Eye Surgery Over 40

An Overview of Common Retinal Disorders

June 25, 2023 /

The retina is an essential part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. As such, any disorder affecting the retina can result in vision loss or impairment. In this article, we will provide an overview of some of the most common retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment.

Understanding the Retina and Its Function

The retina is a multi-layered tissue located at the back of the eye. Its primary function is to convert light into neural signals that are then transmitted to the brain for interpretation. The retina consists of various types of cells, including photoreceptors, which are responsible for detecting light, and ganglion cells, which transmit visual information to the brain.

The retina is a complex structure with many important components. One of the most important components of the retina is the fovea, which is a small, central area of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The fovea contains a high concentration of cones, which are responsible for detecting color and high levels of light. This is why the fovea is so important for tasks that require visual acuity, such as reading or driving.

Anatomy of the Retina

The retina can be divided into several distinct layers, each with a specific function. The outermost layer, known as the pigment epithelium, absorbs excess light and provides nourishment to the retina. The innermost layer, the ganglion cell layer, contains the ganglion cells responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.

The retina also contains several other layers, including the outer nuclear layer, which contains the cell bodies of the photoreceptors, and the inner nuclear layer, which contains the cell bodies of other types of cells, including bipolar cells and horizontal cells. These cells play important roles in processing visual information before it is transmitted to the ganglion cells. Click here to read more about What Does Healthy Eating Mean?

The photoreceptor layer, located between the pigment epithelium and the ganglion cell layer, contains two types of cells called rods and cones. Rods are responsible for detecting low levels of light, while cones are responsible for detecting color and high levels of light. There are three types of cones, each of which is most sensitive to a different range of wavelengths of light. This allows us to see a wide range of colors.

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause gradual vision loss if left untreated. While the symptoms of glaucoma may vary, they often develop slowly and can go unnoticed until the condition has progressed. One common Glaucoma symptom is the gradual loss of peripheral vision. Individuals with glaucoma may also experience blurred vision, difficulty adjusting to low-light conditions, and increased sensitivity to glare. As the disease progresses, the optic nerve can become damaged, leading to permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial in detecting glaucoma early and preventing further damage.

Anatomy of the Retina

The Role of the Retina in Vision

The retina is a vital component of the visual system, serving as the primary site for visual processing. Visual information is transmitted from the retina to the brain, where it is interpreted to form the images we see. As such, any disorder affecting the retina can result in vision loss or impairment.

There are many different disorders that can affect the retina, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. These disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including blurry vision, blind spots, and even complete vision loss.

Fortunately, there are many treatments available for retinal disorders, including medications, laser therapy, and surgery. With proper treatment, many people with retinal disorders are able to maintain their vision and lead full, active lives.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp vision. The macula is responsible for our ability to read, recognize faces, and see fine details. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people over the age of 50.

AMD is a complex disease that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as driving, reading, and watching television. In severe cases, it can lead to legal blindness.

Types of AMD

AMD can be classified into two broad categories: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD is the most common type, accounting for around 85% of all cases. It is characterized by the buildup of drusen, yellow deposits beneath the retina, that can lead to the degeneration of the macula. Dry AMD progresses slowly and can take years to develop.

Wet AMD, on the other hand, is a less common but more severe form of the disease. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which can leak fluid and blood, causing scarring and damage to the macula. Wet AMD can cause rapid and severe vision loss if left untreated.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The early stages of AMD may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, individuals may experience blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, and difficulty recognizing faces. AMD can be diagnosed through various methods, such as a comprehensive eye exam, retinal imaging, and visual acuity testing. Early detection and treatment are critical for preserving vision and preventing further damage.

Treatment and Prevention

Currently, there is no known cure for AMD. However, certain treatments may help slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision. These treatments include anti-VEGF therapy, which involves injections into the eye to decrease the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and photodynamic therapy, which uses a light-activated drug to destroy abnormal blood vessels.

Preventing AMD is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. Individuals are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious diet, avoid smoking, and protect their eyes from UV radiation. Regular eye exams are also essential for early detection and treatment of AMD.

In conclusion, AMD is a complex and progressive eye disease that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Understanding the types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AMD is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and preventing vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high levels of blood sugar damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain. Over time, this damage can lead to vision loss and blindness. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness among working-age adults.

