Losing the ability to see clearly is a tragic part of aging for many people. Normal life is simply not possible for someone who can't see anything straight ahead, as happens in macular degeneration. Medical authorities offer some advice about preventative measures and slowing the progression of this disease. A good macular degeneration supplement is part of the program.
In this condition, the center of the retina, which sends visual images to the brain, deteriorates. This means that an afflicted person can't see what they are looking at directly, like the face of someone they are talking to. They can't read, of course, or drive a car, or bring any detail into focus. There is not a complete loss of vision, since the outer areas of the retina are not affected. However, for practical purposes the person is blind.
Doctors say that this condition is genetic, but lifestyle can be important, too. Obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a diet high in trans-fat are listed as contributing factors. Smoking is the main culprit; it should be avoided by those who care about the health of their eyes. Anyone genetically disposed to AMD should be aware of their heightened risk if they smoke tobacco.
As far as supplementing a whole-foods diet with supplements go, the research is not definitive. Reports say that supplements can't prevent the disease but that they slow the progression. They report that no benefit is seen in the early stages of AMD, but vitamins and minerals seem to help with more advanced symptoms. Since all the nutrients studied are considered good for total body health, there seems to be little point in waiting to start taking them.
Vitamins A, C, and E have long been known to have positive effects on the body, so it's no surprise that these are on the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) list. Of course, there are many studies and conflicting reports, so it pays to do some research. Results may differ, for instance, if the synthetic form of a nutrient is used rather than a natural form. Benefits almost always are associated with natural vitamins.
Antioxidants (which include C and E) are considered helpful, although not all of the information agrees. However, since antioxidants have been shown to positively impact some of the health conditions that can lead to AMD, there seems to be a contradiction here. Many of the millions who take supplements would rather err on the side of 'maybe it will help' than deny themselves that possibility.
Super-fruits contain many less familiar substances which have been the subject of recent studies. Pomegranate juice contains something called punicalagin which may be the most effective of all. Anthocyanins (colored pigments found in berries and other fruits) help protect eyes from the effects of aging. Lutein and zeaxanthin are other nutrients shown to be helpful.
Minerals help as well; zinc, selenium, and copper are important. Fish oils and Vitamin D are recommended. It is not hard to find a eye-health supplement that will have significant quantities of all these nutrients and more. Just make sure the manufacturer is reputable and the nutrients are natural and properly processed. You can find products with clinical proof of efficacy, so your money won't be wasted and your eyes put at risk.
In this condition, the center of the retina, which sends visual images to the brain, deteriorates. This means that an afflicted person can't see what they are looking at directly, like the face of someone they are talking to. They can't read, of course, or drive a car, or bring any detail into focus. There is not a complete loss of vision, since the outer areas of the retina are not affected. However, for practical purposes the person is blind.
Doctors say that this condition is genetic, but lifestyle can be important, too. Obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a diet high in trans-fat are listed as contributing factors. Smoking is the main culprit; it should be avoided by those who care about the health of their eyes. Anyone genetically disposed to AMD should be aware of their heightened risk if they smoke tobacco.
As far as supplementing a whole-foods diet with supplements go, the research is not definitive. Reports say that supplements can't prevent the disease but that they slow the progression. They report that no benefit is seen in the early stages of AMD, but vitamins and minerals seem to help with more advanced symptoms. Since all the nutrients studied are considered good for total body health, there seems to be little point in waiting to start taking them.
Vitamins A, C, and E have long been known to have positive effects on the body, so it's no surprise that these are on the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) list. Of course, there are many studies and conflicting reports, so it pays to do some research. Results may differ, for instance, if the synthetic form of a nutrient is used rather than a natural form. Benefits almost always are associated with natural vitamins.
Antioxidants (which include C and E) are considered helpful, although not all of the information agrees. However, since antioxidants have been shown to positively impact some of the health conditions that can lead to AMD, there seems to be a contradiction here. Many of the millions who take supplements would rather err on the side of 'maybe it will help' than deny themselves that possibility.
Super-fruits contain many less familiar substances which have been the subject of recent studies. Pomegranate juice contains something called punicalagin which may be the most effective of all. Anthocyanins (colored pigments found in berries and other fruits) help protect eyes from the effects of aging. Lutein and zeaxanthin are other nutrients shown to be helpful.
Minerals help as well; zinc, selenium, and copper are important. Fish oils and Vitamin D are recommended. It is not hard to find a eye-health supplement that will have significant quantities of all these nutrients and more. Just make sure the manufacturer is reputable and the nutrients are natural and properly processed. You can find products with clinical proof of efficacy, so your money won't be wasted and your eyes put at risk.
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