Weird "Bug" Solution Beats Dry Eyes

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 7, 2023

Your eyes are the windows through which you see the world.

But when they feel irritated and scratchy, it’s awfully hard to appreciate all the beauty they allow us to see.

Medical professionals call the condition Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It’s a real tongue twister, but it simply means dry eyes.

Dry eyes occur when tears evaporate too fast or when your eyes don’t make enough tears to keep them moist. Common symptoms include burning, itching, redness, and a gritty feeling.

It’s a common problem for many folks… especially as we age.

But the solution could be found in the most unlikely of spots.

New research finds that you may need to focus on your GUT to ditch your dry eyes.

The recent study, presented at the American Society for Microbiology annual meeting, found that gut bacteria could be the key to soothing dry eyes.

By now, you may know that the microorganisms that collectively call your digestive tract home (your microbiome) are vital for overall good health.

You see, these “friendly” bacteria provide a barrier against disease from head to toe, protecting your gut, brain, and lungs from sickening invaders.

And now, experts say, we can add EYES to that list.

Researchers stumbled upon the link when they took bacteria from the guts of folks with Sjogren’s syndrome (an autoimmune condition that attacks the glands that make moisture) and put them into mice.

The mice developed severe eye dryness.

But when they introduced a bacterial strain called Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 into the mice’s microbiome, they found it SLASHED this dryness.

The mice also produced more goblet cells in their eyes. These special cells make mucus, a vital component of tears.

The next step is to study this effect in humans. But why wait for those results?

Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a healthy bacteria that’s readily available as a supplement, safe to take and comes with other benefits such as supporting immune health, soothing stomach problems, and improving cholesterol.

P.S. Sometimes dry eyes are JUST dry eyes. But researchers have discovered that dry, red eyes could ALSO be a warning sign of these other diseases.

Source:

Study: Presented at the ASM Microbe 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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