There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In the early stages of the disease, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels in the retina may become blocked or leaky, resulting in the formation of microaneurysms and swelling in the macula. This can cause mild to moderate vision problems, such as blurred or distorted vision.

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, new blood vessels begin to grow in the retina, which can lead to scarring and retinal detachment. This can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. If you have diabetes, it is important to have regular eye exams to detect diabetic retinopathy early, when it is most treatable.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, particularly if their blood sugar is poorly controlled, they have high blood pressure, or they have had diabetes for a long time. Other risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include smoking, high cholesterol levels, and pregnancy.

If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels and blood pressure to reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. You should also quit smoking, if you smoke, and have regular eye exams to monitor for changes in the retina.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not have any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Floaters, which are small specks or spots that float across your field of vision
  • Dark or empty spots in the center of your vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Colors appearing faded or washed out

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor right away.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, your doctor may recommend monitoring your condition and making lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes and blood pressure. This may include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication to control your blood sugar and blood pressure.

If your diabetic retinopathy is more advanced, your doctor may recommend laser therapy. This involves using a laser to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent the growth of new ones. Another treatment option is anti-VEGF therapy, which involves injecting medication into the eye to reduce swelling and inflammation.

If you have diabetic retinopathy, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage your condition and prevent vision loss. By monitoring your blood sugar and blood pressure, attending regular eye exams, and following your doctor’s treatment plan, you can help protect your vision and maintain your overall health.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina becomes detached from the underlying tissue responsible for providing it with essential nutrients and oxygen. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.

The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that is responsible for detecting light and transmitting signals to the brain. When the retina becomes detached, it can no longer function properly, which can result in vision loss or blindness.

Causes and Types of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment can be caused by various factors, such as trauma to the eye, inflammation, or structural abnormalities in the retina. Individuals who are nearsighted, have a family history of retinal detachment, or have had cataract surgery are at a higher risk for developing retinal detachment.

There are three types of retinal detachment: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, and exudative retinal detachment. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment occurs when a tear or hole develops in the retina, allowing fluid to leak in and separate the retina from its supporting tissue. Tractional retinal detachment occurs when scar tissue on the retina pulls it away from the underlying tissue. Exudative retinal detachment occurs when fluid builds up beneath the retina due to inflammation or a growth such as a tumor.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of retinal detachment may include sudden flashes or floaters in the vision, a shadow or veil covering part of the visual field, or a sudden decrease in vision. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss.

Retinal detachment can be diagnosed through various methods, such as a dilated eye exam, ultrasound imaging, or optical coherence tomography. During a dilated eye exam, an eye doctor will examine the retina using a special instrument and may use eye drops to dilate the pupils for a better view of the retina.

Surgical Treatments and Recovery

The standard treatment for retinal detachment is surgery, which may include laser therapy, cryotherapy, or scleral buckling, depending on the type and severity of the detachment. Laser therapy involves using a laser to seal the tear or hole in the retina, while cryotherapy involves using freezing temperatures to create a scar that seals the tear or hole. Scleral buckling involves placing a band around the eye to push the wall of the eye against the retina, helping it to re-attach.

Following surgery, individuals will need to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure that the retina has re-attached to the underlying tissue. Recovery time may vary depending on individual circumstances, but most individuals can expect to resume normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.

In conclusion, retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that requires prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss and improve the chances of a successful recovery.

Conclusion

Retinal disorders can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment are just a few examples of the numerous conditions that can affect the retina. However, with proper management and treatment, individuals with retinal disorders can often maintain adequate vision and prevent further vision loss.

Guidelines on how to know the best surgeon for cataract surgery

Guidelines on how to know the best surgeon for cataract eye surgery

January 11, 2023 /

Have you seen signs like blurred vision, cloudy lens, distance vision, effects from bright lights, and other related vision problems? What do I mean by a cloudy vision? Cloudy vision is an unpleasant visual outcome that needs attention. You must go to your eye doctor’s office to complain. 

A cataract forms a cloudy lens, and things might worsen if left untreated. At the end of your meeting with your eye surgeon, you might undergo manual cataract eye surgery or phacoemulsification cataract surgery. 

You don’t just choose a surgeon for cataract eye surgery anyhow. You need to consider factors before choosing a surgeon for cataract surgery. 

Knowing that not all eye surgeons can take you through perfect cataract eye surgery is expedient. Most patients don’t know the guidelines for treating the affected eye. 

