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Can Your Diet Improve Your Eyesight? Intermittent Fasting and Eye Health
January is traditionally the month where we start to think about undoing the effects of Christmas overindulgence. We all know that being overweight is bad for our health, but is one weight loss method better than another when it comes to our ocular health?
Can Your Diet Improve Your Eyesight? Intermittent Fasting and Eye Health
In recent years, intermittent (or time-restricted) fasting has become a fashionable weight loss method. For many, it can be an easier regime to stick to than a traditional calorie-controlled diet. But is this good for our eyes? Some studies have indicated there might be benefits for your eye health from intermittent fasting, so if you’re thinking of kickstarting the New Year with healthier habits for your body and your eyes, read on to discover how intermittent fasting might support not just your overall health, but possibly your vision.
Protective Proteins for Eye Health
Fasting can activate protective proteins like SIRT1/LXRα, which reduce oxidative stress and improve retinal health. This may be very beneficial for people with conditions like diabetes by reducing the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye.
Losing weight can also help to protect your eyes in other ways. As well as being a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, there is a strong link between obesity and hypertension. This is bad news for your eyes, as hypertension can disrupt the blood supply to the retina. If blood pressure remains high for an extended time, this can lead to retinal haemorrhaging and optic disc swelling.
Nutritional Synergy
Just because you’re fasting intermittently, do remember to eat well when you do eat! All foods are not created equally when it comes to eye health. Eating nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, healthy fats such as nuts and avocado, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains will all help to support eye health as well as filling you up.
Simple Fasting Guidelines
A good tip for starting intermittent fasting is to begin by having three good meals a day and not snacking in between. Consider only eating within a fixed window, say between 7am and 7pm. It’s important to always stay hydrated, so sip water throughout the day.
Consult your doctor before starting any fasting regime, particularly if you are taking prescription medication or have underlying health issues. Fasting is not recommended during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting could be more than just a weight-loss trend — it might even be beneficial for your long-term eye health. Why not give it a try this January?
