Ep. 314 Optimizing Eye Health: Migraines, Hormones, and Beyond with Dr. Rudrani Banik

I am privileged to connect with Dr. Rani Banik today, America's integrative eye doctor. Dr. Banik is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional certifications in functional integrative medicine. In our discussion today, we dive into the evolution of migraines, exploring whether genetics and epigenetics have a role to play in the development of neurological headaches. We delve into the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal eye health, highlighting the specific nutrients essential for our eyes throughout the various stages of our lives. Our conversation touches on how hormone replacement therapy affects eye health, particularly in people with dry eyes, and we look at the effects of sunlight and ways to modulate the impact of blue light exposure. We also get into chronobiology and share strategies for safeguarding our vision as we age. Dr. Rani shares a wealth of helpful information today that many women in the everyday wellness community have asked for. You are bound to be enlightened by her insights and wisdom! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: What are migraines? How the hormonal changes that happen with menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause can trigger migraines How migraines evolve and change with age Dr. Rani explains the neurological foundation of photophobia with migraines How to differentiate migraine pain from debilitating headache pain The natural changes that occur with our eyes as we get older Why dry eye is a common issue in women, especially during perimenopause and menopause How Dr. Rani manages dry eye in her perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients How to prevent cataracts Using UV protection and avoiding too much exposure to blue light for healthy eyes The role hydration plays in maintaining eye health Bio: Dr. Rani Banik is America's Integrative Eye Doctor. She is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional certification in Integrative and Functional Medicine. Dr. Rani focuses on the root cause of eye diseases and uses integrative strategies for conditions that affect the visual system. Her treatments are based on nutrition, botanicals, lifestyle modification, essential oils, and supplements. Dr. Rani runs a private practice based in New York City and is also an Associate Professor at Mount Sinai in NYC, where she serves as an educator and researcher. As Principal Investigator of several clinical trials in diseases of the optic nerve, Dr. Rani uses cutting-edge approaches such as nanotechnology and gene therapy. Dr. Rani is frequently featured as an expert in the media and has been interviewed on Good Morning America, CBS, NBC, ABC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Fox, amongst many others. Dr. Rani has been voted Castle Connolly's Top Doctor and New York Magazine's Best Doctor in Ophthalmology every year since 2017. Dr. Rani’s first book, Beyond Carrots - Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z, has won high praise from medical professionals in both the fields of ophthalmology and integrative medicine. Beyond Carrots focuses on the 30+ nutrients and 40 foods that best provide complete nutrition for your eyes. Dr. Rani has a companion cookbook as well, The Beyond Carrots Cookbook, which includes over 160 delicious and nutritious recipes that will be a feast for your eyes! Both are available via Amazon and Kindle in print and eBook. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Rudrani Banik Dr. Rudrani’s website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube