Did you know that August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month? Whether you’re expecting your first child or already raising your youngsters, you can work toward safeguarding their eye health now and well into the future.

Eye Health Support for Kids

Vitamins for Vision During Pregnancy & Infancy

As early as the first month of pregnancy, the optic nerve, which sends information between the eyes and the brain, begins to develop. Expectant mothers should take prenatal vitamins and incorporate foods rich in vitamin A into their diet. Dark green, leafy vegetables (kale, spinach) and deep yellow and orange veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes) are high in this vitamin, which is crucial for good vision.

After bringing home baby, these foods will continue to be important for supporting eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), vitamins C and E, as well as the mineral zinc may also protect against future eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in American adults.

Protection from Sunlight

Sunlight, which can enter the womb through a mother’s skin, could also boost eye development. A study on mice reported that the animals’ eyes were healthier if they were exposed to more light in utero.

• Light Exposure

  You may want to treat newborns to bright environments. As early as one month, babies are sensitive to color brightness and intensity. Their least favorite color seems to be brown!

• Time Outside

  Sending older children outside to play in natural light may also help preserve their vision later on. Studies show that kids who play outside regularly are less likely to develop nearsightedness. In fact, one study reported that with each additional hour spent outdoors each week, children were two percent less likely to develop the eye condition. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearsightedness has become much more common in the United States compared to its rates in the 1970s. Advances in technology are most likely to blame.

• UV-Blocking Glasses

  UV-blocking sunglasses do a lot to protect children’s eyes, and their value should not be underestimated. While quality shades protect eyes from foreign objects, they can also prevent later eye diseases, like cataracts, caused by too much sun exposure.

Tylenol, Advil, and other over-the-counter pain killers are fast-working and convenient for treating the symptoms of an occasional headache, muscle strain, and the like, but they’re not always the best answer to long-term discomfort.

NSAIDs—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—including ibuprofen and naproxen have been associated with kidney, heart, and bone issues. Aspirin and acetaminophen can be better options but still present risks to stomach and liver function when used regularly at high doses.

Natural Relief for Long-Term Pain

Fortunately, there are a number of natural alternatives to nonprescription medications that people dealing with long-term or chronic conditions may want to consider. Here are some options to try.

• Supplements

  • Reduce Inflammation with Turmeric

    The spice that adds the deep yellow color to curries is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Part of the ginger family, turmeric comes in capsule form. Among conditions it’s used for are:

    • diabetes
    • osteoarthritis
    • rheumatoid arthritis
    • psoriasis

  • Lessen Pain and Inflammation with Omegas

    Fatty acids found in fish oil, nuts, and seeds, omega 3s are anti-inflammatory and can lessen stiffness, joint and back pain, menstrual pain, and pain caused by conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease.

    One study showed that people with rheumatoid arthritis who took a daily dose of cod-liver oil could cut back on NSAID use by one-third.

    In another study, two-thirds of participants with neck and back pain were able to replace their NSAIDs altogether with fish oil.

  • Decrease Arthritis Pain and More with Probiotics

    Supplementing with probiotics may reduce inflammation and help with pain and bloating caused by gut disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. But their use extends beyond the digestive tract.

    The Arthritis Foundation notes that probiotics can be particularly helpful for people with inflammatory types of arthritis, who typically also suffer from inflammation of the intestinal tract.

    In a 2014 study, rheumatoid arthritis patients who received a daily supplement of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei showed significantly lower markers of inflammation than those given a placebo.

• Topicals

  • Desensitize Nerves with Capsaicin Cream

    Another supplement used for arthritis pain, along with pain from shingles and neuropathy, capsaicin is derived from chili pepper. It works by desensitizing C-fibers, nerve receptors in the skin. It’s sold in ointments and creams for topical use.

    In a University of Oxford study, 40 percent of arthritis sufferers cut down their pain by half after using capsaicin cream for a month. Sixty percent of people with nerve pain cut their pain by half after two months of capsaicin application.

• Lifestyle Changes to Manage or Reduce Chronic Pain

  Other natural methods for dealing with chronic pain include massage, acupuncture, exercise (t’ai chi, yoga, and swimming are especially helpful), meditation, and good sleep hygiene.

Precautions

Remember, if you’re dealing with pain, be sure to consult a healthcare practitioner for an appropriate diagnossis.

Always check with your practitioner before adding a new supplement to your regimen, as some can interfere with medications or are not recommended for people with particular conditions or women who are pregnant or nursing.

Now — more than ever — we’re thinking deeply about the bacteria we could be bringing into our homes.

At the same time, as we stock our cleaning cabinets for the next major scrub-down, we might also be wondering if the products we use to clean our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, dishes, and laundry are actually safe for us and our surrounding environment.

Luckily, there are a number of healthy, environmentally-friendly, and plant-based ingredients that can help you achieve a balance between sustainability and home safety.

