Taking care of yourself

[Faith1989]

The last few weeks have been less than perfect. It all started when I attended a wedding where I consumed alcohol, sugar and bread. Since then I haven't been taking the best care of myself.. Working to much, poor diet, no excercise ect. My eyes still aren't as bad as they USED to be BUT they have been better. I've also suffered from ibs symptoms, migraines and have a cold. The reason I made this thread is that I REALLY believe inflammation is a result of poor diet and self care.. Tomorrow I will be back on my diet, getting plenty of rest, and working out. Everything adds up. I actually ate gluten with my lunch but thought the cous cous was quinoa lol oops .. Eyes flared a bit later .

So please no matter how bad your inflammation is ... Start taking better care of yourself, and things will improve. With me, it really shows.

[ggky59]

Maybe your right on this....I'm overweight, smoke like a chimney and have the worst health ever. I'm starting to realize a lot of issues I have is due to me not taking care of myself. I really want to try something different these days, especially with my eyes being so bad and it will start today. thanks faith. Your 100% right on target with this.

[Faith1989]

Smoking, being overweight and having a poor diet are all sources of inflammation. This chronic inflammation may be attacking your eyes? What is your diagnoses?

[DryLondoner]

I don't smoke, am not overweight, and have a very clean diet. I am trying to be more active and workout.

So far - none of these seem to help.

[LaDiva]

I think sugar is the worst Faith. You are right. Everything I put in my mouth makes a huge difference. The good news is that even after a few days of cookies and bread, my eyes get better after returning to a clean diet. Sorry DryLondoner. Maybe try using fiber regularly and some probiotics if you are not already doing so.

[DryLondoner]

Thanks, LaDiva - I've been thinking about probiotics for a while - worth a shot at this point.

I think the only things that really help me are deep breathing exercises and eating. When I eat, regardless of what it is my eyes feel more moist.

Faith, maybe you should add stress to your list. I think that might be the thing that causes me the most issues.

[LaDiva]

True too about stress DL. Got a phone call that my mother was being sent to the hospital and I really stressed over the situation. Went and looked at my eyes in a mirror and the were RED! The eyes calmed down as soon as the stress factor was removed.

[Faith1989]

Sugar is the worst! I still only eat some berries which are lower in carbs. As a rule all meat, fish and veggies are allowed and I eat nuts (no peanuts though) if I stick to this, over time I am so much better! I also take an antidepressant which has helped stress immensely. I know antidepressants are drying but with a chronic condition, I need them. I have started metrocream on the face and have read some users have used it on the lids. I believe most mgd patients have skin problems that are inflammatory. Once you control that, everything gets better. Sometimes though, once I have it under control, I allow myself more bad foods, then I flare again lol hopefully the metrocream will assist in the lowering of the inflammation?

[LaDiva]

Yes, the metrogel works on my face, but I tried it on my lids once and ended up with a rash on my eyelids. It wasn't a good idea. Try green apples too!

[Katewest]

OMG I just wrote a long response and it deleted! Ok here are the cliff notes---Faith and Betsy I totally agree with your triggers. I finally narrowed it down to my top 2. Stress and sugars (which include all carbs, starches, alcohol) I don't really exercise too much though- do you think that really helps Faith? And why no peanuts? I eat tons of nuts b/c i get so sick of meat and veggies. Plus I snack all the time. Whenever I feel good and decide to cheat with wine or dessert I pay big time for the next couple of days. I don't eat any fruit by the way. I just think our bodies can't take the inflammatory foods and we will always have to monitor this. But owell we will never be fat right?! Oh Faith what anti-depressant do you take? I was on a couple but they messed with my sleep cycle so bad that I had to stop.

[Faith1989]

Been eating clean for the past two days, sleeping and resting. (Have 2 days off). I'm feeling better all around and my eyes too.

If you have mgd be careful around sugar, and I mean ALL types.. Fruit, bread, rice ect.

[Faith1989]

Kate- thanks for the reply. Peanuts are VERY inflammatory!! Do not eat them lol I am on cipralex which is called Lexapro in the states. I take 20mg. It has helped my emotional state so much, I pay 120.00 a month for them. It sucks but I need them. If I ever find the source of my MGD and fix it I will get off of them.

You eat no fruit? I have to or I'll reach for the cookies haha I heard berries are the only okay fruit for rosacea. I still eat only 1 serving per day.

[Katewest]

Wow I didn't know that about peanuts!!! Ok no way am I touching those anymore. I read pecans have the lowest amount of carbs and cashews are on the higher end. I also read its good to soak almonds but I just can't. They taste soggy.

[DryLondoner]

I had bread yesterday and today, first time in ages and now my eyes burn.

It might just be a coincidence...man, how I love bread!!

Kate - eewww, soggy almonds.

[ggky59]

Smoking, being overweight and having a poor diet are all sources of inflammation. This chronic inflammation may be attacking your eyes? What is your diagnoses?

Chronic dry eye and Rebound Hyperemia....from OCT abuse of eye drops. I'm at a crossroad now, my job is stressing me to know end, my personal life is in shambles and my obsessing over my eyes have really taken a mental toll on me. I can't seem to find a happy space for myself and that is causing me so much pain internally till I sometimes wish it was all over...its that bad.