Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne looks at the vital connection between nutrition and eye health, especially for those navigating cancer treatment. Inspired by her personal history with vision loss in her family and the effects of Stage IV cancer on overall wellness, Saranne explores the way dietary choices impact not just eyesight but whole-body health. Functional medicine expert Jacqui Bryan joins her to uncover how what we eat can fortify the eyes, sharing in-depth guidance on nutrients for vision, the significance of the eye's microbiome, systemic inflammation, and everyday tips to protect our "windows to wellness." Along the way, Saranne brings humor and curiosity to topics from flirting with eye contact to fun facts about the eyes themselves, all grounded in the science of healing.
Jacqui Bryan is a registered nurse, certified health coach, certified nutrition specialist, and an accomplished leader in wellness and cancer care. With a personal journey that includes overcoming breast cancer and a family history of macular degeneration, Jacqui brings evidence-based insights into the impact of nutrition on eye and overall health. Her work as a functional medicine expert spans educating the public, developing impactful wellness programs, and guiding patients to improved outcomes through mindful eating and lifestyle choices.
“What is going to be good for your eyes is also going to be good for your brain, for your heart, and for your overall well-being.” – Jacqui Bryan
Today on Beating Cancer Daily:
· Nutrition plays a critical role in eye health, with direct impacts on system-wide wellness and recovery for cancer survivors.
· Key nutrients, such as vitamin A, C, and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, taurine, selenium, and magnesium, are essential for maintaining vision and preventing degeneration.
· The eyes have their own protective microbiome, which is influenced by what you eat and your overall health.
· Inflammation, both chronic and acute, is a significant underlying factor in vision loss and common eye diseases.
· Eating a variety of whole foods, especially leafy greens, cold water fish, nuts, citrus, orange vegetables, beans, and eggs, can help protect against cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye.
· Ultra-processed foods with added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats promote inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging tiny blood vessels in the eyes.
· Comprehensive eye exams and routine tracking of family health history are important, especially after cancer treatment known to impact vision.
· Daily lifestyle habits, regular movement, stress management, proper sleep, and protecting eyes from blue light and pollutants are part of holistic eye wellness.
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Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in over 130 countries across 7 continents and features over 390 original daily episodes
hosted by Stage IV survivor
Saranne Rothberg.
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36 Min.