What do Puffy eyes mean and what can you do about it?

Puffy or darkness under the eyes, it's a common complaint, so much so that some of the most expensive beauty products are made to combat the issue.  So why do you get dark or puffy eyes?

Well as usual there are a number of route causes

• DEHYDRATION - The puffiness under the eye can be a sign of Kidney issues, this can be simply not drinking enough water, having a high salt diet, drinking an excess of alcohol/coffee or caffeinated drinks to a health issue with the kidneys.
• LACK OF SLEEP - lack of sleep causes stress on the body and adds extra strain on the detoxification organs such as the kidneys.
• HYPOTHYROID - Puffy eyes are one of the symptoms of an underachieve thyroid, this does not mean id you have puffiness below the eyes that you have a thyroid problem, just that it is one of the possibilities.  To find out get a thyroid test done.
• ARE YOU ALLERGIC - Certain allergies can cause puffiness below the eyes again due to the strain the allergy puts on the eliminatory organs such as the kidney.

Some simple solutions:

• Drink enough water throughout the day. 1 glass every 2 hours is about right but increase it if you notice your urine is not very clear.
• Reduce salt intake if it is high
• Reduce foods known to cause allergies - wheat, dairy, sugar, processed
• increase diuretic foods - cucumbers, celery, nettle, banana's, water, green tea.

If the symptoms persist make an appointment to check the route cause.