Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (204 page)

Water. Water is vital for cleansing, immune function, and eye health.

AVOID

Sugar, refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol, processed foods, and fast foods. These may suppress the immune system and deplete the body of nutrients.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Drink echinacea tea to support the immune system.

Supplement with vitamin A (but not if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant). Vitamin A is vital for eye health and immune function.

EXTRA TIPS

Avoid eye strain or spending too much time staring at a computer screen or television, as this can dry out the eyes and slow healing.

Wash your hands before touching your eyes in order to apply anything.

Herbal compresses are great for reducing inflammation and infection. Make a tea of eyebright, calendula, fennel, elderflowers, raspberry leaves, or chamomile by steeping the herbs in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the tea is cool enough, soak some sterile cotton or gauze in the water and apply this to the eyes for 20 minutes. Dip a fresh piece of cotton in the tea and wipe along the eyelids and lashes to remove any flaking skin or secretions.

Apply cold slices of potato to the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce inflammation.

BLOODSHOT EYES

The little vessels on the eye surface become inflamed, giving a red, tired-out appearance to the eyes. The eyes feel irritated.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Too much alcohol.

Hangover.

Allergies.