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 AMD, the center of the retina disintegrates. Visual images are no longer sent to the brain. People affected by this disease can't see the face of the person they are talking to, can't read, can't drive. Bringing any detail into focus is hard, even though the vision of the edges of the eye remains. For all practical purposes, however, the afflicted person is blind.
Researchers know that this condition is genetic, which means that some are in a higher than normal risk category. However, lifestyle is important for everyone who wants to keep their vision. Smoking tobacco carries the most risk. Lack of exercise, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a fast food diet (low in nutrition, high in trans fats) are other important factors. AMD generally affects both men and women over 50.
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.
The list of recommended nutrients includes vitamins A, C, and E. If you look at the research, remember that a study using natural forms of nutrients may be more reliable than ones using synthetic vitamins. Benefits of natural dietary aids are invariably greater than those of man-made replicas. The study that said smokers should avoid beta-carotene, for instance, is considered flawed, but it also used a synthetic form of this nutrient.
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.
A great source of antioxidants, especially some of the purple ones known to be good for eyes, can be found in what are called super-fruit juices. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of an unpronounceable antioxidant called punicalagin. Anthocyanins are bioflavanoids found in blueberries and other red and purple fruits. Lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as many others, have been well researched and deemed valuable for eye health.
Fish oils, carotenes, Vitamin D, and minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium are also on the list. Getting the right amounts of these nutrients is important. The best way to do this is to find a good supplement that contains most if not all the recommended nutrients. Choose a reputable manufacturer with third-party evaluations that prove they provide the nutrients they promise - and that their product contains them in effective doses. You can find products clinically proven to be effective. This ensures your money is well spent and your eyes are getting the best help possible.
In AMD, the center of the retina disintegrates. Visual images are no longer sent to the brain. People affected by this disease can't see the face of the person they are talking to, can't read, can't drive. Bringing any detail into focus is hard, even though the vision of the edges of the eye remains. For all practical purposes, however, the afflicted person is blind.
Researchers know that this condition is genetic, which means that some are in a higher than normal risk category. However, lifestyle is important for everyone who wants to keep their vision. Smoking tobacco carries the most risk. Lack of exercise, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a fast food diet (low in nutrition, high in trans fats) are other important factors. AMD generally affects both men and women over 50.
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.
The list of recommended nutrients includes vitamins A, C, and E. If you look at the research, remember that a study using natural forms of nutrients may be more reliable than ones using synthetic vitamins. Benefits of natural dietary aids are invariably greater than those of man-made replicas. The study that said smokers should avoid beta-carotene, for instance, is considered flawed, but it also used a synthetic form of this nutrient.
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.
A great source of antioxidants, especially some of the purple ones known to be good for eyes, can be found in what are called super-fruit juices. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of an unpronounceable antioxidant called punicalagin. Anthocyanins are bioflavanoids found in blueberries and other red and purple fruits. Lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as many others, have been well researched and deemed valuable for eye health.
Fish oils, carotenes, Vitamin D, and minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium are also on the list. Getting the right amounts of these nutrients is important. The best way to do this is to find a good supplement that contains most if not all the recommended nutrients. Choose a reputable manufacturer with third-party evaluations that prove they provide the nutrients they promise - and that their product contains them in effective doses. You can find products clinically proven to be effective. This ensures your money is well spent and your eyes are getting the best help possible.
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