Hence, the world has gone digital. People can get virtually all things online. Thus, you can also get a surgeon for cataract eye surgery online. But there are steps you need to take. Honestly, getting a cataract surgeon online is challenging.

Several people have fallen into the wrong hands because they fail to check out some things or to take some steps before choosing a surgeon for cataract eye surgery. We have heard several cases. Also, one must be careful about selecting a surgeon for cataract eye surgery online.

See also: How to get a speedy recovery after cataract surgery

Guidelines on how to know the best surgeon for cataract surgery

If you want to run with the rankings on search engines, you may likely fall into error. This is because the search engine cannot differentiate between professional service providers and fake ones.

Honestly, one can see a fake or inexperienced service provider on the first page of search engines. This is because it only takes some process to place a web page on the first page of search engines. 

So, how can one go about it? That is what this article is all about. First, this write-up will discuss the meaning of cataracts and what cataract surgery entails. Then, we will proceed to guidelines on how to know the best surgeon for cataract eye surgery. Let’s ride!

What is a cataract?

A cataract is an eye problem that occurs when there’s a cloudy zone in the lens of your eye. Also, cataract starts when the protein in the eyes develop clumps. And when the protein in the eye produces clusters, the lens will be prevented from sending clear images to the retina.

Don’t forget that the retina changes the light that comes through the lens into signals. Furthermore, the retina transfers signals to the optic nerve before the brain connects.

What is cataract surgery?

Surgery is a subdivision of medical practice that treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by physical removal. In other words, surgery is a readjustment of organs and tissues. Surgery involves cutting.

Hence, cataract surgery is a process that involves removing and replacing the damaged natural lens with an artificial lens. This unique process is the best way to remove cataracts or treat cataracts. 

Cataract destroys the natural lens. So, this surgical procedure is the remedy. Hence, the replacement lens is the solution. 

Cataract surgery is a process that a professional ophthalmologist must carry out. Therefore, cataract surgery involves breaking the damaged or faulty natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. 

Cataract surgery is otherwise known as lens surgery replacement. This surgical procedure is about an intraocular lens implant. Furthermore, cataract surgery is a simple process with a short recovery period. With cataract surgery, you will get your normal vision in a few weeks after the procedure. 

What is an artificial intraocular lens? An artificial intraocular lens is a man-made lens created to be used instead of a natural lens. Hence, the artificial intraocular lens is made of plastic or silicone.  

Things to consider before choosing a surgeon for cataract surgery

1.      Experience

It is essential to check if the surgeon you want to choose has experience. Complications will arise if you allow an inexperienced surgeon to handle your eye. You can trust Dr. Anthony and Dr. Simon Chen.

Furthermore, it is expedient to know that experience is the best teacher. If you want a safe cataract surgery process, you need to ensure that an experience cataract surgeon is the one handling your eye.

How can you know if a surgeon has experience? You can understand by asking them some questions. First, ask the surgeon you want to choose to tell you their year of experience.

Also, some used to place their years of experience on their web page. So, it is easy to know if you are striking a deal with an experienced surgeon for cataract surgery.

If you don’t work with an experienced surgeon, serious complications may arise after the surgery. A professional eye surgeon must carry out cataract surgical procedures. Remember, the new artificial lens is not easy to fix. 

2.      Check out for positive reviews

If you want to choose a surgeon for cataract surgery online, you need to pay attention to what people who use their service say about them. Therefore, it is essential to check out carefully for some positive reviews.

Of course, not everyone will say something good about a surgeon. But you are good to go if you have can rank the positive reviews on a surgeon’s website to 95%.

It is essential to check out positive reviews if you want to play safe. Thus, how can you know the positive review even if you’re not getting a cataract surgeon online?

You can ask people around to know if the surgeon who wants to handle your eye is competent.

3.      Have a conversation with the surgeon

You need to know who your surgeon is. Hence, it is expedient to create a relationship with your surgeon. Then, while conversing with your surgeon, please pay attention to their gestures and how they respond to the questions you’re asking them. For example, you can ask them about contact lenses, toric lenses, and other questions about your eye health.

Furthermore, you also need to converse with your surgeon to know their personality. Knowing who your surgeon is will contribute to the success of the cataract surgery.

If you’re pleased with the surgeon’s personality, you can proceed. And if you’re not delighted with it, you can opt-out and look elsewhere.

