Dark circles or bags under your eyes are unsightly and can be an indicator of a health problem. Often eye bags form from a lack of sleep or poor nutrition. Smokers also are prone to developing eye bags, as are those with allergies. Serious health conditions such as thyroid or kidney problems may also be the cause of dark circles. Before making an appointment with a doctor or buying expensive creams, it's wise to try a few simple home remedies.
Foods To Consume and Avoid
Consume natural diuretics. Bananas, strawberries and tomatoes are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps keep your body from retaining water. Make a smoothie with a cup and a half of pure orange juice, five diced strawberries, one banana and a handful of ice cubes. Blend until the ice is diced and serve. Green tea is also a helpful diuretic. Take vitamins A, C and E if you aren't consuming enough foods with these essential nutrients. Carrots and spinach are high in these select vitamins along with red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers.
Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. It's easy to forget so pack bottles of water in your purse or briefcase. You can also boost your water intake by eating raw vegetables and fruits. Avoid foods that cause fluid retention. Pasta, doughnuts, chips, cookies and soda contain lots of sodium, which causes fluid retention and toxin buildup. Buy organic foods when possible. Pesticides in nonorganic vegetables and fruits add toxins to your body. Also, avoid processed food as the preservatives are difficult to digest and flush out.
Cut back on or refrain from drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes fluid retention in the body while adding toxins.
Remedies
Set for yourself a bedtime and follow it. Getting eight hours of sleep a night can reduce stress and will leave you well rested. Fatigue is a major factor when it comes to the formation of eye bags.
Cut two slices off of a cucumber and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes. Apply the cold cucumber slices to the eye bags and lie down, with eyes closed, for 15 to 20 minutes.
Buy raw apple cider vinegar and use as a dip for you raw vegetables. Raw apple cider is high in potassium and is a delicious way to flush out your system.
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References
Writer Bio
Crystal Lassen hails from Kansas City, Mo. and has been a book critic since 2008. Her reviews have appeared on the Publisher's Weekly website and are largely concerned with current events. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from The University of Kansas.
Photo Credits
makeup series 2 image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com