Questions & Answers about Dark Circles.

November 22, 2012

As I have mentioned in a previous post, Easy Eye Solutions is sponsoring a forum on Facebook about Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes. If you have not joined, this is what you are missing:
Your Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes ForumQ & A:

QUESTION: IS IT TRUE THAT GLUTEN CAUSES DARK CIRCLES?
Yes gluten can be a major cause of dark circles. It has been singled out as one form of food allergy that is known to contribute to the formation of dark circles. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, flour, barely and rye. Should it become a severe condition, Gluten allergy can develop into Celiac Disease; potentially life-threatening. To get tested for celiac disease, you’ll need to have your blood tested by a physician.
The best way to treat dark circles as a result of Gluten intolerance is to cut out all foods that contain gluten. While it is difficult to find Gluten-free processed food, gluten-free alternatives are easily found on the net. It is important not to underestimate the damage caused by Gluten.
It is estimated that over 100 million people living in North America are Gluten intolerant. It is further estimated that less than 10% are aware they have the condition.
Typically, there are no signs or symptoms for people with Gluten Intolerance or Celiac disease. Though symptoms for those who show signs can vary greatly from person to person. People with this intolerance often have general gastric complaints, such as intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. Energy loss, muscle pain and muscle swelling may also be associated with this disorder.

If you suspect you may by suffering from symptoms related to gluten consumption, completely remove all wheat, flour, barley and rye from your diet for 10 days. If after those 10 days you exhibit none of the symptoms listed above, including dark circles, you have found the solution you have been looking for.
 
QUESTION: DOES SESAME OIL REALLY WORK FOR DARK CIRCLES?
Like almond oil, sesame oil is a good supplement for skin and it can also help to reduce dark circles. Try using sesame oil under and around the eyes before bed. For some, the dark circles diminish in two weeks. In either case, you can also apply the oil to you face and neck. It is an excellent moisturizer.
 
QUESTION: IS IRON GOOD FOR DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES?
Yes, it does help reduce dark under eye circles. This essential function of iron is to transport oxygen to the body through the blood. Without it, the skin become pale and allows the veins under your eyes to become visible. Supplementing your diet with iron can reduce the appearance of dark circles by speeding up the blood flow and improve your overall health. You can also eat iron-rich food to improve the dark circles under the eyes. Foods like  leafy vegetables, seaweed, raisins, kidney are among many  foods that are a good idea in this regard. But be careful not to intake more than the daily recommended dose of iron. Otherwise you may experience stomach upset and other symptoms. The recommended does for adults is approximately 15 – 20mg daily. Keep in mind that men require less iron.

 


 Here is an example of how your iron intake can be achieved through diet (Meal Food Iron, in mg.): 

  • Breakfast 1 cup skim milk (0.1 mg) 
  • 3/4 cup of Kashi Heart to Heart cereal (1.8 mg) 
  • 1/4 cup raisins (1.1) 
  • 1 tsp flaxseeds (0.2)

Lunch

  • 1/2 cup tofu (6.2)
  • 1/2 cup cooked broccoli (1) 
  • 1/2 cooked kale (2)
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (1.4)
  • 1 small pear (0.3)

Optional Snack (for pre-workout)

  • 6 oz. cup of Silk vanilla soy yogurt (1.4)

Dinner 

  • 3 oz. grilled trout (4) 
  • 1 medium baked potato (1.9)
  • 1/2 cup cooked asparagus (1)

Total iron intake:  22.4 mg