INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. In Ancient Egypt, it was discovered that night blindness could be cured by eating liver, which was later found to be a rich source of vitamin A. Low vitamin A levels can also cause the cornea to become very dry, leading to the clouding of the front of the eye, corneal ulcers and vision loss, as well as retina damage and problems with the conjunctiva. Carrots, broccoli, squash, cantaloupe, fish, liver, fortified cereals, dairy products, kale, blueberries, and apricots are all excellent sources of vitamin A. While increasing your consumption of foods that are rich in vitamin A may be helpful, research done in this area has revealed that, in the case of vitamin A, taking supplements provided higher levels than increasing the dietary sources. Plus, excessive consumption doesn't strengthen your eyes. Vitamin A supplements are available in oral doses, like tablets or capsules, and are marketed in either mcg strengths or units. The average recommended adult dose of vitamin A in mcgs is between 800 to 1000 mcg each day. In units, the dose range is between 2600 and 3300 units consumed daily. The protein rhodopsin found in the eye breaks down into retinal and opsin when exposed to light and reforms when back in the dark. A severe lack of vitamin A in the diet may result in night blindness, but extra vitamin A will not help one see better than normal. The most benefit from dietary sources in improving night vision and your eyesight in general comes from focusing on the vegetables you eat. Foods like kale, spinach, and collard greens are full of nutrients that protect your eyes by filtering specific wavelengths of light that can damage your retina. These foods may also work to protect your eyes from some degenerative processes, such as age-related macular degeneration. Specifically, eat more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, especially oily types of fish like salmon and tuna, kale, vegetable oils, nuts, especially walnuts, flax seeds and flaxseed oil and leafy vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids fight macular degeneration and promote overall eye health and good vision, as well as fighting dry eye. In one study, patients who ate oily fish once per week had half the risk of developing neovascular macular degeneration, compared with patients who didn't. Long term, over a period of 12 years or so, the risk remains much lower with a higher level of omega-3s. Bilberry is a plant that is used in making different types of medicine. Research done on bilberry has determined it to be possibly effective for eye problems that involve the retina. The most promising research supports the use of bilberry in situations that involve retina changes related to medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Bilberry has been reviewed for use in improving night vision. The results of the research are contradictory. Some evidence suggests that bilberry may provide some benefit in improving night vision, yet other research does not support those findings. The latest rating suggests bilberry is "probably ineffective" in improving night vision. Bilberry is not easily found in its raw form but is available as either an extract or made into jams and jellies. Follow the directions on the packaging provided to determine how much to consume each day. The surface of the eye is 98% water. Dry eyes will struggle to see at night and are linked to overall dehydration. Drinking plenty of water is essential to overall good health; however the direct link to fluid intake and improving vision is controversial. Some eye experts argue that certain circumstances that negatively impact your level of hydration cause a decrease in the quality of your vision and the overall health of your eyes. For example, being exposed to high temperatures, low humidity climates, or intense sunlight can cause the basal tear layer to dehydrate, resulting in a negative impact on your vision. Follow recommended dietary guidelines for water intake, aiming for about 64 ounces (1.9 liters) each day depending on your work situation and environmental factors, to maintain your eye health.

SUMMARY: Consume more vitamin A. Increase your consumption of dark green and leafy vegetables. Eat more healthy fats. Take bilberry. Stay well hydrated.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your hot flashes are severe, hormone therapy may provide some relief. Doctors usually prescribe very low doses of estrogen to offset the effects of menopause. Talk to your doctor about whether this option is right for you. Hormone replacement therapy has specific risks and benefits. The risks have probably been overstated for the 50-60 year old population. Hormones also reduce the risk of bone fractures. While hormone therapy may help reduce hot flashes, it has also been connected with a variety of severe medical issues, such as breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Be sure to do thorough research and ask your doctor a lot of questions before choosing this option. Some women find that antidepressants help mitigate the symptoms of menopause. If you would prefer not to undergo hormone therapy, this might be the right option for your needs. The most effective treatment is hormone replacement therapy. Certain antidepressants can work about half as well as hormones. Keep in mind possible side effects of antidepressants include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, weight gain, or sexual dysfunction. Some women find relief from hot flashes by taking anti-seizure medication like Gabapentin. You may experience side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches while on this medication. Your doctor may also recommend you try high blood pressure medication to regulate your hot flashes. The drug Clonidine, in pill or patch form, may be prescribed. The side effects of Clonidine include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.

SUMMARY:
Consider hormone therapy. Ask your doctor about antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about anti-seizure medication to control your hot flashes.