4.      Know if the surgeon is qualified

Also, it is expedient to know if the surgeon you choose for cataract surgery is qualified. Remember, not all eye surgeons can successfully perform cataract surgery. Therefore, please take your time to check if the surgeon you want to pick for cataract surgery is qualified.

The person you choose must have at least an MSc in biomedical engineering and other related fields. It is essential to know if the surgeon handling your eye is qualified. Don’t be deceived.

On a final note

Your doctor can instruct you to use eye drops and other medications to prevent infection. Please do what your doctor says. He can also tell you to wear glasses for some time after the surgery. Thus, the surgery may require few or no stitches. 

Please remember that eye drops can also prevent infection and serious complications after the surgery. If you follow this message, you will later tell stories about your vision problems. Remember, your doctor is fixing a new lens, so don’t miss the follow-up appointment.

If you can use the information here, you will get it right. No one can blame you if you don’t have the correct information. But what would you do now that you have a piece of vital information? Would you take the necessary steps today?

Dear reader, cataract surgery is a simple process. If you can follow the above-listed information, trust me, there will be no cause for alarm. In this article, we discussed the meaning of cataracts and what cataract surgery entails.

Then, we discuss things to look out for before choosing a surgeon for cataract surgery. Finally, your opinion counts. Hence, feel free to share your thought regarding this topic with us.

How to get a speedy recovery after cataract surgery

How to get a speedy recovery after cataract surgery

January 11, 2023 /

Do you see some signs of cataracts? There is cause for alarm the moment you start seeing symptoms like blurry vision, eye pressure, cloudy vision, and other vision problems. Don’t just assume you need to get eye drops. The first step to take is to go to your doctor’s office. You may need to undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery. 

There may be a need for an intraocular lens implant if the lens of your eye is faulty. Lens replacement surgery might be the way out if you feel uneasy about bright lights. Please don’t be scared of laser-assisted cataract surgery. The process is simple if you’re with a competent eye surgeon. 

We noticed some people end up going to the theatre room the second time for cataract surgery. One will think the first procedure was not successful. But of course, it was successful but they failed to do some necessary things to enhance speed recovery.

On the other hand, some did not even have tips for quick recovery after cataract surgery. Are you planning to undergo cataract surgery? Do you want to know the quick recovery tips? Please pay attention.

Do you want to resume work a few weeks after cataract surgery? Yes! It is possible. There are things to do to get a quick recovery after the process. Mind you, allowing an experienced ophthalmologist to touch your eyes is essential.

The recovery tips might not work for you if the cataract surgery process is not done effectively. But if a professional ophthalmologist does the process, you’re safe. First, however, it would be nice to create a piece of background knowledge.

Hence, we shall discuss the meaning of cataracts and what cataract surgery entails. So, please pay attention and shun interruptions. Are you ready for the ride?

What is a cataract?

A cataract is an eye problem that occurs when there is a cloudy zone in the eye lens. Initially, a cataract starts when the protein in the eyes develops or gathers clumps that prevent the lens from transporting images to the retina. Blurred vision and distance vision are symptoms of cataracts. 

Mind you, the retina changes the light that comes through the lens into signals. Hence, the retina transfers a call to the optic nerve before the brain connects. Therefore, cataracts should not be left untreated.

It can damage one’s eye totally if it is left untreated. So, the moment you start seeing symptoms like the glare of light, astigmatism, and inability to read, you need to visit your eye doctor to examine you. You might be battling with cataracts.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a unique process of treating cataracts. Thus, cataract surgery involves cutting a part of the eye to locate the faulty natural lens. Once the defective natural lens is found, it will be broken into pieces. Then, the ophthalmologist will carefully remove the natural lens.

Therefore, the final process in cataract surgery is replacing the faulty natural lens with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is the best way to eradicate cataracts from the eyes. 

This surgical procedure involves inserting an artificial intraocular lens to replace the faulty natural lens. However, the artificial lens implant may take few or no stitches after cataract surgery. 

Things to do to get a quick recovery after cataract surgery

After cataract surgery, you need to do something to recover quickly. Here are things to do;

1.      Eat fruits

After cataract surgery, please try to take more fruits. Fruits come with natural nutrients that’ll hasten up the recovery process. Hence, people who have undergone cataract surgery should remember that it is essential to take more fruits after the surgery.

On the other hand, if you’re just planning to go for cataract surgery, please bear this in mind. Fruits are blessed with natural nutrients that can enhance the healing process.