Highlighted below are common planet-friendly ingredients that can help you clean your home safely as well as five toxic substances to eliminate from your all-natural regimen.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Ingredients

• Citric Acid

  Citric acid, commonly found in citrus fruits, is a compound regularly used to flavor food and beverages. Research shows that the compound can prevent kidney stones and strengthen hair health. But it can be beneficial outside of the body too.

  Because citric acid is nontoxic, a number of today’s natural disinfectants use the ingredient. Because of the compound’s acidity, it’s can remove various bacteria, rust, stains, and soap scum from surfaces and fabrics in the home. Aside from light messes, it can also be used to scrub out more serious issues, like mold and mildew.

• Cellulase

  Cellulase is a probiotic known primarily for easing digestion, however it's also a handy ingredient in natural detergent alternatives.

  Research from 2018 shows that the enzymes in cellulase can speed up the detergency processes, soften clothes, and remove soil or stains.

  Cellulase isn’t just a great nontoxic alternative, it’s also environmentally friendly and safer for clothing than bleach-based cleaners.

• Methyl Ester

  Methyl ester is initially found as an odorant of Jasminum grandiflorum flowers. There are a number of different methyl esters in natural cleaning products. The ingredient, which is a strong solvent, is good for scrubbing up grease and sticky spills. It's such a strong cleaning ingredient it's been listed on the EPA’s National Contingency Plan for oil spill cleanups.

  While methyl esters are derived from flowers, many cleaning products combine them with other solvents like coconut, soy-bean, and citrus oils for extra strength.

• Glycerin

  Glycerin is a great example of a nontoxic, multipurpose substance derived from natural plant and animal sources. If you’re a fan of natural products, you might have already purchased hand soaps, moisturizers, deodorants, or digestive supplements with glycerin in them.

  Like methyl ester, glycerin is also a strong solvent good for cleaning freezer spills and removing tar, mustard, or other deep stains. Because glycerin doesn’t irritate the skin, it can also be used to make dish or hand soaps.

• Oleic Acid

  Oleic acids — a healthy fat also known as omega 9 — is found in foods or ingredients like olives, olive oil, avocado oil, macadamia nuts, and almond butter. While research has shown that this omega fat can help with brain function, it’s also an emollient — or skin-softening agent — which makes it a solid ingredient in natural soaps or detergents.

• Lavender Oil

  Lavender oil is just one of the many beneficial essential oils you can use for housecleaning. While lavender can relax people with its calming scent, it’s also an insect and moth deterrent, which makes it a useful ingredient in cloth or outdoor cleaning supplies.

Toxic Cleaning Ingredients to Avoid

• Chlorine Bleach

  There’s nothing that ruins a well-cleaned home like the migraine-inducing small of bleach. Not only does bleach smell terrible, it’s toxic.

  Bleach is especially dangerous when mixed with ammonia, discussed more in detail below. This mixture creates toxic gases called chloramines, which can cause coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, watery eyes, chest pain, and nose or throat irritation, and even pneumonia.

  Depending on where you shop or live, it might be challenging to find cleaning products without trace amounts of bleach in them. Luckily, there are a number of healthy, natural, and powerful cleaning alternatives that might already be in your own kitchen. While you can start by looking for products with ingredients on the plant-based list above, you can also try implementing vinegar and baking soda into your cleaning regimen.

• Ammonia

  Among your local grocery store’s bleach-based cleaning products, you’ll also likely find a number of items that include ammonia — a pungent gas that’s often mixed with water to create cleaning solutions.

  Like bleach, this ingredient is toxic. According to the New York Health Department, heavy exposure to it can cause burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. This exposure can also result in blindness, lung damage, or even death. Meanwhile, inhalation of smaller amounts of ammonia can cause coughing, nose irritation, and throat pain.

• Parabens

  Since the 1920s, parabens have been used in many products including food, body care items, and cleaning liquids. Despite their popularity, parabens can dangerously impact the human body. Specifically, research has linked them to hormone disruption, infertility, and various cancers.

• Triclosan (or TCS)

  In 2016, the FDA banned triclosan’s use in hand soap because research could not demonstrate it was safe for skin. However, it has not yet been banned from some cleaning products or toothpaste.

  What researchers do know is that too much exposure to this chemical, also known as TCS, can harm reproduction and the body’s ability to create mitochondria, or healthy cell membranes.

• 2-Butoxyethanol

  2-butoxyethanol is described by the CDC as a colorless liquid with a mild odor. When exposed to it, the chemical can harm the eyes, skin, kidneys, and blood.

  2-butoxyethanol is a heavy-duty solvent found in paint strippers, thinners, and household cleaners. The CDC notes that employees in many industries, including construction, printing, manufacturing, and cleaning may see higher instances of exposure.

