Why Do We Get Dark Circles Under Our Eyes?

Detoxify
Many people tend to consume the same foods with little variety. One of the key signs of food allergies is an overall sensation of puffiness and increased water retention or dark circles under the eyes. If you suspect food allergies check with your doctor and remove the most commonly allergenic foods, (i.e. sugar, dairy, yeast, peanuts, corn, soy..) from your diet for a two-week time period. After two weeks you can begin to add in one food item per day to test your reaction to it. If symptoms return, you know that particular food should be excluded from your daily diet.

Keep good sleeping habits
Lack of sleep can really affect your body’s ability to function properly and overall facial appearance. During sleep, tissue fluid is drawn from our blood and enters our body tissues. As we start our morning activities, the tissue fluid is squeezed back into lymphatic vessels and into our blood circulation. When we don’t sleep enough, this process is stunted and fluid is stuck in the tissues and your face appears puffy.

Check your thyroid
If you have puffy eyes and also experience lack of concentration, stubborn weight loss, hair loss and fatigue, you may want to check your thyroid. Patients with low thyroid levels often have puffy periorbital area.

Iron and B12 status
Your B12 should measure 600 or above to be considered optimal, while the optimal ferritin (iron) level should be over 70. If your levels are below these amounts, your doctor may prescribe supplements and suggest to also take vitamin C which helps with the absorption of iron.