Macular Degeneration VitaminsIs there a Macular Degeneration Cure?
Before we discuss macular degeneration vitamins, let's briefly define what it is as well as what is believed to be the cause or causes to this condition. Macular degeneration – also called age-related macular degeneration is a disorder that causes a progressive visual loss due to the degeneration of the macula, which is a tiny area at the center of the retina. Specifically, it is the portion of the eye that is responsible for fine vision.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe visual loss in the senior population (55 +) in both the United States and in Europe.
Macular Degeneration Causes The exact cause of macular degeneration has not been found. However, some experts state that the degeneration is probably the result of free radical damage, similar to the type of damage that induces cataracts. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that can attack and damage cells, impairing the integrity of cellular material within the body, leading to premature disease and aging. Factors that can predispose a person to developing this condition include smoking, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and environmental toxins. In addition, heredity may play a role in macular degeneration as well.
Is there a Macular Degeneration Cure? Is there Macular Degeneration Vitamins and Nutrients? Unfortunately, there is no known macular degeneration cure. However, the National Eye Institute revealed research that found taking a specific high dose formula of antioxidants and zinc can help with age-related macular degeneration. Specifically, these nutrients included protective macular degeneration vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the mineral zinc.
Again, not a macular degeneration cure, but according to the very well renowned natural reference entitled "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC:
"Clinical studies have shown that taking bilberry extract (160 milligrams and up daily) and eating fresh blueberries (8 to 10 ounces per day), plus taking ginkgo biloba extract and zinc, can help halt the loss of vision. Blueberries are rich in valuable bioflavonoids. Treatment at an early stage is most effective." Now, let's take a look at other nutrients that go beyond the protective macular degeneration vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene ......
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two potent antioxidants that are highly recommended by Naturopaths and other like-minded experts. These two are believed to play a critical role in the prevention of this condition. Moreover, besides preventing the condition, some experts believe lutein may be able to stop or even reverse existing macular degeneration. Lutein is a pigment found in green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, spinach, and in supplements. Zeaxanthin is a powerful nutrient that is also found in high concentrations in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach. Zeaxanthin is also found in supplements. Zeaxanthin has shown in studies to decrease the incidence of age related macular degeneration. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and free radical destroyer. Selenium helps to neutralize free radical damage in the body, including the eyes. Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant that improves circulation, particularly blood flow through the brain. Flavonoids - also known as bioflavonoids are found rich in fruits and vegetables. However, it's also found in nutritional supplements. Flavonoids appear to protect capillaries - the tiny vessels that help the bigger vessels transport vital nutrients to eye tissue. Moreover, it also appears to transport waste products away from the eye tissue. Vitamin A supports vision health, and, as such, it is considered as one of the healthful macular degeneration vitamins. Bilberry has an age-old reputation for improving vision. Bilberry is rich in potent antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanosides, flavonoids that are noted to be beneficial to the retina. In fact, bilberry it is widely used in Europe to treat diabetic retinopathy. It has been found beneficial for visual conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, poor night vision, and other related eye problems like eyestrain.
Grape Seed Extract - Grape seeds are jam-packed with rich substances called procyanidolic oilgomers, or PCOs, antioxidant compounds that are extracted, purified, and concentrated, to make grape seed extract. These unique antioxidant compounds may be as much as 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more potent than Vitamin C in terms of bioavailable antioxidant activity. It is also used to halt or slow down the progression of macular degeneration. Remember to always consult your physician before taking any supplements, including macular degeneration vitamins. We hope this macular degeneration vitamins web-page was useful to you. To Your Health! The Editors Macular degeneration vitamins and other powerhouse nutrients can help prevent this age-related vision condition. Although, presently there is no known macular degeneration cure, researchers continue looking for ways to treat this condition.
Much more than Macular Degeneration Vitamins can be found at our Home Page
|