Unsightly puffy dark circles on the eyes bother the young and old, men and women alike. Researchers have spent centuries trying to find a solution to put this condition to an end, but only rumored remedies have evolved.
Identification
According to DarkCircles.net, dark circles on the eyes are actually oxidizing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the main ingredient in red blood cells and contains a heme group whose iron atoms bind to oxygen molecules. By this mechanism, red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and pick up waste products for elimination. When oxygen molecules are attached to the heme group, red blood cells appear red in color. When oxygen molecules are detached and hemoglobin becomes oxidized, red blood cells turn bluish in color. That is what happens with dark eye circles. When capillaries around the eyes are leaking out red blood cells, enzymes in the body break down the escaped red blood cells and oxidize them in response, turning them blue. When this happens, waste products are released into the blood stream and flow around the system. Leaky capillaries also cause edema, or fluid retention, leading to the puffy appearance.
Since the skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest in the body, discoloration and fluid retention of capillaries are very apparent.
Cause
Leaky capillaries can be caused by many things, including thyroid problems, circulatory disease, allergic reactions or nutrition deficiencies.
A diet that lacks certain antioxidants, specifically vitamin C, E and beta carotene, is one of the reasons for dark eye circles. Leaky capillaries are often a result of cell damage from free radicals. Since these antioxidants can block some of the damage as well as sweep off some of the free radicals and waste products in the body, they can reduce or prevent dark eye circles.
A diet that lacks iron may be another contributing factor. As explained, red blood cells need iron atoms in order to attach oxygen molecules. When a person's iron level is low, red blood cells cannot attach to oxygen and therefore appear bluish.
In addition to nutrition deficiency, a diet that contains too much sodium can cause water retention, or puffiness around the eyes as well, according to Mayoclinic.com.
Prevention/Solution
Antioxidants, including vitamin C, E and beta-carotene, are found in fruits and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables, red or orange fruits, and nuts are especially rich in them.
Get more iron from leafy greens, lean red meat and iron-fortified whole grains.
Regarding sodium level, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, the recommended daily allowance is 2,400 mg, which is about a teaspoon of salt. Cut back on sodium by eating less processed foods and cured meat.
Considerations
If other health problems or genetic issues may be the cause of dark eye circles, nutrition plays a relatively small role. You should talk to your doctors about your concern.
Warning
If you choose to take supplements to boost level of antioxidants or iron, beware of the possible vitamin and iron toxicity. Ask your doctor before you take any supplements.
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