Seeing is Believing :: Health and Disease :: Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat

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Seeing is Believing
by author Martin Stone, ClH

Eyesight is often the first sense adversely affected by time and poor nutrition. Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts are three of the most common causes of blindness in North American seniors.

Luckily, many common eye maladies are easily prevented using botanical extracts and supplements that have been extensively researched. As a great deal of eye damage is caused by free radical exposure, much research is concentrated on antioxidants that have a specific function in eye protection.

After cataracts, the most common cause of blindness in the centre of vision is macular degeneration in which the lens focuses light on the macula, located at the centre of the retina and responsible for visual detail and fine focus. If left untreated, damage to the macula results in loss of detail and eventual blindness.

Plant Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin may be powerful tools in the treatment and prevention of macular degeneration. Studies have reported that both zeaxanthin and lutein have an affinity for the macula. Those individuals with higher dietary levels of these carotenoids have substantially lower occurrences of macular degeneration.

Bilberry has been used since World War II, when it was used to improve night vision in fighter pilots. Modern research suggests that bilberry may be more effective in treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and mild macular degeneration due to anthocyanocide activity.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the more beneficial and effective herbs for a number of conditions including eye health. The active constituents responsible for ginkgo’s antioxidant activity include flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, which support the cardiovascular system in addition to brain and retina functioning, particularly in cases of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Alpha Lipoic Acid may be one of the most potent allies to eye health. Also known as the “universal antioxidant,” it is soluble in both water and fat or oil, making it valuable for a number of applications in human health, including diabetic retinopathy. Not only does it act as an antioxidant itself, it may also regenerate the antioxidant activity of other antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins E and C.

Bring your eye health into focus by following a healthy diet and including these supplements in your everyday routine.

Martin Stone, ClH, has been involved in the complementary health field in several capacities including clinician, teacher, and author. He has written 16 books on alternative health subjects. naturalcurespublishing.com

Source: alive #310, August 2008

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