So, what kind of fruits are we talking about?

If you want your healing process to be fast, you can take oranges, pineapples, apples, grapes, and watermelons.

2.      Take water regularly

An Ophthalmologist may not tell you this. However, it is good to take water regularly after the surgery. Water has a unique way of flushing out dirt in the body. Taking water regularly after cataract surgery will help you quickly recover.

Furthermore, water is crucial if the healing process is going on in your body. In fact, taking water is not limited to cataract surgery patients. Water is suitable for any healing process in the body.

Hence, please take note of this fact. Don’t joke with water after any surgery.

3.      Use your medications

After cataract surgery, your eye doctor might instruct you to use some medications. For example, some doctors can prescribe antibiotic eye drops after surgery. Not only that, but some eye doctors can also prescribe medicines that will hasten up the healing process.

Therefore, if you want a quick recovery, please ensure you use every medication given to you. It is essential if you wish for a speedy recovery. If you follow this instruction, your recovery period will be fast. 

Ensure you use those eye drops as prescribed by the cataract surgeon. And if you are asked to wear glasses after the surgery, please don’t hesitate. 

4.      Avoid lifting heavy objects

You need to stay away from lifting heavy objects. This is because the artificial intraocular lenses need some time to align. So, after the process, please avoid lifting heavy objects. 

That is why eye doctors used to inform their patients to stay away from work for some time immediately after the procedure. You can delay the healing process if you continue to lift heavy objects.

5.      Take some rest

It is expedient to note that taking some time to rest after the process is highly essential. But, of course, no one is disputing that one can return to work two weeks after the surgery.

But one must rest during the two weeks. Rest is crucial in the healing process. If you want a quick recovery after cataract surgery, then you need to take some time to rest.

6.      Avoid some activities

You need to avoid some activities if you want to recover quickly after cataract surgery. For instance, if you’re a swimmer, you must avoid swimming for some time after the surgery.

Also, you will not be able to drive at night after the surgery. But, of course, you can drive in the daytime some weeks after cataract surgery. But it is advisable for people that have just undergone the process to avoid driving at night.

The rays of light from other cars can affect your driving, and accidents can occur. Another activity you need to avoid is placing your eyes on a bright screen. Remember, you only need to avoid all these activities for some time.

You’re free to go back to them after the healing is perfected. Therefore, please abstain from all the above-listed activities.

On a final note

If you want to restore your sight quickly, follow the above-listed points. Cataract surgery is a simple process. Therefore, there’s no cause for alarm. In this write-up, I explained the meaning of cataracts and what cataract surgery entails.

Then, I proceed to explain things to do to get a quick recovery after cataract surgery. Finally, your opinion counts. Thus, please share your thoughts on this topic with me. Thanks for reading.

What Does Healthy Eating Mean?

What Does Healthy Eating Mean?

January 10, 2023 /

Healthy eating, is a subject that is talked about and lots of people associate healthy eating in different ways, but what does it mean?

The NHS UK website indicates that

Healthy eating means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body. weight.

This message is a good one. I do think though that you should eat more than 5 pieces of fruits and vegetables per day and to cut out consuming lots of dairy products and wheat/gluten from your diet.

The Nutrition.org website indicates that

A healthy diet should provide us with the right amount of energy (calories or kilojoules), from foods and drinks to maintain energy balance. Energy balance is where the calories taken in from the diet are equal to the calories used by the body. We need these calories to carry out everyday tasks such as walking and moving about, but also for all the functions of the body we may not even think about. Processes like breathing, pumping blood around the body and thinking also require calories.

It is true that calories in your diet play a role in giving you the energy you need throughout the day but not all calories are the same and it is important to pay attention to which foods you are eating to get those calories.

There can be conflicting advice, lots of diet crazes around or nutritional studies carried out.

Too much information can be misleading and confusing with information overload.

So here are some simple facts you can follow to avoid a lot of confusion. These can help to make a difference to your health and wellbeing and how you look and feel inside and out.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND CHOOSE FRESH

keep it simple and eat mainly fresh food. This means food that will go off within a few days or so, either in the fridge or stored elsewhere. Eat only unprocessed foods, cook your food in a way that will preserve as many nutrients as possible. Eat foods that are in season. This way, they will taste better and will be cheaper. This will give you a variety of foods to choose from and this is how it should be to always eat foods in season.

