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Bags Under EyesWhat causes those bags under eyes , that make you look old and tired? While they are usually temporary, they may last days or even weeks. There are a number of reasons:
Fluid drainage problemsThe blood and fluid supply from the skin under your eyes drains into the internal jugular vein. That drainage is a lot better when you're lying down than when you're standing up - so the blood tends to pool there. The skin under the eyes is very thin, and almost transparent - so it will show any colour changes in the layers underneath very easily. This is one factor that will give you dark half-circles under the eyes. Any condition that leads to fluid retention can cause bags under eyes. • Fluctuating hormone levels, increasing the likelihood your body will retain fluid around the thin skin underneath your eyes. • Illness, inflammation and fatigue all casue fluid retention as does pregnancy.
InflammationYou have huge numbers of cells in the skin under and around the eyes that respond to attack by foreign substances. They are called Mast Cells and are part of the body’s natural defences. When triggered they release histamine, which will causes swelling under the eyes. Sometimes they are very trigger happy and they release histamine just by the rubbing of your eyes. Of course, all the usual suspects that cause allergies can also trigger this response. This is where your trusty anti histamine tablet are the first line of defence.
DehydrationWhen you get dehydrated (which sometimes happens when you get tired), the skin under the eyes gets dark. The biggest causes of dehydration are alcohol and coffee and there is only one sure fire cure, which is plenty of water.
Signs and SymptomsWhat are some of the more common signs and symptoms of bags under eyes? Here are just a few: • Swelling under the eyes or around the eyes and eyelid. • Bags or excessive skin under the eyes that appears to puff out or hang. • Itchy, red or irritated eyes. • Inability to open or close eyes completely due to puffiness. • Dark circles accompanied by sagging skin under the eyes.
Reducing Bags under eyesFortunately, you don't have to live with bags. In fact, if you have bags under eyes because you retain fluid, the simplest way to reduce puffiness is by drinking more water. There are other tips you can follow to help relieve puffy eyes depending no the cause. Here are a few: • Gently tap your skin where puffy, as this can encourage fluid build up to release and drain more easily. • Apply cold compresses to your eyes. Many stores and boutiques sell gel filled eye packs. Stick them in the freezer for a few minutes and apply to your eyes. • Grate some potatoes or place cucumber wedges on your eyes, and lay down for 10 minutes. This may help reduce swelling and help brighten your skin. • Soak a cloth or some nursing pads in cold milk and apply over your eyes for 10 minutes. This will help reduce puffiness and, like above, help brighten dark circles under your eyes. • Drink water until you feel like a water fountain. When you are retaining fluid, you simply can't drink enough water to reduce puffiness. Also avoid beverages with lots of caffeine and bubbly beverages including soda, as these can contribute to water retention. • Avoid artificial sweeteners, as these can cause your body to retain more fluid. • Be sure you are getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night, because too little sleep will lead to dark circles and puffiness. • Try an ordinary ice pack. The cold temperature may help reduce swelling. • Always wear UV sunglasses during the day. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. Excessive exposure to the sun or unexpected sunburns often contributes to puffy eyes and leave you feeling bloated the next day. • Avoid overly windy conditions. Wear glasses or goggles to help protect your eyes and act as a buffer against intense environmental conditions.
Dietary Changes to reduce Inflammation generallyThere are also dietary changes you can take to help improve your vision and reduce the likelihood of puffy eyes. Remember we are all a reflection of what we eat. Eat too much sodium during the day and you'll likely suffer from bags under eyes the next day. Most people consume far too much sodium, as much as 5,000mg each day. Interestingly, most people should get no more than 2,500mg of sodium every day.
Eating extra essential fatty acids, including those found in flax seed or fatty fish, can also help combat puffy eye syndrome. Essential fatty acids are important for reducing inflammation throughout the body, so eat up. Certain foods contribute to inflammation and can make bags under eyes worse. These include: • Processed foods - Processed foods contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy saturated fats and chemicals including gluten than may contribute to inflammation. Over time consumption of too many processed foods can leave the body sluggish and unable to eliminate waste efficiently. This can contribute to inflammation and puffy eyes. • Potatoes, Tomatoes and Eggplant - While most fruits and vegetables contain fiber and are touted for their health benefits, members of the nightshade family including potatoes and tomatoes may contribute to puffy eyes and inflammation. If you experience chronic inflammation reduce your dietary intake of these vegetables. To help reduce inflammation, it also pays to stay away from eating too much red meat and deep fried foods. Instead of eating processed foods, adopt a diet that includes more green leafy vegetables and other produce with high water content (like water melons, oranges and apples). These will all help combat dehydration and eye puffiness.
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