast contains 13.2 grams of fat as compared to an oven-roasted chicken breast that contains .39 grams of fat.

The health benefits of your meal will also depend on the type of oil you use. For example, vegetable oil has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and inflammation. Other types of oil, like olive oil, are better for health.

Generally, it’s best to look at the number of omega-6s and omega-3s in the oil. Use an oil with a higher omega-3 content as scientists are unsure of the effects of omega-6.

How Do Air-Fryers Work?

Air fryers circulate hot air around food to create a crisp texture similar to that of traditional friend food. It uses just 1 tablespoon of cooking oil rather than multiple cups. It allows people to enjoy fried foods for a fraction of the fat and calories.

Air fryers count on a chemical reaction, known as the Maillard effect, which improves the color and flavor of the food. It is integrated into a variety of cooking methods.

Air-Fryer Benefits

Here are some air-fryer benefits to consider:

Promotes weight loss: Air fryers cut down on the calories and fat in fried food making them an ideal weight loss companion.
Safer than Deep Fryers: Deep frying involves heating large quantities of scalding oil which can pose a safety risk. Air fryers use less oil reducing the risk of the hot oil splashing and spilling.
Reduce the Risk of Toxic Acrylamide Formation: Frying food can cause dangerous compounds, such as acrylamide, to develop. Acrylamide has been linked to the development of several types of cancer.
Reduces Disease: Fried food contains a considerable amount of fat and calories that increase the risk of disease. Air-fried food is lower in fat and calories and will not be as likely to cause disease.

Can Air Fryers Cause Cancer?

There are some concerns that air fryers can cause cancer.

Fried food runs the risk of producing acrylamide which can cause cancer. Frying also involves reheating oil which may cause changes in cells if inhaled or ingested. However, this is a risk that is attached to any fried food. It is not specific to air fryers.

Final Thoughts

Air fryers are a healthier way to prepare fried foods. However, they may not be a healthier replacement for foods that are grilled or baked. Will you be adding them to your culinary arsenal?

In Nutrition

Can You Get Ulcers from Spicy Food?

December 14, 2023 No Comments

Eating spicy food can cause digestive issues. But can it cause ulcers?

According to health experts, the ulcer-spicy food relationship is a myth. However, spicy food can irritate ulcers that already exist. Read on to find out more.

Spicy Food and Mouth Ulcers

Ulcers can occur in the mouth and the digestive tract. Mouth ulcers develop in the soft tissue lining of the tongue, cheeks, lips, or palate. Although they are painful, they are likely to go away on their own in a week or two.

There are many reasons mouth ulcers may develop including:

Trauma to the mouth
Allergies
Chemotherapy
Viral or bacterial infections

However, there is no evidence that they can be caused by spicy food.

There is no known treatment for the prevention of mouth ulcers. The best advice is to stay healthy as they may be caused by stress, vitamin deficiencies, and illness.

If you get a mouth ulcer, you may be able to reduce pain and inflammation by applying gels and creams or by using special mouthwash.

Note, while spicy foods do not cause mouth ulcers, they can irritate them. It’s best to stay away from spicy food when you have an ulcer. Eat soft foods and drink cool drinks through a straw until the ulcer goes away.

Spicy Food and Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. Upper abdominal pain is a common symptom.

Stomach ulcers may go away on their own if you take steps to address what’s causing them. For example, you may take medicine to decrease stomach acid or treat a bacterial infection that may be the underlying cause.

Doctors have identified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori infections as the main causes of peptic ulcers. The latter is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and small bowel. Spicy foods have not been identified as a cause.

Doctors may advise patients to take medication for Pylori infection or suggest NSAID alternatives to reduce ulcer symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors are often used to reduce stomach acid. These can be administered orally or through an IV.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also recommends quitting smoking as tobacco may increase the risk of peptic ulcers.

While spicy food does not cause peptic ulcers, it may irritate them.

Final Thoughts

There is no evidence that spicy foods cause peptic or mouth ulcers. However, they can irritate them making symptoms worse. If you have an ulcer, it’s advisable to speak to a doctor to discuss the foods you should and shouldn’t be eating.

Here’s wishing you a hearty diet and the best of digestive health.

In Nutrition

Is Black Currant Seed Oil Beneficial to Dry Eyes?

December 9, 2023 No Comments

Dry eye is an unpleasant condition. It can be caused by looking at a computer screen for long periods. It can also be related to allergies and certain medications.

There are several treatments for dry eyes including artificial tears, eye drops, surgery, warm compresses, and more. But research suggests that black currant seed oil may provide some relief. Read on to find out the science behind it.

Can Black Current Seed Oil Treat Dry Eyes?

There are not enough studies that establish whether black currant seed oil can treat dry eye symptoms. However, some research suggests it may relieve symptoms of the condition due to its content of omega-3 and omega-6. Here are some of the benefits it may provide.

Reduces Inflammation: A 2015 review shows that omega-6 may reduce inflammation and improve tear production in people with dry eye caused by contact lenses. When paired with Omega-3 and proper eyelid hygiene, it can improve meibomian gland dysfunction.

Improves Eye Irritation: A 2013 study found that omega-3 and omega-6 improve eye irritation in postmenopausal patients with dry eye.

How Does It Work?

Experts are unsure as to how black currant seed oil improves dry eye. Evidence suggests that omega fats may reduce inflammation which contributes to dry eye. The fat may turn into acids in the body that proceed to eicosanoid molecules which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Experts generally consider omega-3 eicosanoids to be anti-inflammatory and omega-6 eicosanoids to be inflammatory. However, if they are balanced, they may have the desired effect.

How to Use Black Currant Seed Oil

Black currant seed oil is available as a dietary supplement. Most experts will recommend taking 1 to 3 soft gels a day after food. However, there is no established dosage for dry eye relief.

Risks and Side Effects

Black currant seed oil may produce side effects such as:

Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Changes in stool

The supplement may not be safe for someone with a seizure disorder or a history of seizures. Experts are unsure of whether it’s safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It’s best to speak to a doctor before supplementing with black currant seed oil and follow their recommendations regarding brand and dosing. Choose a brand with a history of integrity as the FDA does not monitor herbal products.

Other Dry Eye Treatments

Other treatments that may reduce dry eye include:

Prescription eye drops
Surgery or plugs to block tear ducts
Warm compresses
Massaging the eyelid
Specific eyelid cleansers

A dry eye is difficult to deal with. Black currant seed oil may be beneficial to symptoms, but it is important to speak to a doctor to make sure you are using a reliable product. You must also be careful to use a product with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6.

Here’s hoping you find the best treatment for your condition.