Conjunctivitis: Foods that foster healing from this eye infection
What's the story
Conjunctivitis cases continue to surge in India, with loads of cases being reported daily from different parts of the country.
And besides medicines and natural and home remedies, what can further pace up your healing process from this eye condition is a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Here are five foods that support your eye health and help combat the infection.
Food 1
Wheat germ and vegetable oils
Wheat germ and vegetable oils are loaded with vitamin E, which is believed to protect the eyes from free radicals.
The antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin present in wheat germ oil reduce oxidative stress and make the eyes stronger.
So if and when suffering from pink eyes (conjunctivitis), wheat germ oil and vegetable oil can pace up your healing process.
Food 2
Chia seeds and flaxseeds
Both chia seeds and flaxseeds are among the top sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
For the uninitiated, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain proper eye function, reduce inflammation, and eliminate the discomfort induced by conjunctivitis.
You can include these seeds in your daily servings of yogurt, smoothies, shakes, cereals, and salads. Probably a little more when you are suffering from this disease.
Food 3
Leafy greens
Another way to consume omega-3 fatty acids is to include green vegetables in your daily diet.
Leafy greens, especially kale and spinach, are blessed with a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), that can activate the antioxidants in your eyes.
This further helps in fighting off conjunctivitis-causing pathogens and speed up recovery.
Besides these two, you can also eat parsley and watercress.
Food 4
Walnuts
Walnuts are packed with both vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them a great snack to chomp on when you get pink eyes.
They are known to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes, promoting eye health and guarding against conjunctivitis.
Soak a handful of walnuts overnight in water and consume them the following morning for better results.
Food 5
Fatty fish
Fatty fish offerings like salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can help tackle inflammation and support eye health.
Additionally, a study on omega-3 fatty acids has also revealed that they can effectively combat allergic diseases, including conjunctivitis.
Instead of frying it, you can go for baked, grilled, or steamed fatty fish as they are healthier options.