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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Many Reasons for Dark Circles

Q: I have noticed dark circles under my eyes that I have never had before. I am a fairly healthy female in my 30's and these circles are making me look like I am in my 50's. Can you tell me why this would happen and what I can do?

A: What does "fairly healthy" mean to you? Do you make wise nutritional decisions, engage in an exercise routine, sleep around 8 hours at night and wake up fully refreshed and ready to go? If the answer is anything but an absolute yes, then read on.

Dark circles under eyes have a hundred different causes including diseases and drug side effects. Physical causes could be rubbing your eyelids excessively because of tiredness, dryness or itchiness of the eyelids.

Sleeping difficulties, caused by a variety of different causes such as stress, depression, or an outright sleep disorder, often can cause you to have dark circles because you are tired when you wake-up.

Various allergies are famous for causing dark circles under the eyes. It is usually a tell tail sign of food allergies, dust or mites, or contact dermatitis on the eyelids as a reaction to some skin/cosmetic product. Sometimes even a laundry detergent that you wash your bed linens in may be the cause.

Aging and dehydration can also make you look tired and give the appearance of dark circles. Often as skin ages, it becomes thinner as layer of collagen under your eyes disappears; it then starts to looks paler.

For best diagnosis of the cause of your problem, I would start with a full blood work exam. Get tested for any signs of allergies and sensitivities (both environmental and food related), presence of heavy metals should also be checked.

For the treatment part, it makes sense to do a liver cleanse. The liver is your primary organ of detoxification. Cleansing the liver often lessens allergy symptoms without a further need for treatment. While you are doing a liver cleanse, you may as well do a thorough tissue cleanse including lymphatic and connective tissues. Raw vegetable juicing for a period of time may also be helpful. The chlorophyll in the plant material helps to detox while the juice itself a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist