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| YELLOW EYES IN SICKLE CELL PATIENT |
Do you have
yellow eyes? Do you often wonder why your eyes are yellow? Let’s see why sickle
cell patients commonly have yellow eyes.
When
bilirubin (a chemical produced by the liver) accumulates in the blood, the eyes
begin to turn yellow. Yellow eyes (Jaundice) is a common ailment of sickle cell
disease.
Sickle
cells die faster than the liver can filter them because they don’t live long
like normal red blood cells. Whereas a normal rbc lives for 120 days, sickle
cell only live for 17-20 days. Due to the fast turn over of sickle cells, excess
Bilirubin (a yellow compound formed during the breakdown of red blood cells)
builds up in the blood because the liver cannot get rid of it fast enough and this
makes the eyes turn yellow.
Yellow eyes
(jaundice) does not have a definite cure, but it can be managed by;
• Drinking much water (to help with the
excretion of bilirubin)
• Eating a healthy diet with fruits and
vegetables.
• Eating regularly
• Reducing intake of processed food (to stop
overworking the liver)
• Avoiding strenuous activities
• Regular checkup
• Avoid exposure to harsh weather conditions
Although
there is limited research supporting the use of natural remedies to treat
yellowing of the eyes, there are a few natural supplements that are
recommended.
Resveratrol,
Milk thistle and naringenin which is found in tomatoes and grapefruits are all
very helpful to manage jaundice.
Thankfully
I do not consistently suffer from yellowing of the eyes. In my case, once my
eyes start turning yellow, it is a sign that I am getting more sickling and a
crisis is headed my way so I need to start taking precautions.
What is
your experience with jaundice and how do you manage it?
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