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Email a friendNutritional Approaches May Help Preserve Vision
Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A August 7, 2007
Q. I have been diagnosed with the onset of macular degeneration. The eye doctor said there is no cure.
Are there any vitamins or other nutritional supplements that might slow the process down? I’d like to keep my vision for as long as possible.
A. Research has shown that several nutritional factors can slow the development of macular degeneration. A study in 2001 called AREDS demonstrated that vitamins C and E, together with beta-carotene and the minerals zinc and copper, could slow vision loss (Archives of Ophthalomogy, Oct. 2001).
A Dutch study in 2005 confirmed that these nutrients can be helpful in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research shows that people who eat more fish are less susceptible to AMD, presumably because of the omega-3 fats in fish. Just this spring, scientists published evidence that vitamin D can also reduce the risk of AMD (Archives of Ophthalmology, May 2007).
The most recent research shows that a diet rich in refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour is not good for the eyes (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July, 2007). People who ate such “high-glycemic index” diets were almost 50 percent more likely to develop advanced macular degeneration.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
TVNZ [TV New Zealand] recently screened a British series on the effects of various foods on our bodies; one programme featured a lady who improved her (failing) eyesight markedly by eating spinach every day - she actually reversed Macular Degeneration. (Unfortunately I cannot eat spinach, so am unable to try this for myself but it sounds worth trying to me!)
Posted by: Rob | August 10, 2007 10:50 AM
Our pastor's parents were told by their doctor to drink red wine to prevent worsening of their AMD. Being teetotalling Methodists, they had to hold their noses and take their wine like it was medicine, but after a year, their macular degeneration had not progressed at all.
Posted by: MRJ | August 10, 2007 11:41 AM
My father, when he was in his late 70's discovered he had Macular Degeneration. He also checked with a Retina Specialist, who gave no hope in saving his sight. After doing some extensive research I suggested to my father to start on Vitamin E and C, selenium and zinc. In a few months when he went back to his Optometrist, the Doctor could not believe that he had a complete reversal. He lived to be 95 and still retained his sight.
In the last 30 years I have been a firm believer in natural supplements.
Posted by: Donna | August 10, 2007 5:37 PM