HEALTH FOODS ARE NOT ALWAYS HEALTHY

The food industry thrives on fads and food trends, and it often sells food products using very clever marketing. There are various rules and regulations in place to try to limit what can be written on food packaging. Many foods are sold with packaging to attract your attention, they could contain many health claims and presented in very attractive ways. Though inside, what you find is a product that is not at all a healthy food.

Be more aware of packaged foods. If you can be wary of a packaged food and one to pay lots of attention to before you buy it, then this is a great start. Whether or not the packaging claims that it is healthy or natural or good for you, has added vitamins or other nutritional benefits or that it is low in calories. These claims do not actually make it a healthy food to eat.

Healthy food is fresh and alive and anything in a package tends to have a very long shelf life. The logistics of dealing with products that have a long shelf life is easier and more practical for big shops like supermarkets – but it does often mean that the products are full of preservatives and may contain many other artificial ingredients too. So, please read the label and understand what is actually in the product. If it needs to have a label, it is often a sign that it is no longer very natural.

BE WARY OF SUBSTITUTES

A vegetarian diet can be very healthy and good for you and suits some people really well. But by replacing farmed, organic and good quality meat or chicken for packaged vegetable burgers or processed vegetarian sausages is not always a good solution. By replacing meat with a vegetable alternative, you would need to take a look at what is available and what it contains for it to be a good option.

Some meat substitute products can be heavily processed and rarely contain any good ingredients at all. They might also contain soy products which are not very good for your health and can have a big impact on your health and weight.

If you want to eat a diet lower in animal protein or without any animal protein, eat only really high quality animal protein and replace any animal protein with organic vegetables, healthy and unprocessed vegetarian sources of protein and lots of healthy fats from ingredients such as avocado, nuts and seeds, olive oil etc. Do make sure to get enough vegetarian proteins with minimal processed alternatives. Try to add in more natural and fresh ingredients and make your own burgers to taste delicious.

SUMMARY

Ok so let’s sum up what healthy eating looks like.

  • Healthy eating is eating a wide variety of foods to provide you with enough energy throughout the day.
  • Keep it simple and fresh
  • Health Foods are not always healthy
  • Be aware of food substitutes

Ideally, we should eat more like our grandparents used to eat – no fad diets, just real food, eaten seasonally from a sustainable source, in the right quantities.

A better way is a natural and balanced diet.  Focus on filling your fridge with natural and fresh food and eat three balanced meals every day – a bit of protein, some healthy fat and some fresh carbohydrate ideally in the shape of vegetables and fruit and you can be quite sure to fill your body with what it needs.

Always focus on quality over quantity as the quality of your ingredients can make a big difference, rather than adding exotic ingredients or expensive supplements.  Unless these are recommended from a specialist you trust.  Supplements do have their place, just not any supplement and at any cost.

We can often make things more complicated for ourselves (I know that I did) but really, when it comes to eating a healthy diet, by keeping it simple is usually better.

Other article: Guidelines on how to know the best surgeon for cataract eye surgery

Is It Hard Or Easy To Eat Healthy?

Is It Hard Or Easy To Eat Healthy?

January 6, 2023 /

We all know that we should eat healthily, but knowing that and doing it can be the hardest part.

You may think you eat healthy but you may be surprised to know that you may not be.

A few years ago, I thought that I was eating healthy but it turned out that I was not really. The more I learned about my perimenopause journey and how food was affecting my health and digestion the more I realised I had to make some more changes for the better.

Can you change how you view food and how you think about food?

Yes you can!

I don’t believe we should deprive ourselves of the foods we love to eat, even if they are a bit unhealthy!

If you eat healthy 80 or 90% of the time, you can relax and eat the not so healthy foods that you want to eat.

You can go out to a restaurant and eat what you want or go to a function and relax around food.

The focus should be on thinking about food in a different way.

Think more about food as nourishment, rather than food feeding your appetite.

Supermarkets are very clever about placing unhealthy food in a way to attract your attention.

They will even put smells into the air of bread and chocolate to try and get you to buy them.

When you eat for good health, you will have better digestion, feel great, have more energy and better sleep.

There is always a choice about how you view and eat food.

You can change what you think about food and change your food choices.

I did it because I was a sugar junkie in my 20’s and 30’s.

I changed from drinking tea with milk and sugar to drinking tea on its own.

If I eat a milk chocolate bar, it is far too sweet for me and I don’t enjoy it.

You can change the way food tastes and you will crave more healthy food.

