Do your eyes often feel irritated, dry, or gritty, especially in the evening or after a day in front of a screen? You’re not alone. My clients often complain about dry eyes, particularly during the summer months, and while it might seem like just a minor annoyance, it can actually be a sign of something deeper going on in the body.
As a nutritional therapist with a special interest in skin and hormone health, I’m always looking at how different systems in the body are interconnected.
What Are Dry Eyes Telling You?
Dry eyes are often a sign that your mucous membranes aren’t functioning optimally. These delicate linings protect and hydrate your eyes, sinuses, digestive system, respiratory tract, vaginal tissue and more.
When mucous membranes are compromised, it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Dry, irritated or gritty eyes
- Vaginal or oral dryness
- Skin sensitivity
- Digestive discomfort
- Heightened allergies or immune reactivity
In fact, your mucosal tissue covers up to 400 square metres in the adult body.
What the Research Says
A European study published in BMJ Open highlighted just how disruptive dry eyes can be. Participants across eight countries – including Spain, Italy and the Netherlands – reported that dry eyes had a significant negative impact on their quality of life, daily activities and productivity.
The study also showed a strong link between dry eyes and seasonal allergies, which place extra stress on mucosal tissues and the immune system.
Vitamin A – A Nutritional Key to Comfort
Vitamin A is crucial for:
- Maintaining normal vision
- Supporting healthy mucous membranes
- Skin repair and renewal
- Immune regulation
Many people with dry eyes are unknowingly low in vitamin A, which can be due to dietary gaps, poor absorption, or increased demand (especially in cases of chronic stress, inflammation or hormonal imbalance).
Sea Buckthorn & Omega Support
One powerful natural source of vitamin A is sea buckthorn. It’s a plant extract rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, known for its support of skin and mucosal health.
Sea buckthorn oil (especially the clinically studied SBA24 extract) can be helpful for:
- Moisturising dry eyes
- Supporting vaginal and oral mucosa
- Promoting skin hydration and elasticity
- Helping the body manage oxidative stress
A Simple Way to Boost Your Vitamin A: Sweet Potato & Carrot Soup
This comforting soup is rich in beta-carotene, the plant-based precursor to vitamin A. It’s easy to digest, warming, and perfect for supporting your skin and mucous membranes – from the inside out.
Glowing Skin & Eye Health Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 500ml vegetable stock (add more for a thinner consistency)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Sea salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: a splash of coconut milk for creaminess
- Fresh coriander or pumpkin seeds to serve
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in carrots, sweet potato, turmeric, and stock. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Blend until smooth, season to taste, and stir in coconut milk if using.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or seeds for added skin-loving nutrients.
Tip: Pair this soup with a leafy green salad and a drizzle of flaxseed oil to boost your intake of vitamin A precursors and omega-3s – a dream team for dry eyes and radiant skin.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Dry eyes might be the symptom that gets your attention, but the solution often lies much deeper in your nutrient status, immune health, hormone balance and gut function.
I use a functional, root-cause approach to help you understand what’s really going on in your body – and create an individual plan that supports long-term health and real, lasting solutions.
Let’s Work Together
Book a free Rebalance call to chat about how we can restore your comfort, energy and skin confidence. www.naturallybalancednutrition.co.uk I’d love to hear from you.
