Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Eyes | Health

According to experts, Ayurvedic wisdom promotes overall health and eye care is no exception, with a balanced Ayurvedic diet laying the foundation for healthy eyes. In Ayurveda, maintaining optimal eye health is essential for overall wellness. Pitta Dosha Dominates the eye.

Ayurvedic tips for eye health:

Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, director, Basu Eye Hospital, said, “Ayurvedic strategies to promote eye health focus on dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes and herbal remedies. Hydration is key to good health and emphasises the importance of adequate fluid intake and consumption of hydrating foods like fruits and herbal teas. A pitta-pacifying diet should include cooling, nourishing foods like cucumber, leafy vegetables, coconut water and sweet fruits like grapes and melon. Moreover, daily consumption of ghee, which is known for its lubricating properties, is a common practice.”

He suggests: “Incorporating eye exercises and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule are important to relax the eye muscles and encourage rejuvenation. Prioritizing habits like eye hygiene and protection from environmental pollutants helps to ward off infections and minimise the effects of external aggressions. Stress management techniques like yoga and meditation are recommended to promote relaxation and improve overall health. To prevent the progression of eye diseases, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an eye specialist. Ayurveda offers specialised therapies such as Netra Tarpana and Netra Basti for various eye ailments. These principles not only contribute to healthy vision but also promote overall health and longevity by avoiding diseases and improving wellbeing.”

Dietary tips and herbal remedies:

Leveraging his expertise, Dr Karthik Krishnan, Vice President, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Limited, Coimbatore, reveals, “Simple ingredients like ghee, barley, wheat, Shastika Shari (aged rice), Saindhava Ravana (rock salt), Draksha (raisins) and Dadima (pomegranate) provide essential nutrients to the entire body with the added benefit of supporting eye health. For added benefits, incorporating herbs like Shatavari (asparagus) and green gram into your daily routine can further enhance clarity and vitality of vision.”

He advises: “Traditional practices like anjana (eye drops) and nasya (instillation of medicinal fluids through the nasal passages) are recommended for eye hygiene. These practices also help balance Kapha dosha, which is responsible for nourishment and lubrication in the body. Regularly washing the eyes with Triphala Kashaya, a powerful herbal decoction, acts as a natural cleanser and strengthens the eyes and protects them from various ailments. Interestingly, foot care also plays a vital role in eye health. Padabhyanga, a therapeutic foot massage with oil, also has benefits for the eyes. Finally, regulating your sleep patterns by avoiding naps and night-time awakenings supports the body’s natural rhythms, promoting overall wellbeing and nurturing healthy eyesight.”