MACULAR DEGENERATION
Description
Body System
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[42] Erie JC, Good JA, Butz JA, Pulido JS. Reduced zinc and copper in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid in age-related macular degeneration. American journal of ophthalmology. 2009 Feb 1;147(2):276-82.
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[60] Ayurvedic medicine promotes eye health through herbs like Triphala, Turmeric (curcumin), and Ashwagandha for their antioxidant properties. Practices such as Netra Tarpana (using medicated ghee for the eyes) and dietary adjustments are also emphasized to support overall ocular wellness.
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1. Taurine: Taurine supports retinal health by enhancing antioxidants like glutathione and reducing oxidative stress markers. It also boosts enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, protecting the retina from degeneration.
2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C, as a powerful antioxidant, combats oxidative stress in the retina and macula, helping protect these critical areas from damage. Its role in neutralizing free radicals supports long-term eye health and can slow the progression of degenerative changes.
3. Vitamin E: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects the retina and macula from oxidative stress. By reducing cellular damage in these areas, it contributes to preserving vision and slowing degenerative eye conditions over time.
4. Omega 3: Omega-3 supports retinal cell health and may improve visual acuity by protecting the retina from damage. It helps maintain healthy retinal cell membranes, which is crucial for preventing the progression of macular degeneration.
5. Selenium: Selenium helps protect the retina from oxidative damage, supporting overall eye health. Its antioxidant properties play a crucial role in preserving the structural integrity of retinal cells.
6. Zinc: Zinc helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by supporting retinal cell health. It also stimulates autophagy, a cellular recycling process that improves nutrient flow and waste clearance, enhancing overall retinal function.
7. Copper: Copper supports retinal health by preventing deficiencies when taking high doses of zinc. It also helps maintain healthy blood vessels and protects the retina from oxidative stress, contributing to the long-term preservation of vision.
8. Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps protect retinal cells from damage by reducing inflammation and supporting immune function. It plays a critical role in maintaining healthy eye tissues and may help prevent the progression of macular degeneration.
9. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid boosts antioxidant defenses by regenerating glutathione and other antioxidants. This reduction of oxidative stress in retinal cells helps protect against damage and supports long-term retinal health in individuals with AMD.
10. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) boosts glutathione levels in the retina, helping protect against oxidative stress. Its ability to support antioxidant activity helps prevent retinal cell damage, offering potential benefits for macular health.
11. Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]: Coenzyme Q10 supports retinal cell function by enhancing mitochondrial energy production and reducing oxidative damage. Its antioxidant properties help preserve visual function and slow the degenerative changes in AMD.
1. Lutein Extract: Lutein increases macular pigment density, which enhances visual clarity and protects the retina from oxidative stress. This pigment enhancement supports long-term eye health and helps maintain sharp vision.
2. Bilberry Extract: Bilberry boosts antioxidant defenses, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and helps prevent retinal cell death. These protective effects support better retinal function and contribute to maintaining optimal eye health.
3. Zeaxanthin Extract: Zeaxanthin helps protect the macula and retina from oxidative stress, which is essential for supporting healthy vision. It plays a crucial role in preserving long-term eye function and clarity.
4. Beta Carotene Extract: Beta carotene acts as an antioxidant that protects the retina and macula from free radical damage. Though it’s not recommended for smokers, non-smokers may benefit from its ability to reduce oxidative stress and support eye health.
5. Asthaxanthin Extract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina, protecting the integrity of retinal cells. Its effects contribute to long-term visual health and overall eye protection.
6. Curcumin: Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps combat oxidative stress in the retina. Its protective role in retinal cells supports long-term eye function and helps prevent damage to sensitive tissues.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture may improve visual health by stimulating points like BL1 (Jingming), at the inner corner of the eye, and ST2 (Sibai), just below the eye socket, to boost circulation and reduce pressure. Additionally, GB20 (Fengchi), at the base of the skull, helps relieve tension and support overall eye function.
2. Ayurveda: Ayurveda supports visual health through herbs like triphala, turmeric, and ashwagandha, which offer strong antioxidant protection. Practices such as Netra Tarpana and specific dietary adjustments are traditionally used to maintain healthy vision and eye function.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Hardening of The Arteries, Free Radical Damage, Aging, Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, Environmental Toxins, Obesity, Smoking
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How Nutrients Function
Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
The dietary recommendations for macular degeneration include:
consuming a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, legumes, whole grains [in moderation], and healthy fats.
a low-carbohydrate diet that may slow down the progression of the condition.
high-fiber diet promotes gut health and has a positive impact on eye health.
incorporate a large amount of fresh vegetables and low-glycemic fruits [such as berries]. They are rich sources of antioxidant compounds, vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidants help combat the free radicals that cause damage to the maticula.
Three carotenes, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin, are especially beneficial for eye health. They are the yellow and orange pigments found in fruits and vegetables.
include sulforaphane-rich foods, such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, dark leafy greens, cabbage, watercress, etc. Sulforaphane has been found to promote retinal regeneration.
include zinc-containing foods, such as fish, seafood, shellfish, meat, eggs, etc. Zinc supports eye health.
Drink moderate amounts of red wine if your health allows you to. Red wine contains anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants.
Coffee consumption can promote eye health. Chlorogenic acid is a potent antioxidant that protects the eyes.
Stay hydrated. Drink quality mineral water and herbal teas.
Other helpful habits include:
getting enough quality sleep. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing macular degeneration.
regular physical exercise. Low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity benefits eye health.
Intermittent fasting induces autophagy. Autophagy slows down the progression of macular degeneration and has protective effects on eye health.
Wear sunglasses and blue light-blocking glasses when staying outdoors and using screens. Blue light is strenuous for the eyes and may induce oxidative damage to the retina.
maintain a healthy weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels.
Things To Avoid
Avoid the following products and foods:
processed, junk, and fast foods. They contain trans fatty acids, sugar, refined carbohydrates, food additives, and food preservatives.
Trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable and seed oils increase the risk of developing macular degeneration.
sugar, which contributes to the formation of AGEs [advanced glycation end products]. AGEs are highly inflammatory and speed up the progression of degenerative diseases.
deep-fried and grilled foods. They are high in AGEs.
food additives, such as monosodium glutamate [MSG]. MSG is a flavor enhancer that has harmful effects on eye health.
Refined carbohydrates increase blood glucose levels and therefore impact the development and progression of macular degeneration.
Beer consumption contributes to drusen accumulation. Large drusen are associated with age-related macular degeneration.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
sleep deprivation and insomnia.
lack of physical activity.
being overweight and obese.
metabolic issues, such as hypertension and diabetes.
smoking, which contributes to systemic inflammation.