Food will either make you feel good or make you feel bad.

Before you eat food, ask the question

“will this food make me feel good or bad?”

“will it benefit my health?”

What can be stopping you from eating healthy?

You can be eating foods to feed your emotions or lack of something in your life.

Start asking yourself why you eat this way.

Take the steps to find out why.

I put my Hormone Reset together to help and support you to eat healthy.

I will teach you how you can eat for good health so that you can look good and feel good inside and out.

I am no longer a sugar junkie now.

What would it mean to you, to be able to get through your day without feeling tired, fed up, irritable, crave unhealthy foods, have digestion issues or sleep badly.

Come along and join my Hormone Reset and see how your life can change with my help and support.

More to read: How to get a speedy recovery after cataract surgery

1 To 1 Healthy Woman Consult

1 To 1 Healthy Woman Consult

December 28, 2022 /

Is your day to day life being affected by perimenopause or menopause symptoms?

You can experience so many different symptoms and every woman is different and will experience perimenopause and menopause differently.

During our time together, I can help you to identify with those symptoms, understand why you are having them and then giving you the solutions to heal and reduce them.

When you give your body the building blocks to help with this transition into menopause, it can change your whole life.

You will experience more energy, better digestion, feel calmer, have good sleep, feel happier and more confident with yourself because you are going to feel so good.

I am right there with you.  Did you know that your symptoms are your bodies way to tell you that something needs to be sorted out!

I had brain fog, digestion problems that got very serious, bad skin issues and fatigue.   My period pain was so bad that I couldn’t stand up and I had to take a day off work every month!  I suffered from depression for years and I wasn’t living life to the full, I was blocking my true self.

I will teach you what is happening with a hormone imbalance, especially in perimenopause and menopause and how it affects a woman’s body.

I will teach you what the main hormones are that can cause a lot of symptoms and issues.

A lot of women are doing all the wrong things for their health and wellbeing, and it’s not their fault.

More to read: Is It Hard Or Easy To Eat Healthy?

12 Week Transform Your Life In Midlife Introductory Offer

12 Week Transform Your Life In Midlife Introductory Offer

December 22, 2022 /

I will help you to tune into your inner self to pursue what is creating the imbalances in your life and health.

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN MY PROGRAM

This program is created and developed by Andrea Howard, a Nutrition Specialist and Woman’s Health Coach

  • The price for my 12 week Programme is £999
  • There will be full support from me over the 12 weeks in a private Facebook Group
  • There will be weekly 1 hour videos in the group (schedule to be announced)
  • Lifetime access to the program
  • You can also pay by 3 x monthly instalments
  • Please contact me about paying by instalments

FOLLOWING MY 5 STEP PROCESS

STEP 1 – NUTRITION

This one is so important because if you are not fuelling your body right during this phase, your symptoms can go through the roof!

I will share with you all the foods that are so beneficial and the ones that can cause all the problems

There is so much information around about food and nutrients that can be so confusing

Why diets do not work for a woman’s body

STEP 2 – EXERCISE

We all know that exercise is important but the type of exercise is important too because the wrong type of exercise can also create more symptoms

I will share with you the most effective way to exercise for menopause to help reduce stress and build more muscle

STEP 3 – SELF CARE

I will share with you how to set up your day right, what can be draining your energy, how you can reduce your anxiety and put yourself first with my mindset rituals and ways to take better care of yourself and reduce stress because stress can create the problems with the 4 hormones that I will explain about at the beginning of the Masterclass

STEP 4 – TOXINS

I will share with you what they are and where they come from and how to eliminate them from your life and your body.  Toxins can be creating so many issues with your hormone health so when you start to get rid of them, your body can begin to regulate itself again

STEP 5 – SLEEP

Good quality sleep can be so hard to obtain during this phase.  I will teach you how you can get more sleep, better quality sleep and what the main issues are that stop you from getting a good nights sleep

THE END RESULT

You will feel empowered and more in control of yourself and your body.

Know what foods to eat and avoid for your hormone balance and weight maintenance.  It doesn’t involve complicated diets to follow or deprivation either.  You can still eat your favourite foods.

Have more connection with yourself and your self care.

Have more energy and zest for life.

Experience better relationships with yourself, your friends, family and colleagues.

Have more confidence.

You will continue to follow what you have learned and know how to be consistent and create a life you love and enjoy.  

More to read: What Does Healthy Eating Mean?

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