Health & Life

Why are you getting dark circles under your eyes? What other conditions can cause them?

Dark circles under the eyes can indicate underlying health conditions extending beyond the common misconception of sleep deprivation.

Administrator

23 April, 2024

Often, we notice dark circles under our eyes after a sleepless night. However, if dark circles are not caused by a lack of sleep, they may indicate certain health issues that you should be aware of.

Vitamin C Deficiency Can Cause Dark Circles

Vitamin C helps increase collagen production in the body. When vitamin C is deficient, the body produces collagen more slowly, which can damage the skin. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive and delicate, so when collagen is lacking, blood vessels become visible, giving the skin a dark, dull appearance. If you experience other symptoms such as peeling skin on your hands or a craving for sour foods, you may be deficient in vitamin C. Some foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes.

Don’t ignore dark circles under your eyes

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A also plays a role in skin health. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause dead skin cells to accumulate and new cells to be produced more slowly, leading to dry, flaky skin and dark circles under the eyes. To increase your vitamin A intake, consume more cheese, eggs, fish oil, milk, yogurt, and liver.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is an essential mineral for blood formation. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause dark circles under the eyes. Include more liver, red meat, nuts, and dried fruits in your diet to increase your iron intake.

Vitamin K Deficiency

A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to poor blood circulation, causing blood to pool under the eyes and creating dark circles. Good sources of vitamin K include broccoli and spinach, vegetable oils, and cereals.

Dark circles under the eyes can also be a sign of certain medical conditions that require medical attention.

Kidney Disease

When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the body cannot effectively filter out toxins. As a result, toxins accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms such as facial swelling, urinary problems, and dark skin. When the kidneys are compromised, the blood can also become “dirty,” making the blood vessels appear darker. The skin around the eyes has many small blood vessels, so the dark color is more visible, resulting in dark circles.

Liver Disease

People with liver disease may develop dark circles under their eyes. If dark circles are accompanied by symptoms such as yellow skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and poor digestion, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out liver problems.

Hormonal Imbalance and Irregular Periods

Women with hormonal imbalances or irregular menstrual cycles may also experience dark circles under their eyes. This condition is particularly important for women, so if you notice any irregularities in your menstrual cycle, consult a doctor to receive timely treatment and prevent potential reproductive issues.

Given these factors, if you experience persistent dark circles under your eyes without having trouble sleeping, it is essential to pay attention to your overall health.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production in the body. When there’s a deficiency, collagen production slows down, damaging the skin. This can make the blood vessels under the delicate skin around your eyes visible, resulting in a dark, dull appearance. Include citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes in your diet to boost Vitamin C intake.

Vitamin A is essential for skin health. A deficiency can lead to an accumulation of dead skin cells and slower production of new cells, resulting in dry, flaky skin, and dark circles. Increase your Vitamin A intake by consuming cheese, eggs, fish oil, milk, yogurt, and liver.

Iron is vital for blood formation, and a deficiency can lead to anemia. Anemia is a common cause of dark circles under the eyes. Ensure you’re consuming enough iron-rich foods like liver, red meat, nuts, and dried fruits.

Vitamin K is important for proper blood circulation. A deficiency can cause blood to pool under the eyes, resulting in dark circles. Include broccoli, spinach, vegetable oils, and cereals in your diet to increase your Vitamin K intake.

Yes, dark circles can be an indication of kidney problems. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, toxins build up in the body, leading to facial swelling, urinary issues, and dark skin. The blood can also become “dirty,” making the blood vessels under the eyes appear darker.

Liver disease can cause dark circles under the eyes. If you notice symptoms like yellow skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and poor digestion alongside dark circles, seek medical attention to rule out liver problems.

Yes, women with hormonal imbalances or irregular menstrual cycles may experience dark circles under their eyes. If you notice any irregularities in your menstrual cycle, consult a doctor promptly to receive timely treatment and prevent potential reproductive issues.

Absolutely. If you have persistent dark circles despite adequate sleep, it’s important to pay attention to your overall health and consult a doctor. Dark circles can be an indication of underlying health issues, including vitamin deficiencies and medical conditions like kidney or liver disease.