Navigating Natural Cleaning Products

When choosing products for your next cleaning spree, be sure to research brand websites, physical labels, and product reviews to determine if an item and its ingredients are appropriate and safe for your home. Keep in mind that a number of great environmentally-friendly companies offer transparent product labels and ingredient guides directly on their websites.

For more tips on how to research and understand complicated product labels, check out this helpful article.

From Ayurvedic practices, to ancient Chinese traditions, herbs have helped keep humanity healthy and happy for ages. Here are some of our favorites.

Herbs for Stress Relief and Immune Support

• Andrographis

  May help prevent and treat bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections. Appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. For cold and flu, a typical clinical dosage is 300 mg of a standardized extract (containing 30% andrographolide) taken two to three times a day for up to 10 days. Short-term use is generally considered safe. Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

• Ashwagandha

  A calming herb for anxiety and depression, it’s been shown to produce a sense of calm comparable to prescription anti-anxiety drugs. Avoid if you’re taking prescription drugs for anxiety or insomnia.

• Astragalus

  This herb boosts immunity and fights against bacteria, viruses, and inflammation.

• Black Elderberry

  A powerful flu remedy that stimulates the immune system, this remedy has antiviral and antibacterial actions.

• Echinacea

  This herb strengthens the immune system and may be helpful against coughs, headaches, and congestion. Take at the first sign of a cold or flu. Do not use as an everyday supplement.

• Magnesium

  Supports the adrenal glands, which can be overworked by stress. A low magnesium level during stressful periods can cause energy depletion that leads to fatigue, further lowering your defenses.

• Rhodiola

  Strengthens the body, so it can deal with physical and mental stressors. Traditionally used to ease anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Those with bipolar disorder should avoid rhodiola.

• Schisandra

  Effective for relieving symptoms of emotional stress, including insomnia, fatigue, and depression. Those who are pregnant or have gallstones or peptic ulcers should avoid schisandra.

Your cardiovascular system (your heart and blood vessels) serves as an essential transport system for oxygen, hormones, and nutrients. The symbolic center of life, vitality, and emotion, your ticker demands TLC. Heart disease is both common and deadly, accounting for one in every four deaths in the United States. A healthy diet, good lifestyle habits, and key medicinal herbs and functional foods can help keep everything flowing smoothly.

Heart-Healthy Diet & Lifestyle

You can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease with a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and not smoking. A Mediterranean diet high in vegetables, fish and seafood, fruit, fiber-rich whole foods like beans, nuts, and whole grains, and healthy fats including olive oil and avocados helps decrease oxidative damage and inflammation in the cardiovascular system while providing important fats, minerals, and phytochemicals. Limit sodium (especially from processed, restaurant, and fast foods) and use animal products as flavor-enhancing condiments rather than a meal’s mainstay, opting for grass-fed, pasture-raised alternatives. Do your best to keep your blood sugar and body weight in check. Consider herbs. 

Herbs for a Healthy Heart

The following can be useful tonics for overall heart health and circulation. However, they may interact with some medications. Consult your healthcare practitioner.

• Hawthorn

  Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berries, leaves, and flowers act as a heart tonic when consumed in regular doses over time. Hawthorn decreases oxidative damage and inflammation, reduces blood pressure, modestly reduces cholesterol, dilates blood vessels, improves oxygen utilization, strengthens the structure and function of the heart, and reduces blood stickiness (also known as platelet aggregation). It also helps with healing from cardiovascular events, improves heart rhythm, reduces chest pain and angina, strengthens the heart in congestive heart failure, and helps achieve and maintain smooth blood vessel lining. Try it as a solid extract, standardized capsule, liquid extract, tea, or low/no-sugar jam.

• Gotu kola

  Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) leaf improves circulation as well as the integrity of blood vessel lining. Several studies support its ability to allay chronic venous insufficiency. Gotu kola also acts as an adaptogen, reducing the effects of stress, calming anxiety, and improving cognition and brain function. Look for organic products in pill, tea, liquid extract, juice, or food form.

• Garlic

  Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb modestly reduces blood pressure and cholesterol while acting as a general cardiovascular tonic. A classic “blood mover,” it helps reduce inflammation and increase circulation by thinning the blood and decreasing plaque formation and blood stickiness, clots, and coagulation. Eat one or more cloves daily or take it in pill form. If you detest garlic breath, you may want to try aged garlic extract or other odor-free forms.

• Blue-Red Pigments

  Blue-Red Pigments such as anthocyanidins, phenols, and flavonoids from berries, dark purple grapes (including juice and red wine), pomegranate, and hibiscus flower calyxes have a broad tonic effect on the cardiovascular system, fighting both inflammation and oxidative stress while improving the integrity and flexibility of the blood vessel lining. In studies, consuming several cups of hibiscus tea (using 10 to 20 grams of dried herb daily) lowered blood pressure as well as several common pharmaceuticals. Consume blue-red pigments regularly as food, pure juice (check ingredients to avoid sugary filler juices), tea, or supplements.