Fashionable ‘fad diets’ might trigger eye well being issues, professional warns

May 28, 2023 at 5:22 PM
Fashionable ‘fad diets’ might trigger eye well being issues, professional warns

Spring is normally the time when folks begin eyeing up a brand new food regimen plan.

If you’re feeling comfy in your pores and skin, you is perhaps simply searching for a more healthy food regimen to stave off severe health issues.

This is the place “fad diets” usually step in with a promise of higher well being and fast weight loss.

However, some widespread diets might be taxing in your eye health, in response to Sujata Paul, Contact Lens Optician and Professional Services Clinical Lead at Lenstore.

Paul mentioned: “Keto, intermittent fasting and paleo are the most popular ‘fad’ diets in the UK right now.

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“These diets can lead to key vitamin and nutrient deficiencies which can cause a range of eye conditions.”

Keto food regimen 

The keto food regimen is predicated on drastically lowering carbohydrate consumption to place your physique right into a metabolic state known as ketosis. 

While this meals routine is hailed for dropping kilos shortly, some research additionally counsel that the food regimen doesn’t present sufficient calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphorus. 

Paul mentioned: “The lack of calcium could lead to eye problems like blurry vision and cataracts.  

“Meanwhile, being deficient in vitamin D has been associated with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, dry eye syndrome and impaired tear function.”

Intermittent fasting 

Intermittent fasting is predicated on prolonged durations of time with out consuming, adopted by a time window the place you eat usually. 

For instance, a preferred method consists of consuming throughout an eight-hour window and fasting for 16 hours.

However, potential issues with such a fasting embrace low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia. 

Paul mentioned: “People with low blood sugar levels can experience blurry vision or other visual disturbances. 

“During the initial days of fasting, the body also releases large amounts of water and salt which could lead to dehydration.

“This can cause tired eyes, headaches or double vision as the eyes are not properly lubricated.” 

Paleo food regimen 

Built on consuming regimens of our ancestors, the paleo diet emphasises grass-fed eggs and meat, fish and seafood, fruit, non-starchy greens, nuts, seeds and oils.

On the opposite hand, grains, legumes, dairy merchandise and processed meals are excluded.

The professional added: “If dairy intake is significantly limited and not replaced with other calcium food sources, this can lead to a deficiency. 

“[Furthermore], eating too much red meat can increase protein and saturated fat levels over the recommended levels. This can in turn cause blockages in blood vessels supplying the eyes.”

The professional defined that the most effective food regimen on your eyes is a standard, well-rounded meals routine filled with loads of vegetables and fruit.

“Overall, a balanced diet with ‘rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables can help protect your eyes from harmful conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts,” Paul mentioned.